Chapter 9: The Other Side
Ugh...my fucking head. Feels like something just raped my eye socket. Why does this feel so familiar?
There was darkness all around me. I turned my head to look around, only to see more darkness. I start to panic, thinking I've gone blind...only to realize my eyes are closed.
'My, aren't I a smart one.'
I open my eyes to blinding light, groaning in pain and rubbing them. At that point, I start to hear a voice.
"Oh...quick, get in here! He's waking up!"
The shouting person's voice assaulted my tender eardrums and caused an earthquake in my head. I swatted at the air for no apparent reason, as if doing so would lower the volume. "Could you please talk more softly...I feel like someone bludgeoned me with a sledgehammer. And I would greatly appreciate it if you could get me something to drink, preferably with lots of alcohol in it." I heard a hearty laugh and sharp footsteps away, as if he was wearing fucking clogs or something. I groaned again in pain, not bothering to open my eyes.
"Well, it's about time you woke up, lazy bones." said a very familiar voice.
'That voice...'
"Rainbow Dash? Ugh, am I ever so glad to hear you. For the love of all that's holy, please turn out the lights." I pleaded. I heard a click and noticed the light coming through my eyelids had reduced to near nothing, so I gently opened my eyes again. The first thing I noticed was that I was in a room colored soft blue, looking like it was built in the Renaissance era. I was in a gaudy palace-style bed with those really tall bedposts and curtains. Thankfully, the bed was nice and firm, so I pressed down and sat up...instantly noticing something very different. I looked down at my hand to notice they were gray and scaled, and ended in long white claws. Okay...that didn't bother me so much. What did catch me off guard was when I noticed what looked like a tail and large leathery wings...and I could feel them.
Screaming seems to be my mantra right now.
"Koa, Koa! It's okay...it's o-kay...calm down." Dash said to me gently.
I looked towards her voice to find a familiar rainbow-maned blue pegasus mare. That must mean... "I'm in Equestria, aren't I?"
She nodded and smiled. "Well you did say you wanted to come with me."
I was confused. "Come with you? Wait...what are you talking about?" I slammed a fist down into the plush bed. "Argh...why can't I remember anything?!"
"It was the sacrifice you chose to make...for her...and for yourself." said a very gentle yet powerful voice from behind me.
I turned to see a stark white alicorn with a multicolored mane and tail, and a golden necklace and crown. Even with my shock, I knew immediately who it was. "P-P-Princess Celestia!" I struggled, trying to bow somehow. "I'm already sitting...do I stand and then bow? Do I just bow my head? What do I do?!" I just settled for leaning forward, overextending my back muscles, and succeeding in pulling muscles in my lower back, but I stayed bowed, muttering an 'ouch'.
A heavenly giggle came from in front of me, and a hoof lifted my chin. I found myself looking into magenta eyes and a white face. "Dear Koa, you must calm yourself before you faint from the stress."
I nodded and sat up, wincing from my now screaming muscles. "Y-yeah...sorry about that. I just freaked a bit is all. I'm okay now, I promise."
"Well chosen, Rainbow Dash. He is quite amusing." said yet another voice with a giggle, this one coming from behind me where Dash was.
I turned to see the lunar princess, Luna, standing next to Dash. I immediately bowed the same way I did to Princess Celestia, and instantly regretted it, groaning in great pain. From there, I didn't get up.
'You're a fucking idiot...'
I heard the sound of hooves on the soft carpet walking over to me, and then a soft gust of wind and a movement on the bed as someone landed next to me. I felt a soft...something...on my back. "Oh gosh, Koa. Are you going to be okay?"
I sighed and did a mental facepalm. "Of course I'm okay, Dash. I'm always like this, all the time. Just call me Mister Fold-Up." I groaned as my muscles refused to lift me. "I'd love you forever if you could help me up."
Dash giggled as her two hooves reached underneath my stomach, and with a gust of wind I was dragged up to a sitting position. My back ached, but from here I would be able to stand. I scooted softly to the edge of the bed, noticing that my feet were much the same as my hands. I just let my tail and wings kinda do their own thing, as I swung my legs and stood up. I now only had four toes on each foot - three webbed in front and one in back - but luckily they were spread wide enough to offer good support, so standing wasn't too much of a problem. I noticed that I towered over Dash, easily by about three feet. As I stood, I also noticed the feeling of new muscles in my back, as well as where my tailbone would be...which makes sense, since I did have a tail now. I took a few tenuous steps, smiling at the fact that at least walking wouldn't be an issue.
I guess I should have been freaking out a bit more, but I did remember making some sort agreement with Dash...and I do remember knowing her as a...human? I guess that's the word, as my brain is telling me it is. For some reason, all memory was gone, save for some hazy ones about Rainbow Dash as a human...and me. We were walking together along a beach and holding hands...and later, kissing. The memories progressed and came to one particular memory that made me blush like crazy.
The sun princess ahead of me cleared her throat, and I looked at her. She smiled and gestured to a large mirror beside her. "Would you like to see yourself?" I nodded and walked to the mirror, which was luckily as tall as me.
