Dako is a visitor to the land of Equestria. After managing to start a new life, his paradise and friends are threatened by an evil only he can stop. With an entire world's fate in the balance, Dako has no choice but to fight to protect what he loves.
On summer break, 17 year old Dako, a saiyan raised on Earth, is grabbed by a tornado in a freak storm. Upon waking he finds himself in the land of Equestria. Dako now leads a new free life with Fluttershy. Until one day a powerful enemy threatens his home, and Dako must prove himself by saving the day. But can he, despite never fully using his powers? It's up to him and his new friends to prove he has what it takes to earn the title, "Hero".
My name is Dako, and my story begins June 23, 2012, a Saturday. It's summer break and I'm enjoying myself as I hang out with a couple of friends of mine. To be honest, it's pretty boring during the summer. Sure I have no school, but that's where I go for 8 hours a day to hang out with my friends. Actually doing your school work is optional. So during summer break I only see friends occasionally, and sometimes at inopportune times. However, today was perfect. It was warm and sunny, actually not too hot with a nice breeze, and I was out and about with my two pals as we explored the suburb where they lived.
I feel now is a great time to share with you something important. Well, two important somethings. You see, I am not what most would call “human”. At least, I don't think so. When I was a kid I typically watched a lot of Dragon Ball Z as was popular with lots of kids. Nowadays people are so worried about kids imitating what they see on TV, but when it comes to me most of those fears are justified. You see, at some point a kid has tried to do the Kamehame-ha at some time or another. Whether they expected it to actually work or not is a different story. So what does this have to do with anything at all? Well, I wasn't a normal kid. I'm not saying I was smart, or developed slower or faster than other kids. What I'm trying to say is that I always knew I was different and possessed special abilities. I was always way stronger and faster than other kids (and some adults too), I didn't get hurt as easily; and when I did I healed much quicker than the norm.
To get to the point of things, when I tried to do a Kamehame-ha, it worked, like, for real. Lucky for me I was in a densely wooded area with almost no people when I tried it out. But I'll never forget that day. Now, whether that means I'm superhuman or one of those “saiyan” guys or something, I don't know for sure. For one, I don't remember if I ever had a tail like them or not. I do know that ever since then I tried doing more, whatever more meant at the time. I tried jumping higher, running farther and faster, and eventually flying. I kept my abilities a secret for as long as possible until one day I was left without a choice but to expose myself.
One of my pals I'm hanging out with today, Charles, has known about my abilities longer than the other, Mike, who is honestly still trying to adjust after we told him. Almost ten years ago when I was only 7, I just met Charles at school the first day of second grade. We met on the playground, he was sitting alone playing with some of his toy cars when I went to join him. We played and talked for a while when a couple of other kids showed up and took his toys. We chased after them as they took off. They took a shortcut under a scaffold near one of the school buildings that was being renovated that year. As they ran past, one kid made a sharp turn around the corner and knocked one of the legs loose causing the scaffold to fall over. At that point Charles was under its shadow and in its path. I leaped under the scaffold and caught it over my head, saving Charles. That was how he found out, and we've been best friends ever since.
Fast forward to today and now me and Charles tease poor Mike's uneasiness about my powers. Most of the time it involved me flying around just over his head as we walked around. I'd wave my arms in his face while making the sound of buzzing flies while Charles laughed at Mike's attempts to swat me away. Me and Mike were good friends, he honestly just wasn't as used to me as Charles was. But today was different, as neither of us had a class with each other the previous year in school today was the start of our catch up together, so we casually hung out. No superpowers.
But to be honest, sometimes I just don't feel like I fit in. I have these powers that no one else does, and I can't use them. I just want to fly sometimes and be free, but I'm afraid someone would see me. And if anyone else ever found out, I might be taken to some military laboratory and be studied and experimented on for the rest of my life, or just killed if they see me as a threat. But for now, I'm just glad I got my friends for the summer. Even if it would technically be my last summer before I graduate and head to college.
Although sometimes, sometimes I feel so isolated. Isolated and useless. I just wish that, perhaps one day, I could do something good with my powers. That one day, I wouldn't have to worry about being feared, or persecuted for having these abilities. I wish I could live in a world where I could help others, and possibly even be considered a hero.
But today, I wouldn't be a hero. Today, I was plain old Dako, just a high school kid hanging with his friends, seemingly up to no good.
“So Mike, whatcha plannin' to do after high school?” Charles asked as we walked side by side.
“Ah, nothing much. I figured I'd join the Air Force,” Mike said, looking at the sky.
“Now why go and do that?” I asked. “You wanna run to the military and just leave us behind?”
“Not at all, and it's not the military,” Mike replies.
“Dude, it's still the armed forces or something like that,” Charles said.
“Well, what about you?” Mike asked Charles.
“Me? I'm gonna start a superhero force with Dako, I'ma be his sidekick,” Charles says, smiling.
“No no, I work alone kid,” I said joking, the others laughing.
We had managed to walk all through the entire subdivision and come the end, one final cul-de-sac with an open field beyond it, waiting to be developed to expand the sprawling suburb one day. The sun was beginning to set now, so we turned back with the breeze now picking up. As we turned around we saw a great wall of black, large thundering clouds rolling in over the suburb. Thunder rumbled deeply as lightning flashed within the clouds.
“Whoa, didn't see that coming,” Mike spoke up over the rising wind.
“Summer rains, you can never predict them,” I said, causing Charles to laugh.
“Apparently you can, only if you check on it,” Mike said, looking up the weather on his phone.
We started heading back quickly now as every now and then we'd be pelted by a big fat Texas-sized raindrop the size of a grape. The thunder rumbled and trees rustled loudly as the wind remained steady now. We could feel the temperature and air pressure drop as the skies grew darker and the setting sun was now hidden by a distant curtain of rain. Lightning flashed above us, brightly lighting the suburbs.
“Guys, this thing says we have a chance of golf ball-sized hail! And there is a tornado watch in effect!” Mike yelled over the wind and trees, still looking on his phone.
Streetlights were now turning on along the sidewalks as the sky grew even darker. The rain began to come down now, big fat rain drops, pelting us in the high wind. We were leaning into the gusts now, trying to make it home before we were drenched.
“We can make it damn it! We're gonna live!” Charles yelled jokingly.
“Don't worry, it's just another two blocks this way!” Mike yelled. “I can see my street!”
“Where the fuck did this thing come from!?” I yelled out.
In seconds we were caught in a torrential downpour, rain now coming down in thick sheets as we were blasted by high winds. We were sprinting now, trying to get home before the weather got any worse. As we ran I noticed the streetlights beginning to flicker. A branch snapped off of a tree and fell on the sidewalk in front of us. Finally, large hailstones began flying through the air.
“I see the house! I see the house guys! Let's get the hell outta here!” Charles yelled as he ran across the street to Mike's front door.
We ran up to the house, getting under the awning at the front door as the storm further intensified. Mike quickly unlocked his door, him and Charles running in.
“Dako, get in here, what are you waiting for?” Mike asked.
As Mike stood in the doorway, dripping wet, I saw the lights within the house flickering on and off, Charles using the flashlight on his keychain to dig around in his backpack for dry clothes.
“Hey guys I'm sorry, I'm flying home, I'm real freaky-deaky about storms and stuff, especially the thought of a tornado,” I began. “I just wanna get home, you guys stay safe!”
“Are you sure?” Mike asked, still holding the door against the wind.
“Yeah! See you guys later!” I yelled, turning and flying off.
