The famous Dragon Rider is forced his worst challenge yet: Death for four years...
Taro has been staying in Equestria for some time now. He rules side by side with the Princesses and helps keep the peace in Equestria. But something has gone amiss. Upon Isron's returning to PonyVille from Manehattan, he has faced enemies. Enemies that spell trouble for Taro and his entire life. He quickly leaves for Manehattan to find out what happened, leaving everypony except Jarden behind. What he finds is not in his favor. Now Taro must battle for his own identity against four years of misconception.
Jay whipped his green and blue streaked hair out of his face. "Why do I have to go?" he asked a green haired man in blue armor.
"Because you are going to take my place at some point. You need to see how I am to keep order," he replied.
"But I don't want to, can't we practice swords again?" Jay persisted.
"Not now Jay."
A cyan pegasus had flown down to them. "Hey Taro," she greeted, her rainbow mane settling from the abrupt stop. "Hi Jay."
"Hi," Jay said innocently. Jay was the 10 year-old son of Rainbow Dash and Taro, the adult who was with him. Not their biological son, because, you know, that's not possible. Much time has passed and Taro's human world and Equestria had managed to live together in harmony, under rule of Taro, Thatch, Luna, and Celestia. Taro was on his way to the court. A fight had broken out between two ponies who just couldn't find peace.
Taro, Jay, and Rainbow Dash entered the court room to find the two ponies arguing back and forth. "I get the land passed the east end of the road!" argued a tan stallion with a brown mane and a Cutie mark in the shape of wheat.
"No you don't, you get it from the south side, I get the east!" shouted the other. He had a caramel color with a blonde mane and a scythe for a Cutie mark. They both needed the land for farming.
"Enough, both of you!" Taro shouted.
"But I'm right!" shouted the one with the wheat.
"No you're not!" shouted the other.
"He said enough," Rainbow Dash intervened.
"What do you need the land for?" Taro asked.
"Farming!" they said in unison.
"Why can't one of you take the southern field and the other take the east?"
"The eastern field is more fertile than the southern," replied Scythe.
"I don't know why I'm wasting my time on petty fights like this. Alright, we'll flip a coin." Taro scratched a line on one side of a bit. "Scratch you get east, no scratch, you do."
Taro tossed the coin into the air, causing it to flip numerously. He caught it in the air and showed it to Rainbow Dash. "Scratch."
Wheat jumped around and cheered. "There, now we can get back to what we were doing before," Taro said, leading Rainbow and Jay outside.
"Can we practice swords again?" Jay asked on the way out.
"You know you have to fight with Rissa, right?" Rainbow Dash asked. Rissa was Jarden's nine year-old daughter.
"Aww, but Dad's better at it than her!" Jay complained.
"Rainbow Dash is right, Jay. Fight Rissa and only Rissa for the time being. I don't want to hurt you and I sure don't want Jarden to hurt you. Kid goes for blood when he fights."
"What was that about me?" Jarden asked walking up to them, his sword dangling at his hip. It wasn't the same as Kveykva, Taro's sword, but it was still a really good one. Twilight had made it for him. A bright red, shining like the scales of Chalmen, his beautiful red dragon.
"Aye, Jarden! How are you today?" Taro greeted.
"I'm doin' pretty well, Master. Just spoke with Pinkie Pie about Rissa's birthday celebration in two weeks." Jarden turned to Jay. "And don't go tellin' her, squirt, it's a surprise party."
"Where is she anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"She's at home, helping Lyzia with Chalmen. She took quite a beating from that group of manticores. Thatch still out?"
"Yep, he'll be back with Isron tomorrow."
"Did you scry them lately?"
"Two days ago. They looked as if they were just finishing up." Thatch and Isron were in Manehattan. A group of thieves had been located, but Taro was too busy to go with Thatch.
"Excellent, what do you say we go for a fly when they come back?"
"Sounds good."
"Hello everyone," Twilight said, walking up to them.
"Hi Twilight," they all replied.
"How's the egg doing?" Taro asked. They had managed to find another egg.
"As good as it can be. Thatch back yet?"
"He should be back by tomorrow."
"Good, I wish to speak to him more. His knowledge is so vast." Twilight looked down at Jay. "And how are you, Jay?"
"Good," he replied shyly.
"How are you, Rainbow Dash?" Twilight asked. She had been trying to become closer friends again. Two years after Taro decided to stay in Equestria, there was a party in Canterlot that Celestia invited them all to. Hoops was making fun of Rainbow Dash again and Taro told him off. Twilight saw the whole thing and spoke to Taro in private, telling him of how strong, brave, and perfect he was. She got caught in the moment and kissed Taro. Rainbow Dash, of course, had to see only that part. After Taro explained to her that it was Twilight who kissed him and not the other way around, she had been pretty sour toward Twilight.
"I'm good, Twilight," was all she had to say.
"So, is Spike being a real dragon or one of your dragons?" Jarden asked.
"He's not too different from Thatch, actually. Thatch would be proud."
Everyone finished talking and Rainbow Dash, Taro, and Jay entered their homes. Taro and Rainbow Dash had moved their house to the ground after they decided to adopt Jay into their family. "Can I go practice with Rissa now?" Jay asked.
"Go ahead, but be careful," Taro replied.
Jay left and Taro untied his armor. He removed each small peace of protection and set it on a counter beside him. "I'm going to have to teach him some day, you know."
