//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: Celestia's Proposal // Story: A Zoologist Dream // by Sonson-Sensei //------------------------------// Celestia’s Proposal “So…” Chris muttered to Keon as Luna led them, Twilight and Rarity up another set of stairs towards their destination. “Smoking and porn are the worst of it, huh? Nothing else you need to come clean about?” Keon rolled his eyes at the question. “That’s everything questionable I’ve done, at least I think, so relax. I can almost promise you that Celestia won’t order us to be hanged. Doubt they’d have the stomach for something like that anyway.” “Thanks that sounds really reassuring,” Chris said sarcastically. Keon patted Chris on the shoulder. “Anything to ease your mind buddy. So, what about you? Had any misadventures of your own since we’ve gotten to this place?” Keon asked. “Misadventures?” Chris echoed. “You know, I was almost killed by a pack of timberwolves hardly a few hours in. How’s that for a misadventure?” “Wolves?” Keon repeated. “That would have been a pretty lame way to go. All the way to a new world just to get done in by something that we’ve got in our own backyard.” “Not exactly, these things weren’t anything like the wolves from our neck of the woods,” Chris said matter-of-factly. “Get this, these things were made out of loose twigs and foliage, pieced together into the shape of a wolf.” Keon arched a brow. “Whadya know, their names left little to the imagination, pretty much like everything else here in this wonderful world of Oz. But still, moving, flesh eating twigs doesn’t make much sense, not that anything here does.” “It didn’t make much sense to me either,” Chris admitted. “What’s even weirder is that the loose foliage is controlled by a type of magically enriched cordyceps fungus that grows in the Everfree forest.” “Cordyceps fungus?” Rarity said with a look of disgust on her face. “That sounds absolutely revolting. It’s nothing contagious, I hope.” Keon scratched his head in thought. “Cordyceps fungus, huh? I thought that stuff was considered an endoparasite.” Twilight’s ears perked up in scholarly interest. “Endoparasite?” “Fungus can grow on pretty much anything and anywhere, endoparasitic fungi is the type of fungus that thrives by living inside an animal, ultimately killing it,” Chris explained. “In the case of cordyceps fungus, it infects insects and arthropods, taking over its nervous system…” “As a means to spread their spores, by dictating where the insect goes?” Twilight ventured a guess, although confident in her assumption. “I swear, that one is as sharp as a tack,” Keon said as he gave Twilight a congratulatory pat on the head, much to her annoyance. “But even if this magical version of fungus can play puppeteer to some branches and leaves, that doesn’t explain why it tried to kill you. I mean, it sounds like it has a less aggressive nature than what we know of, if it uses lifeless twigs for a host.” “I thought the same. Problem is, there’s limited information on them, since it seems that the folk around here don’t care much for the Everfree forest and what lives in it. But if I had to wager a guess, I’d assume that it has to do with the unstable magic in the Everfree that it’s grown under that makes its nature so violent,” Chris reasoned. “Geez, look at me,” Chris mused. “I’ve been here five minutes and I’m already talking about magic like I have a damn clue.” “You believe the natural magic in the Everfree forest has a malicious nature?” Twilight asked curiously. “I would not be surprised in the slightest,” Rarity commented. “That dreadful forest has always given me unbearable chills.” Chris shrugged at Twilight’s question. “All I know for certain is that I got a really unsettling feeling when I entered that forest. It felt kind of like being a lone Bear’s fan stuck in an elevator full of cheeseheads. If that’s what malicious magic feels like, then I guess, yes.” “What?” Twilight repeated, not having understood the point Chris was trying to make. “Stuck in a cramped place full of people that hate you,” Keon clarified. Meanwhile, Luna carefully listened in on the conversation and thought to herself that Chris’s assessment of the magic infecting the Everfree forest had been spot on. She was fairly certain that the nightmare that had consumed her had been a byproduct of that very forest, a culmination of malice and hatred spawned from the magic of the Everfree. That dark magic had preyed on her jealously and bitterness, ultimately giving birth to what she had become a thousand years ago. In hindsight, taking residence in Discord's former ruling roost in the Everfree was admittedly one of her and Celestia’s less than brilliant ideas. “Everfree… why does it sound like I’ve heard that name before?” Keon said while he rubbed his chin in thought. “That’s because it’s one of the seven anomalies I’ve told you about,” Twilight cut back in. “Oh yeah, and that reminds me, we might actually have a way out of this place,” Keon said to Chris. “I know, I’ve already been brought up to speed on our situation,” Chris replied. “And I’ve done a bit of digging around, and all I can say is, we’ve got our work cut out for us, in more ways than one,” he added while he gave Luna a determined stare from behind. Luna picked up on the undertone in Chris’s final words and was quickly able to guess that he had learned of Celestia’s actions. And by the feel of his eyes on her back, she knew he wasn’t happy about it. She merely sighed to herself, it hadn’t been her call after all and Celestia would have to be the one to pacify the situation. “Thank God one of us is a book worm,” Keon said as he picked at his fingernails. “So, what exactly did you find out?” “That there’s a good chance we’ll die,” Chris deadpanned. “Bummer, dying is pretty low on my list of priorities,” Keon quipped. “I know as much, I can still remember all the things you were shouting about back in that cave,” Chris said with a sly smirk. “I mean, jeez dude you’re twenty three and still haven’t…” Keon quickly clasped his hand around Chris’s mouth. “Finish that sentence in front of them and I swear I will kick your ass up and down this hallway,” he whispered into Chris’s ear, his