I soared high up into the air, covering my head with my arms, shielding myself from hail. As I tried looking out to see where I was headed I found I had zero visibility. I almost immediately regretted my decision to fly in this storm. I was now completely soaked through and through now as I flew in the downpour. I was trying my hardest, but flying against the wind was starting to wear me out. I looked down to see the faint glow of streetlights below and confirmed that I wasn't moving anywhere. I took this chance to try out a new technique. I had been trying to learn the Kaio-ken technique for a while, which was pretty difficult considering the circumstances.
All around me a red glow flashed and flickered a few times, before flaring up in a bright and intense blaze. I powered forward again and began to move this time. Suddenly I was shook and spun by an intense gust of wind. I looked all around me in fear and confusion. The wind roared up louder as rain and hail began to swirl all around me. I was deafened by the roar of what sounded like an enormous waterfall. I could see what looked like a cloud forming all around me, thin and vapory. I felt myself being pulled upward and the air being sucked out of my lungs, my ears popping from the rapid drop in air pressure.
This was it, I was caught in an actual tornado. I felt lightheaded and dizzy as the air left my lungs. I blacked out. The roaring of the wind and thunder sounding distant before fading out.
The next thing I know I'm sitting up gasping for air, coughing. I looked all around me. I was lying on someone's couch. My clothes were still dripping wet. I looked at my arms and shirt and saw they were covered in grass and mud. Someone found me and dragged me into their house, literally dragged me, I saw the mud and grass trail leading from the couch I sat on all the way to their door.
Thunder boomed loudly outside. I was suddenly aware of the rain beating hard against the window beside me. I looked out, taking in the landscape through flashes of lightning. In one direction, endless rolling hills, and in the other, a dense forest, the trees swaying violently in the wind. I turned and sat back in the couch, looking around the room again, and came to a startling realization.
This house looked eerily familiar. But it couldn't have been what I thought it was. No, that would be impossible. I must've hit my head. Perhaps I was dreaming. It sounded ridiculous, but I could have sworn I was in Fluttershy's cottage. A year ago I discovered My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic after hearing about the whole “Brony” phenomenon. I really got into the show, I thought it was funny, and well written. It felt like all the other cartoons I saw as a kid, except this one was about colorful ponies. So I knew right away, that I had seen this living room before.
I got up and looked around a bit.
“Okay, don't panic, stay calm. If this is where we think it is, “she” will be here,” I said to myself, slowing heading for the stairs.
I quietly made my way up the stairs, slowing peering up into what was her bedroom. There was no one there.
I thought to myself whether I should stay and wait for her to return, or if I should try to go look for her. I ran the options through my head a thousand times, playing out the possible scenarios from each option. I decided I should try to go back out outside and look for her.
I stepped out what I thought was the front door but was actually the back door and saw the fenced in animal pen out back. Animals of all kinds were hunkered down in their enclosures, weathering the storm. Lightning continued flashing overhead, lighting up the path to the forest in front of me. That must be the Everfree forest. As I walked down the path a few yards I saw some hoofprints in the muddy trail. I hesitated no longer, I lifted up off the ground and took off into the forest.
I strained my eyes, trying to see the trail ahead of me. I flew for what felt like a mile, wondering if she had gone this way or not. After a few more yards I began hearing the sound of rushing water over the sound of rain and wind. I held out my hand and formed a bright white ball of energy, lighting up the area in front of me. I could see the path had led into a stream that was now a raging torrent. I guessed there was a bridge now under the raging waters. I was about to turn back when I heard a scream. My eyes widened, and I waved my light around to my right, searching for the source of the sound.
There she was, hanging onto a fallen tree, trying to her best to keep from being swept away by the raging waters. In her arms was a small animal. Before I could yell out to her her head went under and she disappeared. I quickly shot into the water after her.
The water was churning violently, throwing me from side to side. I tried to see what was happening by lighting up my orb of light once more. Faintly I could see before me a yellow and pink smear through the murky water. I shot towards her and wrapped my arms around her. I took off and shot high out of the water, up, through, and above the trees. I floated there as I held her in my arms, she coughed up some water before passing out. In a flash of lightning I could see that she was still holding the animal in her arms, a wet and trembling badger. I turned around and saw the dim light of her cottage in the distance, before heading off for it.
I landed at the door, quickly opening it and carrying Fluttershy inside, setting her on the very couch I woke up on. I laid her down gently and made sure she was still breathing. I lied down on the floor in front of her, exhausted and at the same time exhilarated. I had survived being sucked up by a tornado. I had woken up here in Equestria and in Fluttershy's cottage of all places. And finally, I had just saved Fluttershy's life. I still couldn't even begin to fully appreciate what had just happened.
I snapped myself out of my awe when I heard Fluttershy groan lightly. I watched her as she lie on the couch, dripping wet, shivering lightly. I brought her blanket down from upstairs and covered her with it before lying back down on the floor. I could already see that I'd have a big day ahead of me tomorrow. I might as well get my rest now while I can.
I woke to the sound of birds chirping, and a bright warm light shining in my eyes that filtered in through the window. I lied there for a moment, with the feeling you get when waking up in an unfamiliar place, like after the first night at a hotel. I quickly sat up and looked around, and was surprised to find that I was still in Fluttershy's cottage, confirming the events that had occurred last night were not a dream after all.
I looked to my left to see Fluttershy was no longer sleeping on the couch, her blanket still there. This was a good sign, she was alright, at least enough to get up and move around. I slowly climbed up to my feet, my back aching slightly from spending the night on the floor. I began to wonder where she was if she was not on the couch.
I looked around the room, trying to remember what was where and how to get around. I also tried to recall the scenes that took place here on the show and figure out how to get around. I headed for the stairs, gently hovering up and over the steps, slowly peeking up and into her bedroom. She was not there.
As I headed downstairs again I wondered to myself how I even got here. I remembered the tornado, but it didn't make sense. I couldn't understand how I ended up here in Equestria of all places. I decided to look outside at the back of the house, where the animals were. Perhaps she was there, checking on them after the storm. I decided to use the front door so I wouldn't alert her right away, and so I could sneak around the side of the house. I carefully grabbed the handle, pulling the door open gently. I stepped outside.
As I exited the cottage, right away I could hear her humming and singing softly around the corner. I carefully walked around the side of the cottage, stepping lightly. I peered around the corner and saw her pouring a bag of feed into a feeder attached to her chicken coop. I slowly walked nearer, approaching the gate to the fenced in area that housed most of her animals. I tried to open the gate quietly, but my cover was blown as the hinges made a loud squeaking when I attempted to enter. I froze in place.
She visibly jumped and made a frightened whimpering sound as she quickly hid behind the chicken coop. Slowly, I saw her stick her head out from behind the coop, her eyes peering around to see me. She looked at me with wide, terrified eyes as I stared back at her. Quickly, I took my hands of the gate and raised them to shoulder level, my arms folded up beside me, trying to show myself as non-threatening.
“Hi there,” I spoke softly and quickly, “I'm not gonna hurt you, ok? Don't be scared of me.”
She slowly put a hoof out in front of her, slowly walking out from behind the coop, only exposing half of her body now.
“There you go,” I said reassuringly, “I'm that thing from the storm last night. You brought me in remember? And I'm awfully thankful you did, thank you very much for rescuing me.”
She now came out from behind the coop, taking just a few steps to try and get a better look at me. I saw her open her mouth a bit, trying to say something, but it was so soft and quiet, I could barely hear.
“I'm sorry, I couldn't quite make that out,” I said, cupping a hand next to my ear, “Can you repeat that?”
I heard this time, still very faint.
“D-did you, bring me back to my, m-my cottage last night?” she said, very softly and shaky.
