Neocros 2: Light and Dark

by Samuel-Neocros

Prologue

~.~~..~~..~~..~.~.~~.~.~~.~

Rainbow Dash’s Cloud Mansion:

The window was open, and the door was closed, for privacy reasons. Neocros was sitting in Rainbow’s bedroom, laying on their bed. He had taken a bath a few minutes ago, so his hair was just now drying. He was reading one of Rainbow’s Daring Do novels, imagining the story as he read. He thought of what Daring Do would do in a pit of snakes while trying to reach for the Ark.

“Oh wait.. huh? Well, they really do have so much in common.” He thought. Suddenly, Rainbow opened the door to the bedroom surprising him.

“Hey Neo!”

Neocros jumped. Dash giggled, and approached him. She had decided to see her blue dragon, after finishing a few things. “So you’re reading one of my Daring Do novels?”

“Yeah.”

“What do ya think so far?”

“It’s... way better than most books.” Neo was so close to saying it was just good, but held back just so he wouldn’t hurt Rainbow’s feelings. His marefriend smiled happily at him. She came in to see what he was reading and sat on her haunches. Neocros looks at her, before handing her the book.

“What volume is it?” She asked, as Neocros gave her the book. She read the title, and her eyes lit up. “Daring Do: And the Raiders of the Lost Chest? That’s one of the best!”

Neocros nodded, and smiled a little.

“Agreed. It’s certainly twenty times better than the uh... what’s the most recent adventure? Crystal... something?”

“Daring Do, and the Kingdom of the Crystal Pony.” She corrected. The blue dragon sighed, and apologized for not knowing.

“It’s alright, Neo.” Dash assured. “that one’s not very memorable, honestly, but it’s still a good volume.”

Neocros sat up and looked into her amethyst eyes, while she stared into his sapphire ones. Rainbow Dash always found these moments enjoyable, since Neocros would usually not make direct eye contact. But whenever he does so, it’s always something special, to see the ocean in his eyes. He broke eye contact, and glanced over to the corner of the bed.

“So, how’s your day?” He asked.

“Twilight’s school of friendship is now a thing, and it’s pretty awesome! Originally I thought it was.. embarrassing, but it got better as time went on.”

“Cool.” Neocros turned to face the window. “Huh... I was wondering... do you have some free time?”

“Hm.. yeah, kinda.”

“Alright, I was wanting to nap.. wanna join me?” The azure dragon asked. Rainbow Dash grinned, and agreed. She laid down on the bed, as Neocros placed the book on the bedside table. She got under the covers, and Neocros soon followed.

“I love you...” He whispered, as he wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her forehead. His tail slithered, and wrapped around her legs. She made a soft cute sound, as she nuzzled into his neck. The azure dragon cracked a smile. Most of the time, he’d hide his smiles, but here, he let his smile be known.

“I love you too...” Dashie whispered. She kissed his neck, showing that she was thankful for him holding her. He sighed, in reply. The two of them stayed embraced, as they drifted to sleep...

~~.~.~~..~~..~~~....~~

He opened his eyes, before he paused. The dragon looked around, taking in his surroundings. The land was different shades of grey, almost no sign of life, not even the wind blowing. The area looked like a dock area for ships to come by. The docks were made of stone and were square shaped, looking like cubes that fit into the ground. There were cracks and craters all around, as if they were small signs of possible warfare that took place. The water itself was still, waves not occuring due to no wind, and the fish underneath seemed like they were…

He heard some footsteps behind him, suddenly. The dragon turned around, and saw a strange humanoid slowly walking towards him. It stopped when his eyes met the creature. The… thing, had pale skin, no visible texture was on it, but it wasn’t shiny or anything. The lighting made it’s skin look like it had a matte finish. It’s body was practically featureless, it’s face nonexistent

It stood there, still as a mannequin. The dragon turned his body fully to face the mystery… thing. It appeared to be waiting for him to respond.

“Hello?”

It remained silent, standing firmly in place. The creature seemed to get a little darker now, it’s overall aura was off putting, and felt frightening. The dragon was becoming more and more uncomfortable, being in the same place as this thing. It twitched suddenly, before it took one step forward.

“W-what do you want?”

“...Ve’i eben taichwng uyo orf a onlg meit..” It replied. It’s voice was empty, lifeless even. The man sounded like a gibbering mess. The dragon couldn’t help but sense something, something that he got an answer to in the next part.