"I know, but I don't want him getting hurt," Rainbow Dash replied.
"He needs to be trained. He has to take over for me at some point. We don't even know when that point is. I can be killed on any of my missions."
"You're still strong enough. He can't learn everything as easy as you did. You told me that your uncle and father were members of the Rider Line that led to you. You got your moves and skills through your genes. Jay isn't our real son."
Taro sighed as he put down the last piece of armor. "I know, but he still has to learn some skills."
Jay and Rissa were in the back yard, playing another one of their fantasy games. The setting had been moved to a plain. Jay and Rissa had been walking for days. They caught sight of what appears to be a town.
"There, Rissa!" Jay shouted. They ran toward the town to find it in ruins. A woman was lying on the ground. She was hurt.
Rissa bent down to her. "Are you alright?"
"They destroyed it! The whole town!" she replied.
"Who?" Jay asked.
The woman looked up. "The Dark Souls."
"Don't worry!" Jay shouted, standing. "We shall defeat them and save the town!"
"But you're just a couple of kids."
Jay drew his sword. "I happen to be Jay, son of Taro, the greatest Dragon Rider, and Rainbow Dash, the greatest flier in Equestria and Earth!" Jay knew he was adopted, in fact, he was six when he was adopted, but he liked to think of himself as their actual son. Taro and Rainbow Dash decided on Jay after he was defending a little girl from some bullies. Bullies who were older than him.
"And I am Rissa, son of Jarden, student of Taro!"
Hope appeared to have returned to the woman's eyes.
Taro gazed out the window at the two kids. They were waving sticks around and fighting each other. He smiled.
"They're great kids," Rainbow Dash complemented.
Taro nodded in agreement.
TARO! MEET ME IN PONYVILLE SQUARE NOW!
Taro jumped. Rainbow Dash could see the shock in his face. "What is it?"
Taro grabbed his sword. "Thatch is in trouble! He's almost back! Grab the kids and go to Town Square!"
Taro ran for about a second before he took flight. He bat his wings to reach the square in time. He looked up and saw Thatch getting ready to land.
What's wrong? Taro asked, concerned.
Isron, he's hurt! Thatch replied.
Rainbow Dash and the kids ran up next to Taro. Thatch put his wing down to reveal Isron. His arm had been half cut off at the shoulder and bleeding tremendously. Rainbow Dash retaliated. That wasn't even half of it. He saw a huge gash in his side and a spear wound going almost completely through him.
"Get a doctor, Rainbow Dash!" Taro cried. "Isron, are you alright? Can you here me?"
Isron stirred. "Taro, is that you?" he asked weakly.
"Yes, what happened?" Taro asked.
"Thatch, explain."
We were getting ready to leave when a group of monsters attacked us. We don't even know what they were. They were powerful, though. Took us by surprise. I took minimal damage, but Isron... well.
A human doctor arrived shortly with a stretcher. "Isron? Is that you?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied weakly.
"How did this happen to you?"
"Mission. Thieves in Manehattan. We got ambushed on our way back."
The doctor put Isron on the stretcher and the doctor carried him away.
"Did Isron know that doctor?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Probably not," Taro replied, watching as the stretcher was carried away.
"Then why did she know his name?"
"Well Isron's famous, so there's one reason."
"What's gonna happen to Isron?" Jay asked.
"I don't know. He's a tough man, but he's never been this hurt. I just hope he'll be alright," Taro replied.
Jarden came running up, a grin on his face. "Thatch, you're back! ...Where's Isron?"
"He's in the hospital now. They got ambushed by some kind of creatures."
"We should see Twilight about it," Rainbow Dash suggested.
"Good idea."
They all walked over to Twilight's house. She actually had a house now, not the town's public library, although with all of the books she had in there, it practically was a library.
"Thatch, give Twilight your memories of the fight," Taro instructed.
Twilight saw Isron take a blow to the knee. The creatures that did it were green like Taro's hair. They were tall and large and had either clubs or swords.
"I don't know what those are," Twilight admitted. "I've never seen anything like them."
"Don't you have any books on medieval creatures or something?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I do, but I've never seen anything like those in that book," Twilight said ashamed.
"Alright, Twilight, do your research on it, Rainbow Dash, keep Jay and Rissa safe. Thatch, Jarden, Chalmen, and I are going back to see if we can find any more. We'll meet at the town square in 10," Taro instructed.
Thatch pulled his head out from the window. Are you sure you want to do this? I even got hurt.
We have no choice. It's my job to keep everyone safe. How safe would you feel if there were unknown creatures roaming around killing people and ponies for no reason?
How do we know they don't have a reason?
Good question. Let's go hunt them down to find out.
Thatch argued himself into a circle.
Taro had his blue armor on and Kveykva in his hand. He was about to leave when Rainbow Dash stopped him. "Don't go, Taro."
"I have to. I want to keep you safe and if those things are running around, you aren't safe. We don't know what they are, who they are, or where they are."
"But what about you? I want to keep you safe. Every mission, big or small, I worry about you. You can't just run right into battle like you do."
"Well if I'm not at the head of the army, who will lead them?"
"Anyone, someone. I don't care, just as long as I know you're safe."
Taro grabbed Rainbow Dash and kissed her. "I'm never safe. This is who I am. I have to do this. You knew that when we married. You have no idea how badly I want to back down and stay with you. But I have a duty, and I have to fulfill it. I promise, I'll come back."