“Yes, I did. I woke up and didn't see you anywhere, so I went looking for you down that trail,” I said, pointing past her.
She turned to look down the trail leading into the forest before facing me again.
“You went into the, the Everfree forest?” she asked.
“Yes I did, I saved you, and your little badger friend. How is the little guy?” I asked, this time trying to walk through the gates toward her.
She took a few steps back as I came through the gate, she spread her wings preparing to flee.
“No no no! I'm not gonna hurt you! I just wanna talk, okay? I can't hear you very well though, I need to get closer, you have a very soft voice,” I said, once again putting my hands up.
She folded her wings back up at her sides, and took a cautious step toward me.
“H-he's alright,” she mumbled softly.
“Good, that's good,” I began, “Can I come a little closer? Why don't you come over her a little, lets sit down and talk.”
She took another hesitant step as I inched forward, I slowly put one foot in front of the other. Now that I was closer I could see why she was so hesitant, as now I could truly compare our sizes. At full height, the top of her ears came up only to about the bottom of my ribcage, and I was only average height, around 5' 9". I sat down about two yards in front of her, very slowly, as she continued walking toward me. To her, I was a very large and very dangerous creature, who could easily hurt her if I wanted. Now knowing this I could see sitting down and making myself smaller was probably the best idea.
I sat down with my legs crossed as she continued to approach.
“There you go,” I said softly, trying to smile a bit.
She stopped just far enough that if I tried to grab her she would be out of my reach, no doubt she didn't trust me entirely.
“I can understand that I must look very big and scary, but don't worry, I mean you no harm,” I said firmly.
She sat down at last in front of me, the two of us now at just about eye level.
I already knew who she was. I knew her name, her personality, her behavior. But I couldn't let her know all that. At least not right away, I couldn't overwhelm her at the start. I would have to be gradual, and use the utmost care when approaching this, with no small amount of tact.
“My name is Dako. What is your name?” I asked her.
“I'm, Fluttershy,” she said very softly.
“Nice to meet you Fluttershy,” I said, giving her a warm smile.
“Where are you from?” she asked softly.
I paused to think about this. Again, I could explain to her right away, but I didn't want to overwhelm or scare her. I had to be careful here. Being an outsider, I would have to be careful to avoid ruining my only chance at fitting in here or being accepted. If I messed up I possibly would be hunted down, or feared forever, and seeing as how I might be stuck here forever I couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
I cleared my throat before speaking, preparing to be as vague as I could, while still giving somewhat of an answer.
“Well... Clearly as you can see I am not from around here. I am from a distant land, a distant world really,” I began, pausing to think, “I come from another world, where your kind does not exist. Some of us know of you, but otherwise, we don't have anyone really like you.”
I could see that she was confused and was trying to understand what I was telling her.
“What do you mean, another world? Know about us?” she asked.
I looked down at the grass I sat on for a moment, trying to think. The ground I sat upon and the sun that shone on me were constant reminders of this strange new world that I'd possibly be trapped in forever, and that I had to get this right or risk being exiled or chased away. I found my answer.
“I arrived here by storm, last night. In my world I was caught in a very powerful storm much like the one last night,” I said, “I was sucked up into a tornado. I passed out and when I woke up I was sitting in your cottage. I don't remember anything else.”
She considered what I had said for a moment. It appeared what I said was acceptable.
“But, what do you mean, you know about, my kind?” she asked.
I strained my brain, trying to figure why I ever said that, and what my answer could possibly be. I was stuck now. I had to tell her, I had no choice but to try and explain.
“Well,” I began, “That is a bit... difficult to explain. My kind has, in a way, seen the events of your world.”
She had a surprised look on her face mixed with one of confusion. Now I had really trapped myself. I could feel I was beginning to sweat a little, as well as panic. My heart started beating faster.
“But, how?” she asked.
“Uh,” I began, “Well you see, I, I can't really explain right now. It's very complicated.”
I was in trouble. Fluttershy was my favorite pony, and it was hurting me to withhold the truth from her. I couldn't bear lying, but I couldn't tell her the whole complex truth just yet, if ever.
“I see. So, what exactly are you?” Fluttershy asked, leaning over to try and get a better look at me.
I let out a relieved sigh, so far she bought it. I cleared my throat again.
“Well, I'm a human. At least I thought so,” I began.
She stood up and walked around me, looking at me, very cautiously, still keeping her distance. She was much more open now, but she still wasn't going to take any chances with a strange creature like me.
“A human? But, you aren't sure?” she asked, looking me up and down.
“Well, yes. I'm very human-like. But I can do things they can't,” I began.
She came back around front and stopped where she was sitting before remaining standing this time.
“What do you mean you can do things humans cant'? Aren't you one of them?” she asked.
“Well, it'd be easier if I showed you,” I said.
With my legs still crossed as I sat on the ground, I slowly, gently hovered off the ground, about two feet up into the air. Fluttershy gasped and took a few quick steps back. I continued to float upward until I was at standing height, then I unfolded my legs and let them dangle beneath me before I slowly drifted downward, landing on my feet.
“How did you do that? You flew without wings!” Fluttershy said, astonished.
“Well, I don't really know,” I said.
“So, other humans can't do that?” she asked.
“No, regular humans look like me in every way except, well, I guess they're like the Earth ponies here,” I said.
“How do you know about the Earth ponies?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well, remember, we've seen your world,” I said.
She nodded.
We continued talking for a small while about my world and what it was like. But mostly I just tried to talk as a means of getting her adjusted to me. I wanted to make it clear that I had no ill intentions, that I was not a threat, and that I was good. She seemed to get a little more comfortable around me at last. Eventually we reached the topic of what would happen to me now, and where I would stay.
“So, what are you going to do?” Fluttershy asked.
“Uh, well, what do you mean?” I asked, slightly confused.
“Well, where will you go?” she asked.
I felt a nervous lump in my throat.
“I... I guess I thought I might stay with you for a little while?” I said.
“Oh, well, I don't know about that, I guess so. I did find you after all,” she said, putting a hoof to her chin, considering the proposition.
I sighed, relieved to hear the answer. But I knew it wasn't decided yet, I could tell she wasn't very thrilled with the idea.
“Wait, I have a friend who might be able to find a way for you to get home!” Fluttershy said cheerfully with a smile.
My eyes involuntarily widened at her statement. I would honestly like to know how to get home, but at the same time, I didn't really want to leave. At least, so far, this world looked a little more promising for someone like me than home. Here I'd be free to do nearly whatever, including all things related to my powers.
“Oh, that's cool,” I said, “Uh, who is that?”
“My friend Twilight Sparkle is very smart and knows lots of magic, I'm sure she could help you get home,” Fluttershy
I ran the situation through my head. Knowing Twilight was great at magic I still doubted that she knew how to get me back to Earth. But I was honestly torn now. On one hand I did want to stay here, what tiny peek I've had of their world both from home and now from here had made quite an impression on me, and I was hoping to stay a while. On the other hand, I knew I would have to return home, and that if I had to fend for myself here, I likely wouldn't know how to survive. But the last scenario was more of a worst case really, I'd only have to worry about that if I couldn't make an impression with the other ponies here and were cast out.
After thinking about all this for a while I noticed Fluttershy's smile fading as she tilted her head a bit, now staring at me out of concern for my long silence. I snapped out of it.
“Oh, Twilight! Right, uh, let's go meet her,” I said abruptly.
“Are you feeling okay?” Fluttershy asked.
“I'm great,” I said, “I was just thinking about... things.”