“...I ntw’o lte uyo atke my civtroy...” There was a small hint of... malice, and hatred behind the mannequin man’s voice. Even though it was faceless, the dragon felt that it was giving him a glare. “...oyu aer drideld wtih aidesses…nad aedth... ”

He began to get scared, and slowly took some steps back. It was now slowly stepping towards him, growing more and more intimidating each step.

“W-who are you!?”

It didn’t pay his words to mind, as two giant appendages popped out of it’s back, splashing dark matter out it’s back and onto the ground. When the black substance landed, it made a sizzling sound, like it was burning the concrete underneath!

“What are you!?” The dragon was shouting now. “Go away!!”

The mannequin looked like it was melting slightly, as it’s ‘skin’ was like melted cheese — overcooked, rotten cheese.

The dragon had enough.

“Leave me alone!!”

It stopped dead in its tracks. It was now back to being still, as stiff as a tree. The dragon was shaking, he was scared. The dragon had taken a step back, only for him to almost lose his balance. He was on the edge of the docks now, it had backed him to the edge. He turned his head to face it, wondering why it...

“You already know me...my name is SOSOVOVOAOSOSOFO!!!!!” It screeched as it lunged towards Neocros!

~~.~.~~..~~..~~~....~~

Neocros jumped awake, gasping as he looked around, breathing quickly. He placed a hand on his chest, feeling a sense of cold dread over what he had just seen. But it didn’t last long though, as it caught the attention of the pegasus laying next to him.

“Huh..? What’s wrong, Neo?”

Neocros was panting, but soon caught his breath. He looks at Rainbow, and wraps his arms fully around her.

“I’m okay… had a nightmare..” He said. Rainbow was visibly concerned for him, as she could tell it was bothering him. He sighed.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Sigh.. sure."

---

Ever since the battle in Ponyville, Life has had its twists and turns, but overall, Sam and the others were around. Neocros had dated Rainbow Dash a few times, and the two became more and more attracted to one another. After winning Dash’s heart, Neocros had moved into her place, where they became closer. Sam and the others, on the other hand, seemingly would visit Equestria less and less, until the School of Friendship had opened its doors.

It had been a few days since the opening of Twilight’s school. Although Voss and his partners have been asked to work there, only a few volunteered. Slaughter and Voss picked the choice of being janitors, though Voss does most of the work, while Slaughter just sits and overall is a lazy weasel. Dark had moved in with Fluttershy, of all ponies, since he didn’t have a place to call home. Aside from those things, life was normal.

In the time between then and now, Neocros had gotten together with Rainbow Dash. It seems like the new romance feels uncertain, but the two feel that things will be just fine...

The ones who didn't volunteer with the school had gone to their own places. Silver seemed to have settled in a rather snowy area, being that of a mountain. He conducts some research there, trying to figure out how ponies have magic, and overall, trying to see if magic can be brought to Earth, without it being considered an invasive force among mother nature. It's something he found to be a chore, but he also felt like it was necessary to his own goals. His goal was to advance science, and knowledge farther than ever before.

From what he had gathered, it seemed like the Magic was originating from the core of the planet, or something of such. Silver didn’t entirely know why it was, but he did note to himself that Equestria definitely has a different Solar system than Earth’s. Especially with the sun and moon orbiting around Equestria. He also found that gravity seems to be almost exact, but he was trying to think of a reason why Pegasi could fly. With the wings on them, he’d think they would fall before they would ever be able to fly.

So Silver theorized that, perhaps, they are able to manipulate the gravity to their will. It seemed plausible, in his eyes. Though he needed to gather evidence, in order to prove such hypothesis. Even though he thought it was kind of absurd, it was worth digging up evidence.

Silver hadn’t had the desire to go explore, as he accepted that isolation was getting to him. The room was very robotic looking, with some loose wires dangling from above, some wires that were connected from the ceiling to the walls. These were providing power to the room’s machinery. There were also some nearby air ducts that allowed for his extraterrestrial instincts to play around in. You see, during the day, he’d be experimenting and building. During the night, he’d occasionally give in to his alien feelings, and crawl in the ducts, pretending to stalk his prey.

Outside of the room he was researching in, everywhere else looked as though it was somewhat run down. Then again, it was made out of the wreckage of his downed ship.

Silver was at his desk, where he was building something. The desk had some parts organized, and there was a computer screen above the table. The screen had some blueprints, as well as a model of a strange, almost belt-like device on it. Silver wanted to create something that would enhance him, to where if there was a time of combat, he’d be equipped with the tools needed for the job. The room was dimly lit, with only a window screen on the ceiling, allowing the sun to bring light to the room. There was also a lamp that was helping Silver see what he was doing. He would invest in giving the room light, but he liked the subtle dimness of the entire ship. It reminded him of his home planet.