Rainbow Dash put her hooves around his neck and kissed. They fell to the ground and continued to kiss.
"Get a room, Taro," Jarden said, entering the house.
Taro looked up. "What about a house? Speaking of which, what are you doing in mine? We're meeting at the town square."
Jarden stood, looking into space. "Oh yeah." He left.
"Well then, looks like it's almost time to go." Taro stood.
"But how will I know if you're alright?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Taro put his right hand on her wing. The one that held a golden ring on it. It started to glow and shine like the sun. Shortly after, he removed his hand. "I have enchanted your ring. When I am in danger of my life, it will glow. If I get out of that situation, it will pulse and fade. This is the best I can do." Taro tied Kveykva to his belt and left.
A small crowd gathered in the town square. They loved to see the dragons take flight. Humans and ponies alike stared in awe as the team readied for lift off.
"Are you sure you have everything?" Taro asked Jarden.
"Of course I do," he replied, tying the second saddle bag to Chalmen.
Taro tied his last saddle bag of medicinal herbs to Thatch. "Really, because I know you?"
"I've got everything," Jarden replied, mounting his dragon.
The two dragons leapt with powerful legs and beat their wings. The crowd had been slightly blown back at the force of the wind. Even still, the whole of the crowd cheered as they flew off. They were on their way.
Two weeks ago, Taro and Rainbow Dash decided to adopt. They settled on a human for Taro to pass his knowledge onto. They were at a small orphanage, run by a pony with three smiling faces on her light blue flank.
"So were you looking for a pony or human?" she asked, walking them through the house.
"Human," Taro replied.
"Well we don't have too many humans here, but we have a few." She led them into the next room, where a green haired six-year-old boy stood, defending a little girl from some bullies. The bullies who were picking on her were 15 at the least.
"Come on, you little twerp." One of the bullies put up his fists to fight.
"I won't fight you," said the kid.
"Why, can't fight like a real man like your hero?"
"Like Taro would even defend the likes of you anyway," said another bully.
"He would to! He's a hero!"
"He wouldn't even bother with you."
The child got tears in his eyes. "And why wouldn't I? Is there something wrong with fighting for what you believe in?" Taro said, walking up to the child. "Because I can see this little girl here was in trouble."
"N-no sir, he just... um..." the first one stuttered.
"You can leave whenever you feel like," Taro said.
The others ran off and Taro was left with the child and the girl he was defending.
"Thanks," she said, running off.
Taro looked at the little boy. He was staring at Taro, eyes wide and mouth ready to catch flies.
Taro laughed. "I can see I have a fan." Taro knelt down to him. "And it just so happens that Rainbow Dash and I are searching for a child."
He knew where this was going. "Yes, yes, yes!" he chanted.
The owner of the orphanage took Taro and Rainbow Dash aside. "Are you sure you want Jay? He can be quite the... handful... sometimes. He doesn't like taking orders from people, no matter what the age. And he's usually quite the troublemaker. Relentless, he doesn't stop for anything..."
Taro and Rainbow Dash looked at each other. "He's perfect," Rainbow Dash said.
Taro and Jarden had flown next to each other for only about 10 minutes, but with their dragon's being as fast as they were, they were already about halfway there. "How much longer?" Jarden asked from atop Chalmen.
"I don't know, another 12 minutes or so," Taro replied. He grabbed the ball on the top of Thatch's saddle.
Jarden sighed. "Race?"
"It won't be fair. Thatch is way faster than Chalmen."
"So?"
"Alright, fine. Thatch?"
Thatch zoomed ahead at top speed, leaving Jarden in his wake. Jarden, however had only barely sped up. Thatch turned around. Alright, I think he learned already. Thatch slowed and met Jarden.
"Okay, maybe you are faster," Jarden admitted.
"Just a little."
Slowly, time had passed and they arrived over where Thatch and Isron had been ambushed. Taro looked down and could see the same green figures. "There they are," he said.
"What's the plan?" Jarden asked.
Taro thought. "CHARGE!" Thatch and Chalmen sped to the ground. They opened their mighty jaws and spewed fire over the monsters. Only one or two seemed to be effected by the attack. Taro dismounted and drew Kveykva.
The races clashed. Taro dodged a blow to his shoulder and slashed Kveykva. The blade cut through the monster's arm, but was stopped by the bone. The monster didn't even seem phased.
Isron lay in the hospital, Rainbow Dash, her friends, and the kids at his side. "Where's Taro?" he panted.
"He went after those monsters," Rainbow Dash replied.
Isron's face darkened. "No, get him back! He can't do it!"
"It's okay, he has Thatch, Chalmen, and Jarden," Twilight said.
"It doesn't matter, I nearly escaped with my life! In fact, I just delayed my death a few minutes by running! We only killed seven of those orcs between me and a gigantic dragon!" Isron's voice slowed.
"Those were orcs?" Twilight asked.
"Yes." His voice grew ever lower. "I entered one of their minds before Thatch and I left. They're working for..." Isron fell quiet.
"Who? Who are they working for?" Apple Jack asked, leaning in closer.
The nurse interrupted them. She checked his pulse and shook her head. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "He was a great hero."
