Book 1: Chapter 4: Meeting the Strongest Under the Heavens.
The fleeting energy soared around her body as the mare took a look to the woman, she was female that was obvious but how could such a warrior exist? The strength she had was impressive but not very notable but what most intruiged her was that aura. Such untamed might could be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Though she could just be paranoid in her mind that was most clear, she had been ruffled ever since this other worlder had avoided the mistress of dreams call it pride, anger, whatever it was, it annoyed her to no end she couldn't view their dreams. Even if they did not wish it so, it was her duty as the ward of the moon and dreams to do so.
From the stirring mass below was the woman, something of interest was the fact that even with her magic her mind was still so closed off, why did such a mortal possess a mind like this? their mind was unlike any other even more so than they cold be seen. What was of most importance was the fact they could not see their dreams reduced to sit by and let their mind stray from the mistress of dreams.
Then much like any other the being stirred from their slumber. "Thou is quite the enjoyer of sleep, how does one do such a task despite being a warrior?" The being before her only smiled sheepishly at the comment before nodding
"Oh yes, I apologize ma'am but I just enjoy sleep sometimes, although since I'm under our promise to answer question I suppose you wonder what I am much less why I'm here, to answer that I'm a human from the planet earth, although I've always had a tail my mother told me its because of their prayer to the heavens gifting them the reincarnation of an ancient god. I never really believed it but I respect my mother to believe in such a prayer." The woman looked down, smiling at the words coming from her mouth even as Sazuka felt a well of emotions ram through her throat for just a moment before swallowing it back down.
Through this measure of words alone the mare nodded before Looking a bit concerned at the mention of a Mother "How does one worry for their home and mother like you? You're not from our world that much is obvious but what intrigues me most is your style of battle, you put so much into your control that your power and capabilities suffer, why?" The human-born warrior gave a nod and sighed.
"In my own eyes I suppose it is correct but I wish not to disclose why I focus so much on control, I apologize if that's the case. But if I may ask, why can't I sense you? much less any pony but you in paticular are weird, its as if I'm facing a mountain and I'm an ant...its a pressure I can't really shake I'm afraid." The human warrior's own tail moved slightly with her own hairs standing on their ends, although the mare in the moon couldn't grasp such a thing she supposed that mortals did have oddities about them.
"In this manner, this 'sense' you refer to, I suspect its akin to detecting magical signatures but rest assured nor magic nor this 'sense' can detect a being like myself or my sister. To go further, you're trying to detect an ageless being, one far beyond your scope think of it as trying to swim in a pot of honey, struggle as you might you're stuck. No matter one's strength or experience, sensing higher beings is not something you can obtain, however, sensing magical energy is something I would imagine any lifeform could do with enough time. You will learn it in due time I'm sure." To emphasize her point the bright mare flared her aura for a moment, all sazuka could feel was an intense crushing pressure unlike anything she'd ever felt even him.....it was simply unbelievable, if she ever wanted to get stronger, finding a way to overcome this issue was key.
"You're....right. This pressure I feel, you're not even close to where I am, I'd be a fool to fight you much less anyone else....that much is apparent but I can't give into that despair right?" The Human warrior's aura lightly flowed around her as she shot up her own ki for a brief moment. "I'm sure of one thing though, you make even...him. Feel like nothing, how'd you get so strong?"
The mare smiled at the comment before letting out a small laugh "Thy will is of commendable effort but thou shouldn't worry, reaching the power of an ageless mare like myself is nigh-impossible. I do not want to dismiss such an effort but you shouldn't seek an unreachable goal." The mare although kind was clearly a bit on the arrogant side, at least to Sazuka.
"Wouldn't that be the same as giving up?"
"What do you mean?"
"If I never try to reach such a goal then I'll have never known the thrill and the excitement and accomplishment that one can achieve, I may never reach such a height like your power or magic but it can't hurt to try right?"
"I suppose that's a question of your will warrior, I've seen many perish, many who believed themsleves higher than the gods, in absolute power and no belief, only to fall at the moment of truth. You wish for strength but what confounds me is your resolve, you choose not to reveal it yet wish for more. You're truly an enigma warrior, I am both amused and find this the most enjoyable visit to a creature in a very very long time."
The warrior to the mare of the moon was one of interest, such potential hidden by such a gentle approach this being didn't want to hurt a fly much less others. What interested her most was that raging beast, the one she saw in her dreams. The beast seemed a complete opposite yet familiar to this person. How silly, she hadn't even asked her name.
"I apologize but what is your name warrior?"
"Just Sazuka is fine, my family gave me the name after some tree's or something, they found it very beautiful to be gifted with a kid I suppose, guess one with a tail wasn't in their wish thought heh." The woman smiled at those words, a gentle warmth filling the air as her own energy seemed to respond to this gentle darkness.
"How interesting....my name is Princess Luna or Mistress of dreams although my subject prefer to call me Lunar. I am the mistress of the moon, its warden and guide within my domain all dreams are simply flashes but yours, yours in particular elude me, how so warrior?" The mare felt a bit out of place, she was never good about emotions, sure dreams came easy and so did the day to day job of the crown but dealing with one's emotions were never a key subject.