I had gray, scaled skin everywhere except for a large patch of grayish-white that stretched from just under my chin, all the way down underneath my...erm...area (which, I might add, wasn't there, so I assume it was under scales or something because I could still feel it), and then back to my tail. I had a long snout now, with a large amount of sharp teeth protruding over the lower jaw, even with my mouth closed. Two white horns swept back on my head, making a tangent about halfway down towards each other, almost meeting at their ends. My wings were gray as well, but with the same grayish-white on the inside, and a little claw-looking thing at the joint. I had white spikes growing in a row along my jawline on either side, as well as small white spikes running from the back of my neck all the way down my tail. My tail had a sort of fin on it, most likely for stability while flying. Lastly, my eyes were bright blue, with a sort of lightning-looking energy constantly moving around the iris, giving a really cool effect.
I looked over at the princess with a confused look. "I'm a dragon?"
Princess Celestia shook her head. "The correct term for what you are is an Elemental Draconian. You are the fusion of a human, large amounts of magic, and a Great Wyrm."
I raised an eyebrow. "Great Wyrm?"
She nodded. "As dragons age, they become more attuned to their element, and thus slowly change and evolve over thousands of years. A Great Wyrm is a dragon that has reached the epitome of attunement with his or her element, and thus becomes the element itself."
"Wow...that's heavy." I said dumbly. "Question: where did you get a Great Wyrm to agree to this?"
The alabaster alicorn pointed up, towards the sky. "The sky, of course. Zizzanasx, the Lord of the Sky, offered himself for this. He is..." the princess trailed off, letting a tear slide down her cheek, "was a dear friend of mine. As his life was nearing its end, he offered what life he had left for the spell to bring you here. He saw great potential in you...as do I."
So not only was I a magical dragon dude-thing, but an ancient and powerful dragon literally gave his life to bring me to Equestria. I guess there's only one thing left to ask...
"Umm...not to be a total tool or anything, but is there a fridge I can raid somewhere around here? Preferably with lots of meat and alcohol. Okay, maybe just meat for now." I stated firmly. Both of the princesses gasped and I raised an eyebrow. "What...what did I say?"
Dash walked next to me and cleared her throat. "Um Koa, ponies don't eat meat. Since meat comes from animals and technically ponies are animals..."
I smiled sheepishly at the princesses. "Whoops, sorry about that. Um...how about a nice tasty mushroom salad with lots and lots of mushrooms...and mushrooms. Oh, and don't forget mushrooms. Did I mention mushrooms?"
I felt an elbow in my side and I winced, looking down to see a glaring cyan mare. "Koa, you're talking to the princesses! Show a little respect, please!"
"Umm...a salad, please? Pretty please? Super, ultra, mega pretty please with sugar on top and a cherry? Oh, and some chocolate sauce...gotta have chocolate sauce." I responded.
The moon princess giggled, while Dash facehooved. "Oh Tia, we will have fun with this one."
I noticed Dash glare at Princess Luna. "Easy there, cowmare. He's taken."
Princess Luna rolled her eyes and smirked. "Come now, Rainbow Dash...I did not mean it that way and you know it."
I raised a hand, waiting to be called on like at school...how I knew this, I don't know. Finally Princess Celestia nodded towards me and I smiled. "Umm...I wasn't joking about the food...my stomach is eating itself. It's saying 'FEED ME', and I must comply."
Dashie facehooved...again.
A few minutes later, I was happy beyond belief. My stomach was no longer screaming at me, and was full of some wonderful salad that some royal chefs had made for me at the princesses' request. Now that I had a full stomach, I could think more clearly...and realized how much of an ass I had been.
"Umm...I'd just like to apologize for how I acted earlier, princesses. I don't know what came over me." I explained lamely.
Luckily, it seemed the two royal alicorns had a good sense of humor, as they both giggled and smiled at me.
"Think nothing of it, dear Koamalu. Dragon instincts are very strong, and it will take you some time go get used to them. Wait...oh no..." Princess Celestia said before turning to Dash. "Rainbow Dash, when is your...time to be?"
I was confused, but Rainbow Dash blushed. "W-well it didn't happen the whole time I was away. I guess humans must work differently than ponies do...so...any time now?"
I was still confused, but was snapped out of my confusion as a very odd scent caressed my nose. I can't describe what it was...but I was instantly hooked to it, whatever it was. It was like the best damn drug in the world, and I had to find the source...and that's when I pinpointed it.
The scent was coming from Dash.
I stood up to walk over to her, like my body was possessed. For some reason I started drooling a bit and I felt a burning in my stomach like a fire had been set in it...but it was an amazingly good burn. I wanted more of it, and I wanted...no...needed Dashie now.
Before I could take a step towards her though, I felt myself restrained, and looked to see a strong magenta aura covering my entire body. I turned to notice the aura was coming from Princess Celestia's horn. I don't know why, but I had to get away from it...so with all of my strength, I flexed every muscle I could, and the aura shattered like glass. This aura was replaced by a more powerful one, one of light blue. This one was coming from Princess Luna, and unlike the first one, it was much stronger than I was.