Taro and Jarden had suffered multiple wounds in the fight. They had ended 15 or 20 monsters before they had been overtaken. Taro decided to see where this would go, so he told Thatch and Chalmen to leave them and hide. They were told to tell no one of where they were, as it would put them at even more risk.
The monsters had brought the two Dragon Riders to a dark cave. A maniacal laugh echoed through the cavern. A woman's laugh. A changeling's laugh.
"Chrysalis!" Taro shouted. The monsters held him tighter.
"Hello, Dragon Riders. So nice to see you again, Taro," she muttered. She was in her normal form.
"How did you survive the first blast of the Elements of Harmony?" Taro demanded.
Chrysalis stuttered. "N-none of your business!"
"Sure it is!" Taro said back. "Now why are you still alive? Are your servant Changelings here as well?"
"Of course not!"
"Why are you alive then?"
"It doesn't matter."
Taro calmed down. "...plot hole?"
"Plot hole..." Chrysalis trailed off. "Do you like my orcs?" she continued on. "I found them deep within the Everfree Forest."
"They suck," Jarden said casually.
"Well, now that I have you, I might as well do what all great villains do," she said, ignoring Jarden's comment.
"Which is?"
"Tell you my plan and kill you of course!"
"Alright, then. What exactly IS your plan?"
"Why, I'm going to become you of course! I thought the love from Shining Armor and Cadence was strong. I can't believe how much love you and Rainbow Dash share."
"You stay away from Rainbow Dash!" Taro shouted with anger.
"Make me," Chrysalis replied.
A sharp pain erupted from Taro's chest. He looked down. A sharp sword erupted from his chest as well. He fell to the ground.
Taro awoke. The room was lit up to an extent. "Why is this so bright?" he wondered aloud.
"I don't know," Jarden said, standing up next to him.
"Where are we? What did Chrysalis do to us?"
"I can't answer that either."
"Why did she need power from Rainbow Dash?"
"Dang it Taro, stop asking me questions I don't know the answer to!"
"I can tell you," said someone from behind.
They turned around. "Isron? What are you doing here?" Taro asked.
"Well we're all dead here."
"Woah! Dead? You mean she actually killed us?"
"Yes, she did, but that's not important. She's after your love for Rainbow Dash for a reason. It's not to over throw Equestria, though. It's to revive Discord. If she get's enough power, she can give it to one of her orcs and he will be revived through it."
"Okay well we have to stop her, then!" Jarden said.
"Precisely."
"Yeah, really. But there's still one small detail here. We're dead! How the hell do we save the world when we're dead!" Taro pointed out.
"Taro, remember when you first learned about magic and I told you 'a life for a life?'"
"Yes, but none of us are living."
"I've managed to find a way to blink to Equestria and back for only a moment. I'll find someone to sacrifice. Someone old, so their life isn't cut too short."
They had been waiting for three hours. None had seemed fit to be a good enough sacrifice to Isron. "Found one," Isron finally mumbled. Taro started to glow.
Taro was slowly transported back into his body. His brain was back. He could feel again. He took a deep breath. He could breathe again. He looked at his side. He had his same armor and sword as when he died. He stretched his sore muscles. Odd, didn't feel that long, but okay.
"Same old me!" he said. He looked around. A forest. "Where am I now?" Taro felt into his mind. He found Thatch, but he was shut off from Taro. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't breach the barrier he formed in his mind.
"Well Thatch is out of the question," Taro said to himself as he started walking. He exited the forest to see a town. Ponies and only ponies walked back and forth, pulling carts, some being whipped to move faster by other ponies.
He walked up closer to it. None of the ponies seemed to notice him. Something was behind him. He ducked and front flip out of the way.
"You've got a lot of guts showing up around pony territory!" said an angry mare.
"Yeah, guts doesn't begin to describe me," Taro said, standing.
"Maybe stupidity would do you justice?"
Taro turned around. His eyes instantly became wide, as well as the cyan mare. "Rainbow Dash!" he muttered in amazement. She was holding a silver sword. He took a step toward her and she raised her sword higher.
"I would advise you stay away!"
"Rainbow Dash, it's me, Taro!"
"I know who you are, Taro. You really are stupid for coming back after all these years!"
"What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about! That enchanted ring flashed, but it never pulsed! You came back, but Jarden was gone. You became worse and worse of a leader. Celestia tried to banish you like she did Nightmare Moon. You refused, ran off, and revived Discord! You ruined our peaceful nation and betrayed me! I haven't seen you in four years and I couldn't have been happier to never feel your filthy arms around my waist again!" Rainbow Dash raised the sword higher.
"Rainbow Dash, I swear, that wasn't me! It was the queen of the changelings!"
"You're a terrible liar. I know that we killed her!"
"We did! Plot holes are one hell of a villain. She brought back Discord." Taro walked up to her.
"G-get back," she stuttered.
"Rainbow Dash, I would never do anything to hurt you."
"No!"
"Dash," Taro said in his sweetest tone. "Oh, my Rainbow Dash. How foolish you've become." Taro grabbed her neck and knelt down to her level.
"Foolish?"
"Yes. I would never go against Equestria. I would never help a villain." He kissed Rainbow Dash. "And I would never hurt you."
Rainbow Dash cried and fell into Taro's arms. "I'm sorry, Taro!"
"Dash, it's okay. We need to find Discord and bring him down. Do you know where he is?"
Rainbow Dash shook her head. "He amped up security after you completely obliterated him."