embarrassment clear on his features. “Wow,” Twilight said, evidently surprised. “I’ve never seen Keon get flustered so quickly, he’s normally so aloof.” “Don’t let his 'too cool for school' attitude fool you; he’s actually a really sensitive guy, if you know how to push his buttons,” Chris said, as he pinched Keon on the cheek. “Isn’t that right, Mr. caring and sensitive?” Keon slapped Chris’s hand away from his face. “Yeah, I’m a real bundle of sensitivity and joy,” he stated dryly. Luna looked over her shoulder as she chuckled. “You two have a very odd chemistry, it makes me curious to how exactly you became friends.” “How we became friends isn’t the real question, how come we remain friends is, but even I don’t have an answer to that,” Keon said. Chris rolled his eyes at Keon’s jest. “My sister always said we were like two sides of the same coin, even though I think yin and yang would be a better idiom for our relationship.” “Yin and yang?” Luna repeated with a raised brow. “It’s an ideal in Chinese culture that opposite forces are interconnected and interdependent upon one another,” Chris explained. “Life and death, male and female, fire and water. As a matter of fact, you and your sister make for a pretty good example of it.” “Because we represent night and day respectively?” Luna reasoned. Chris nodded. “That about sums it up.” “So, in essence you two complete each other, like a shawl completes a sundress!” Rarity squealed in delight. Chris and Keon looked at one another, then back at Rarity. “We were thinking among the lines of something a little less homo,” Keon said. “Besides, can we get off this subject? How we became friends is a pretty dry tale to begin with.” “If it’s all the same, I’d still like to hear it,” Twilight countered. “It would benefit my research to have a more personal point of view on how humans go about forming friendships.” “I’m interested as well, but the story will have to wait,” Luna stated, as they came to a stop in front of a large set of doors with a generously sized golden sun emblem etched on them. “These are my sister’s chambers,” Luna explained. “The four elements council await for our arrival on the balcony.” “I couldn’t help but notice we walked up a lot of stairs, are these guys really that tall?” Chris asked. “In a moment you will see that for yourself,” Luna answered as she used her magic to open up the doors to Celestia’s room and stepped inside, followed by Twilight, Rarity, Chris and finally Keon. As they walked through Celestia’s room, Chris and Rarity took in the décor with interest, while Twilight and Keon showed little interest. Twilight because she had visited Celestia’s room on many occasions and Keon simply didn't care because he thought it was too similar to Luna’s to give a damn. Rarity frowned as she observed the dark purples and blues the room was mostly composed of. “Heavens, I expected Princess Celestia’s room to be a bit more… bright. These dreary colors don’t suit her majesty at all,” Rarity complained and turned her nose up in disapproval. “I’m sure if I was given the time, I could spruce up this room to meet the standards of fabulosity.” “You’re an interior designer now?” Chris joked with a small laugh. “I thought you were about dress making.” “My talent in making all things fabulous extends far beyond creating dresses,” Rarity said. “I’m sure I could make even you look dashing,” Rarity claimed, as she fluttered her eyelashes coyly. The smirk left Chris's face as it slackened and slowly grew blank. “You’re saying I don’t look good as is?” Chris's eyes drifted from Rarity's own to rest in front of her hooves as his head lowered slightly. “Strangely enough, that kind of hurts my feelings.” His voice grew quiet and his speech slowed gradually as he spoke, his shoulders slumping and his feet shuffling slightly. In the blink of an eye, Chris shot Keon a glance out of the corner of his eye and quirked the corner of his mouth for a moment before resuming the act. Keon's perpetual grin widened marginally. Rarity's mouth gaped open and closed a few times before she closed it and walked up to Chris. “Chris...” she said, before placing a hoof on his thigh, prompting him to look her in the eye. “Darling, I didn't mean to offend you,” she offered in conciliation, “I only meant to say that I could help further accent your, um... hairless look.” “Yeah, thanks, I’ll keep that in mind,” Chris replied. Keon couldn’t help but chuckle. “Don’t take it so hard, Casanova. If the furless look isn’t doing you any favors in the eyes of the locals, what the hell does that say about me?” “Good point, you were already hard on the eyes without being thought of as a shaved monkey,” Chris said as he and Keon shared a laugh, while Rarity and Twilight could only look between one another in confusion. “Even though I’ve spent time with the both of you, I still don’t understand how humans find amusement in seemingly tearing each other down,” Twilight stated. “That’s just the way friendships between guys works,” Chris said with a shrug. “It’s not like we really mean what we say, it’s just in good fun, yah know?” “No, Sweetie, we don’t,” Rarity protested. “Insulting another for amusement just sounds like bullying to me.” “I guess it might?” Keon said, as he snagged an apple from a bowl of fruit on a counter as they passed by and offered it to Gummy, who practically inhaled it. “Well I’ll be damned, he eats apples.” “Ahem,” Luna interrupted. “Perhaps we should cease the chatter,” she said, as she came to a stop in front of the balcony doors. “Let’s at least try and have you two make a good first impression.” “Anything we should directly avoid doing?” Chris asked. “Know that dragons are a very proud race, so just try and be respectful,” Luna advised, “and be warned, there’s one out there with a particularly nasty attitude. You’re better off not even speaking with that one.” Chris turned to Keon and gave him a stern stare. “You hear that? I'd rather we not get burned alive, so no bullshit from you when we get out there, alright?” “Of course, mommy-dearest, Keon will be a good boy,” Keon said in a high pitched squeal, trying his best impersonation of a five year old. “Stop acting so damn paranoid, would you? I