> The Guardian > by Tiramina8914 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Author's Note (Updated) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey guys, long time no see! Sorry that this hasn't been updating and due to this hiatus, THE STORY'S PLOT HAS COMPLETLY CHANGED! Sorry if some of you liked the original, but after some thinking, the tags, description, and other will change. I'm not giving up on this story. This story will take place after the season six premiere and will feature Nyx from "Past Sins". So sorry if this displeases you. ~HUGS ALL AROUND~ Hey guys. Chapter is nearly ready, but some stuff is up and I needed to take a bit of a break from writing. Chapter will be up tomorrow, sorry for the delay ~HUGS ALL AROUND~ > Prolouge > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've got no time...I've got no time...I've got no time This little thought ran through his head over and over and over again, spinning in circles so fast that he couldn't see strait. His breath was quick and heavy, sweat dripped down his forehead and neck, and he was gripping his flashlight so hard his knuckles had turned white. It was exactly how he pictured it for so many night's before in his dreams. Lighting cracked outside, rain beat against the windows, and the chime of the hallway grandfather clock ticked behind him. Mokuba had pressed himself to the body of the tall clock, his pupils had shrunk to the size of pin-points, and his knees quaked uncontrollably. His head whipped side to side, searching the darkened halls worriedly. He could hear it... He could feel it... It's presence. It was haunting him. Stalking him through the halls and waiting for it's chance to strike. Mokuba closed his eyes and lowered his head, focusing on nothing but his hearing. A slight thump to his left. Mokuba raced forward, the blood pumping in his legs and heating his whole body. He made a sharp left, and then a right, pressing himself to the door of the washroom. Pointing the flashlight forward and around, he scanned to see if he was heard. A low hiss, and a pitter patter of steps. Mokuba's flushed face turned a ghostly white. He took a peak at his digital watch strapped to his wrist. 5:57 Two more minutes. Two more minutes and than he was safe. This disaster always began at midnight, and didn't till the early hours of six. The sun was mostly over the horizon, but the strange creature perusing him didn't seem to care. It only wanted him. For what reason he didn't know, but this strange creature wanted him. Mokuba raced down the hall, hearing the steps get louder, and faster. He had made a complete circle, and was now back to the grandfather clock. He checked his watch. 5:59. He sighed, and he looked up. There it was. Standing at the end of the hall. The demon. It stood at a proud three feat tall, and was almost seven feat long including its tail. It had black, leathery looking skin, with large, bat wings at it's side. It had two, large ears that laid back aggressively on it's basketball like head. It's forelegs had three, long, white claws, and it's back legs were large, cloven hooves. It's tail was about four feet of its length, and it had solid, red eyes that stared lifelessly at him. Silence. The only thing he heard was the clock behind him and his own heart pounding in his ears. The clock began to ring, 6 o' clock. The demon snarled, bearing it's long white fangs and blue tongue. It bounded forward, racing down the hall. Mokuba let out an earsplitting scream, before feeling the demon body slam him, crashing into the clock. Mokuba grabbed the demon's neck and pushed his feet onto it's gut, attempting to push it away. They began wrestling on the floor, the demon clawing and scratching his face and chest. It snapped it's jaws at his chest, attempting to ripe his chest open. He pushed it off, throwing the demon across the hall, hearing it cry out angrily. "Mokuba?!" He heard his brother calling to him, and a rush of feet. A wrestle of a door handle. The demon got back to it's feet and charged at him again. This time, it leap up, wrapped it's tail around his legs and threw him to the ground. Mokuba screeched, failing his arms around in attempts to free himself. The demon began clawing at his chest, ripping his skin open. He screamed out in pain, hearing his brother wrestling the door of his bedroom. He felt a warm liquid flow down his sides and neck, pain filling every part of his body. The demon lifted up