"Come on Rainbow Dash! Finish off the human!" shouted a pony.
"No, he's not evil!" she shouted back.
"He's a human, they're all evil!"
"What's up with this?" Taro asked as the pony ran toward Taro with a knife.
"Tell you later, run." And so they did. They ran back into the forest Taro had exited only recently.
"You traitor, Rainbow Dash!" was all they heard the stallion say.
"What's happening now?" Taro asked.
"How don't you know?"
"Well excuse me for being dead for, how long was it, four years?"
"What, dead?"
"That's why it didn't pulse. I died, I never got out of that situation. Until I died, of course."
"So how are you back?"
Taro filled her in on what had happened in death. Granted, it wasn't much, but he did.
Taro looked back. Nopony. "I think we can stop now. So tell me, Rainbow Dash. What happened while I was gone, and where are the kids?"
Rainbow Dash started her tale. "After you came back from defeating the orcs, you didn't have Jarden or Chalmen with you. Only Thatch. You said Jarden died in the fight and Chalmen wanted to stay with him. After everything had blown over, we had gone back to our normal lives. Every time someone had a problem, you reluctantly dealt with it. You became more and more cruel, and even Thatch agreed that something had to be done."
FLASHBACK TIME!
Taro, you're mind is corrupted, Thatch said.
"No it isn't, I'm still the same!" Taro retorted.
"Taro, something is wrong with you. You need to see someone about it," Rainbow Dash reasoned. "Celestia already tried dealing with you and you refused banishment!"
"Really Rainbow Dash? You're with him on this? I thought you loved me!"
"I want the best for you, Taro. Please, see someone."
"No, I don't have to and you can't make me!" Taro stormed off and Rainbow Dash followed.
Taro stood at the edge of a cliff. "What are you doing, Taro?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Since you won't listen to me, I'll get someone who will!" Taro put his hands toward the edge of the cliff. They started to glow green. A small tornado formed at the base of the cliff, getting bigger and bigger, stronger and stronger.
"Taro, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked with concern.
"I'm bringing him back!" Taro said in an insane voice.
"Who?"
Taro turned to her, his hair being whipped around in the wind. "Discord!"
"Taro, no! Why would you do that?"
"No one else listens to what I say! I shall rule side by side with Discord!" An orc joined Taro by his side and he channeled his power through it.
"Taro, don't do this!" Rainbow Dash grabbed Taro's shoulder. He immediately turned around and slapped her. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and immediately ran off to her house.
As soon as she entered, she went to Jay. "Stay away from Taro, Jay. He's insane. Our world is about to become corrupted and we won't be able to do anything."
"Why?" Jay asked, concerned.
"He's joining Discord, the evil ruler of chaos."
"After a while, the humans blamed the ponies for your corruption, and, in turn, the ponies blamed the humans for bringing you here. Eventually, they separated. Some have learned to accept hate. The ones who didn't are the ones who are mistreated."
"So now there are distinct human and Equestrian towns?"
"Pretty much."
"So what happened to Jay?"
"Lyzia was with him and Rissa the last I saw him. I don't know what happened to him. He never gave up on you. He always thought you could defeat the evil in your mind."
Taro smiled slightly. Then he gasped. "Where's the purple dragon egg?"
"I think Twilight still has it, why?"
"That's our only hope. That dragon is still pure. If we can find the Rider that dragon belongs to, we have a small chance to save everyone and everypony."
"How does that work?"
"The dragon hasn't been influenced yet. It still knows what its mission is: to protect, serve, and try to keep peace within all races and nations. Hopefully the Rider will be influenced by this."
Taro stood on the top of a tree, hidden from the lights of the street. He was staring right at Twilight's house. He remembered Rainbow Dash's words. "Get in, grab the egg, get out. Try not to let Twilight see you, she might hate you, too."
Taro tied a mask and put up a hood. She already hated humans, but Taro was another story. He dressed in all black for his night raid, aside from the satchel to hold the egg. He bent his knees and lunged onto the roof of the home. His landing was silenced with a small flutter of his wings. He looked over the edge of the roof. A light was on in a window. Taro couldn't see much, but what he did see was Twilight lying in her bed, reading a book.
He stood up and jumped into the corner of the building. He wrapped around it and flew into an open window, landing with a small thump. The room was relatively dark, aside from the light from Twilight's room next door. He was in the hallway. He walked down the hallway silently. The library was the first room. The room was nice and tidy, as usual.
He pillaged through some baskets on the floor. A light flicked on. "What are you doing in my house?" It was Twilight.
Taro stood and turned around. She had a giant book in her magical grasp. "I'm looking for the egg."
"Eggs are usually in the refrigerator."
"The dragon egg. The purple one."
"I don't have it anymore."
Taro entered her mind. "Lies."
She swung the giant book at Taro, who ducked. She swung several more times, Taro dodging every time. "Twilight, I need that egg!"
"You can't have it! It was given to me to look after by an old friend! He may not be a friend any more, but it's still important to me! He's the only one I will ever return it to!" She swung the book again.
It was a long shot. "Twilight, it is me! Taro! The real one!" Taro dodged the book and revealed himself.
She dropped the book and backed up, her mouth agape. "T-taro?"
"Yes, Twilight. The real me, not the changeling me."
"Changeling?"
From there, Taro informed Twilight of his predicament.
"Alright, you can take the egg, but I still don't see why it will help. When are we leaving?"