"I'm not sure to be honest, I've never really had good dreams, my mother always believed dreams were a gateway but never in my short life have I heard of a mistress of dreams, that just confirms it for me....I'm not truly in my own world much less in one that could help me...." The woman clenched her fist with her fists tightly at her side, not wishing to display her frustration despite the twitch of her eye.
"Warrior I do apologize but you might be correct, I've never heard of other worlds, they were regulated to tales and myths even by my teacher, he only found dimensions outside of our own never entire worlds or universes. This seems.....odd. Though that may in of itself explain the matter of your dreams....my magic isn't viable with someone not of our world." The mare knew better but gently rest one hoof on the woman's hand er hoove? she wasn't sure although she was relieved to see the warrior did calm, for a moment she could feel an intense pressure build but that was probably just her imagination.
The mare felt a sigh of relief and nodded "I believe my questions have been answered although I will answer one of your own, warrior I am afraid I am incapable of helping one return to their own world but if I may, I will see what I can dig up if possible I will aid you as best as I can in this endeavor, on my honor this I promise." The mare gave a gentle smile to which the warrior returned, although Sazuka couldn't help but keep the smile up, it felt nice to have an ally.
The mare turned to the air and with a light gust of her wings, the mare lifted off of the ground with Sazuka looking on in a bit of astonishment. It was a beautiful sight for sure, a bright mare with glistening wings and a bright armor that reflected just right off of the sunlight, truly a sight for the ages. As the mare vanished into the sky above, she couldn't help but look back and notice an orange filly rushing up to the woman, knowing it best she would have intervened if not for her own curiosity, she would place some small trust in the warrior.
***
Deep in the forest once more and now on the ground the bright filly charged forth, looking for her teacher, it had been a few days and despite all her instincts telling her otherwise she couldn't help but worry for her teacher, friend, new worlder it didn't matter. Though the filly was shocked to find her teacher looking down at her with a smirk, the filly recovered quickly before sighing in relief.
"Teacher...I know its only been a few days but...please let me know before you go off and vanish like that! I got worried for pete's sake. Where did you even go to for the past few days?" the filly's bright eyes looking up to her teacher with a look of determination yet a hint of worry all the same. The human smiled down at the filly as she chuckled.
"Sorry kiddo, I was recovering from a nasty wound when I was training a few days ago, I apologize for worrying you but its nearly evening, shouldn't you be heading home soon?" To this the filly looked a bit shyly at the ground although nodded.
Though the filly wasn't fully comfortable admitting some things, she'd at least tell something to erase the tension "Well y-yeah! But I wanna keep getting stronger teacher although....who was that flying mare I saw? did you meet one of the queens!?" Upon this, the filly looked shocked to her teacher who merely shrugged.
The woman nodded and chuckled once more at the filly's reaction "Yea kiddo, she seemed nice although I'm sure I'm just one of the massess me meeting her isn't really that big of an occasion is it?" The human saw little in the ways of royalty but the words from the mare mattered more than some look or armor.
"What do you mean teacher?! that's a big honor! not only are you one of the strongest I've ever met, my teacher and buddies with royalty....by the queen just how much cooler can you get?!" The filly excitedly looked to her teacher who only gave a smile in return.
***
"Kiddo, I'm sure I'm no where near the strongest, things haven't changed but If you wanna get stronger by all means, show me the fruits of those tasks I gave you, I wanna see just how far you've grown in these past few days without my guidance." Before long, the young warrior had given her student tasks, not too far off we could've seen the young filly fufilling said tasks, carrying a whole 12 bottles of milk without the use of her wings or her own Ki, trying to improve her body physically, though this was rather odd from the perspective of Scootaloo's friends who questioned the use of carrying milk like this although the filly was allowed to carry them across the entire apple orchard despite Applejack's insistence it wasn't really necessary for whoever told her this task. The mare had gotten a bit more suspicious but she was never one to push the subject further, figured it was just filly's playing pranks or something.
Often the young filly was noted for her strange determination, her friends had noted of it and supported her through thick and thin, while the older mares in paticular Rarity and Applejack had their suspicions on the matter. So much so they decided to even get some of the old gang back together, Fluttershy although a nurse was very simple to ask who did admit while she had seen the filly doing more activities than usual she had noted her strangely one time going near the forest or at least she thought so.
Rarity was never one for gossiping when it meant harm to others but in this case, they knew little and then twilight's own information in the mix made things more strange. A bipedal creature that wandered the lands of Equestria and only made one visit to town? She was surprised to learn that pink mare Pinkie pie hadn't gone crazy over it. Twilight hearing of this had some theories but none held up in her eyes, some secret threat to overthrow the queens by an ancient evil? some sort of extinction event coming? flying pigs? it all just confused them more than anything.
The two mares thought it best to leave it be, even if this supposed creature was the reason for those three acting up it would be best in their eyes to let it pass, it might be only momentary. Though to two fillies being Applebloom and Sweetiebelle, the two couldn't help but worry for their friend.
With this we turn to the speedster of the skies, Rainbowdash. Though not too badly tired from the previous little skurmish with that unknown creature what confused her was Scootaloo being less and less there or more than often not there at all. It's only been a few days but it just didn't feel right, she cared for the kid even if it was out of place for her. The first time or the second was fine it was just weird if anything, usually she would be ok with it, the kid was extremely active but she had heard rumor of Scoots going near the everfree forest. That in her mind was enough of a reason to try and find her.