know what I’m doing.” “Let’s hope so,” Chris responded before turning back to Luna. “We’re ready when you are.” Luna nodded as her magic shrouded the balcony doors in a blue aura and flung them open. Draco, Ultear, Pythius, and Skyla watched carefully as Luna lead the two humans to Celestia’s side, accompanied by two other ponies. “Holy shit,” Keon muttered with a whistle, as he subconsciously positioned himself closer to Celestia. “You know these guys are a lot bigger when you see them up close and a helluva lot scarier looking too.” “Didn’t you meet Twilight’s assistant Spike?” Chris whispered back. “So, what were you expecting?” “I take it you haven’t seen Spike,” Keon argued. “He’s cutesy, like something out of that Dragon Tales cartoon. These guys look like they should be guarding the gates of hell.” “Don’t worry: I assure you that all is safe,” Celestia said to the pair with a bright smile before turning her attention back to the dragons. “Our guests Mr. Keon and Mr. Chris are here, you may speak of what you wish.” Draco sniffed the air for a moment, before he craned his head down to get a better look at the humans. Keon teetered on his feet and inched closer to Celestia, while Chris held his ground. “I can smell the fear on this one,” Draco noted in the same rattling cough as he had been, his yellow eyes now trained on Keon. Keon looked down at his pants, then leaned towards Rarity. “He’s lying, I haven’t shat myself just yet,” he whispered. Rarity scrunched her nose in disgust and backed away a pace. “Please don’t speak so undignified in front of a lady, it’s so… indecorous.” After a moment of scrutinizing Keon, Draco turned his attention to Chris. Draco hummed as he scratched his chin thoughtfully. “For a creature of such small stature you stand without fear, in difference to your companion. Why is that?” Draco suddenly asked. “You’re not wild animals,” Chris answered calmly. “I know that if push came to shove you can be reasoned with. So, what exactly is there to fear from you?” “He’s a cheeky one,” Ultear remarked with a large grin. “I like that.” Meanwhile, Draco had become silent for a moment, as he regarded Chris before suddenly shoving his massive face in front of Chris and letting out a deafening roar that shook the entire balcony. Chris covered his ears, in an attempt to dilute the sound, but otherwise held firm in his position. “Get away from that brute, Chris!” Rarity shouted in a panic, “He’s going to eat you alive!” “Why’d you have to go and piss him off like that!?” Keon yelled along with Rarity, who was cowering behind Celestia’s hind leg with him. “What is the meaning of this!?” Luna shouted in her Canterlot voice with enough volume to pierce through Draco’s own impressive output. “It’s alright, Luna,” Celestia assured her just as Draco ceased his roaring and slowly backed off. Luna grit her teeth but opted to not press the issue. Instead she decided to wait and see how things would unfold. “I’m impressed,” Ultear remarked. “That roar should have sent him running for Celestia’s legs, like that one over there,” he said, as he jabbed a clawed finger towards Keon, who promptly flipped him off, not that the dragon understood the gesture. “Just a test of your mettle,” Draco said with a look of approval, covering his mouth as he coughed. “You humans have more spine than I would have thought. Why such confidence? Had I been serious, do you believe you could have bested me?” “Could I have bested you? Not a chance in hell,” Chris acknowledged. “So, if you’re asking me why I didn’t run, I’ll tell you my decision wasn’t based on bravery or confidence,” Chris explained. “When faced with a predator that’s stronger and faster than yourself, standing your ground is always the best option. Predators chase and prey runs. If you don’t want to be prey, then there’s really only one option.” ‘Even though that’s easier said than done, I bolted the moment I could when some timberwolves thought they’d have their way with me, but he doesn’t need to know that,’ Chris mused. Draco was quiet as he processed what Chris had said.”You know, hatchling, I’m starting to like your kind already,” he concluded as he turned towards Skyla and nodded. Skyla stepped forward and craned her long neck down towards Chris. “What I ask of you is simple: I’d like to know a bit more about you humans,” she started. “That’s fine, what do you want to know?” Chris returned, as he rubbed his still ringing ears. Skyla shook her head. “Words are not necessary, just step forward child. I will see what needs to be seen with my own eyes.” “No,” Chris said bluntly. “I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but if you want my cooperation, you’ll need to be a little less cryptic about your intentions.” “Brave, yet cautious,” Skyla said with what she assumed was a disarming smile; however, the lineup of sharp teeth lessened the effect. “Allow me to explain. You see, I wish to read your spirit and see what’s truly hidden in you as a species.” “Read my spirit?” Chris repeated. “Why do you need to go through such lengths, when I’m willing to tell you whatever it is you need to know?” “The word of one or even two of you humans wouldn’t give a fair opinion of what we wish to know,” Pythius explained. “One’s spirit is connected to all of the ancestors that have come before them. As such, generations worth of unbiased knowledge of your kind’s nature is buried within your spirit.” Chris looked between Celestia and Luna, who both wore stoic expressions. Clearly they were leaving the decision in his hands and wouldn’t intervene. Twilight on the other hand had an opinion to voice. “I’m afraid that even if they agree to this, there’s a good chance that your methods won’t work.” “And why’s that?” Skyla asked, fixing her large purple eyes on Twilight. Twilight cleared her throat. “Well, I’m assuming that you intend to use some form of magic to read Chris’s spirit, correct?” Skyla merely nodded, so Twilight continued. “For some reason these two have bodies that actively reject magic,” Twilight explained. “It’s not absolute resistance, and I’m still not sure how it affects non pony magic.” “If it’s resistance, then it simply needs overpowering,” Skyla said dismissively