"You're staying here, Twi."
"What, but I want to go with."
"Sorry Twilight. People and ponies will suspect something is wrong. The only one I'm keeping is Rainbow Dash."
"Alright, you're the smartest here, I guess." Twilight handed the egg over and Taro put it in his satchel.
"Thanks."
Taro exited through another window and wandered into the forest. Rainbow Dash had managed to start a small fire. "Did you get it?"
Taro pulled out the egg. It glistened in the flicker of the fire, sending waves of purple across the small camp.
"Wow, it's beautiful."
"Yes, it is."
Taro put the egg away.
"So, where are we going tomorrow?"
"Well we need to get Jarden, but I don't know where he'll end up when he comes back to life. In fact, I don't even know when he'll come back to life. I guess we can go into one of the human towns and look for a potential Rider."
"We can't, the world already knows and hates you, and I'm a pony. There going to try to murder me."
Taro thought, sifting through his knowledge of the Ancient Language, only to come up short. "I guess we can't bring you, but I have to go. You'll stay here while I search around the town."
"Alright, I guess that will have to work."
Taro walked the street of what used to be Dodge City, his wings concealed inside his tunic. The streets were littered with, well, litter. Humans walked around the open roads, not paying attention to Taro. A shadow hopped along a roof. He looked to find a brown pony, hopping in the direction of an alley. Taro ran toward the dark alley to find a human, walking with his hands in his pockets, not knowing of the pony above him.
The pony jumped down and tackled the man. He pulled out a knife and held it high. Taro immediately thrust his arm forward and shouted "Jierda!" A strand of yellow energy burst forth and slammed into the side of the pony assassin. The knife was released from his hoof and landed half-way between the victim and the pony. The pony quickly scrambled to get the knife back, but Taro lunged at it and swiped it away. He grabbed the knife before the pony and put it to his throat. "You're lucky I'm not accustom to murdering ponies." Taro nodded his head and the pony left.
The frightened victim stood and dusted himself off. "Thanks," he muttered.
"No problem. Anything to help keep the peace."
"Why didn't you kill that pony?" The victim finished whacking his greaves to remove them of dust and looked at his savior.
"Jay?" Taro said in awe.
"Dad? Is that really you?"
"Yes, Jay. The real me." Taro replied. The two hugged.
"I can't believe it's really you! What happened to you?"
"I'll explain later."
"Did you find Mom yet?"
"Yes I did. It didn't take much to convince her that it wasn't me who did, well, this. Let's get back to her."
"Wait, I should probably tell Lyzia and Rissa where I am."
"You still know them?"
"I live with them."
"I need to speak to Rissa, she's the only one I think of who can help us."
Staying as concealed as possible, Jay led Taro to Lyzia's house. She wasn't home, as usual. She was taking care of two kids. She needed a full time job.
"Jay, is that you?" Rissa called.
"Yes, it's me. There's someone here to see you," Jay replied.
Rissa ran into the entrance of the house. "Taro?"
"Yes, Rissa."
"What are you doing here?" She sounded angry.
"I need to speak to you."
"What is it? You never meant to revive Discord? That you never meant to kill my father? That you never meant to hurt Rainbow Dash? Because if that's it, then save it! I used to look up to you. I used to like telling people my father was your student. Now, I can't stand it."
"Rissa, I understand that you're mad at me, but that's not what I wanted to say to you."
"Then what is it?"
"Remember the stories I told you about my first time in Equestria, the changeling?"
"Yeah, so what?"
"It happened again. She's back and she's me. She killed me and Jarden. We met Isron while we were dead, and he managed to bring me back to life and is working on Jarden. The changeling who took my place revived Discord."
"Assuming you ARE telling the truth, what does this have to do with me?"
"This." Taro pulled out the egg from his satchel.
Rissa looked at it, her mouth open wide. "Wow, it's beautiful. What's it for?"
"Hopefully, you. This egg still needs its Rider. Word of a new Dragon Rider on Earth brought a new hope to the dying age I grew up in. I'm just hoping it will do the same here. This dragon still has its mission. I'm just hoping it's yours. YOU are in DIRECT LINE of a family of Dragon Riders. If this dragon is yours, you can help me save Equestria."
"Why can't you do it?"
"I don't have Thatch. There's no way I can win without him. Is there any chance you know where he is?"
"No, I don't. I've only seen him a few times, flying above the cities."
"I'm going to leave this egg here with you. If you get the egg to hatch, find a way to let me know. Jay, we must go. Rainbow Dash is waiting. Tell Lyzia when she comes home that I have returned."
Taro and Jay were about to enter the forest when something covered the sun. "That's odd, the pegesai don't move clouds around here," Jay pointed out.
They looked toward the sun. A mental barrier broke within Taro as a mighty beast tackled him to the ground. It was Thatch.
Finally, you have left the side of Discord! You are so foolish as to leave, Taro. Do you know how long I've been waiting to tear you limb from limb! he shouted.
"Thatch, no!" Jay replied quickly.
Look, kid, I know you think he's a good guy and you looked up to him like he was your real father, but he needs to be destroyed!
"Thatch, this is the real Taro. Queen Chrysalis has returned and she turned into Taro! Don't kill the wrong guy!"
LIES! Thatch pushed harder on Taro. Taro looked deep into one of his emerald eyes.