For a time, all she could register was the feelings of hunger, the rumblings of her stomach and her need to become whole once again. The hunger wasn't an issue, using some illusion magic she was able to scrounge up the means to keep herself together but as her magic dwindled she couldn't help but second guess her intentions, would restoring them really help her? Would becoming one unify their bond or simply drive them apart again?
With a burst of speed in the air the wings on her back shot up and down as she zoomed over the land below quickly into the areaa of the everfree forest, what was weird was the sense that something was off. It just felt weird, the forest was never a fun place much less a safe one for her early days but this just felt odd. It felt alive, pulsating even. Her eyes scanned the area till she saw a tuff of orange, zooming over she noticed that it was Scootaloo with something standing near by it was bipedal but it seemed calm, shaggy hair and weird clothes. Could it be?
She wasn't one for a quiet approach and if this thing was going to harm Scoots then that was all the reason she needed to take them down. Quickly picking up the pace she aimed herself near the filly and slaammed into the earth although not harmed she bared her face and narrowed her eyes "Scoots! you ok!? I want you to get away and quick alright!" The mare shouted to the filly.
The filly looked confused but stood up "Rainbow I'm ok this is my-" "Scoots I said now!" The mare pushed the filly to the side and narrowed her eyes at the silent beast before her. "Before I pummel you for getting near her, what were your intentions huh? take her in and then gobble her up like some dragon? kill her and leave her body for me to find?"
The thing turned to face her and sighed, shaking its head as it spoke. "No, I'm afraid you've got this wrong friend. I'm merely a hermit who lives in these woods, I am her teacher and master. I would ask that you kindly refrain from this violent course of action, you do not want this battle nor do I." The words dripped with a chilling feeling in the mare's heart but she knew better than to back down, she had no reason to trust it.
The mare scoffed at the words and shook her head "No way ape, I'm not letting this kid around some dangerous beast like yourself, if you want I can prove the hard way but I'm willing to make some deal here. You go and never be around her and we both win got it?" The mare's own limited magic flared, although Sazuka couldn't sense it she could feel the presence it was something that became more and more apparent with her senses as time passed.
The woman looked to the mare and simply shook her head "As the master and teacher of my student it is my duty to see her safely out of these woods every day, I will not abandon her because of your words." The mare once more snorted then with a burst of speed aimed her hoof this time across the creature' face.
The blow connected creating a shockwave of pure speed, Sazuka had never felt such speed even that mare from before if she was only toying this was unreal! Her body smashed into the tree behind her as she regained her composure and sighed, releasing a small fraction of her ki, if she was right this would be enough.
The mare took the second of hesitation to strike this time aiming for the arm, the woman had her eyes closed with the filly looking fearfully at both her idol and teacher. Though unrefined, the human warrior took the blow this time catching her hoof and using her weight throwing her back onto the ground.
Sazuka noted the mare's speed, she was fast and strong. Not good. She had plenty in reserves but she wasn't willing to put Scoots in danger much less hurt this mare. She had to think of something but with this mare's blows she didn't have tons of time to think, the best she could think of was a barrier to encase her maybe the bind would work but that was still not fully capable. Damn it.
Her aura shined as the brief shine of light formed around her hands, with her first strike she hit the mare's head, then with a quick movement of her hands encased her in pure ki then with a grin the barrier formed this time a bubble of pure ki around her.
Rainbowdash hadn't seen such move, she knew she was good for sure having trained for quite a long time but this? this wasn't magic that was for sure. The mare smashed her hoove against the barrier forming a small crack. The mare snickered at this as she rammed her hoove, to the surprise of the human smashing open the barrier this time flying in at an angel using her speed to ram the creature into the ground in the hopes it would be knocked out, this had to work.
Sazuka took the blow in stride being slammed into the earth hurt like hell especially with this level of power but this couldn't be it, there was more to this and as much as she wished to deny it she wished to feel this thrill of battle. Her own aura flaring up with a tinge of black ki rising from the flame-like aura, the mare narrowing her eyes and trying once more only for her hoove to skid the outfit cutting part of it up, this time taking a blow to the back aimed at temporarily disabling her ability to fly.
The mare instead even as the blow connected felt a sense of danger and quickly evaded the blow, turning right head as the air wooshed in her mane. Her heart felt that race and that was weird, she'd never been able to do something like that before. Not even her run in with that mare a few months ago did something like this. This just felt weird. all around.
Noticing below she saw Scootaloo pant before yelling "You two enough! Rainbowdash I'm ok! this is my teacher, she's been nothing but nice to me, please I'm asking you to listen to me!" Although unsure if it was wise to do so, she lowered herself before asking "Ok scootaloo, you've got my attention kid now explain what the heck this.....thing is much less why you're in the everfree forest!?"
"well...she's a human. Her name is Sazuka and I swear she's nice, she saved me when I followed her into the forest, I saw her leave town not long ago and she seemed lonely I knew it was dumb to do so but I didn't wanna just abandon some poor creature all alone in these woods. I followed and nearly got hurt but she saved me, she's been teaching me for a few days now, I wanted to be stronger...maybe fly with you one day in the wonderbolts...." The mare looked a bit shocked at this but knew better to question the filly, if anything there was nothing but a sense of longing in her words.