Fluttershy spread her wings, giving them a few slow, gentle flaps, as if stretching first, before making a few large, quicker flaps, gently lifting into the air as the grass stirred beneath her, her long mane and tail fluttering in the breeze. I watched as she rose almost ten feet above me, looking on from below in awe, taking in the magnificence of pegasus flight in person as she hovered there gracefully, the air blowing down on me.
“Um, are you coming?” Fluttershy asked, looking down at me.
“Oh, right,” I said, shaking myself out of it.
I slowly rose upward to match her height, looking down below me as I watched my shadow shrink on the ground below. I was not too experienced a flier myself, never really having the chance to use my powers at home, but I had gotten the hang of flying long ago. As I reached her height I looked up at her with a smile. She gave me a warm smile back, before turning and slowly heading off towards Ponyville. I began to follow, leaning forward gently, looking back behind me to see the cottage we were leaving behind.
As we flew we slowly and steadily climbed higher, but I estimate we never got any higher than 100 feet. I looked down below, watching the trees and hills pass by underneath, and I looked up to see the clouds slowly drift by. I began to smile wide this time in exhilaration before laughing aloud.
“What's so funny?” Fluttershy asked, turning to face me.
“I've never really gotten to fly before,” I said, chuckling.
“Are you scared of heights too?” Fluttershy asked.
“Not at all!” I replied, before climbing upward.
I kept my gaze down as I watched the distance between me and the ground increase. Fluttershy looked up at me, watching me fly higher and higher. As the warm sun shone down on me I did a couple of barrel rolls as I continued rising higher. I laughed even more in pure euphoria, feeling the wind in my hair as I flew in absolute joy.
I had always dreamed of flying, and now I was finally living that dream. I was happier than I'd ever been in my entire life. I closed my eyes and held my arms out to my sides like the wings on an airplane as I began to roll, faster and faster, letting myself tumble through the air as I fell back toward the ground. I opened my eyes and slowed down as I came back down alongside Fluttershy.
“Have fun?” she asked, smiling.
“This is the best! Everyone should try it!” I said, the adrenaline pumping.
“Is this the first time you ever gotten to fly?” Fluttershy asked.
“Oh yeah, back in my world there was nowhere I could go without being seen,” I said, still smiling.
“As a matter of fact, I wanna see what I can do,” I said, lowering my eyebrows.
“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.
“Just watch this,” I shouted, accelerating.
The sound of the wind rose in my ears, my clothing flapping in the wind violently. I could feel myself accelerating steadily. As I felt the wind on my face and through my hair I continued to pick up speed. I began laughing wildly once more, shouting at the top of my lungs as I watched the landscape below me pass by faster and faster. I could feel myself straining now to push faster, so I shot up, slowly curving back up and into the sky. Now flying upside down and in the opposite direction, I tilted my head back and saw Fluttershy down below, she had stopped now to watch me. I continued my loop, leveling out right side up now as I quickly slowed down and stopped next to Fluttershy.
“That, was, the best!” I said, breathless.
“Wow, you must really like flying,” Fluttershy said, smiling.
I floated there next to her as I caught my breath. I had never flown so much before at one time, and I was finding it hard to keep up with myself.
“Say, why don't we continue? I feel pretty tired, I might need to land soon,” I said, still panting.
“Okay, Ponyville isn't far now,” Fluttershy said, pointing with a hoof.
I squinted in the direction she was pointing. Faintly I could see a small town in the distance now. There was Ponyville at last.
“Alrighty then,” I began, “Let's go meet Twilight.”
Fluttershy and I came into Ponyville, my forehead beginning to sweat. I finally felt relieved once Fluttershy pointed out Twilight's library. As we descended near the door I quickly dropped down the last twenty feet, landing hard and dropping to my knees as I panted heavily. Fluttershy landed next to me, worried about my sudden rough landing.
"Oh my goodness, are you okay?" Fluttershy asked, putting a hoof on my shoulder.
"Yeah," I panted, "I'm good. Just not used, to flying, for so long."
"Are you sure?" Fluttershy asked, now putting her hoof on my forehead.
"Yeah, don't worry," I said, slowly standing up.
I struggled to get upright, my legs shaking and numb, my heart pounding.
"Gee, flying really takes it out of you," I said, now on my feet, "Shall we?"
Fluttershy still had a concerned look on her face, but nodded as she approached the door, knocking three times.
"Oh, um, you may want to stand off to the side," Fluttershy said.
I nodded as I stepped beside the door. A few seconds later Spike came to answer the door.
"Hi Fluttershy, what brings you by?" Spike asked.
"Hello Spike, I've come to speak with Twilight, is she here right now?" Fluttershy asked.
"Sure, she's looking through some books right now, Rainbow Dash is here too," Spike said.
At that moment Twilight walked up to the door.
"Hello Fluttershy, did I hear you needed to speak with me?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, I have a new friend I'd like you to meet," Fluttershy said with a smile.
"A new friend where are..." Twilight began.
Twilight stuck her head out of the door and began looking for this 'new friend' when she looked over and locked eyes on me. For a second or two she stared at me as her eyes grew wider and wider. I felt a small shiver of panic as I feared she didn't like the look of me.
"Heh, hi there," I said with a small nervous chuckle.
Twilight jumped back a little bit, her eyes still wide with surprise. Spike poked his head out of the door to catch a glimpse of me as well.
"Whoa, what the?" Spike uttered.
"Don't worry, he's nice," Fluttershy said calmly to Twilight and Spike.
"Fluttershy, what is that thing?" Twilight asked.
"You can call me a human, or a saiyan... I don't know which actually," I said.
Twilight's horn began glowing for a second, a terrified look on her face gave away her intentions.
"No no! Wait, please," I began holding my hands out, "I'm just looking for help!"
I was engulfed in the purple glow of Twilight's telekinetic magic as she lifted me a few feet in the air. I braced, preparing to be thrown by her.
"Fluttershy, you brought a potentially dangerous creature into Ponyville! Why?!" Twilight lectured, holding me far away from them.
"Twilight, put him down, he's nice, and he's lost," Fluttershy began, "I found him last night during the storm, he was lying on the ground cold, soaking wet, and unconscious. I just want to help him"
Twilight looked back up at me with a squint of uncertainty. She looked me up and down intensely, assessing how much of a threat I could be.
"It's true," I began, "I don't really know how I got here, but I think I'm gonna be here a while, I might as well learn more about this place?"
Twilight could detect the uncertainty of my statement. She frowned a bit, lowering her eyebrows, as she fully processed my words. At that moment her horn stopped glowing as she dropped me to the ground. I flailed around as I fell, hitting the ground with all the grace and beauty of a sack of potatoes.
"Alright mister, but you watch yourself," Twilight began, "We may look harmless, but me and my friends are the Elements of Harmony. One false move and you get turned into stone."
"Good deal," I said, sitting up brushing myself off.
Twilight opened the door and let Fluttershy in. I slowly headed to the door, looking all around me to see if any other ponies had witnessed the event. Thankfully it appeared no one was around, it was still very early and Ponyville seemed like a quiet little town. Turning back to the door I walked in, ducking my head a few inches below the door-frame, my hair brushing against it.
As I walked in I noticed Rainbow Dash sitting at a table relaxing, casually reading a Daring Do book.
"Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy is here, and she brought her new friend," Twilight said, bracing for Rainbow Dash's reaction.
Rainbow Dash glanced up from her book, waving a hoof at us dismissively before making a double take to look back at me with wide eyes. I quickly sat down, crossing my legs, to try and immediately make myself less threatening.
"Whoa!" Rainbow Dash shouted, "What is that thing?!"
"According to what it said it doesn't really know," Twilight said.