it's right claw, and brought it down on his chest. It pulled back on his skin and ribs, creating a giant hole in his skin. It shoved it's snout into the gap, and locked it's teeth around something. It pulled back, something snapped, and Mokuba felt all feeling leave his body. He glanced up to see a blue orb in it's jaws. He felt his vision tunnel out, his breath slow down, and his heart come to a stop. The last thing he saw before he blacked out was his brother bursting through the door, calling out to him, and then. Nothing. She felt it. The tingle in her heart. Something happened, it, had happened. The large, cream alicorn stood up and turned to look through the void. "...it is time..." > Crash in the Everfree > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Darkness….that’s all I can see. What happened? Where am I? It’s cold...and uncomfortable...I don’t like it. I want to leave. Is this a dream? Why? I remember something now...I was attacked by that demon thing and then…. Twilight hummed to herself, lifting up some books with her magic and placing them on the shelves. Turning to her left, she saw Spike walk in with another pile of books in his arms. “Hey Twilight, a quick question for you, do you really need to reshelve again? I mean, this is the second time this month…” he placed the books down near her and sighed, rubbing his head with a claw. Twilight huffed, turning to face him. “Spike, do I really need to repeat myself?” she asked, some books floating in front of her. Spike stood there for a minute before bursting out laughing. “Alright, alright, I get it. Reshelving calms you, I know…” he crossed his arms and gave her a smile. Twilight grinned back, trotting forward and placing the books accordingly. She heard the door open and heard two ponies walk in. She turned to see Starlight Glimmer and Nyx walk in, both with books. They placed them down and looked up and Twilight. “Here ya go, all the books from both our rooms,” Starlight smiled walking forward and beginning to help Twilight. Nyx yawned loudly, stretching out her wings and blinking sleepily. “Hey mom, if this is all you need can I go to bed?” she asked, walking up and nuzzling her side. Twilight chuckled softly and nuzzled her cheek affectionately. “Yes sweetie, you can go to bed now. Have a good night,” she kissed her cheek and gave Nyx a nudge to the door with her wing. Nyx smiled, wishing Starlight and Spike a goodnight before walking away. Spike gave a lopsided grin and turned to the window in the library. At that moment, the sky seemed to explode into a green hue. What seemed to be a solid green sonic rainboom raced across the night sky, and a small green ball of light was sailing for the ground. “TWILIGHT!!” Spike screamed, pointing up. Starlight, Twilight, and Nyx all raced for the window, watching the small green star fall. It raced straight for the Everfree Forest, leaving behind a sparkling trail of what seemed to be magic. What seemed to be hours passing, was only a few seconds before the star crashed into the woods. *BOOM* A large explosion erupted from the depths of the forest, a large cloud of smoke began to rise, and a wave of air cut across the sky. “DUCK!” Twilight cried, grabbing them all and pinning them to the ground. The wave ripped across Ponyville, shattering all the windows. Twilight felt the glass fall on her back and wings, Spike under her, and both Starlight and Nyx under either wing. A horrid screeching sound filled her ears, like a demon’s cry filled the night sky. They waited. The sound of fire began to crack, and ponies cries. Twilight slowly lifted herself up, letting the glass slowly roll of her. She gave her wings a gentle shake to remove the glass stuck in between her feathers. She looked out the shattering window to see a gentle, green glow emitting from the side. She dusted to glass from the floor to open a path to the window. Peering out, she looked to her left and saw the smoke rising from the forest. The green glow seemed to be somewhat near the border of the forest, yet still far enough away not to harm anything near. “What was that…” she whispered to herself, staring out. She saw ponies begin to gather out in front of the castle, looking for answers. She turned to the three others in the room, all looking at her worriedly. “Spike, Nyx, go and contact our friends, mine and Nyx’s. I’ll go out and calm the crowd, and Starlight, can you go out to the forest and see what crashed?” she asked. Spike