before turning her attention back to Chris. “What will it be child?” Chris regarded Skyla for a moment and looked for any sign of deceit before he finally relented. “Fine, just so long as you’re not probing my mind, then I’m okay with it,” he said, as he walked to the edge of the balcony. “What do you need me to do?” “Just try and relax,” Skyla said, as she slowly moved her large claw towards Chris and placed one long finger on his chest. A short distance away Keon watched with bated breath as he finally found the courage to remove himself from Celestia’s leg. “Is this really alright?” Keon asked Celestia quietly. “She isn’t going to try and mind rape him is she? I don’t want to have to break my foot off in some dragon’s ass.” “You needn’t worry,” Celestia answered, as they watched Chris fall into a trance like state. “Skyla is quite proficient in reading one’s spirit; in fact, she is one of only several beings I know that is capable of such a feat.” Meanwhile, Chris felt himself losing touch with the world around him. Heavy was the only word he could use to describe the way he felt, as though he was trudging through a pool of molasses. “I see, so this is what the little purple pony mare had been speaking of,” Skyla muttered, as her magic was easily able to overwhelm what little resistance Chris’s body was able to muster against it. “A useful little parlor trick against lesser magic. Futile against my own, however,” Skyla concluded just as she finally found what she had been searching for and her eyes widened in shock. “What’s wrong?” Pythius asked after having noticed that Skyla had reeled back slightly and a slight sweat had accumulated above her brow. Skyla continued to stare down at Chris as she slowly answered. “These creatures, no, these humans are like nothing I’ve ever encountered. As a species they are completely shrouded in gray. They hold a spirit that fiercely strives for more and can never truly be satiated. The result being that their potential to grow, create or destroy has no limits. Both a blessing and a curse, for no matter how much they achieve, they will never reach equilibrium, for their fight for something greater is never ending. In essence they are like the wolf that cries for the moon. It is a sad destiny that they have been burdened with.” “Unlike the wolf, we’ve reached the moon,” Keon managed to squeak out. Skyla’s eyes darted to Keon, and he pulled back nervously. “You’ve proven my point child. The moon is always in sight, but never within the wolf’s reach, but you humans ignored that facet of life. Grasping something unattainable was merely a milestone to your kind, now you aim for the stars themselves.” “A foolish ambition,” Ultear commented. “Perhaps so,” Skyla said, as she removed her claw from Chris’s chest, and he slowly started to come to. “Although a young species, they deserve our utmost respect for their tenacity alone. These humans have been molded by hardship from the likes of which this world would be hard pressed to comprehend.” Just as she finished, Chris collapsed to one knee but Keon was there to catch him. “How you feeling, buddy?” Keon asked while throwing Chris’s arm over his shoulder to support him. Twilight and Rarity quickly galloped over to join them at their side. Chris rubbed his temples and waited for his vision to come into focus. “Just a little dizzy, what even happened?” “You don’t remember any of that?” Twilight asked. “When she touched me with her claw, everything just sorta went hazy on me,” Chris said, as Keon helped him to a standing position. “Oh yeah, it’s nice to see you finally grew a pair: You’re not hiding behind Celestia anymore,” he added with a light elbow to Keon’s gut. Keon raised his brow. “Hey, fuck you man. It’s your fault we’re even here, so if one of us was going to be a martyr it’s your ass, comprende?” he finished, before having noticed the dragons had moved a few paces back and were silently conversing with one another. “What do you suppose that lot is so secretly discoursing about?” Rarity inquired, with a look of unease on her face. “Have they even considered that such behavior is downright rude?” “Why do I get the feeling you’re not too fond of dragons?” Chris asked. “I will make no efforts to hide my distaste for a group of ruffians,” Rarity said, letting her opinion be known. “Now if they were more like my Spikey-wikey…” “Spikey-wikey?” Keon interrupted. “Hang on, white coat, pretty mane, blue eyes. So, you’re little miss perfect pony the little dude was going on about.” Rarity’s eyes lit up. “That’s right, you’ve had the chance to meet Spike, isn’t he just adorable?” “Adorable, only when he’s not piss-drunk,” Keon deadpanned “Drunk?” Rarity echoed. “Surely you’re not suggesting my little Spikey-wikey had been drinking?” “It’s a long story,” Luna interrupted. “One we do not have the luxury of reciting just yet,” she concluded, as Draco stepped forward to address them once more. “Celestia,” he started his tone a great deal more serious than it had been, “I wish for you to know we haven't come to this decision easily.” Neither Celestia nor Luna liked Draco’s demeanor, and their toned muscles were already twitching under their coats in anticipation, both of them ready to spring into action if the situation warranted such. “Look, I know it was cool and all how you didn’t run earlier but if this guy makes a move, best believe I’m taking off,” Keon whispered to Chris. “You see that dragons face? He means business, he’s not even coughing anymore.” Chris didn't acknowledge what Keon had said, but he continued to watch in apprehension. “With a heavy heart I say that each breath these humans draw brings this world closer to its destruction and decisive action must be taken!” he bellowed, as he drew back his arm in preparation to strike them down, but was quickly stuck by two blinding flashes of focused magic, courtesy of Celestia and Luna. Pythius swiftly moved out of the way as Draco’s massive frame was sent tumbling past him and across the court yard, tearing the ground violently in his wake. “Twilight!” Celestia shouted. “Get them to safety at once!” “I’m on it!” Twilight called back, as she prepared to try and teleport Chris, Keon, Rarity, Gummy