"Thatch, Draumr Kopa!" Taro accessed his magic and glowed a bright white. The light that emanated from Taro nearly blinded Jay.
Taro, is it... possible?
"Eka ai fricai un Shur'tugal."
Thank Celestia I stopped. Thatch said, getting off of Taro.
"No kidding."
What are you doing?
"Trying to save Equestria. Now that we have you, we can really boost our chances. Do you know where Chrysalis and Discord are?"
No, that's why I fly around. I was hoping to find you and kill you.
"Wow, I must have done some pretty dark things to want a part of me to murder me."
"You did," Jay agreed.
They walked into the camp where Rainbow Dash had been waiting. She was taking a nap under a tree. "Hey Rainbow Dash, guess who I found," Taro said, waking her up.
She sat up and looked at the two. "Thatch? You found him?"
"Actually, I was referring to the other one."
Rainbow Dash studied him over, standing on all four legs. "Who is he?"
"It's only been a couple years, Mom," Jay said.
Rainbow Dash's eyes lit up. "Jay, is that really you?"
"Yes it is." Rainbow Dash ran up to Jay and hugged him.
"How did you find him?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"He was about to be murdered, so I swooped in and rescued him," Taro replied.
Well, what do we do now? Thatch wondered.
"We need to find Discord and Chrysalis. If we find one, there's a chance we'll find the other, but don't count on it. I'd actually prefer they're separate," Taro inquired.
"Why's that?" Jay asked.
"Because if we had the Elements of Harmony and no Chrysalis, we can eliminate Discord and vice-versa."
"Where do we start looking?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Taro turned to Thatch. You make rounds around Equestria searching for me, right?
Yes, but I've never found even a trace of evidence.
"Hmm... Okay, Rainbow Dash and Jay, head to Baltimare and search for clues. Be careful, I don't want you to get hurt. Rainbow Dash, you have a sword for defense. Jay, do you have anything?"
"I don't, but there's an armory in Dodge City that is selling an item that I've been training with. I can go back, purchase it, and come back," Jay replied.
"Do that before you leave, sometime. Thatch, you fly me up to Canterlot. I've got a princess I need to talk to. Once you drop me off, fly around the Galloping Gorge area."
"Got it," they all said.
"Excellent. We leave in the morning. Jay, go buy your item."
Jay left. "Why not now?" Dash asked.
"Because I've been dead for four years, yet somehow my body was preserved. I'm a little stiff." Taro jumped up to a tree, grabbed a branch, and swung around it. He let go and flipped backwards, catching a nearby branch with his feet. He swung around it and caught it, then knelt on it, pulling his feet on the top of the branch.
After 20 minutes, Jay came back with a bracer on his arm, housing a small, hidden blade on the bottom of it.
Jay and Rainbow Dash were getting close to Baltimare. They hadn't run into any travelers, which wasn't uncommon. A group of ponies had exited Baltimare.
"Uh-oh, pony town. Quick, start fighting me," Jay instructed.
"Why?"
"They'll think something's weird if we're together."
Rainbow Dash pulled out her sword and swung slowly at Jay, trying not to hurt him, but also making it believable.
"Hey, look at this, some human thinks he can deal with a pegasus," said the first pony. It was a group of three earth ponies.
Jay blocked an attack with an arm bracer.
"Let's help her out a little," suggested another pony in the group. He attempted to jump onto Jay and tackle him down from behind, but Jay turned around, revealing his hidden blade from his wrist. He caught the pony straight through a rib and into his chest, puncturing the heart. Blood came out of the ponies mouth as it hit the ground.
"Get him!" shouted the first pony.
Rainbow Dash swung her sword at one, hitting her with the flat of her blade. She was knocked back a little and Rainbow Dash spun around and bucked her in the chin. She followed by gripping the sword tight in her mouth and stabbing it through the pony's eyes.
All the while, Jay was fighting the other pony. The pony started off by trying to grab Jay. He retaliated by grabbing his hoof and throwing him on the ground. Jay immediately jumped on the pony and stabbed it through the throat. He retracted his blade.
"Well, that probably could have gone better," Jay said.
"Maybe a little," Dash agreed.
They proceeded to the town. "How can I look around the town without being spotted?" Jay asked.
"I don't know."
Jay remembered the previous day. The pony was undetected when it was climbing a roof.
--------
Thatch flew directly over the Canterlot Castle, Taro riding on his back. Dropping, Taro said, diving off of the dragon. He spun around, using his wings to stabilize himself. The balcony of Celestia's quarters was directly below. Taro landed on the gold railing, keeping his balance as the metal bent slightly beneath him.
"Whoops," he said, accessing his magic to straighten the bar.
"Taro, what are you doing here? I thought you were staying by Discord's side," asked Celestia from inside her room.
"Hmm, looks like I've made myself known to the Princess as well. Event noted," Taro replied aloud.
"Are you going to answer my question?"
"In a minute, but first, why don't you fear me?"
"Please, if you wanted to hurt me, you would've done it by now."
"No, I mean, why aren't you as mad as the others?"
"Because I've gotten over it. I'm actually glad things turned out the way they did."
Taro got down from the railing. "What do you mean?"
"Discord is the reigning King of Chaos, yet this is all he did. Granted, he turned humans and ponies against each other, which is a pretty big thing, but that's it."
"Why didn't he do any more?"