and Nyx nodded, running out of the room. Starlight smiled, giving a curt nod before racing out and disappearing. Twilight flew out the window, slowly making her way down to the ground. Ponies began rushing around her, asking question after question. “Princess Twilight, what was that?” “Are we safe?” “Was it a meteor?” “Will that fire spread!?” “Everypony quiet down!” Twilight spread out her wings and yelled. The crowd silenced immediately. “We are currently investigating the forest to find what crashed. I must ask you all return to your homes in a calmly manner. If any further danger is detected, we will warn you immediately. So please, remain calm,” she pointed back to the town, directing all the ponies away. They shuffled away nervously, chittering about what it could be. Twilight sighed, turning to see her friends racing towards her. “Twilight, Spike sent us letters, what happened up there!?” Rainbow Dash yelled as she hovered down. Twilight’s face fell as she turned to the forest. “I don’t know, I have Starlight out there looking to see what it was, all we can do is wait,” she answered, her tail twitching nervously. Twilight saw a few smaller fillies around her friends. Applejack and Rarity’s little sisters, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon, Nyx’s friends. “Princess? What’s gonna happen?” Silverspoon asked, walking up to her timidly. Twilight gave a soft smile. “I’m not sure yet, but we’re working on it,” she responded. Nyx walked out of the castle, watching her friends race over to her. “Fluttershy, how is your cottage?” Twilight asked, approaching her pegasus friend. Fluttershy smiled. “It’s fine, I got the animals out of the place and took them to the safe house I had before coming here,” she fluffed her wings. They all cocked heads in confusion. “You have a safe house?” Rainbow asked, landing next to her. Fluttershy nodded. “Of course, I built one in case I needed a place to evacuate the animals if any danger was too close,” she stated like it obvious. Rarity smiled. “That’s a good plan to have darling, wonderful thinking,” she praised. Fluttershy blushed, slightly hiding behind her long, pink locks. Twilight turned to the forest and sighed, staring up and the smoke. “Please be careful Starlight…” Starlight moved through the bushes and twigs, wincing when something jabbed or scratched her. “Jeez, why does this forest have to be so thick…” she complained to herself. Looking forward, she continued to follow the light that glowed through the thick trees. After a few minutes of fighting with the woods, she stumbled out into the clearing. Or, the new clearing. Gasping, she stared scaredly into the giant crater that was there. Green flames surrounded the crater, burning trees or bushes. She sucked in a breath and slid down the crater, peering down at the small glowing object in its center. As she reached the bottom of the hole, she slowly approached it, trying to make her steps as quiet as possible. Once near it, she brushed off the small, green shards around it, the glow slowly fading. She held back a scream. She had seen one of these before, in a book lent to her by a new friend, Lyra Heartstrings. They did exist. Starlight Glimmer felt her knees get weak as she peered down at the small, fetal creature. The human, that had entered their world. > The Human of Equestria > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It’s so...warm… Like...like I’m all wrapped up in a bunch of blankets… ‘Hey, is he alright?’ Who is that, she sounds...angelic… ‘He’s so...pretty looking. Like a tan, fluffy angel…’ Wait, is she talking about me? Who is she? Can she see me? ‘Hey, he’s coming to! Hey are you alright?’ Mokuba felt light enter his eyes. Scrunching his eyes in pain, he lifted up his hand to rub his head. “Owww……” “Hey, are you ok? You took quite the beating…can you hear me?” The voice returned. Mokuba forced his eyes open, trying to take in his surroundings. When he looked around, he saw cool, colored walls around him, and soft, velvety curtains draping the windows. “You’re awake!” a voice called out. Mokuba looked to his left to see a pony looking animal looking down at him. Creasing his brows in confusion, he looked up the creature’s soft, worried face. “Did you just...talk?” he asked it. It seemed to slightly reel back in shock, as if surprised by his question. “Yes, of course I did. Why would I not?” it asked. This pony thing had a solid black coat with short, violet