and herself but stopped at the sudden sound of laughter. Laughter, not just any laughter, but completely unbridled, gut busting laughter filled the area. Draco was literally pounding the ground as he laughed, each consecutive bang shaking the castle grounds. “Do you find this situation amusing!?” Luna shouted in her amplified voice. Turning her attention to the remaining three dragons, she noticed that they were laughing as well. “Have we missed a joke!?” “Of course it was a joke! Oh, the looks on your faces was just too much!” Draco chortled, nearly out of breath. Celestia narrowed her brow, clearly not amused, as Draco removed himself from the ground and made his way back towards the balcony. “This isn’t my idea of a joke,” Celestia said coldly, as Draco caught his breath. “We could have seriously hurt you, what were you thinking?” Draco looked down at the two still smoking singe marks on his chest. “I’m more than impressed that you managed to damage even my scales, not an easy task. Then again, you two are much stronger when fighting together. Even so, you’d be hard pressed to seriously hurt me without attacking with the intent to kill.” “As pertains to the humans,” Pythius cut in, “we’ve come to the decision to remain out of your affairs. Skyla holds their species in high regard and is adamant that dragons shall show them the proper respect as a formidable force, and so it shall be written.” “Even though by simply looking at them, I find it hard to believe, but I have faith in Skyla’s word,” Ultear added, although his tone begged to differ. ‘Just what is going on?’ Rarity thought to herself. ‘Dragons have little respect for any creature that isn’t one of their kind, what could she have uncovered from Chris to believe that humans are a formidable force?’ she wondered, as she stared at both Chris and Keon skeptically. “Wait, so they aren’t going to kill us?” Keon asked releasing a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “I guess they were only having some fun,” Chris reasoned, as he placed his hand on his chest to gauge his heartbeat. “It wasn’t funny, but they sure know how to get the ole ticker pumping... and holy shit, that alligator is biting you on the head!” “Yeah, he likes to do that, or maybe the dragons spooked him too,” Keon said in a casual tone before he got to work on prying the gnawing gator off of his head. “He’s toothless though, and has some pretty weak jaw pressure to boot, so don’t worry about it.” Chris just looked confused, as he watched Keon wrestle Gummy free of his head. “So, what’s next?” Keon asked no one in particular after finally wrenching Gummy off. “Is this the part we hold hands and sing kumbaya in light of coming to an understanding?” “Our business here is completed,” Pythius said, having answered Keon’s smart aleck remark. “We trust in your judgment, Celestia, don’t let us regret our actions,” he finished, as he stretched out his massive wings and, with a few mighty flaps, pushed himself off the ground and rose into the air. Chris, Keon, Twilight and Rarity were unceremoniously knocked to their rears by the force of wind Pythius wings created, as he ascended higher into the air. Ultear wore a smug grin, as he followed after Pythius, clearly amused by how easily the humans had been knocked from their feet. “Undoubtedly, you’re a formidable force,” he muttered sarcastically. Before Skyla made to follow after Pythius and Ultear, she turned her attention to Celestia and Luna. “I know what it is you intend to do,” Skyla stated as she prepared to take off herself. “I’d be lying to say I’m not surprised that you would willingly disrupt what you’ve built for your subjects. Just take heed in your decisions, and remember that the human species aren’t to be trifled with,” she concluded, as she pushed off the ground with her rear legs, springing high into the air before stretching her wings and taking flight. “I guess this is farewell then,” Draco started. “It’s a pity we only get to see each other on such rare occasions.” “Then don’t be a stranger and visit when you get the urge,” Celestia offered. “You’re a dear friend Draco, and you’re always welcome in our kingdom, just so long as you don’t play any more tricks on us. At least none that may see you hurt.” “I make no such promise, little Tia,” Draco said before flaring his wings and preparing to take flight. “Wait, before you go,” Chris interrupted, as he got to his feet and rushed over to the balcony. “There’s a favor I’d like to ask of you.” The dragon looked down over his snout at Chris, curious about the human’s request. “What is it, young one?” Chris rubbed the back of his head bashfully. “If you don’t mind, could we maybe, yah know, take some pictures with you?” Draco looked taken aback by the question and simply stared at Chris in silence for a brief moment, then at Keon who wore an anxious yet willing expression before finally bursting into laughter. “A picture he says? No creature wants anything to do with dragons, let alone take pictures with us. You humans are very odd indeed!” “Dragons are mythical creatures in their world, legends even,” Luna explained. “You can understand why they would wish to preserve the memory.” Draco scratched his scaly chin thoughtfully. “That’s strange, I can’t say we have anything about you in our legends; however, I was never well read in dragon lore. I’d have to search the archives in the library in the ancient dragon’s keep to be certain. Although, such a thing makes me curious as to why we are only myth in your native world. What do your legends say happened to the dragons of your land?” “Supposedly we hunted them to extinction,” Keon answered bluntly, eliciting a joint gasp from Twilight and Rarity, while Draco, Celestia, and Luna’s face’s remained neutral on the matter. “So, dragons and humans were at odds with one another?” Draco asked curiously. “Well, there are numerous legends surrounding them,” Chris said. “Admittedly, in most lore dragons are usually depicted as malevolent and fierce enemies of man, especially in European folklore. Even so, there are cultures that viewed them as deities and worshiped them for their power and majesty. But like Luna said,” Chris continued, “you guys are just