The younger alicorn sighed and looked at the elder. "Your strength was never in restraining spells, dear sister." She then turned her attention to my Dash. "Rainbow Dash, you are to stay away from the palace until this ends, do you understand?" Dashie nodded. "Return in a few days when your heat has ended."
As Dash flew away quickly, my clarity of mind returned...as I could no longer smell the scent. I turned to the night princess and raised an eyebrow. "Dashie's in heat?"
She nodded. "When a filly comes of age, it happens once every five to seven months, and lasts from three to six days. A dragon's senses are much more powerful than a human's, so you pick it up easily. As I am sure you know, a female's heat cycle is used to ensure procreation. However, in your current state with your lack of control over your new body's instincts, you would likely seriously hurt her." She cleared her throat and blushed a bit. "Dragons are known to be rather...rough.”
I then heard an echo-ey voice say, “Though I would not mind that in the least...”
I chuckled and grinned. "I heard that."
The night princess raised an eyebrow. "I did not speak."
"Umm...I clearly heard you say that you wouldn't mind that in the least..." I replied with a smirk.
The elder sister shot a look at her younger sister. "Luna! For your own sake, please control yourself!"
The dark blue mare stuttered. "B-but I d-did not..." She leaned over to whisper in her sister's ear, but I could clearly hear her say, "Sister, I did not speak that aloud."
I just grinned until they both turned back to me, mortified looks on their faces. The sun princess spoke first, however. "She did not say that, Koamalu."
I waved a hand at her. "Just Koa is fine, princess...and what do you mean she didn't say that? I clearly heard her."
The princess shook her head. "No, I mean that she did not say that aloud."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Umm but I...okay...I don't follow."
She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again and staring at me intently. "What I mean to say is that the words you heard did not come from her mouth…she thought them."
My mouth dropped open in shock for a moment before I regained composure. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait a minute…you're telling me I just heard her thoughts? Not to mention the fact that I just severely invaded her privacy, but is that even normal for a dragon to do?"
The sun princess shook her head. "This ability, if it exists, is unknown to me. However, a great amount of magic was required in making you and your body. Perhaps this is a side effect."
"Well can you undo that part? There's a ton of stuff running through everyone's mind that I do not want to know." I asked pleadingly.
The princess again shook her head. "Never mind the fact that it is impossible to 'undo' the spell, I would not know where to start. I apologize, Koa. Perhaps with practice, you can learn to suppress it, or control it."
"I sure hope so…" I said, thoughts from the two ponies in the room running through my head…and no, I'm not going to mention them. Luna's are…private.
I was then led to a wide open area about a ten minute walk away from the palace. It was a large valley of sorts, with nothing but bare ground and mountains all around. I turned to Princess Celestia and she smiled.
"This area is for you to practice in. Learn your new abilities and master them. I cannot tell you at the moment exactly why I chose to bring you here, only that there is a great purpose in store for you." The princess explained gently.
I raised an eyebrow and smirked. "So Rainbow Dash wasn't the only reason you brought me here, hmm?"
She nodded. "That is correct. At a later time I will explain to you your place here, but for the moment, get accustomed to your new body and its abilities. All I can tell you is that you will need them."
I shrugged. "Fair enough. Where will I be staying, princess?"
She gestured to the large stone archway we passed through on the way to the valley. "As you reenter the palace through that gate, take your first right. You will be staying in the room with silver doors depicting a dragon on them."
"How convenient." I remarked with a smile.
She nodded. "Indeed. Anyhow, I would leave you to your devices, unless there is something else you need from me."
I nodded. "There is actually." I swallowed hard and sighed. "You might want to talk to your sister about her feelings about me."
The solar princess cocked her head in confusion. "What do you mean, Koa?"
"I don't know if you could tell, but she really likes me. I mean a lot. Her thoughts were practically screaming that fact." I explained with a sigh. "I don't know if it's because of who I am or what I am, but I'm loyal to Dash. I just don't want to see anyone get hurt needlessly."
She nodded. "Well I can certainly understand that, you make quite the handsome Draconian." She smiled warmly and added, "Still, I can understand your concern. I have seen many times a relationship handled incorrectly tearing friends apart. Since her return, Luna has been closer to Rainbow Dash than anypony, and I would hate to see such a beautiful friendship fall to ruin. I will speak to my sister on this matter and advise her of your loyalty to Rainbow Dash. Hopefully her infatuation can be broken and a friendship can blossom instead."
I nodded and smiled. "Thanks princess, I appreciate it."
She smiled warmly and nodded back. "You are most welcome, Koa. Now, I will leave you to do as you will. Please be careful so as not to injure yourself, but do feel free to explore your body's limits. If you do not turn in, I will return before lowering the sun to fetch you for an evening meal. Until then, be well, Koa."