hair. A blue bandana held back it’s mane, revealing a long horn perturbing out of it’s head. A pair of wings sat in the center of it’s sides and a blue shield tattoo on it’s flank. It had big, turquoise eyes with slitted, dragon like pupils. It’s ear lied flat on it’s head as it stared at him. Mokuba looked at the creature in slight fear. Silence. “AAAAGGHHHHH!!” Mokuba screeched loudly, flailing his arms and falling from the bed he was in just a moment ago. Trying to run seemingly failed as he found his legs tangled in the blankets draped over him. “Ah, I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you! Please calm down!!” It cried, trying to approach him. Mokuba only cried out louder, finding himself backed against the wall. Looking down, he noticed bandages wrapped around his chest, and his lack of clothing. “Wait, WHERE DID MY CLOTHES GO!?” he screamed pulling the blanket which had thankfully stayed around his hips, covering his lower torso and legs. “Your clothes? OH! We had them taken to wash, why do you need them so much?” It asked, staring at Mokuba in interest. Mokuba looked at it in disbelief. “I can’t just walk around naked!? It’s indecent!” He shouted, grabbing bundles of the blanket and fussing them around his waist. The creature tilted its head in confusion. “Really? I walk around naked all the time and nopony says anything…” it placed a hoof to its chin as if in thought. Mokuba could only stare. “Anyway, who are you? Where am I? What is this place?” he asked, trying to regulate his breathing patterns. The creature smiled and stood up straight. “Oh those questions are easy! My name is Princess Nyx Sparkle, daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. You are right now in our castle located in the north of Ponyville. And as to what is this place? Umm...I’d say you’re in the land of Equestria,” Nyx smiled, giving a small bow. Mokuba sat up, taking in what she had said. “I...see…” he looked down, placing a hand to his chest. Feeling the bandages, he winced in pain when he pressed down on it. “D-Don’t do that sir! You’re hurt!” she cried, trotting over and pulling his hand down. Mokuba flushed red when she got close, feeling embarrassed at being clothed in only a blanket in front of a girl. Moreover, a princess in this case. “Hey, are you sick? You’re face got all red all of the sudden?” she asked, placing her hoof to his forehead. He only blushed deeper. “U-Um, no. It’s just, th-the fact that I’m uh...naked. In front of a….girl...and a princess for that matter…” he stammered. She cocked a brow in confusion. “Is being unclothed all that bad?” she asked, tilting her head. Mokuba nodded furiously. “Yes! For me at least! I’m human! We don’t walk around naked! We don’t have coats, or tails to cover up our...ahem...parts,” he turned away, rubbing his temple. Nyx seemed to flush, backing away almost immediately. “Oh MY GOSH! I’m sososososososorry! I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable!” she cried, shaking her head. Tears seemed to gather in her eyes as she apologized over and over again. Mokuba smiled sympathetically. “No, it’s ok. You didn’t know! Don’t cry please,” he reached forward as if to hold her shoulders, but retracted quickly, afraid that touching her might be rude. Nyx slowly calmed herself, breathing deeply. “Ok, I’m ok. Sorry for that. If you want, I can go get your clothes. We had them washed for you, not knowing how important they’d be. I guess they’re pretty important, huh?” she smiled, taking a few steps toward the door. Mokuba nodded. “Yes please, I would appreciate it,” Mokuba gave a small bow, wrapping the cloth around himself and standing. Nyx nodded, quickly opening the door and moving out. Mokuba sighed, placing himself back on the bed and looking around at the room. It was regally decorated, meant for royalty. The curtains were a deep purple and drawn back to let the light in. Mokuba stood from the bed, walking over to the window and peering out. He gazed in awe down at the small town bordering the tall building he was in. A grand, golden metal fence was circling the building, a large walkway, gardens, and what seemed to be more of this equine species standing near the base, but garbed in armor. “Am I, in a castle?” he asked himself, peering out beyond the gate. He saw tiny, colorful specks, of what he assumed to be more of this species, but only, commoners. Mokuba saw some of these specks flying through the air as well. “Pegasi?” he