legends, and there’s no documented evidence or fossils to prove that dragons ever existed. It’s highly unlikely we humans were ever actually dragon slayers, like they say in the old folktales.” “Unlikely? It’s not even a possibility that a person could have taken down something like him with a claymore and shield combo,” Keon added. “I wouldn’t come knocking at his cave with anything less than a convoy of tanks.” “Interesting, I’ll see to it myself that this information is filed away into our archives,” Draco said, as he lowered his face down to the balcony. “Now as for those photos…” Chris beamed. “Keon, where’s your camera?” “It’s a no go bro, I left it back in my room,” Keon said, with an innocent shrug. “It’s not like I thought I’d need it just walking around the castle.” “If you can wait a moment, I can have your camera here in a jiffy,” Twilight offered, looking at Draco as if asking for his consent. “I’m not so testy that I can’t spare a minute,” Draco said with a wave of his claw. Twilight nodded, as her horn became shrouded in a field of purple magic before she disappeared with a bright flash of purple light. A brief moment later Twilight returned in the same manner as she had left in, only now Keon’s camera hung from its strap around her neck. “I’ve got it,” She said, as she cantered up to Keon who nodded as he took the camera from her. “So, this is what the young one’s are playing with these days. Whatever happened to a stone plate and chisel? ” Draco commented, as he watched Keon fiddle with the black contraption in his hands. “Stone plate and chisel, we ain’t the Flintstones, old timer,” Keon said, as he finished adjusting his camera to the proper settings and handing the camera off to Rarity. “Here, sweetheart, point the camera and press this button.” Rarity clumsily gripped the camera she found being shoved into her hooves. “You want me to take the photos?” “Well, I’m not missing this,” Keon said as he ran up next to Chris who was standing in front of Draco. Rarity frowned at Keon as she held the camera up to her eyes, before taking notice of the LCD for the first time. “My word, what a beautiful device,” she chimed, quickly becoming enamored with the camera. “Oh my,” she said, as the camera brought Chris, Keon and Draco into focus without her having to do anything. “If you’d rather not, I could do it you know?” Twilight offered. “No, no, darling, I’m more than capable,” Rarity said, as she began to take photo after photo, apparently finding the photo shot immensely enjoyable with the high grade camera. All the while, Chris and Keon grinned like proper idiots while striking different poses as Rarity took the pictures. Draco soon found himself chuckling and joining in on the fun by striking his own poses to mimic the humans. “You know no one is going to believe this is real, right?” Keon said once they had taken their fill of pictures with Draco. “Even with pictures,” he added. Chris shrugged in indifference. “So long as we know it’s real, that’s all that matters, right?” “I bet those people that live where straitjackets are dress code said the same thing,” Keon said as he placed his camera strap around his neck. “Good point,” Chris said, as he turned around to face Draco. “Thanks for humoring our silly request. I know it might have been a bit embarrassing for you.” “Embarrassing?” Draco chuckled. “Admittedly, dragons are a proud race, but we aren’t above having a little fun, even an old curmudgeon like myself. But don’t go spreading that around, we have an image to uphold after all.” “Will do,” Chris said with a simple nod. “Meeting you two has been a pleasant surprise,” Draco said, as he looked towards the sky and stretched out his wings and, giving them a few great flaps, lifted himself off the ground. “I wish for you a safe journey,” he finished, as he ascended higher into the air and took off in the direction the other dragons had gone. Chris and Keon watched in silence as Draco slowly disappeared from view. Celestia chose that moment to speak. “I suppose that went as well as I could have hoped for.” Chris slowly turned to face Celestia and simply stared at her for a moment before asking. “Do you mind if we have a word?” “A word?” Celestia repeated. “But of course, you can always speak freely with us…” Chris cut her off. “No, just you and the two humans. This matter is rather private.” Celestia looked towards Luna, who merely nodded. “I see,” Celestia responded, as she turned her attention to Twilight and Rarity. “We were scheduled to have lunch with the ambassadors shortly, why don’t you girls gather your friends and head down to the banquet hall to wait for us?” Keon quirked his brow. “What’s with the serious mood change all of a sudden?” he asked Chris in a hushed tone. “We just have a little business to take care of, that’s all,” Chris answered. Twilight looked between Chris and Celestia, knowing full well what Chris wished to discuss. Letting lose a small sigh, she turned on her hooves. “As you wish, Princess,” she said, as she made to follow Luna, who had already begun walking away without a word. “What’s this all about?” Rarity whispered, as she fell in stride with Twilight. “I’m pretty sure Chris intends to ask Princess Celestia to grant them permission to enter the Valley of the Changing Seasons.” Rarity gasped. “Why in Equestria would they wish to go there of all places, when we have much finer and… hospitable travel destinations?