"I'm a male, you can call me 'he'," I clarified, "I know I don't have the manliest build, or voice, or features..."
Rainbow Dash quickly set her book down and leapt into the air, spreading her wings to glide over to me and Fluttershy. She landed beside us and stared at me, checking me out from head to toe.
"Whoa, you're weird looking," Rainbow Dash said, studying me, "Almost like some big monkey. But with less hair and more clothes."
"Thank you," I replied flatly.
"Rainbow Dash, that wasn't nice," Fluttershy interjected, "He has feelings too."
"Come on, he said 'Thank you', and he doesn't seem that upset," Rainbow Dash snapped in defense.
"It's okay," I began, "I know I'm a strange creature, to you guys I do look weird."
"Wait, how can you speak our language anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked.
I paused for a minute here, considering telling a joke, but I decided against it. After all, I doubt they were friendly enough already that I could joke with them about learning their language by saying I sucked out a ponies brain or something. I'm sure they would've taken that literally.
"Well, I don't really know, it's a strange coincidence," I explained, "Where I come from the language is called English. Many human people speak it, though there are others."
"Interesting," Twilight mumbled softly.
I could tell Twilight would be very interested to learn more about my world.
"Twilight was it?" I asked, pretending not to know her name.
"Yes?" she replied.
"Would you like to know more about my world?" I asked.
"Certainly," Twilight replied, a smile growing across her face.
Her horn glowed for a few seconds as a book and quill pen floated up from behind her. She sat down in front of me, book and quill before her. A bottle of ink floated over and landed on the floor beside her, the quill dipped in a few times before returning to it's position over the blank page.
"Oh boy, where should I start," I said, putting a hand to my chin.
"Well, what is you're society like?" Twilight began, "Or your people? Your world? Magic?"
"Ah, well, for starters we don't have any magic," I said.
Twilight's eyes grew wide as the quill began to scribble down some notes.
"Interesting..." Twilight began, "Then how do your people get anything done?"
"Um, well. We have machines, and technology. For a long time there was a lot of labor, we lived much like the Earth ponies I guess," I said, trying to explain.
"I see," Twilight mumbled, jotting down her notes, "Wait, how do you know about the Earth ponies?"
I felt a nervous chill shoot down my spine.
"Uh," was all I managed to say.
"His people have the ability to watch our world, he told me they know a little about us," Fluttershy explained.
"That's strange, how do you accomplish that without magic?" Twilight asked.
"Um, it's really hard to explain, but I could tell you some other time I guess," I replied quickly, "Also, you may want to right down that the name of my world is Earth."
"Earth? Like the Earth ponies? How?" Twilight asked, "That's impossible."
"Yeah, this is really fun and all, but I'm getting a little bored," Rainbow Dash interrupted.
"Rainbow Dash, this is important! Not to mention this is technically the first contact with an intelligent species much like our own, it's history in the making!" Twilight scolded. "Don't you see the significance of this situation!?"
"Yeah, okay, you're right," Rainbow Dash began, "You have fun with your alien, I'm gonna go stretch my wings a little."
"Wait!" I called out after her, standing up quickly.
"Whoa! Back up Jack!" Rainbow Dash shouted, putting up her fore hooves.
"No wait, I'm not gonna hurt you, I just wanted to ask a question," I said.
"Well spit it out," Rainbow Dash said.
"Is there anyone you know who could organize, a gathering of sorts, to welcome me into Ponyville?" I asked, trying to drop a hint.
"A what now?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"You know, someone who could throw a, I guess you could say, a welcome party?" I asked, trying to be less subtle.
"Heh, if there's anyone in Ponyville who can throw a party, it's Pinkie Pie," Rainbow Dash chuckled.
"Cool, can you get her to invite everyone in Ponyville to meet me at a welcome party?" I asked.
"Sure, but what for?" Rainbow Dash asked.
I looked down for a moment, resisting the urge to face-palm, as if my intentions weren't clear enough already. I looked back up at her with a smile.
"Well, I may be here for a while, and I'd like my stay to be comfortable," I began, "So, I want everyone here to see me in a safe, happy environment, maybe meet me and get to know me, that way, no one will be scared of me if they see me and I could live here like a regular."
Rainbow Dash's face lit up.
"Ah, I gotcha! Hey, why didn't we do that with Zecora after we got to no her?" Rainbow Dash thought out loud.
At that moment I did do a small, subtle face-palm, gently putting my hand on my forehead as I struggled to keep smiling.
"Alright, you got it!" Rainbow Dash said, "See you around monkey man, I'll let you know when the party starts!"
Rainbow Dash walked out the door and took off into the air, a rainbow streak following her.
"So, are there any other friends or yours who I could meet?" I asked Twilight and Fluttershy.
"Well, there might be Applejack. I think your chances are best with her, she doesn't strike me as a pony who'd run away from or attack you," Twilight began, rubbing her chin with a hoof.
"What about Rarity?" Fluttershy suggested.
"Oh no, absolutely not," Twilight began, "If I were you I'd probably wait until that party you were asking for."
"Wait, what about Pinkie Pie?" Fluttershy asked.
"I don't know," Twilight began, thinking very hard, "I don't think she'd run. She is a very different pony. Who knows? Again, I'd wait."
"And I'll take your word for it," I said to Twilight.
"So, what are you going to do now that you're here in Equestria?" Twilight asked.
I thought for a moment. I knew I had planned to stay a while, and because of that I wanted everyone to get to know me. However, I didn't really have a concrete plan... I knew I'd probably have to get a job or do something around here to stay somewhere.
"Well, I don't really have it all figured out yet," I said.
"Well, if you ever need a place to stay I'm sure I can find somewhere for you to go," Twilight said with a warm smile.
"Thank you, I'm not sure, but I think I might stay with Fluttershy for the time being," I said.
I looked at Fluttershy whose eyes were now wide with surprise.
"Me? Oh, well, I guess you could," Fluttershy began, staring down at her hooves, "I did find you and rescue you."
I could tell she wasn't immediately thrilled by the idea. I turned and kneeled down in front of her.
"Hey now, I won't make you let me stay there," I said softly.
She glanced up to look me in the eye for a moment.
"Well, you don't really have anywhere else to go," Fluttershy began, "And you seem nice. I don't want you to feel like I'm kicking you out or anything."
"Are you sure? Maybe Twilight could let me stay with her," I said.
I looked over my shoulder at Twilight, to see her nod once.
"But only for a little while," Twilight said, "This is a library, not a hotel."
"Understood," I said, turning back to face Fluttershy.
"Okay, well, I think I want you to stay," Fluttershy said, "You did save me that night, I suppose I could repay you with a place to stay."
"Oh no, I was just doing the right thing, you don't have to feel obligate because of that," I said.
"No, I want to let you stay," Fluttershy said, "It's where you spent the night, and it's the only home you know here, I want you to be comfortable, like you said."
I remained silent for a moment, taking it all in, appreciating her kindness. It was one of the nicer things anyone has ever done for me, perhaps the nicest.
"Thank you, Fluttershy," I said, slowly hugging her.
I felt her jump a bit, startled at the sudden hug, but she understood I was grateful, and let me hug her for a few seconds.
"Your welcome," Fluttershy said.
I stood up and looked back at Twilight who was staring intently at us. I couldn't really read her emotion, but it was probably one of surprise or astonishment.
"Okay..." Twilight began, "Looks like you two are friends now. Guess you won't have any problem winning over the citizens of Ponyville?"
I felt a nervous lump in my throat, and swallowed hard.
"I sure hope not," I said softly.
Twilight sensed the worry in my voice.