whispered in wonder, watching them move clouds, fly with others, or just leisurely hover. “Um, excuse me?” Mokuba turned around to see Nyx standing in the doorway, his clothes hovering next to her. His clothes hovering next to her. “Wha-What? How are you doing that?” he pointed to the magic looking aura around his clothing, and to the same aura around her horn. Nyx raised her brows, peering up at her horn. She then chuckled. “Oh, this? This is magic. All alicorns can do it, didn’t you know that?” she asked, trotting forward and closing the door behind her. Mokuba shook his head. “Um, no. There’s no, alicorns in my world. We don’t have wings, or magic,” he explained, staring at the floating garbs. Nyx stared at him in shock. “OH! I couldn’t imagine living like that. I mean, earth ponies live without magic or wings, but they’re surrounded by it, so they take much mind to it. Well, do you want me to explain the basics?” she asked, floating the clothes over into his hands. After taking them, he nodded, moving behind the changing curtain. “Ok. Well, there are three main pony races in our world. Earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi. Unicorns have horns on their head, which allows them to use magic. Pegasi have wings. With give them the ability to fly. Earth ponies don’t have either of those, but they have strong bodies, giving them the ability to work the land better than the others. I, myself, are the rare, Alicorn. I am all three. And us alicorns are immortal, meaning we’ve been blessed with incredible magic power. That all make sense?” she asked. Mokuba held out a thumbs up. “Uhhhh...what does that…?” Nyx stared at the gesture curiously. “Oh, that uh...that’s means ‘good’ or, ‘I got it’, something like that. It’s a human hand gesture,” Mokuba walked out from behind the changing curtain, back in his sleeping clothes. The only thing, it had a giant hole in it’s center, and was stained in blood. “Oh…” Nyx winced at the state of his clothes. Mokuba sighed, his shoulders falling. “Well, I’m doomed…” he moaned, putting his face in his hands. Nyx sat in thought, wondering how she could assist. Then, a light bulb clicked on. “OH! Here, come with me! I can take you to somepony who can help you no problem!” she chirped, prancing forward and placing her wing against his back. He looked down at the pony in confusion. “Um, who?” he asked, walking out into the hall. “You’ll see! Come on!” she hurried forward, guiding him through the long halls. Mokuba took it a bit on the slow side, making sure not to damage himself too much. Gazing around, he looked at the sheer mass of the interior, imagining what this place looked like on the outside. “Oh! I’m so rude. I never asked you your name,” Nyx turned to Mokuba, a guilty look on her face. Mokuba smiled. “That’s fine. It’s Mokuba. Mokuba Kaiba. Nice to met you,” he smiled warmly, Nyx’s face warming. “Right in here. Now, don’t be frightened if they have quite the...reaction to seeing you up and moving,” she smiled nervously, placing her hoof on the door. Mokuba nodded, bracing for impact. Nyx used her strength and magic to push the door open. The conversation that had been taking place within it’s walls, fell silent. “Mom...he’s awake,” Nyx announced, gesturing to Mokuba. He smiled nervously. “H-Hi…” he waved, smiling weakly. Six ponies, two alicorns, and one dragon all gazed at him. Silence. “AWWWWWWW! HE’S SO CUTE!” One of the ponies squealed, flying up. Mokuba saw a flash of yellow and pink fly at his face, stopping before she collided with him. “I’ve never seen a creature like you before! You’re so cute! Can you talk? I have so many questions for you!” Mokuba sat in silence as the yellow pegasus went on and on. “Miss Fluttershy, um, can you hold on a moment. I want to introduce him to everypony,” Nyx pointed out. Fluttershy lowered herself and touched down on the ground. “Oh, yes. So sorry, go ahead,” Fluttershy backed up, letting Nyx take the stage. “Sir, this is the court of Ponyville! That’s Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Starlight Glimmer. The dragon right there is Spike, and the two alicorns you see, other then myself, is my mother, Twilight Sparkle, and her partner, Sunset Shimmer. Everypony, this is Mokuba Kaiba,” Nyx smiled widely, looking towards the human. He placed his hands in front of him and bowed. “It’s a pleasure to met you all. I have to thank you for saving me. I probably would’ve died without assistance,” he