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I’ll explain when we gather the girls; I don’t want to do it more than once.” After Twilight, Rarity and Luna had disappeared from the balcony, Celestia turned to face Chris and Keon with a much more business like expression on her face. “First of all, I feel we have to thank you, for what you just did,” Chris started out. “Had those dragons been serious in their threat, it’s nice to know you had our backs, I’d thank your sister too, but we kind of just asked her to leave.” “Thanks aren’t necessary: It is our obligation as your host to see to it that no harm befalls you,” Celestia stated. “But thanking me isn’t what this is about, so am I to assume this is a matter pertaining to the Valley of the Changing Seasons?” Celestia asked, having figured as much. Chris nodded. “Twilight seemed to be under the impression that you wouldn’t let us go there easily. Why would she think that?” “My student knows me well,” Celestia said with a proud smile. “Before I explain, I will say this, you are not prisoners here, you are my honored guest,” Celestia said. “Although, in light of preventing a political debacle, I wish to keep a watchful eye over the pair of you. Even so, I’m a lenient mare and if you ever decide you wish to leave my kingdom, I will not stand in your way. However, as long as you are within my kingdom, I will not permit you to behave in a self-destructive manner. It is my duty to protect my subjects from harm, even if that harm is from themselves.” “With all due respect, we aren’t exactly your subjects, are we?” Chris countered. “That may be true. Even so, you two are a special case, for you have been issued visa’s that grant you the full rights and privileges of Equestrian citizens,” Celestia explained. “Essentially, you are now my honorary subjects.” “If we have full rights and privileges as you say, why would you stop us from going where you know we have to and take away our only shot of getting home?” Chris continued, while Keon simply watched the proceedings in silence. “This goes back to self-destructive behavior,” Celestia reasoned. “Neither of you realize just how unforgiving our world can be. The Valley of the Changing Seasons is the birth place of Discord himself. It is by no means a place that should be unwisely ventured,” Celestia stated. “Besides, rights and privileges always come with a price and that is rules that have to be followed in order to receive those rights. Of the seven anomalies, three of them are restricted areas and can only be entered legally on two conditions.” Keon rolled his eyes as he said, “Let me guess, the Valley of the Changing Seasons just so happened to land in one of those restricted slots?” “What are the conditions?” Chris asked bluntly. Celestia looked between Chris and Keon, as she explained. “You must first be granted permission to enter said area by your native country's overseeing governing body. In your case, that would be me and my sister, for your visas were made specifically for Equestria. Secondly, you must be given a permit from the leader or leaders of which ever country that restricted area is located in. That means General Emerald Talon of the griffon republic would have to give you his consent.” Chris and Keon looked between one another before Keon spoke. “Hypothetically speaking, let’s say you and Luna grant us permission to go, what are the odds of this tight-ass general letting us dally around in his backyard?” Celestia took a moment to think on the matter before speaking. “As I’ve said, I am lenient, perhaps to a fault. However, General Emerald Talon will not allow such valuable sources of knowledge such as yourselves to potentially forfeit your lives. Assuming my sister and I grant you such permission to begin with,” Celestia added. “It doesn’t seem like he has much interest in little old us,” Keon reasoned. “I mean, he couldn’t even be bothered to show up here himself.” “It is not safe to assume, my little human,” Celestia said with a smile. “General Emerald Talon had been away on a political undertaking of his own before I called this emergency summit. Even so, he made sure to send his sister, Captain Starly, in his stead. Furthermore, the news of you two has reached his ears, and he’s already extended an invitation for you to meet with him in the Griffin Republic's capital city, Volare.” “That’s convenient. What are the odds that the guy we need to see sent us a personal invitation to meet him?” Chris pondered aloud. “The odds are in fact quite good,” Celestia answered. “General Emerald Talon was only one of many to send invitations to you this morning. Soon gifts will follow and anything that could potentially win them your favor.” “Win our favor? Why? Aliens or not, we’re just two random dudes,” Keon asked, keeping the happy thoughts of receiving gifts to himself. “We don’t have anything of value.” “Nothing of value?” Chris echoed. “Dude, your netbook alone may as well be a goldmine here.” Celestia nodded her agreement. “It is not just what potential advancements in technology you bring, but you have many ideas from your world that can be shared and learned from as well. Many will seek your favor in order to grasp that wealth for themselves. I’m sure that you now have a better understanding of why General Emerald Talon will more than likely deny your request.” “And there’s nothing you can do?” Keon questioned. “You raise the sun, aren’t you like a goddess or something?” Celestia giggled slightly. “I’m no goddess, thank the heavens. Raising the sun and moon had been done for centuries by unicorns before either I or my sister came to be and discovered our respective talents in doing so,” she explained. “Trust me, I have enough to oversee just being a princess, the title of goddess is something I’m rather happy to live without.” Chris was silent, as he processed this new wave of information, before looking up at Celestia with understanding in his eyes. “…Celestia I’m… sorry,” he muttered. “This must all be a political nightmare for you. The entire world is looking at you, judging whatever decision you make in regards to us. I can’t even fathom the weight of it.” “You needn’t be sorry,” Celestia assured Chris. “One does not live as long as I have without having learned to bear the pressure of being scrutinized by others. At least you understand the position I’m in and what I have to consider before each and every decision I make.” “We understand,” Chris said, as he held his head low. “We won’t hold it against you if you don’t let us go.” “We won’t?” Keon asked while looking at Chris in confusion. “Yeah, we won’t,” Chris replied tightly. “Celestia and Luna put their necks out there for us earlier with those dragons. So much could have gone wrong in that scenario, and all just to keep you and me safe. We can at least heed whatever decisions they make and follow their rules, right?” “I would think twice before you to try to play me for a fool,” Celestia warned, as she used her hoof to lift