"Hey there, don't worry about it, I'll make sure to say some good things about you at the party," Twilight said.
"Thanks," I replied.
"Oh my goodness," Fluttershy said, looking at a clock, "I have to get home, it's time to feed my animals again."
"Alright then," Twilight said, "See you later you two."
Fluttershy and I headed for the door.
"See you," I said, "I don't suppose you know anyone who could make me a tuxedo or something for the party?"
"Actually, Rarity could," Twilight replied, "But you might wanna wait on that."
"Alrighty then," I said, "See you then."
Fluttershy and I waved goodbye as we walked outside. We slowly took to the air, and headed back to Fluttershy's cottage. I felt a small sense of relief that I'd made a couple of new friends here already, but I still felt very nervous about this party. I've never been a party person, and more importantly, I wasn't so sure the other ponies of Ponyville would be so warm and accepting of me. Keeping all that in mind, I was prepared for the very real possibility of torches and pitchforks
Fluttershy and I landed outside her cottage. Again, I was slightly winded, though not as much as before. To think that I used to wish I could fly everywhere I went is laughable. Before, I never how much energy it took to do something like that. Now I understand you'd be better off walking, even if it is slower.
We walked into her cottage, Fluttershy heading to another room before returning with a bag of food for her animals. She had already fed the animals outside before we left, now it was time to feed the ones inside. She showed me which animals ate which food, and how much to give them. I proceeded to do as I was asked while she went outside and checked the animals there, to see how much food they still had left. Now I had the first time alone since I arrived here. I had time to think.
"What am I gonna do? If they don't accept me?" I thought to myself, "Where could I go?"
"I assume I'll be here the rest of my life. I have to be careful. But what if they don't like me?"
I sat down on Fluttershy's sofa, resting my head in my hands, my elbows on my knees as I hunched over, deep in thought. If I thought I felt alone in the world before, I could imagine what life would be like if I were exiled and chased away from civilization. But perhaps it wouldn't go that way, after all, I had already made friends with Fluttershy, Twilight and Rainbow Dash. But would they, the Elements of Harmony, have enough credibility to defend me?
"Are you okay?" Fluttershy asked, interrupting my thoughts.
"Huh, oh, yeah I'm fine, what's up?" I replied.
"You don't look fine. Is something wrong?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well... I'm a little, worried, to say the least," I mumbled.
"Worried about what?" Fluttershy asked.
I stood up from the couch and looked around the room first, before looking at her. She stared up at me with those beautiful, caring, blue-green eyes.
"I'm worried about the party. The other ponies. It's a miracle you and the others have so far been so accepting of me," I said, "But what about the others? What do I do if I can't get them to see me as just another... Pony?"
"Well, you're not a pony," Fluttershy pointed out.
"I know, but the thing is, look at me," I said, looking down at myself, holding my arms out, "Do I look friendly, approachable, or cuddly at all?"
Fluttershy looked at me, examining me carefully from head to toe.
"You're very tall, and threatening looking?" Fluttershy hesitantly uttered.
"See? I just want them to think of me as normal," I said, sitting back down on the sofa.
"But you're not normal, to us anyway," Fluttershy began, walking over to my side, "But you are nice."
"See, that's the genius of this party, if people... Uh, ponies, can actually get a chance to know me, everything will be great. But I'm afraid that as soon as they see me they'll instinctively run away," I said.
"Don't worry, me and my friends will be there for you," Fluttershy said, putting a hoof on my shoulder.
We both turned to the door as the sound of an object cutting through the air at high speed caught our attention. We heard a soft, dull thud at the door, before hearing a couple of knocks.
"Oh, that must be Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy said, walking over to the door.
Fluttershy opened the door to reveal Rainbow Dash who quickly barged in. She trotted up to me and stared blankly for a few seconds.
"You there!" she said, pointing a hoof.
"Dako," I replied.
"Yes, Pinkie Pie set up a party for tonight, you have, like, 2 hours to get ready," Rainbow Dash said quickly.
"Okay, uh..." I said, looking around the room, "What do I gotta do?"
"Me and Twilight were talking to Rarity, and Rarity said she thinks if you had a tuxedo or something fancy made by her, you'd definitely make a good impression with the other ponies in Ponyville," Rainbow Dash said.
"Rarity has never even seen me before, and it sounds like she's trying to get business," I said flatly.
"Well..." Rainbow Dash said, scratching the back of her head.
"Also, I have no money," I said, "So, unless she's willing to help out a friend..."
"I guess that'll work, you have to ask her," Rainbow Dash said, "Now come on, we have to hurry!"
Rainbow Dash jumped into the air with her wings spread open as she glided over to the door.
"Wait," I began, "Is it a good idea for me to fly around Ponyville in broad daylight? What if someone see's me? I think I got lucky earlier by not being spotted."
"Don't worry about it, if things go smoothly at the party you'll be in, but you have to make it to the party first, so come on!" Rainbow Dash quickly explained before flying out the door.
I heard a loud swooshing sound as she took off, soaring through the air, leaving behind a rainbow streak.
"Fluttershy, I'm gonna go take off, will you be able to meet me there?" I asked.
"Yes, you go ahead, I'll be there," Fluttershy said.
I jogged out the door in a hurry. I looked up at the sky, trying to see if I could find Rainbow Dash.
"Hey!" Rainbow Dash shouted from behind me.
I jumped, spinning around quickly. Rainbow Dash started laughing, wiping tears from her eyes.
"Please don't do that," I said.
"Whatever, this time, try to keep up," Rainbow Dash said, flying past me.
I turned and blasted off as quickly as I could, struggling to reach her altitude. I followed the rainbow streak in the sky, but found I was quickly falling behind. I clenched my teeth as I tried to pull up just a little more strength, forcing myself forward. I started to see Rainbow Dash herself as she soared straight for Ponyville. She looked back at me and saw that I was gaining on her, before she shot forward in a burst of speed, a small white ring of vapor forming around her as she sped off through the sound barrier effortlessly. I winced as I was hit by the small sonic boom, my ears now ringing. I could already tell my new life here would be nothing but working to keep up.
It was only a short while after flying at such high speed that I found myself finally entering Ponyville. I looked down below at all the different buildings, slowing down to try and focus on each one. I hovered in mid air, panting, breathless and searching for Rarity's boutique while simultaneously looking over my shoulder to make sure I wouldn't be spotted by any other pegasi. My gaze finally falling upon the right building, I quickly shot down for it, completely exhausted from the flight. As I came nearer I saw Rainbow Dash standing by the door, looking at one of her hooves, casually waiting as she leaned up against a wall.
I swooped down next to her, dropping the last couple of feet onto my hands and knees, gasping for breath, sweat beading up on my face.
"Wooow, you're really out of shape," Rainbow Dash said unimpressed.
"Geez, do you gotta, fly so fast!?" I asked, coughing.
"What do you mean fast? That's my normal pace," Rainbow Dash scoffed.
I got up to my feet, still hunching over with my hands placed on my knees, huffing and puffing.
She knocked on the door a few times. I heard a few hoofsteps approach.
"Hello, welcome to- Aaahh!" Rarity screamed as soon as she answered the door.
I immediately stood straight upright and stopped huffing, taking a few quick steps away from Rarity.
"Whoa there! This is the guy me and Twilight were talking about," Rainbow Dash said, putting her hooves on Rarity's shoulders.
"W-w-what!? That thing? My goodness, what is that thing Rainbow Dash?" Rarity asked.
I nervously blinked a few times, feeling a few drops of sweat run down my cheek.
"It's simply horrid! Just look at it! Absolutely awful," Rarity continued.
"Uh..." I uttered.