Without another word she flew off, leaving me alone in the rocky valley. Perhaps at some point I'll try my wings out for flying, but not today. For now, I'd focus on what I already knew I had – my strength, my reflexes, and my magic.
From some of the memories I could salvage from my previous life, I explicitly remember standing outside during a thunderstorm with a golf club in my hand. Exactly what possessed me to do that, I don't know…but I remember getting hit by a bolt of lightning…and not dying. It seems that I had some sort of resistance or power over lightning, so I figured I'd give that a try.
I closed my eyes and slowed my breathing, feeling my heart rate slow drastically as well. I searched within myself for something, though I didn't know exactly what I was looking for.
Suddenly, I found it.
In my chest, I felt a strong tingly energy that seemed to move through my body wherever I willed it. I willed it to my arms and heard a crackling energy in the air, so I opened my eyes to see that six black spikes had grown seemingly out of nowhere on my arms – three on each arm. Electricity was arcing from each of these points to the next, and the knuckles on my hands had turned to black spikes as well. As I placed my hands palm-facing forward in front of me, the electricity jumped to my knuckle spikes and shot out of my palm in a burst of lightning, causing a deafening roar of thunder. I noticed as I was doing this, dark thunder clouds were beginning to gather overhead.
'Would be really awesome if I could control those.'
I willed the electricity inside me to recede to my core again, and instead looked up at the clouds. For some reason, I felt calmer with them gathering overhead. It was strange…almost like I had a kinship with the storm itself. I instinctively reached out to the storm, only to notice a cloud start forming that looked strangely like a funnel. Debris and dust started to swirl around me, and once I realized exactly what was happening, I snatched my hand away and started to run…but upon doing so the wind stopped. I looked up to see the funnel had disappeared, leaving just a roiling mass of clouds.
"Hmm…" I hummed in thought to myself.
I reached out to the cloud again, feeling an odd tingling in my hand. The funnel began to form again, only this time I didn't run away. The wind formed all around me, and while I could feel it whipping at my skin, I stayed put. The funnel got closer and closer to the ground, until it was upon me.
'Fuck me, I'm in the middle of a tornado!'
The core of the swirling winds was oddly calm, and I couldn't help but chuckle at the surreal feeling of it all. I became curious, and focused on the winds themselves, willing them to become stronger. I noticed the wind pick up on the edge of the funnel, but where I was standing it was not much more windy. I willed the wind to become even stronger, and now I noticed pieces of rock beginning to chip and break off the ground.
"Okay, that's enough." I said to myself, and released my hold on the winds. The funnel weakened and dissipated, leaving me standing in a patch of rocky earth that had been chewed up by the ferocity of the winds. I couldn't help but smile a bit at this newfound ability. "Oh, this might come in handy for some fun."
Now that I was confident that I could control the separate elements of a storm, I attempted to try and make it rain. I focused on the thought of it raining…willing it to happen. At first, nothing happened at all, save for the clouds getting bigger and more ominous. As I was about to give up, however, a drop of rain fell on my head…then another, and another. Soon the entire area was filled with a downpour, and before I could cause a flood or anything, I released my hold on the clouds themselves, and the rain promptly lightened up before stopping completely.
As I finished up, I noticed the sun had started to fall from the sky, so I headed back to the palace and towards the room the princess had told me I'd have. The silver double doors were massive, easily my wingspan in width and a bit taller than me.
"Must be a royal thing…" I remarked smugly.
I pushed the doors open to find myself in a room that was oddly set perfectly for my tastes, with just a large firm bed, one chair near a bookcase full of books, a few windows, and a balcony. The room was simple stone, with a very rustic look to it, which was fine by me, but thankfully it had a soft, plush blue carpet as well. I decided I'd read up as I could on history and whatnot of Equestria, so I grabbed a book marked "History of Modern Equestria" and started reading.
A few hours must have passed, as the next thing I knew there was a knock at the door. "You may enter." I answered while placing a stray piece of paper in the book as a bookmark before closing it and standing. The two princesses entered my room and smiled.
Princess Celestia smiled warmly and nodded. "It's good to see you're settling in well. How was your day?"
I smirked and shook my head. "Intense. For example, I'm sure you saw that freak storm earlier, yes?" Both of the princesses nodded. "Well…that was all my doing. I hope I didn't scare anyone."
The lunar princess looked thoroughly impressed and nodded. "Very impressive. It appears you are discovering your abilities much faster than we could have hoped." I appreciated her praise, but once again her thoughts betrayed her expressed emotions.
I looked over at Princess Celestia with a roll of my eyes. "You haven't spoken to her yet?"
The princess shook her head with a heavy sigh. "Not yet, and I apologize. Royal duties have kept me busy. I shall speak to her after our evening meal is finished."
The princess of night looked utterly confused. "Speak to me about what?"
"About your personal thoughts about me that right now are finding their way to my mind." I deadpanned.
The mentioned princess blushed, the redness showing through even her dark coloring. "O-oh, well…"
I waved a hand at her in dismissal. "Don't worry about it, princess. In all honesty I'm flattered. Your sister will explain everything later on, okay?"