Chris’s chin towards her face to look him in the eye. “If you’re going to lie to me, I’d prefer you look me in the eye when doing so.” Chris face faltered for a brief second, but enough for Celestia to notice it. “What do you mean lie to you?” he asked calmly. “I do accept that your gratitude is genuine, but if your request is denied, will you truly abide to the decision?” Celestia asked. “I don’t believe Skyla would have praised humans for their tenacity if you were willing to give up so easily. I’m certain you’ll try to enter the Valley of the Changing Season with or without authorization, am I wrong?” Chris sighed. “No, you’re not wrong,” he acknowledged. “Now that you caught me red handed, what will you do?” “I’ll ask you this, how would you accomplish such a goal without the resources, finances and knowledge? I’m sure you thought all of this through, did you not?” Celestia asked, looking somewhat amused. Although Celestia’s tone hadn’t been condescending, Chris couldn’t help but feel like he was being patronized. However, Celestia was right. He pondered. What did he really have to work with? He quickly realized that they had nothing. Keon shrugged, as he said, “Face it, my man, we ain’t got jack-shit.” Much to Chris’s chagrin. “I wouldn’t say you’re without anything,” Celestia reasoned. “You have me and my sister after all.” “What do you mean?” Chris asked a bit skeptically. Celestia regarded Chris and Keon for a moment nodding her head in thought. “If you would take this venture without receiving our consent, then it would be more advantageous to help you succeed in your endeavor rather than not,” Celestia explained. “In helping you achieve your goal, I believe both our parties have much to benefit.” “We’re listening,” was all Chris said. “Simply put, we wish to establish open relations with your world,” Celestia said. Both Chris's and Keon’s eyes widened at her words. “Obviously, this cannot be done without procuring an EON beforehoof, which is where our goals coincide. It’s all in theory, but Luna believes by your description that EONs open a gateway that could potentially be sustained after opening.” “Well, I wasn’t expecting that,” Keon said, being the first to recover from Celestia’s revelation. “Luna I can understand, but no offense Princess, you seem way too old school to welcome something like this.” Celestia quirked her brow. “A wise pony once said, progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. My little ponies have become complacent in their stagnation, for I have not the courage to usher in change. But now that my sister has returned, I’m ready to make that step with her by my side.” “This is one helluva way to start, don’t you think?” Chris finally spoke, looking at Celestia with an unreadable expression. “You should know before making this choice that our world isn’t a warm glass of milk and cookies, and if you’re not willing to accept the good with the bad, then you may as well forget this idea here and now.” “So, you are against the meeting of our worlds?” Celestia asked curiously. “No, not at all. I just think that you’re making an uninformed decision,” Chris responded. “There’s just so much you have to consider, especially when your way of ruling has been a monarchy for over a thousand years. Have any of your subjects ever questioned your rule? That could change, when they realize there are a multitude of ways things can be done. After a few decades this world could look like something you’ve never imagined it could, be it good or bad. But then again, I’m just projecting human traits onto ponies because how similar we are.” “Are you afraid that our world will lose its identity from human influence?” “Who knows, but I do hear that more than a few ponies have taking a liking to grinding,” was Chris’s answer. “I’m aware of the potential implications,” Celestia assured Chris. “I don’t intend to simply open the flood gates, as it were. All will be a slow trickle that will be heavily monitored. Don’t forget, a gate that can be opened can also be closed. Even so, I’d feel more confident in doing so if I know I have your support.” “I don’t think I’m in a position to make a call this paramount, your Highness,” Chris answered. “If not you, then who? I haven’t many humans to consult on the matter,” Celestia reasoned, as she turned to Keon. “What say you, Mr. Keon?” “Well, I’m game, magic, dragons, and public nudity,” Keon answered without pause. “There’s just too much ridiculous shit here to say no.” “Keon, we’re only ambassadors through circumstance, we don’t know what the hell we’re doing. Can you so readily make a choice for billions of people like this?” Chris asked with a stern expression. “Haven’t you ever heard of seizing the moment?” Keon countered, with a huge grin. “Look, I’m not even going to pretend I know what’s best for people, because I don’t. All I know is we’ve got a chance to cement ourselves in history. Helping bridge two worlds, we’ll be more famous than Santa Claus and the Easter bunny combined. How can you say no to that? Besides, you want to get home, don’t you? We need their help, and you know it.” Chris was quiet, as he mulled over what Keon had said. Admittedly, he knew he wasn’t as selfless as he was acting. And the thought of being named along with the greatest in history sounded more than enticing. Chris sighed, as he finally relented his stand on the matter. “If this is what you want for your world, then it’s your call,” he said to Celestia. “As for support, let’s just say you scratch our back and we’ll scratch yours and leave it at that.” Celestia nodded her approval. “As a part of our arrangement, all funding you need will be provided. Furthermore, if Emerald Talon declines your request, I will see to it that you are provided a way into the Valley of the Changing Seasons,” Celestia then stuck out her right forehoof. “This is how humans seal a deal, is it not?” Chris nodded, as he grabbed Celestia’s hoof with his hand and shook it firmly. “Whatever happened to rules?” “Some rules were meant to be broken,” Celestia said with a coy smirk. “Now, in regards to your team.” “Team?” Chris repeated. Celestia smiled. “You didn’t believe I would allow you two to go alone, did you?”