As he was working, he heard a voice call out to him.

“Silver?” Sam called. Sam had come to visit the gray reptilian, after only occasionally seeing him a few times. He thought that it’d be a good idea to get to know the scientist, though at the moment, he was an engineer. “I didn’t know you could build stuff.”

“Yeah, I had gotten into engineering, after finding out that there’s something called the Driver System.”

“The... driver system?.” Sam protested. Silver raised an eyebrow, and turned to look at him.

“Yes. It's a device that contains magic and circuitry to allow me or anyone else to form armor over them. I'm building it as an experiment to see if I can get a form of some sorts. So far, I've been building it over the Summer.” Silver explained. Sam glanced at the computer screen above, finding to be really nice.

“Anyways...” Silver said. He turned to face the computer monitor, and grabbed the mouse, which was placed a little away from his work space. He hovered the mouse over to an app on the taskbar, opening an image that was a blueprint. “I'm trying to focus on my work right now, so I need some space, for now.”

“Uhm... okay, wish you luck.” Sam replied, before he proceeded to leave the room. Silver sighed, as he glanced over at a metal object that looked very cobbled together. The device was the driver itself, being the size of a game console, he was having a hard time figuring things out. Deciding to take a break, he got out of his chair, which made him realize his butt was asleep due to how long he’d been there. He started to head into his bedroom, to hopefully sleep off his tiredness.

---

The earth pony had left the snowy mountains, and was strolling through the fields. He took a deep breath. He hadn’t noticed how light and wonderful the air felt compared to Earth. He glanced around his surroundings, and took in the beautiful scenery. He thought about how life has been. He hasn’t visited Neocros or Rainbow Dash much, if at all.

The fields had trees nearby, and the grass had various different flowers, scattered across the ground. The flowers consisted of cyan blue, pink, yellow, and some hints of white. There were also some brighter shades of green patches of grass, which were spaced out around the place. The trees nearby the area were different kinds as well. Although Sam didn’t know what the species names were, he guessed by the colors of the tree trunks that some were oak, and some were birch. He wasn’t sure what the pink colored trees were called, but he enjoyed the sight nonetheless.

As he looked around, he continued his walk to Ponyville. He wanted to let his friends know he was back, and he was thinking of taking a rest from missions.

Although, now that he thought about it. He found himself thinking back to his home. His family must be missing him, by now. Though, as bad as it sounds, he wasn’t sure how to feel. Sam had no exact concern for his parents, but he was worried about how his siblings were doing. The more he thought about it the more he felt like he was sinking in mud. He had fled Earth, due to the warning signs of...

His thoughts were interrupted by a headache. He shuddered, as if he were cold. Sam was confused as to how he went from being in awe of the scenery, to now feeling on the verge of sadness. At least, he felt as though he was.

Sam decided to hurry his walk, and head to the School of Friendship…

---

Neocros and Rainbow Dash were still in bed. He had told her what the nightmare was, which gave Dash a mixed reaction. She could tell Neocros was somewhat distressed by it, but thankfully, it seemed he was feeling slightly better with Rainbow staring at him.

As he yawned, she couldn’t help but find it cute.

He felt Rainbow gently rubbing her cheek on his chest, giving the center soft kisses. She sighed in his arms, as she started to doze off from his body heat.

Minutes passed, and the two were enjoying each other’s company. Neocros wasn’t exactly tired, but had the desire to sleep. Rainbow Dash was asleep in his arms.

~~:Neocros Point of View:~~

I kept my eyes closed, feeling the cool air from the window caress my scales. It was truly a blessing to sleep in a nice and comfy bed, and it was better than sleeping on the streets. Living with Rainbow Dash has gifted me peace in some ways.

I open my eyes, and look over to the prismatic beauty in my arms. I watch her sleep, with her breathing on my chest. Her soft fur felt so good on my scales, and her warmth was also very pleasant.

Rainbow sighed in her sleep, moving her head up to gently nuzzle into my neck. Oh it's definitely something I love. When we were getting together, I admittedly thought the sensation was weird at first, but I quickly got used to it, and now I look forward to it.

Speaking of the past. I glanced up at the ceiling, and remembered the days when we were getting closer. Rainbow would have her secret feminine side, which I can’t help but want to see more of. Of course, Dashie was reluctant to do so, but overtime, I encouraged her to let herself be the more adorable side of her. Even she admits that despite her tomboy half, she was still a girl, pretty much.