She nodded and relaxed a bit. "Very well." She then turned towards the door and started to walk out before looking back at me. "Would you join us for dinner then, Koa?"
I nodded. "I will, thank you. I'm pretty hungry, actually."
I was lead once again down the winding hallways and corridors of the princesses' palace, and arrived once again in the huge dining hall. This time, however, there was a young violet unicorn with a dark blue mane and tail sitting at the table as well. Her mane had a single streak of pink in it, and I couldn't help but think it was cute. The unicorn noticed me walking in and smiled, and I noticed her vivid violet irises in her eyes.
"Oh, you must be Koa! Rainbow Dash told me a lot about you." the young unicorn said enthusiastically.
I nodded. "Yeah, that's me. And you are?"
She looked embarrassed and smiled sheepishly. "Oh, I'm sorry about that. My name is Twilight Sparkle. It's a pleasure to meet you, Koa." she finished, while holding out a hoof.
I shook her hoof in my hand and smiled. "The pleasure's all mine, Twilight Sparkle. It's nice to meet a friend of Dashie's."
"Dashie?" she asked in confusion. "She only lets Fluttershy or Pinkie Pie call her that."
I tapped my chin with a claw. "Fluttershy, Fluttershy…why does that name sounds so familiar?" I then widened my eyes in shock and realization. "Wait a minute, does Dashie also have a friend named Applejack?"
The unicorn nodded as a plate of food was placed in front of both of us. "Well we're all her friends, but she's a lot closer with Fluttershy and Applejack."
I nodded solemnly. "I see. She told me about that day in the hospital. Applejack and Fluttershy were the last ones to see her alive."
Twilight Sparkle's smile diminished a bit. "Yes, that was a sad day for us all…you have no idea." She then looked at me and smiled widely again. "She's back now, though. I can't tell you how great it is to have her back with us again."
I shook my head. "Death is always hard to deal with." I then grimaced. "I mean, I can't remember if I've ever lost someone that way before, but I can imagine it would be horrible."
The unicorn nodded. "It was. Applejack was severely depressed, and Fluttershy stopped talking. It tore them apart." She then smiled again. "I was there today, however, when Rainbow Dash went to see Applejack. It was the single most wonderful feeling in the world to see Applejack so happy. I don't think I've ever seen her smile so much."
I couldn't help but grin, happy that my Dashie got to see her best friends again. "Well that makes me happy. I really wish I could see them all sometime. They sound like the kind of people-"
I was cut off by Princess Celestia. "Ponies, Koa. Words of address are different here. Everypony, somepony, no pony, and so on. You'll confuse ponies around here if you say 'someone' or 'people'."
I nodded. "My bad." I turned back to the unicorn. "Well I think they're the kind of ponies I'd like to meet. If Dashie's that good of friends with them, I think I'd like to be too."
"Well I'll warn you then, Fluttershy is extremely protective of Rainbow Dash, and probably will be even more so with having to watch her die. I don't think you have to worry about Applejack, though. Just keep in mind that her family is everything to her, and that includes Rainbow Dash. If you don't insult her family, you'll be fine." Twilight Sparkle explained.
I nodded. "Thanks for the tip, and I'll keep that all in mind." I then looked down at the steaming sandwich before me. I took a bite and savored the wonderful taste. "Mmm…shroomburger. I could live off of this."
"I am glad you approve, Koa. It is my own recipe." Luna explained with a smile.
I swallowed my bite and smiled at her. "I definitely approve, Princess Luna, thank you."
We finished our meal shortly thereafter and went our separate ways, me heading to the room provided for me, and Princess Celestia heading to bed after lowering the sun (which I should add, was pretty damn cool to watch). Luna seemed to want to follow me for a second, but thankfully decided against it and went off to her own room, behind a pair of ebony double doors with a large emblem of a crescent moon carved into them. I headed off to my room on my own, but because I was wide awake, decided otherwise. Instead, I headed off to the valley I had been in earlier in the day and caused a thunderstorm for my own comfort. Light rain and lightning arcing through the air above me…it was truly beautiful.
The moon was high in the sky, as I could see it through the breaking clouds, so I assumed it must have been near midnight. What surprised me next was the voice from behind me.
"Beautiful…" said a silky soft voice from behind me.
"Gah!" I yelled before falling back against the ground, the muscles in my back screaming in pain. I opened my eyes to see two cyan eyes looking right back at me from above.
"You must learn to not be so paranoid, dear Koa." the pony remarked smugly.
I groaned in pain and sat up, rubbing the back of my head. "You should learn to be a little louder so I can hear you approach and don't get the life scared out of me." I then looked at the pony standing before me, noticing it was Princess Luna. She was, however, missing something...
"Umm…Princess Luna? Where is your crown and everything?" I asked nervously.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. "You do not honestly believe I wear my crown and royal garments all of the time, do you?"
I smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "I guess not. So, what can I do for you?" This was a stupid question on my part, because I could already hear what she was thinking…and I didn't like where the conversation was going to go. She was very nervous and troubled about it, however, so I listened.
She sighed and sat next to me, looking up at the stormy sky overhead. "What do you think is going to happen to you and Rainbow Dash, Koa?"
Now I was confused. "I'm not sure what you mean, princess. Care to elaborate?"
"What I mean to imply is that you are becoming the very embodiment of storms…the very thing that killed her mother, and the very thing she has feared more than anything else in this world. Do you really think a relationship between the two of you would work?" she asked with a blank expression.
I sighed as well and lay back on the damp ground, looking at my storm. "Look princess, I'm not stupid…I know what you're getting at here." I turned my head to look up at her and held a stern look. "I love Dashie, and she loves me back. She's already accepted who I am…what I am, and that's all that matters to me. If she had a problem with what I'm becoming, she would have told me." I then glared at her. "What's your stake in this anyway? What is it you want with me?" I snorted. "I mean let's be honest, you're one of the most coveted mares in all of Equestria. You're smart and beautiful, not to mention a princess. Why do you need me?"
She looked a little embarrassed, but returned my gaze. "Koa, I will live for millennia to come, if not longer." She laughed painfully. "No pony really knows how long we will live, not even myself or Tia. For all we know, it may be forever. We may never know the peace and comfort of a mortal death." She hung her head in sadness, letting a few tears fall. "This is why we are alone, Koa. If we choose just any stallion – and there are many willing to fill the position – we will be forced to watch him slowly age and die, while we are forced to live on through the ages." She then looked at me with a small smile, placing a hoof on my shoulder. "But you, Koa, will live many millennia before your life ends. You will outlive beloved Rainbow Dash by thousands of years. Think of it for a moment…is it fair to you?"
As much as I hated to admit it – and I really did – she was right. I mean in essence, the very fact that we both would live such long lives made us perfect mates. And if I was honest with myself, I couldn't deny that she was attractive to me on a number of levels. Still, I was adamant. "No…it's not fair. However, it wouldn't be fair to her either if I decided to leave her simply because I don't want to have to bury her someday. I love her and want to be with her for the rest of her life." I then reached over and stroked the hoof on my shoulder softly. "I can't say that you and I could never be together, princess, because we both know Dash won't live as long as us and I can't say what the future holds…but for now at least, I'm with Rainbow Dash. God willing, I'll be with her until the day she or I draw our last breath."
She removed her hoof from my shoulder and smiled down at me genuinely for once. "Rainbow Dash is privileged to have such a loyal male in her life…there are very few of them it seems." She sighed and smiled sadly. "After the life she has experienced, she deserves to have you in her life, and you in hers. Though you do not remember your old life, I do…and you deserve this." She then turned away from me.
I stood and placed a hand at the back of her head and rubbed softly against her mane. "I can't be your significant other, princess…but I would be more than happy to be your friend. After all, regardless of what happens between Dash and I, a good romantic relationship always starts with a good friendship."
She looked up at me and smiled. "I would be most pleased to have you as a friend, Koa…and please, call me Luna. If you are to be a friend, then no formality is needed."
Luna and I spent the rest of the night like that, just talking about different things. As her thoughts poured out to me, I was pleased to find that they were no longer the intense longing for me that they originally were, but instead a happy and giddy feeling of making a new friend, and a respected one at that. Now that she had let her guard down, she was funny and carefree, a stark difference when compared with her sister, who seemed to be all business most of the time. I couldn't remember my past life, but I imagined this would be the kind of girl I'd be friends with, so I went with my instincts on it. Contrary to her normally composed attitude, she was quite the prankster, and loved playing jokes and such on me. I was much the same, so I took all very well, and was beginning to see just why Dash considered Luna an older sister to her, as the two were a lot alike in actuality.
I had dissipated the storm quite some time ago, and so we both noticed the moon about to fall below the tree line in the distance. Luna stood and walked towards the palace, beckoning me to follow. We arrived soon after in a garden of sorts, with a large elevated platform made of stone with an emblem of the sun on one side and the moon on the other. I noticed Princess Celestia was already over the sun emblem, levitating a mug of what I assumed was coffee, her flawless multicolored mane and tail billowing in a nonexistent breeze.
Princess Celestia looked at her younger sister and smiled. "Are you ready sister?"
Luna nodded. "I am, Tia."
Princess Celestia set the mug down on a small podium-like thing beside her before taking her sister's hooves in hers as they both stood on their hind legs. The both spread their wings and ascended into the air, their horns glowing brightly. I watched as the moon descended to behind the horizon, while from behind me, a burst of brilliant light shone forth. I looked behind me at the burning sun, causing the first light of day to shine on Equestria. The two sisters were smiling as they landed, the new light of day shining behind them both. I couldn't help but clap.
"Wow, that was amazing! Do you two do that every morning?" I asked excitedly.
They both blushed slightly and giggled. Celestia responded in a warm tone, "Well Koa, it would be untrue to say we didn't put on a bit of a show for you…but yes, we do this every morning."