smiled, trying to hide his internal screaming. The two alicorns approached him, Twilight holding out a hoof. “Hello, it’s an honor to welcome you to the land of Equestria. I am Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. And this is my partner, and fellow newbie to the land as well, Sunset Shimmer. She’s still trying to find her role,” Twilight smiled warmly, the two shaking hand and hoof. “A pleasure to met you Mr. Kaiba. We’ve been so curious since your arrival,” Sunset smiled, Mokuba blushing at being addressed so formally. “O-Oh, thank you. Mokuba is fine, no one really calls me that formally anyway,” he smiled, rubbing his arm. The mare named ‘Rarity’, strut forward and looked directly at the giant hole in his shirt. “Oh no no no! This won’t do at all. Darling, might I make you some new, ensembles? My name is Rarity, by the way,” she used her magic to levitate a measuring tape, holding it to his side. Mokuba nodded. “If you don’t mind, Miss Rarity. New clothes would be wonderful,” he did his best to respect the new species having him as a guest, wanting to show gratitude. Rarity gazed up, a look of shock, and happiness on her face. “Oh goodness! Such a well mannered boy! Come, come! Let me take you to get you fitted right away! I’ll have to use you as a mannequin since I don’t have one in your...uh, body shape,” Rarity gestured to the door, leading him out. Mokuba smiled and nodded, taking a step forward, only for a wave of pain to rush through his body. He cried out, his hand flying to his chest as he dropped to his knees, coughing blood. “M-Mr. Kaiba!?” Nyx rushed forward, leaning down to try and see his eyes. She lifted his face with her hoof, only to gasp in shock. The whites of his eyes, turned black. “Yyoouu...have no idea...what’s-AHG! ….coming….” his voice seemed possessed, his body swaying gently, before falling onto his side. Voices cried out, in fear and worry. The last thing Mokuba saw before he blacked out, was three faces hovering over him. Then… Nothing. > Why Am I Here? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mokuba felt cold. His chest hurt beyond all belief, and he felt like something was drilling at his head. What was that? Why did he suddenly feel...awful? He was fine, they were fine! Why then...why did he collapse? And why did he suddenly feel...possessed? Like something took over him? He didn’t know. He couldn’t know! He shouldn’t know! Why then? Why was this happening to him? So many questions he wanted answered...but, why did he have a feeling… That it would be a LONG time before he got the answer. “Is he ok?” Nyx asked, seeing Twilight walk out of Mokuba’s room. She smiled softly, nodding. “So far yes. However, there might be a change, so Starlight’s watching over him. He should be fine, for now,” she nuzzled her daughter’s cheek, drawing a smile from the smaller alicorn. “So...did you find out how he got here?” Nyx whispered, trotting after her mother as she began to walk away. Twilight shook her head. “Not yet. It’s so strange. A human suddenly in our world, no explanation. We can’t figure out a proper reason until we get Mr. Kaiba’s side of the story. Which, in the condition he’s in, that might be...awhile,” her ears drooped, an exhausted look on her face. Nyx frowned. “Twilight, can I talk to you for a minute?” Sunset had emerged from the nearby room, which was the spell room. Twilight looked up, nodding. She gave a Nyx another nuzzle before entering the spell room, Sunset shutting the door behind her. “What is it?” Twilight asked, watching her trot across the room and levitate a few books and papers around her. “Well, I’ve visited the site where Mr. Kaiba crashed and picked up some of the residue. It looks like he came in some kinda...pod. Look here,” she picked up a small, green shard, floating it over to Twilight. The mare looked at it, noticing the smooth side of it, and the ragged front. “It looks like it was some kinda...shell. You can almost tell,” she rubbed the smooth end with her hoof, twitching at its silkiness. Sunset nodded. “Yeah, it’s interesting. There are bigger pieces at the site, but I decided on just bringing the smaller ones. You know, to make life easier,” Sunset gave a lopsided grin, placing the shard on the table. Twilight sighed. “It looks like something from the changelings. But Chrysalis hasn’t done anything to harm us since we made the pact with her kingdom about five years ago. Think it might have something do