"Alright alright......But why are you all the way out here alone with this human? You don't know them much less if they are dangerous I mean Zecora's ok but we don't really know that much about the forest!"
"I promise you, no harm would ever come to this filly under my watch. I am no savage, Though I'm not a fan I have heard much of how much this filly idolizes you. If she's willing to give you the benefit of the doubt then I am as well, a teacher must also learn from their student after all." The woman smiled down at the filly to which she nodded and looked to rainbowdash.
".....FINE! I guess its ok but I'm coming along with you from now on! I don't trust them, they may seem nice but I've go little if any reason to just trust some hairless ape. If you do can handle that then I have no issue teaching...whatever it is...Speaking of which what are you actually teaching her?"
"I am teaching her the basics of manifesting one's Ki and aura, Ki is the energy I use, I'm unfamiliar with magic and have no reason to doubt that I might be the only living thing that can even use ki. I wish to impart my knowledge onto her, she's a nice kid with potential I've not seen in many not even myself, at the rate she's growing she may become stronger than myself after all."
"Ki? life energy....I've never really heard of that, we have magic. I can fly and even control clouds with my magic but never have I heard of manifesting aura or using energy to battle people....not going to lie it does sound fun. There any chance I could learn of it in time?" The mare looked to the human, Sazuka couldn't help but be memorized for a moment before getting herself free. The mare was stunning, bright and brave, battle ready, tough yet caring. not many find that in others.
"Oh uh sure...I suppose any lifeform could learn to generate and control Ki it just take time and effort, if you're willing of course miss Rainbowdash. Although, I might be stretched a bit thin having to teach the basics to two students at once, forgive me but I might be a bit delayed on the training." Sazuka felt silly, she had been staring at the bright rainbow mare and just felt a twinge of something heat her heart. Silly girl, silly thoughts. Calming herself down she looked to the mare once more who nodded.
"Sure then, I'll be here but if you can't teach me all that ki stuff what can you do physically? I've seen some strong ponies but you take the cake when it comes to that, you seemed like some sort of ninja!" The mare herself grinning at the words.
The human in returned chuckled "I merely use my own martial arts, it is my own style from well over a decade of my training. I spent a long time refinning and learning every ounce of it I could from my....grandfather." The human felt a tear well in her eye, her heart ached for home but she couldn't be sad at a time like this, never was good to reveal yourself like this.
The mare seemed none the wiser as she turned to the sky "Well, I guess I will remain here for a while then. You may keep teaching her but if I see one little thing, even an inkling you're gonna hurt her. I will make sure it hurts, got it?" The mare did her best, narrowing her eyes to the human who in returned simply nodded. The two had reached a slight level of understanding, maybe given time they could become friends, but that thought seemed silly to Sazuka.
***
As the training continued so did the learning for young scootaloo and soon things turned to evening which eventually vanished into night. Although ready to escort her home she did wonder how this human held its ground in these woods especially on its own. She wasn't really that concerned but it couldn't hurt to ask.
"Hey human er...Sazuka, how do you do out here all alone? Scoots mentioned earlier you don't always train her so what's there to do out here all alone?"
The human hadn't really thought of it this way, she was only trying to survive. "I suppose train and grow, I gather food from the river and defend myself when necessary but overall I spend most of my time training, if anything it keeps me busy."
The mare raised an eyebrow at that, rather confused. "Train? for what? nothing really scary I can think of that would hurt you, you seem well enough on your own why not try for something else? I'm not saying living with others or anything just anything less....ya know. Sorry not good with this mushy talk." The mare sheepishly rubbed the back of her head to which the human chuckled.
"Oh, well I train to become stronger, if I am to go home one day then I must be strong enough to make it. I've got no idea on how to go home but I do wish to go home one day, if its possible. I do miss my home, my farm, my life....." The human stopped herself, feeling the heavyness in her heart before just shaking her head, calm down.
The mare nodded and as she picked up the filly she turned back "Ya know, I'm not an egghead but if you want to ever hang out, I'm willing. You seem nice enough, besides I gotta keep this filly under watch ya know?" The mare's wing opened with the human turned from her as the mare took off into the air the human could only look to the ground and begin to cry.
The human only could tremble and shake, as her hand clenched tight as the tear raced down her face. For the first time in a long while, she let the works loose, letting it go. She just wanted to go home but not only was she being a teacher she was now becoming less and less worried for home, it sickened her. She wanted her farm, her frame of her mother and father, their blankets and cooking.
As her emotions turned from sadness to rage the energy filled her aura as a black ki soared brightly around her, her eye turning a dark gold with a tinge of brown as her muscle and body flexed, she let loose a beam of pure light from her mouth tearing down 10 trees in that direction.
The bright moon above seemed to feel this sadness, the energy failing as it calmed around her. From the darkness a small filly raced into the area with a bright aura of magic with a raging hydra chasing her. The human felt the presence of two new beings, although the much more faint presence was falling and fast. Rushing into the danger she grabbed the filly flying as quick as her body could take her, the filly now in a camp far from the beast she looked up to see what would be a hairless ape.