Rarity quickly pulled me and Rainbow Dash inside. She trotted over to a desk and grabbed a measuring tape with her magic aura and levitated it over to me.
"This will never do, I simply must get you out of those dreadful clothes," Rarity ranted as she began tracing out patterns on a sheet of fabric.
"So, you were talking about... My clothes?" I said, standing there in disbelief.
"Well of course darling, what did you think I was referring to?" Rarity asked, cutting up some fabric.
"N-nothing," I said, chuckling.
"He thought you were talking to him," Rainbow Dash blurted out.
"Well, I must admit, he certainly wasn't what I imagined," Rarity said, stitching some pieces together, "But a lady like me knows better than to be so blatantly rude, I do have manners after all."
Rarity worked quickly, taking several measurements while simultaneously drawing out patterns before cutting them out of sheets of fabric. She quickly assembled a dress shirt and was already working on the pants.
"Heh, you're pretty good at this, I mean, for not ever making clothing for someone like me before," I said.
"Please darling, I've made hundreds of tuxedos before, for you I simply have to change the proportions a bit," Rarity said, now starting on the coat, "Would you like a tie or bowtie?"
"A bowtie works," I said, "So... Why are you guys doing all this for me anyway?"
"Well, you sound like a nice enough colt to me, I heard your story and decided I should do all I can to help you fit in here," Rarity began, putting the final stitches on her work, "After all, it's not like you can help your situation."
Rarity folded up the clothing neatly and levitated them over to me.
"Here you go darling, try them on, see how they fit," Rarity said with a satisfied smile.
She pointed a hoof over to a dressing room stall. I made my way over, shutting the door behind me. I quickly changed out of the clothes I arrived in. I examined my orange collared shirt. It didn't look so bad. Sure, I had it for a few years and it was starting to get worn out on the fringes, but it wasn't full of holes. I looked at my blue jeans. They were a new pair, still a dark shade of blue and had only been washed once. There was a little bit of mud on them around the ankles and knees though. I quickly put the suit on and stepped out of the stall.
"Whoa, looking fancy," Rainbow Dash said.
"My, you look absolutely dapper! Rarity, you've outdone yourself again," Rarity said, admiring her work as she levitated a bowtie around my neck, quickly tying it up.
"Heh, yeah, this isn't so bad," I said, looking down at myself, "Feels... Professional, I guess."
At that moment, Fluttershy slowly opened the door to the boutique, letting herself in. As she glanced around her eyes fell on me.
"Oh wow, you look great Dako," Fluttershy said, walking up to me.
"Thanks, are you guys ready for the party?" I asked, with a confident smile.
"You bet!" Rainbow Dash said.
Down at Sugarcube Corner the party was getting set up. When the rest of us arrived there, Pinkie Pie was almost done and the guests were set to arrive in ten minutes. Pinkie Pie was quick to warm up to me. Immediately she hopped over to me with an enormous smile, jumping up to hug me.
"Look at him! He's so tall," Pinkie Pie said, "We're going to be bestest friends!"
"Ah, y-yeah, say Pinkie, you're hurting me," I grunted as Pinkie Pie only squeezed me tighter.
"Okay girls, I see the first of the guests, quickly, hide him!" Twilight said.
It was getting dark now and the guests were beginning to show up, I was quickly led behind the counter where I was told to hang out for a bit. The plan was that when everyone had arrived, they would make the announcement that I was a new visitor to their town, as well as their world. They also made sure to make a point about my peacefulness, and that I meant them no harm. Hopefully things would go well, if not, I had already asked Twilight in advance about books on surviving in the wild, just in case.
I heard some music start up from the sound system. I was surprised to hear what sounded like trap music as I heard the snares rattle off like a machine gun, followed by the bass line dropping in to fill the rest of the beat. I was certain that Vinyl Scratch was responsible.
After a few more minutes of hanging out and waiting I could hear more and more voices as the guests continued to pour in. Soon the entire bakery was filled with the roar of a large crowd. The music thumped through the floor as I sat and waited for the last of the guests to arrive. Finally, the time had come.
"Alright, fillies and gentlecolts, we've invited you all here tonight to meet a very special new guest to our town," Pinkie Pie began, speaking over a microphone.
"Oh god, here it is," I muttered to myself under my breath.
"He is a friendly creature who comes in peace, and only wishes that we all accept him as one of us," Pinkie Pie continued.
I heard some confused murmuring from the crowd after Pinkie Pie said that.
"Uh oh, I wouldn't have used "creature"," I muttered to myself again.
"So, put your hooves together for Dako!" Pinkie Pie said.
Following my cue, I stood up slowly from behind the counter as a spotlight lit up on me. I turned to face the crowd, holding a hand in front of my face to block the bright light.
A collective gasp came from the crowd, with a few scattered, frightened murmurs. Ponies here and there stared with wide eyes, their jaws hanging open in surprise. I turned to look over the crowd and saw Vinyl Scratch at the turntables, her own jaw hanging open as well, as she lowered her shades to get a better look at me, revealing her eyes.
"Oh, so that's what color they are," I said.
Immediately there was chaos. Ponies throughout the crowd started screaming and began to run around, the crowd trying to squeeze through the door all at once. I quickly put my arms out and waved them back and forth, trying to grab their attention.
"Look out, the monster's attacking!" A pony yelled from the crowd.
"No! Stop, please! I'm friendly!" I tried to shout over the crowd, still waving my arms.
"Everyone remain calm and exit the building in an orderly fashion-" Pinkie Pie began before being cut off, feedback from the mic screeching through the loudspeakers.
"Pinkie Pie! You're not helping," I heard Twilight say over the microphone as she pushed Pinkie Pie aside.
Half the guests had already spilled out of the bakery by now.
"No! Wait! Damn it all!" I shouted in frustration.
There was a large boom as the entire floor shook violently, the loudspeakers falling over, the microphone hitting the ground with a loud thud over the speakers. Everyone stopped dead in their tracks, even the ponies who had made it outside.
There was dead silence. Then, another loud boom, followed by a floorboard rattling tremor.
Everyone looked around with wide eyes, as dust was heard falling to the floor from the rafters above. From outside came a loud, deafening roar that made my ears ring and throb under the sound pressure, the windows, visibly shaking and flexing before shattering. Then, the screaming and chaos resumed as ponies ran around left and right, and those who were trying to get outside suddenly ran and hid deeper within the bakery.
I quickly hopped over the counter, running to the doorway as I heard screams outside. As I jogged outside ponies ran back and forth through the streets, several bumping into me and nearly tripping me as they went past. I stopped in the middle of the street, looking for the source of panic. All throughout the darkened street, lights came on in windows of buildings and houses as other ponies looked out to find the source of panic as well. In the dim moonlight, I saw it.
Faintly lit by the moon, I saw a large scaly creature with spikes all down its back and dark red come trudging down one of the streets as terrified ponies continued to run all around, looking for any shelter they could find.
The group had now run out to join me, watching in horror.
"Is that a-" Rainbow Dash began.
The dark night air was filled with a flash of light as an enormous stream of flame erupted from the dragons mouth, setting several buildings ablaze, filling the air with the sound of roaring fire and the crackling of straw roofs quickly burning.
"Holy shit it's a dragon!" I yelled out.
The dragon tilted it's head back and let out another ear piercing roar, the ponies and I quickly covering our ears, ducking down reflexively as glass shattered from windows all around.
"What attracted it?!" Twilight yelled out over the frantic screams of running ponies.
"I don't know, maybe it was the music!" Rainbow Dash shouted back.
"Um, I think I might know..." Pinkie Pie said sheepishly, an embarrassed look on her face.