I smiled and nodded. "Well nonetheless, it was incredible. To think that something as important as the passing of days is controlled by two very special ponies." I did a little bow with my wings held tight against my sides. "I'm honored you let me be a part of this."
The sun princess giggled. "My my, what a charmer." She then turned to her younger sister. "Luna, you are going to bed, yes?"
Seemingly realizing just how tired she was, the younger alicorn yawned and nodded. "Yes sister, I am. Thank you for reminding me. I will see the two of you tonight then, yes?"
I nodded. "I'll be there, Luna. I promise."
The princess of the night smiled in happiness before yawning again, and then trotting off towards her room down the corridors of the palace.
Princess Celestia hopped off of the platform and smiled at me. "It is good to see you bring such happiness to my sister, Koa. If only she could find a male such as yourself. I trust your night together was not uncomfortable?"
I shrugged. "It was at first, but we worked everything out. We're good now, I promise."
She smiled. "I'm glad to hear that, Koa. Now, unless you're feeling tired, I would like you to join me for breakfast. Are you interested?"
I nodded. "I'm not really tired at all, actually, so yes…I'll join you."
She giggled and began walking towards the dining hall with me. "The circadian rhythm of a dragon is going to take some getting used to for you. Because of the way your metabolism works, you will find that you often can go for a week without sleeping and be just fine."
"Really now? Well…that's going to be strange. Any ideas how I should occupy the time I would normally be sleeping?" I asked.
She shrugged. "Well, my sister will always be awake with you during the hours of night. If however you wish for other things to do or she is busy, I would recommend either training yourself, or finding a hobby of some sort." She rolled her eyes up and pursed her lips in thought for a moment before looking at me again. "I could always enlist you in the Royal Nightwatch. We could always use one such as you to watch over the sleeping world and be sure that all is well while the rest of us slumber."
I raised an eyebrow. "What could possibly happen in a place like this that you can't handle?"
She sighed and stopped, and I stopped with her. "I suppose it's time you learned the reason I chose to bring you here, Koa." She looked up at me and nodded curtly. "It is true that part of the reason I did so is because both you and Rainbow Dash chose for you to come here, but there is a more important reason than that. You see, when a magical being such as Rainbow Dash dies before their time, it seeks out safety with a kindred spirit that will understand and protect him or her…a pure spirit that holds life in high regard and holds in his or her heart the morals that we value here in Equestria." She continued walking, but then continued explaining as well. "Sometimes, the magical spirit ends up in a completely different universe or dimension, and often times cannot be retrieved…but through her connection to all of us as the Element of Loyalty, we were able to track down and find her." She sighed and narrowed her eyes. "You see Koa, all is not as well as it seems in Equestria. It is true, we live in relative peace, but Equestria is not without its enemies…or its own darkness and evil." She then stopped again at the double doors leading to the dining hall, looking at me seriously. "When we found you, we saw who you were…and what you were. Magic lives in every being, but cannot be realized in a world without magic itself, unless a magical being awakens it. You, Koa, are possibly the most magical non-alicorn being I've ever come across who is not from Equestria. You see there are many universes and thus many dimensions, and I have been privileged to see or experience most of them." She blushed a bit before shaking her head and continuing. “Anyway, what I am trying to say, Koa, is that in my long life, I have learned that anything is possible…anything. The reason I have brought you here is because I need a sword of Equestria that can move unseen and unheard. He must be powerful, yet kind and gentle. It was no coincidence that Rainbow Dash found you, Koa. I believe in fate…and fate has chosen you. Will you answer the call? Will you protect and be vigilant for your new home?"
I was completely in awe of what she just told me. Not only did Rainbow Dash seek me out (albeit unconsciously), but I was magical? Not only that, but now the princess wanted me to be some sort of unseen protector of Equestria? I was shocked, to say the least. It was a great honor, to be sure…but I was still in shock.
"Umm…" I started, "m-maybe we should eat first, princess."
She giggled and nodded. "Very well, come with me and we will sate your hunger."
After we both ate, I was feeling more clear-minded and was able to weigh my options better. I mean on one hand, I was kinda being forced into this, being told that this was the reason I was brought to Equestria. On the other hand though, I'd be lying if I wasn't shaking with excitement. I mean, not only was it a great honor, but it was the single greatest purpose I'd ever had. Even with no memories…I somehow knew that.
Without any further ado, I stood and nodded. "I've decided, Princess Celestia…this humble dragon would be honored to serve Equestria."
She nodded and stood. "Very well, Koa. Kneel, please." I did so and she touched her horn to both of my shoulders. "From this day forth, you will be known as Storm Rider, the Demon of Equestria. The enemies of Equestria and those that would do her harm will come to quiver in fear at your very name, and Equestria herself will welcome you as an honored hero." She stood back and smiled. "Arise, Storm Rider."
I stood and smiled. "Thank you, princess."