The filly's eyes watered as she sniffled, the filly from the humans eyes looked just strange. Large mane and although she couldn't have been much older than Scootaloo at least from her eyes the mare had a bright mane, filled with a galaxy-spiral of colors. Dotting her body was black blobs of what looked like ink that dotted her legs and around her flank. The mare's bright armor was old and very rusted, covered in scratches and what looked like burn marks, the mare's energy felt faint as she laid the filly on her make-shift bed the filly spoke up.
"Who are thou? why do you shelter a strange, do you not know the mare of legend...." The filly's weak voice sounded although she could hear her just fine.
"I don't know many mares much less of legend miss so no, I'm merely a traveler from another world, May I ask what happened to you? that beast had multiple heads, you're lucky I felt you out here when you were left all alone, your energy was faint."
The mare sat up, her limbs wincing at the touch of the rugged bed as she answered "No....I was just trying to find food, trying to survive and then a beast In my youth I could beat...took me down with one swipe, nearly led to me bleeding out even but I was thankful to have the strength to leave but....I thank you stranger. I am....Moon Breaker, but thou shall call me the lady of the eclipse."
The human was a bit confused but nodded "if it's all the same to you, I'd like to just call you Nisshoku. You probably have never heard of that but its my native tongue for eclipse, I feel it works, is that ok with you?" turning to the fire pit the woman used just a small burst of ki to light the wood and keep it aflame. Bringing a makeshift cup to the mare she had prepared some water, fresh and warm the mare took it and coughed at first before swallowing.
"I suppose thou is correct, you may call me as such. If I may traveler, why do you have such an aura? I've never felt a magic like this, its too strange, are thou just a changling?" The mare's eyes narrowed at the human who looked confused, changling was a new one she'd heard the term back home but guess a magical world full of ponies might have shapeshifters kinda made sense.
This feeling the mare sensed was truly not magic, as she suspected but this creature was much too kind for its own good, if she were to regain her power and take her revenge on those accursed elements and her former sisters then this would be the key. She'd recover and regain her full power in no time, that much she was sure of.
What she felt was even strange, no malice. not an ounce not even with that raised eyebrow just curiosity from a simple beast? the best method would be to regain her strength but what could she do in this manner? It might be best to remain here but could she be found out? that much was an option....
As her thoughts were interrupted by a soft clang of a glass bowl placed near her with fish freshly fried, noting the smell was rather enticing she turned to the human who simply shrugged.
"Thought you could use some food to recover, you are pretty badly beaten up, I'm no medic but your energy's quite low if that's this magic I've heard so much about, that reminds me, need to actually start training again, if you want you can use the bed, I hope its to your liking." The human stood up and turned to the woods as the mare consumed the fish from her bowl with gusto she couldn't help but feel a bit indebted to this creature, it gave her all the means of healing, maybe in the new land she would create their would be a place for this new ally.
Though she couldn't help but be a bit curious, standing up with some level of renewed strength she turned to the human and followed who noticed and looked back "You want to watch me train or something? You honestly should be in bed miss."
"No no, I'm quite alright, besides, I would be a terrible guest not to see this through to the end after all. If you wish to train then the least I can do is offer some aid, you mention being unable to sense magic and thought I'm no magician I'm sure with two minds we can find a method for you." The mare could feel her strength slowly return, this was the least she could give to this human to help them, sensing magic would be childs play right?
***
As the moon arose in the skies above, the mare of dreams had a bit of a pestering thought. Heading to her sister she saw the mare going over various doccuments likely from various nobles petitioning to be allowed back into the courts, thank the gods they abolished this ages ago.
The mare of the sun smiled and motioned for her sister to join her on her bed, turning to the mare with a bright smile "So it seems my dear little sister met this other worlder, how was it? find them interesting? find them to be your suitor hmmmm?~" The mare chuckled with a grin as the smaller mare rolled her eyes.
"No Sister but we must confirm they are indeed peaceful but how true this is, remains to be seen. Though they are a capable warrior I assure you, more durable than most, they possess a magic I thought to be regulated to those without magic, energy dear sister."
"I see......If they are peaceful then I do hope that things remain gentle and calm, we've worked too hard to let this age be consumed in more chaos though I do wonder if our former friend had something to do with this. Bring an other worlder to interact with our kind and be amongst us, brings one to question things I imagine."[/color] The mare looked to the sky with her sister.
"That much is obvious sister, I do not wish to keep our hopes up too high but I fear that this isn't the result of him. This may have been a complete accident but even I'm unsure, what worries me more is the reaction of our people to someone with abilities and looks far outside the norm even for us Ageless beings." Luna's bright eyes glistened with a hint of worry and fear, the magic flowing from her body only tempered with a patter of her sister's wings on her head.
"Sister you worry too much, I hold dear that our people will greet them with open arms if anything, I know that you worry for them and our people but please have faith dear sister that things will turn out ok. We must if we are to be the face of our nation and prepare them for when we do depart after all." The mare's words ringed true in the mare of the moon who sighed and nodded.
"Though I doubt the validity of such a claim dear sister, I can't help but worry you play with this other worlder too much. You let them roam despite no safeguards near the town of our student and her friends. Though I mentioned them being a decent warrior what confuse me is their less than relaxed position. Their body reeks of an energy akin to dark magic, they keep it under a latch and lock yet for the briefest of moments they can unleash it, like a caged animal." The mare herself looking down at the words, not long ago to them they once fell to darkness nearly dooming themselves to conflict.