"Pinkie!" the group yelled.
"What!? You told me to invite everyone!" Pinkie Pie shouted in defense.
"I didn't mean a dragon!" Rainbow Dash shouted, pointing at the dragon.
The dragon turned toward us, and let out another breath of flame. Everyone screamed as the torrent of flame neared, the intense heat causing me to shield my face as I ducked, preparing for the blast. I shut my eyes tight as I heard the loud roar of flames and felt the hot gust blow past us. As the light faded away and the night air grew cool again, I opened my eyes and looked around. Twilight quickly put up a shield of magic all around us, deflecting the flame. All around the edges of the shield the ground was scorched, smoke rising from the charred black surface.
"Is everyone alright?" Twilight asked, dropping the shield.
"I think so," Rarity said.
Pinkie Pie screamed at the top of her lungs, we all turned to see one of the dragons feet coming down toward us. I shot my arms up into the air, holding them high over my head. The ponies ducked down as the dragons foot slammed down on my arms.
I grunted as I tried as hard as I could to hold up the dragons immense weight, dropping to my knees as the dragon pressed down. I prepared to be folded and then flattened under the weight as I felt my arms start to tremble, I knew I couldn't hold the weight much longer. Thankfully the dragon lifted his foot off of me. I glanced down and noticed the ponies staring up at me in disbelief.
"Are you guys okay?" I asked.
"Look out!" Fluttershy screamed.
The ponies ducked as I spun around to see the dragons tail swing right at me, knocking the wind out of me as it made impact, throwing me back. I flew straight through the wall of the bakery, chunks of plaster and splinters of wood blasting out of the wall as I ripped through head first. I crashed into a few of the tables that were set up for the party. I lied on the floor as I rubbed my head, trying to brush off the pain.
I looked up through the broken window, outside I heard the screaming of the girls as they began to run. I quickly jumped up, running toward the shattered window as I watched the dragon taking a few long, slow strides after the group, the ground shaking with each tremendous thud. I clenched my teeth and ran as fast as I could, jumping out the window and taking flight, slamming into one of the dragons legs as hard as I could, taking it's feet out from under it.
The enormous, towering reptile fell forward slowly, it's entire body hitting the ground with an ear splitting boom that I could feel in my chest. The sound echoed off the mountains like distant thunder.
The sound of screaming ponies continued to fill the night. I slowly stood up and looked around.
"Guys! Where are you!" I shouted.
I heard a voice call out over my shoulder.
"Over here!" Rainbow Dash called.
I turned to see the girls hiding in an alley way. One by one, they slowly walked out to stand next to me, watching the dragon carefully.
"Is it dead?" Fluttershy whimpered.
"I don't think so, I did see it smack it's head on the ground pretty hard though, he's probably knocked out," Twilight reassured.
A few other ponies had stopped all around, staring at the dragon that lied in the street. More began to join in, a small crowd forming around the dragon.
"How the heck did you do that?" Rainbow Dash asked me.
"I don't know," I said, "You guys were in trouble, my instincts kicked in and I, I just tackled him."
We stared at the dragon, watching closely for any signs of life. His tail twitched slightly, causing everyone to jump.
"Ah! It's awake!" a pony shouted, setting off another frenzy as the ponies scattered away.
The ground shook gently as the giant dragon began picking itself up, a low growl coming from the angered beast, a few thuds and shakes as it put its enormous, clawed feet to the ground. It rose up again, back on it's hind legs and tilted it's head back. We all covered our ears in time, just before it let out another, angry roar. This roar was the loudest yet, thundering through the ground and into your feet, rattling every bone in your body. It was enough to make the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
"Dako! Do something!" Twilight shouted.
The dragon cocked back one of its enormous arms and prepared to swipe at a building. I raised an arm and charged up a small, pale orange ball of energy, firing at the dragons back. The blast hit with a small flash of smoke and a dull bang. It wasn't damaging, but it did get the dragons attention. As it turned it's enormous head it stared right at me with angry eyes. The girls ran back down the alley as the dragon turned towards me.
"Hey! Dinner is this way!" I shouted, as I turned and started running down the street.
I felt the enormous ground shaking thuds, one after another as the dragon followed after me. I picked up speed as it roared once more. I looked back to see it spreading it's gargantuan wings, blocking out the light of the moon. It flapped downward, the tremendous gust of air blowing against my back as it lifted off the ground. I jumped, taking off as well with the dragon in tow. I could hear the violent churning of the turbulent air each time the dragon flapped it's wings, another head pounding roar.
I flew off away from Ponyville, leading the giant away from the ponies. I looked back to see how far I was when I saw the bright yellow glow as the dragon opened its mouth, a fountain of flame spewing out. At this angle I was able to see it's humongous teeth as fire spilled out of it's mouth, in a desperate effort to roast me. The dragon simply flew forward through it's own cloud of flame, unable to hit me.
I stopped mid-air, watching the dragon approach. It was moving much faster than I thought, my eyes widening as it swiped at me with its arm. I tried to shield myself with my forearm, it's claws slashing at me, each one like a sword. I fell down, tumbling through the air, clutching my bloodied arm. The dragon dove, following after.
I managed to stop myself mid-air, only a few hundred feet over the trees, the dragon closing in on me.
"Okay pal, I didn't wanna have to do this," I muttered, cupping my hands together.
The dragon roared as it flapped it's wings harder, intent on reaching me. I could hear the air whistling and rushing over it's scales as it picked up speed. I pulled my cupped hands back beside me, a bright blue light flashing and pulsating.
"Ka, me," I began.
As the reptile closed in it extended its arms out in front of it, ready to attack.
"Ha, me," I continued, the blue light quickly growing in intensity.
The dragon let out a final roar as it closed the gap between us, covering the distance in no time at all.
I thrust my hands forward, looking through one open eye as I aimed, letting everything loose.
"Ha!" I shouted.
Cutting through the darkness of the night, a bright, blinding beam of blue energy shot out from the palms of my hands, lighting up the landscape below, the treetops bathed in the pure blue light of the beam. A powerful gust of wind blew past me as my ears where filled with a roaring sound similar to a waterfall, the powerful beam thundering towards the dragon.
Impact. As the blast collided with the thick, scaly armor of the dragon, the beast reared back in retreat as the incredible beam threw the dragon back.
The beam flickered out and the intense blue light was replaced with the pale light of the moon as I watched the dragon fly off into the distance, headed for the mountain range.
I wasted no time heading back to Ponyville. As I made the final approach over Sugarcube Corner my flight cut out as I fell to the ground. I landed hard, sliding down the street a little ways before coming to a stop. I rolled onto my back, breathing heavy, trying to catch my breath, exhausted from the massive expenditure of energy. I turned my head onto its side and saw the girls running toward me.
"Dako! Are you okay!" Fluttershy called out, rushing to my side.
"I'm fine, I just, need a rest," I said between breaths.
"That was amazing," Twilight said.
"You saved us!" Pinkie Pie shouted, "Hip hip hooray!"
The other ponies in Ponyville all came out of their hiding places. They gathered around. A few started to stomp their hooves and cheer. Eventually, the entire crowd was whistling and cheering. I struggled to sit up, looking all around at the smiling faces. Everypony was stomping their hooves and jumping with joy. I struggled to my feet and stood up amongst the crowd, barely keeping my balance, feeling incredibly dizzy. I looked through blurred vision at the entire crowd that had gathered, feeling myself sway, my head spinning. I put a hand behind my back and bowed in front of the crowd, before falling forward to the ground, everything going black, as I passed out, the cheers of the ponies echoing in my ears.