She waved a hoof at me in dismissal. "There will be none of that, Storm Rider. You are now an Equestrian citizen, but more than that, a friend. I ask you do not use my title unless we are at a formal gathering. Simply refer to me as Celestia, please."
I nodded and smiled. "Sounds good, Celestia. So what should I do until Luna wakes up?"
She shrugged. "Well, I recommend you visit Ponyville and meet the other Elements. Rainbow Dash will be staying in Cloudsdale for the next few days with a friend, so you need not fear losing control of yourself. You have already met my protégé, Twilight Sparkle. She is the Element of Magic of the Elements of Harmony, and you should start with her. She will introduce you to the rest of her friends. Look for the large tree library near the center of town. To be sure you do not cause a panic, I will have Captain Shining Armor escort you. I am sure Twilight will be happy to see her older brother."
I nodded and followed Celestia through the doors on the other side of the room.
We arrived outside to find a white unicorn stallion with a dual-hued blue mane, waiting for us with a smile.
He stood at attention and saluted the princess before looking to me with a smirk. "Well now, how's your headache?"
I recognized the voice immediately. "Well…much better now that you're not yelling after I just woke up."
He chuckled and extended a hoof to shake. "Well, I'm Captain Shining Armor. It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, captain. I'm Koa…er, I mean Storm Rider." I said with a sheepish grin.
He chuckled and motioned to a nearby carriage with two pegasi hitched to the front. "Shall we?"
I nodded before looking back at Celestia. She smiled and nodded as well. "I will be waiting for you when you return, Storm Rider. Enjoy yourself." I shrugged and stepped onto the carriage.
First thing I have to say is that these royal carriages are fast…very fast. What would have normally taken a few hours by train was cut down to twenty minutes by flight. I mean I understand that flying is the best way to get around, but damn.
When we landed, I couldn't help but notice a large crowd of ponies gathering all around, probably wondering who was in such a noble-looking carriage.
'Okay…first impression is the most important. Make a good one.'
I opened the door and stepped out, much to the surprise of all the ponies. They looked like they were all about to run until they saw the captain come out behind me with a smile on his face.
"Ponies of Ponyville, I assure you that you are in no danger. This is a personal friend and guest of your princesses. He has come to Ponyville at Princess Celestia's suggestion, so I assure you, all is well. Go about your business." He stated simply. At this the crowd began to disperse, much to my pleasure. A familiar violet unicorn still remained however, with a huge smile on her face.
The captain noticed this and bolted over to her with a large smile as well. "Twily!"
"Shining!" the younger unicorn squealed.
The two ran up to each other and embraced tightly, and I just chuckled.
Twilight looked at me and stuck her tongue out. "What, I can't miss my BBBFF?"
"Your what now?" I said with a snort of laughter.
She glared at me. "My big-brother-best-friend-forever...now stop laughing at me."
I just snorted a laugh again. "I'll stop laughing when it stops being funny." I then composed myself and smiled. "Ah, so this is Ponyville. Nice place." No sooner had I breathed in the fresh air of Ponyville then I was tackled to the ground by a yellow blur of fluff. My head swam with a resurfacing headache, and my back was still sore from my stupidity when I first woke up, but I was able to move enough to look down at what was now sitting on my chest.
The first thing I saw was pink, and as my vision started to clear, I noticed it was actually a very soft straight mane. This mane was connected to the body of a delicate yellow pegasus, who was at the moment crying into my chest. Hoping I hadn't already fucked up my chances at friendship, I ran a clawed hand through her mane softly, and finally the pony looked up at me. The first thing I noticed was that it was, in fact, a mare...and she had the most vivid turquoise eyes I'd ever seen. Tears were streaming down her face, and while she was not openly bawling anymore, her lip was still quivering.
"T-t-thank you..." she muttered softly.
I showed a confused look to her. "For what?"
She looked like she was still about to cry, but she let a soft smile grace her gentle face. "For bringing Rainbow Dash back to us...to me."
As I stared at the pegasus, something seemed to click in my mind. I smiled when I realized who it was. "You must be Fluttershy."
The pegasus nodded and smiled again, but didn't release her grasp from me, so I just stood up, cradling her against my chest like a small child. I looked around to see Twilight Sparkle and what I assumed was a friend of hers - a bleach-white unicorn with a styled violet mane. Both of them had their jaws hanging open in shock.
"What...do I have something on my face?" I asked, feeling a little self-conscious.
Twilight Sparkle shook her head, not breaking her stare on me. "N-no. It's just..." She was silent for a few moments as she composed herself. "It's just that Fluttershy never acts like this around somepony...er, dragon new. Most ponies are lucky if they can even get her to talk."
The soft voice from my chest spoke up. "He's not a stranger, Twilight." The pegasus turned her head around to look at her friend, but didn't break her grip on me. "A stranger wouldn't have chosen to get Dashie home to us...and he wouldn't make friends with the princesses as easily as he did." She looked back at me and nuzzled under my chin cutely. "He's a friend...the best kind of friend."
'Making friends already, Koa. Good job, man...good job.'