with her kingdom?” Twilight theorized, rubbing her chin with her hoof. Five years prior, Twilight had traveled to the changeling kingdom after the incident with Thorax, the changeling explaining in full detail on how his kingdom was dying. She went there to establish peace, not that Chrysalis had much of a choice. It was do or die for her kingdom. But it proved to help BOTH sides of the spectrum when the peace pact was made, even giving Chrysalis a chance to apologize in full to her brother Shining Armor and his wife, Princess Cadence. It took Shining a full two years to move past it, Cadence being a bit more buoyant. Flurry Heart was too young to remember. “Yes. We might need to bring it up, however. They might not be responsible, but this might’ve come from their kingdom,” Sunset suggested, pulling out a scroll, ink, and pen. Twilight nodded, letting Sunset write her letter the the changeling queen while she went to browse the various books they had. “I’ll send the shard with the letter, ask her if can identify it,” Sunset placed the shard in a small bottle, rolling the letter around it. “I’m off to find Spike. Think there’s something here you can find?” she asked, stopping at the door to speak over her shoulder. Twilight nodded. “Yep.” she smiled, pulling out a book and opening it. Sunset nodded, opening the door and walking out. Only to be greeted by the vary dragon she was looking for. “OH! Hi Sunset! Is Twilight in there? Something just happened!” Spike looked over her, trying to peer into the room. Spike had grown a whole three feet longer in the past five years, small wings out his back. Sunset nodded. “Yes, she is. What happened?” she asked, placing a hoof on Spike’s chest to calm him down. He shifted nervously. “It’s the human, he woke up,” he whispered, as if they were in a public area and need to remain quiet. Sunset gasped. “Already!? Here, send this to Queen Chrysalis real quick and get Twilight!” she shoved the paper and bottle into his arms and raced away, using her wings to give her a boost. “That’s what I was doing!” Spike called, only for Sunset to disappear around the corner. She raced towards the room, seeing a small crowd of their friends at the door. “Hey Sunset! Where’s Twi?” Rainbow hovered above her. Sunset moved past her. “On her way, please let me through,” she gently moved around the other mares, entering the room. She saw Starlight at the end of bed, a panicked expression on her face. Sunset turned and looked at Mokuba. Nyx currently had her forelegs wrapped around his shoulders, trying to calm him down. He was sitting upright, new wrappings, pants, and a few smaller bandages on his arms. His shoulders were shaking violently, showing signs that he was crying. Starlight turned to her. “Woke with a start. Started screaming about something. His family I guess. Then, he just started bawling. I think it’s dawned on him that he’s in another world entirely, nowhere NEAR his world. Do you think he might come from your’s?” Starlight asked, watching Sunset approach. “No. His aura is different from that of the aura of the human world I stayed in. It might be an alternate dimension. We won’t be able to tell if he doesn't calm down. But I see he needs this,” she cast a sympathetic look upon the small human, watching his body quake in sobs. Nyx looked up at Sunset, smiling weakly. “He’s muttering. Something about…’Ni-sama’. I don’t know what that means so…” Nyx rubbed Mokuba’s head, fluffing her wings and wrapping them onto his shoulders. “Ni-sama. That’s the Japonies word for…’big brother’ I think. Ni for oni, as in brother. And ‘sama’ as in high respect. At least, to my knowledge…” Starlight pondered for a moment. Sunset perked. “So...he comes from his world’s version of Neighpon?” she asked. Starlight nodded, Nyx tilted her head in confusion. “Isn’t it...Japon?” she asked. Sunset chuckled. “Not exactly. That’s what us english speaking ponies address it has. Technically, the word ‘japon’ comes from the Haynese translation of Neighpon, or, Jappon. It’s actually Neighpon, if we want to get technical,” Starlight explained, Nyx nodded in understandment. Mokuba flinched, hiccuping gently. “Why...why am I here? Ni-sama...please….help me….” he began whispering between his breaths, drawing a look from Nyx. “He’s doing it again, that mumbling,” Nyx whispered, looking down at him. Sunset and Starlight exchanged looks. In their heads, the same was running laps in their brains. Why WAS he here?