The taller alicorn raised an eyebrow at that, her sister was the more.....brutish of the two but to sense such malice was notable. "You say they radiate a hidden darkness? I suppose all beings have this but what intruiges you this much to note that? We both know many unicorns try to balance their inner darkness with the light. Its simple for them so why not them dear sister?"
"That's what is so confusing, it isn't so much the darkness but how they manifest it. Unlike unicorns they never release it as a spell, they release in some sort of shift, their hair stands up their eyes become more like a beasts and their energy soars higher. What worries me is the lack of control, their body burned with heat, they attempted at least to my understanding. The raw power wasn't as impressive as was the damage they forced upon themselves, their body writhed and their energy lacked control trying to force their instincts under control. This is an issue sister." The mare looked to her sister, her eyes brimming with worry and fear.
"I see......if this is the case then we will act when it is necessary. If they cannot control this power, this darkness within their heart then they must be dealt with, I am not suggesting we kill them but....." The mare sighed, feeling the weight press down on her body once more.
The smaller mare hugged her sister tightly before nuzzling her "It is not like him dear sister our friend may have succumbed to darkness and hatred but we did what was necessary, he is sealed and that is what must remain. I don't want to seal this innocent lifeform but I know you're not willing to finish this, I will find a way if their is a chance."
The taller mare smiled once more, nuzzling her sister back before giving a sigh of relief "I do apologize, I do not want to bring up old wounds but I just...." The mare sniffed, this time a tear trickling down her chin. Luna only nodded and hugged her sister holding her tight as the older mare let loose tiny drips of tears before letting go gently, smiling once more seeming more relaxed.
The two looked to the moon brimming over the surface of their world as the mare in the moon gently smiled to her sister "While I'm not as much of a sap as you are dear sister, I can say without a doubt we must give them a chance. This may be a truly innocent creature trapped, what's worse, they wish to go home. I don't believe we could ever send them home. This troubles me." She gave a little smirk to her sister, who in return smiled and shook her head.
The mare of the sun only chuckled "I see that sister but what I believe we should look forward to, is the lessons they may teach our people. Our student is young and powerful, most likely as gifted as any unicorn I've ever seen. I can only hope our student learns from this new life and those she powered the elements with, they all could learn much from another worlder." The bright mare only looked up to the sky and laid upon her bed, her sister only nodding. The mare in the moon exited her room soon after not before wishing her sister well and leaving to her nightly duties.
***
From the bright night we turn to the late night, at its zenith we see young Sazuka pushing herself once more. Forming from a brimmng ki a second self, this time with a filly watching with a keen interest. The two took their stance before vanishing. The blow echoed through the are as two fists smashed into the other.
"Quite the show mortal, but you lack skill. My sister would consider this no less than a savage pushing your body is not your only method yet you choose so, why do you choose such a barbaric display?" The mare glowered from her spot, the human only grit her teeth as she evaded a singing kick to the head, slamming her own leg into the shadow's gut before the thing landed a blow on her face in return.
The clone silently in return aimed for a blow to the head, barely affected by the blow with the human guarding as the fist smashed into her arm so did the ground shatter around them.
The mare cocked and eyebrow at the words before a sly smirk shined on her maw "Such lack of skill and grace, you fight as a beast when you should fight as a warrior, you hope that the next blow will end your opponent before more comes to those you care for or yourself am I right? That is faulty. If you wish to end the battle then end it. Now."
The human felt an annoyance stir within her as her aura flared, throwing her weight down she aimed for a push of force this time her elbow into the clone's jaw which was successful, aiming for a dash of blows this time at the midsection and near the waist, aiming to cut it down. The clone felt no pain even as the blows connected, in return slamming its fist against her face getting her to clench her eyes shut and take the blow, pushing with one kick to the face off of the clone before wiping her nose of the blood.
The human's silent facade shifted to one of annoyance once again as she release the ki necessary to puff the clone into nothingness. "If that is the case then what is so wrong with my style? I don't like blood, I never have, I don't want to kill my opponent if I can help it, there's no honor in bloodshed and certainly no reason to murder another life form with lifeforce."
The mare shook her head and glowered slightly at the human "Such a faulty idea, there is no honor in survival that much we share. I am willing to end my foe without a inch of hesitation but you are not. Why do you seek to save them? what benefit does your enemy give you by simply accepting their desperation to survive?" The mare cocked an eyebrow rather confused, the human felt a bit shook by her words but only breathed out softly.
"I don't mean to be rude but your ideas are faulty, ineffective. I used to believe that letting them survive would give me a greater thrill later, allow them to get stronger but no. This is a silly idea even for a warrior. I don't want to mindlessly murder those who do not deserve it. All life is precious even the life of your foes, even the worst of the worst deserve a chance." The human looked back, a soft glare at the mare who scoffed at the proposal.
"We believe in survival but you believe in pacifism, such rubbish but I suppose you are entitled to those beliefs. Just don't expect your enemy to share your sentiment. Not even for a second." The mare only shook her head before turning back to the woman and nodding.
"Though you show great restraint you must release your own power if you wish to grow, one cannot grow by simply throwing their mind and body like a savage. If you wish to grow I can offer my own methods, do be warned mortal. Most do not survive." The mare looked seriously to her new ally, the human who only grinned at the idea.