Man, I can’t believe how long ago it was. I closed my eyes halfway, feeling her breathing on my neck. I was feeling sleepy, but I didn’t know when I was going to sleep. Soon I fell asleep, with the Element of Loyalty in my arms…

~~.~~.~...~~~..~~.~

When Neocros opened his eyes, he was standing somewhere completely different. He blinked, before glancing down. His feet were deep in shallow water, slowly and gently swaying around his ankles. He was interested, almost in an instant. Neocros looked around, and found that--aside from the water--the area was completely white, with soft blue glows around, looking like lights without a source. Soon the room faded to black, making the blues glow brightly. Neocros couldn’t help but feel a very holy aura.

He glanced around in the area, Neocros didn’t really question it, but somehow he knew that this was an open area, as opposed to a room. It’s then, he noticed a small light nearby, in front of him. He felt a strong urge to approach it, and he followed the light. When he walked up to it, he noticed it was relatively small, about the size of a small cup. He reached out, and touched it.

Suddenly, the light took shape in his hand. It became a blue and green orb. The colors mixed beautifully together, being the colors of nature after all. Neocros brought it up to him, and observed it. But before he could fully understand what it was, the room lit up again, and became white. The orb disappears in his hand a few seconds later, puzzling him.

He hears water splashing and moving to his left. He turned his head, and squinted his eyes to see whoever was coming. The figure came into his line of sight, and appeared to be… himself. There, standing just a short distance away, was a clone of himself. The Neocros stood there, unmoving. When Neo saw the clone’s eyes he was fascinated. The Neocros had pure, glowing white eyes.

The whites of his orbs contrasted with the black background, which kept changing depending on Neocros’ feelings. The clone didn’t seem amused by anything, and had the face of a war veteren.

“U-uh… uhm.. Hey.. neocros...” Neocros started. The dragon opposite of Neo’s position kept his eyes on him, he couldn’t even tell if he was looking at him or not.

Then, the dragon opened his mouth, and what came out left Neocros to wonder.

“Eventually… you will remember...”

The Neocros with bright white eyes spoke. His voice was calm, almost soothing, like the back of one’s hand gently brushing against the cheek.

“W-wha..? What do you mean? Me?” Neo asked. The white eyed clone remained silent briefly, before speaking. His eyes were half open.

“... defeating them won’t be easy...”

Them? Them who? Questions came as Neocros had no idea what this clone was saying.

Was this a trick? Was this one of his weird dreams? Neocros asked who they were.

“... you haven’t given yourself to grow...” White eyed Neocros replied, giving an almost stern look. “...because of that, you won’t grow back to phase three… ”

Now Neocros was puzzled. He was about to say something, but his words died in his mouth. Neocros then tried to approach the clone. Sadly, when he walked up to him, the clone faded away from thin air. Neocros panicked a bit.

“W-wait! Come back! Please!”

He stood there, staring at where the clone once was. Neocros wasn’t sure how to feel about what he saw. He sighed, as he lowered his head.

“...what does he mean…?”

He wasn’t sure what to think. He managed to repeat the words again and again, but failed to figure out what he was referring to. After he looked over the thoughts, he was honestly stumped. He glanced around the place he was in, wondering if his reflection will return…

Reflection…?

Neocros blinked for a moment, he wasn’t sure why he called his clone a reflection. What motivated him to do so? Questions overwhelmed him, but somehow.. With the word reflection, he wasn’t as confused as the other questions he had.

To confess, Neocros had no experience lucid dreaming. Every dream had always for the most part controlled him. He could sometimes control himself, but he felt that he was doing what he was told. But being in Equestria, especially in the presence of Luna’s magic, it has created a weird cocktail of both lucidity and no control.

But just before Neocros was feeling like he could do anything, the dream realm leaves him, and he awakens from his slumber…

~~..~~~..~~.~~.~~.~

When Neocros awoke, he felt unsure of himself. He was about to sit up, when he realized Dash was lying on top of him. He looked down to her face, and saw her smiling in her sleep. Neocros sighed, feeling a sense of peace with her.

“Never leave my side.. Rainbow Dash...” He thought to himself. He smiled a little, and gently dug his fingers into her mane. She shivered, and nuzzled deeply into his chest, before she moved up to his neck.

Peace was in the room, and Neocros was in bliss with it. There was one thing he was unsure of though, what did the copy mean by… them?

Author's Note:

Hope it works.