"If it means I can become stronger and get myself home one day, I will sacrifice it all even my soul to get that little bit of strength. I've seen true strength, a wall I cannot hope to climb. I want to see this through to the end so go on, give me your best shot." The human cracked her back and knuckles, spitting onto the ground some loose blood to which the mare groaned at.
***
In the quiet town of Ponyville sat a purple mare, having been seeing the signs for some time now she had wondered much of her encounter with the mare of the eclipse, why did she vanish and simply not be sealed away like the darkness they held so long ago? Did the elements fail her and her new friends? or was it simply a ploy?
Her wonder wasn't so much about the eclipse but the mare, despite all her instincts telling her it was best to send her back she couldn't help but feel bad for the mare. It really believed it was just locked away for being too different, were they right for doing what they did......
The mare couldn't help but question it, she was one of the brightest, at least in her mind and that perception never clouded her mind at least in terms of her loyalty to the crown. Was it truly right for them to just banish something that would cause an endless era of suffering for countless lifeforms? Maybe it was the stress of Cadence's insistence on these "friendship lessons" among this mystery of now multiple sightings of some sort of flying hairless ape.
From what she could gather from the tale of rainbow dash and the odd behavior of that filly scootaloo now, this ape was clearly quite afraid. But for what reason? if the idea they stole apples was to be believed without a single person knowing then how come they are scared? I mean sure they would need to pay for the crime but it was just apples why be so afraid?
The most interesting part was the mention from rainbow dash and pinkie pie, she had never known to be outdone by the pinky party mare and often considered her more chaotic than magical with her love of smiles and the parties she knew would never not happen but this creature vanishes before the mare even gets to say hi? that's just weird.
Then rainbow dash remarking they glowed bright white and zoomed much faster than most pegasus although they were pretty close according to the mare, from the races she looked at via records rainbow dash wasn't a slouch she could be the captain of the wonderbolts given the right opportunity.
This mystery just became more of a mess than a real one, now these accounts and even the accounts of something recovering or left at the hospital by that nice couple bon bon and Lyra. This was one she would crack but even through her books and research so far she found no records of beings like the description, weird clothes, spiky jet black hair, a tail out of their backside and bipedal. It was more of an alien than a equestrian life form. But that was silly.
***
The bright forest below teemed with life, in the midst of this silence an explosion sounded deep in the woods, to most life they strayed from the one they called a beast, a bipedal savage and an intruder not even the king of the woods dared bother this beast.
The training, if you can call it that, throwing the human below into the ground with wounds covering her entire body as the mare only sighed shaking her head "Not even a few blows of your doppleganger and you're already down, you want strength do you not? then get up, face this challenge like a warrior, not a savage." The mare glared down at the human who only shook her head and sprung to her feet.
The mare had given her clear instructions on this training, hyper-active method, using all your strength in battle and then recovering, forcing the body beyond its limits even to the brink of one's life. This is how warriors often in her era wished to grow so why was this human such a dunce at the method? She never struck the thing down, she never finished it off and required a quick healing spell to avoid further damage.
"How much must I repeat this? I'm a weakened mare, I cannot heal you every time you refuse to kill off a false form!" The mare only groaned in annoyance, despite her slow recovery these magical dips and spells were tiring even her own exhausted might. The human only rolled its eyes and this time sat down next to the glowing fire besides them and took a drink of her soup.
The Mare sat down, taking her own meal in accordance. She could feel her strength slowly returning but it would be much too long before she could enact her own vision. If this human was to be her ally, then she would need strength. She would only do what was needed, even if it meant teaching the ape how to properly grow ones body.
"you keep saying that I need to just kill it but why? This is not for my life, I'm seeking strength for my own reasons you know that by now. Why slaughter them and become the savage you keep calling me Oh and by the way, really becomes grating hearing myself demeaned." The human only gave a small glare, despite the mares intentions she looked down for a moment before replying.
"I see, then I apologize but you hold me at odds with this session, you wished for more strength but demand that you not kill your foe? it is only a doppleganger and nothing more, why the sympathy for one that is your enemy, it does not feel or think it battles as you do." The mare looked to the human with confusion, a bit of irritation and a tinge of guilt.
"I just don't want that, not for me, not for those I care about and certainly not to my honor as a warrior. I took a vow to never kill, I will never break that even if it means I must, evil does not bring justice to the world not a single act of justice is based on murder not one." The human's curt response got the mare to go a bit silent, harshness like that was rare and to some extent the mare found it admirable, this would be a good subject in the future.
To the mare this wasn't a mere one sided justice disagreement, she needed to make her sisters pay and she would do so. Even if she must force this mortal's hand in the matter she would do nothing but make it so. There was no better justice in her mind than to make them pay but this mortal confused her. More than once and it never settled in her, why hold onto such a belief when this mortal was not of this world? who would judge her? certainly not her sisters, they were much too weak to handle her much less mortal affairs of this world or the next.
As the moon shined above them, not long after the human laid on her side on the ground while the mare drifted into her slumber the human could only shake and shiver in the cold but none the less take it in. This was for the best, she must never forget her honor, it was the only thing of her family she had left. That could never be taken no matter the cost even if it she would die.
Into the night the human soon fell asleep not even a moment of rest as he arose from the blackened heart within, her shinning resolve serving to enragen the oozaru inside. As sweat fell from her face her nightmare began.
In the bleakness of the dream land sat a glowering ape and a small human, the oozaru stood tall before howling with rage "You not only take on some weak filly with no potential but ally yourself with a beast? How the might have fallen, the human who couldn't save her family, the human stranded without those accursed seals pestering our potential. Pathetic." The beast snarled her way as it moved, the stench of its pure evil radiating in a brimming red ki around the body.
The human only shook her head and glared daggers back at the ape "No, I took in a poor kid with no one else to turn to who wanted to learn, I would think the big bad warrior would want a greater challenge in the future? why not this filly? scared to see where she could go in the future?" The woman only snickered, the oozaru raging as it snarled back and smashed its fist into her, landing her under its hand.
"Fat chance girl, Nothing will restrain me and certainly if you believe this student can surpass us then by all means prove it. Prove me wrong that this thing you call a friend and ally can do better than us. You waste our power teaching some star-struck filly and ally yourself with beasts, nothing but a failed excuse of a warrior. Maybe I should take over and prove who we are-" At those words a brimming ki exploded from beneath him as the woman struck back piercing with a solid fist into its eye as the beast growled in agony clutching the bleeding eye.
"That will never happen, you and I both know I hold the reigns for a reason. You're just my darkness, my beast and I will hold you for my life, as long as it takes even if the world burned us." As if on cue, the woman glowed with a burning heat as her eyes narrowed, the symbol on her gi burning with energy in a glowing crimson pattern on her back. This state of pure instinct, she would've liked to call it some sort of unleashed form but it was merely a response and nothing more. Just as it appeared the heat vanished with her feeling the immediate strain on her clenched tight arm.
"Tch, you're nothing but a bastard you know that right? you can't hold a candle to the real us, the real one burried under the surface that you fear. You don't want me out, fine. I won't bother fighting a child who cannot understand the situation as it is, you will regret what has transpired and when you don't need me most, I will break free. I will consume what little of your mind is left and take my rightful place in this world, that's a promise." The beast glowered down at her as the darkness faded from the area so did her mind, slowly drifting into slumber. This wouldn't be the first attack of the night and she would be read.
On the outside world the woman glowed with energy enough the mare could no longer ignore it, she wondered much of what went on in this beast and maybe their dreams would be of aid. With a touch and light glow of magic she attempted to brute force her way in, although to her surprise and rage the spell didn't work.
"Damn them, why doesn't this work? I suppose if my sister tried this then she had little success as well. Maybe I best ignore this for now...not worth the sleep, I must regain my power." The mare turned back to her small hut, not before using what little magic she could and conjured a blanket for the mortal one fashioned in the same style as the one she laid with.
The night remained young and despite Sazuka's efforts, she got little sleep only the bright moon shinning as the energy seeped into her soul. The pull of the beast grew stronger and stronger but she could never falter, she must. The more she pulled herself back into slumber the longer the moon shined upon her tail and the more energy the beast had but she knew this, she would only have to hold out for the sun and then pray that she could get some rest after.
Even as the moon turned, falling deeper into the skies and the sun rose the woman couldn't help but let a gasp of air exit her maw. She hadn't got a lick of sleep and she knew better than to falter, she had no choice but to keep going, this wasn't the first sleepless nigh and it certainly wouldn't be the last. As the sun rose she heard the call of her mare ally, a shrill little cry of annoyance.
"Must you slumber and waste the sun, I know it best to recover but if you wish for strength then we must continue I can only guide you when you are awake after all." The mare sighed, not knowing of the human's own problems. Even as the human wished it so, she knew it best to push past this, for now. Standing up the human only smiled, giving a nod as she cracked her neck.
"Well then, what's the lesson today? another beating or are we going to do anything else?" The human was resilient she had to give her that, her wounds could only be healed by so much magic even with her minimal supply but this was rather astounding given the battle wounds still were there although only minor bruises, astonishing healing.
The mare shook this off and only nodded "You have mentioned in our training you train your mind but to truly tap into your well of potential simple meditation will not cut it, for today we will begin something I have only shown to my.....family. A battle of minds if you will." The mare sat on her haunches and focused as her eyes fell down the human could feel this pressure building, this intensity was something she had only felt in that luna woman...were they related somehow?
The human copied, closing her eyes and began to amass her ki, with the mare giving a curt swat of her hoove "No no, focus your mind fool, focus on the very essence of your power, focus deep and dig. There you will find this method." The feeling pressed into her senses but something was there, like a tiny flame she soon forced it to her will and formed an avatar of entirely ki from the mind. Meeting her there in this space was the mare, amassed in an energy she could only dream of having the mare rushed forward the human barely able to dodge the blow in time as the singing heat burned part of her form.
The mare nodded "Good good, though weak you have obtained the proper way. We will battle in our minds, only one who's heart remains true and does not falter will sustain it. Never forget this, now continue." Before the human could fully take it in, she was struck this time from the side into her chest as her bones felt the crackling, the blow in turn smashed against the mare's jaw throwing her off only with minimal movement could she amass the needed strike, this time with a quick kick at the side tossing the mare a few feet back.
Training would need to continue, she had to get stronger! She would do so by any means, even if it meant she needed time to recover. She would grow and push herself beyond her limit, for her home.
Book 1: Chapter 4 End!