"He can't. He's in hiding, trying to gain more power. His master plan was to turn all of the citizens of Equestria against each other. It took a lot out of him. Why don't you know this yet?"
"I'm so tired of explaining everything. Let's just put it this way: That's Chrysalis. Now do you know where Discord is?"
"Of course I don't. I pose a threat to you two, why would I know where you and Discord are hiding?"
Taro grunted in annoyance. "It's not me. I need to find out where they are so I can return everything back to normal."
"Good luck, you're not going to defeat Discord, even if your story is true."
"Oh, and why not?"
"Apple Jack hates your guts. She's never going to join your side, no matter what you say."
"Well so long as I have the Elements of Harmony, that shouldn't matter. I still have mine," Taro turned around. "In fact, I think I have an idea. If Discord is still weak... Do you know where Kayderon lives these days?" Kayderon was a master black smith.
Jay swung across the ledge of a roof and landed in a street. He jumped against a building and leapt back to the top. "I can't believe we haven't found anything..." Jay said to himself.
"And just what are you looking for?" asked a man from behind Jay.
He stood and turned around, finding a man dressed in black, sitting in the shadow of a chimney.
"Well? What is it?" he asked again.
"I-I'm searching for clues of where Discord is," Jay replied.
"Hmm... Interesting, I'll admit." He stood "I'd help in your quest, but I've no idea where he is. Why are you looking for him?"
"My father has returned and is going to defeat him."
The mysterious man laughed. "And who is your father, young child?"
"Fist off, I'm 15, and second my father is the legendary Dragon Rider, Taro. He is back to defeat the changeling that has corrupted our world."
The man laughed again. "You're being deceived, kid. That man is not one to be trifled with."
"Well what are you doing here, then."
He took a deep breath. "That doesn't matter. You want to find out where Discord might be, check the well in Town Square. I hear there's someone down there who can help." Without another word, he leapt away.
Jay stood for a moment, watching. He then turned around and ran after the well. When he arrived, he found it empty. Why isn't there water in here? he thought.
"Hey, a human! Get him!" Shouted a pony.
Jay turned around. Thirty ponies surrounded him. His only means of escape was the well.
He landed at the bottom of the well. It wasn't even wet. Water hadn't been run through the well in years. "He's down the well!"
"Forget him, he won't be able to get back up."
Jay looked around. There was only one tunnel, lit with dim torches. He walked down the path to find an old unicorn, sitting over a book. Jay silently slid out his hidden blade.
"I'm not a threat to you, young one," said the pony in a raspy voice. It had the cutie mark of a magnifying glass over its dim, blue fur.
"Are you the one with all of the knowledge?" Jay asked, not retreating his blade.
"I am, yes. Are you seeking answers?"
"I am. The first question I have is how are you alive down here?"
"The rats bring me food and there is a small reservoir near here. Your next question?"
"Do you know the location of Discord?"
The old pony laughed. "Yes, I do. The monster is hidden within the caves."
"What caves?"
"The ones beneath Canterlot. Everypony forgot about them again, now that's his hiding spot. He watches from afar, his chaos."
"How do you know that?"
"The rats. They bring me news from all over Equestria."
"How can you understand them?"
"I do because we do." Rats joined the old hag. She spoke words in the Ancient Language Jay only half-recognize and the rats ran off.
"What did you tell them?"
"Oh, nothing. You'll find out. I believe you have your information, do you not?"
"Yes, I do. Thank you." Jay ran back to the entrance of the well. He jumped on one of the stones and grabbed it. There wasn't much to hold on to. He soon lost his grip and fell. He got up and grunted.
A small chain shot down and the man in black he had met before was at the top, holding it.
Jay shrugged and started to climb it. When he got to the top, he saw the chain was coming from a small device on his the bottom of his hand, at the edge of his wrist. Not to mention a few rats running back down the well. "Thanks," Jay said. "What is that?"
The chain retracted into the device. "Another one of my inventions."
"What do you mean another?"
"Well, aside from, for example, that blade on your arm."
"Where are all of the ponies?"
"Oh, I took care of them."
Jay looked at him. "How?"
"...I took care of it."
"Alright then... Thanks for the help." Jay said before starting to leave. "Oh, one last thing, have you seen a cyan pegasus with a rainbow mane?"
Taro was on his way to Apple-loosa. The vast orchard had been replaced with a forest, Apple-loosa on the opposite side. A door closed and an all-too-familiar pony walked out, but Taro couldn't quite name him. He was tan. A brown mane rested on his head. A fascinating Cutie Mark: a simple hourglass.
The pony caught his eye. "Hello there, stranger," he said calmly. He had an accent.
Taro walked up slowly. "Um... you're not afraid of me?"
"Why would I be? You didn't harm me, I did nothing to you." The pony picked up a small crate of apples.
"What about the separation of humans and ponies?" Taro put his hand on a tree.
"What of it? I think it's stupid. Nice wings, never seen those before." The pony walked toward a nearby shed.
"Really? What about on Taro?"
"I don't even know who that is. Well, aside from this places downfall."
"He wasn't always like that. He was once the greatest hero in all of Equestria and Earth. He was amazing."
"Sounds like it..." Time Turner walked to a small shed. "What's your name?"
Taro thought fast. "Call me... Isron."
"The other ponies call me Time Turner. I'm not very fond of it, but I guess it will do."
"You're aware of the distinction between humans and ponies aren't you?"
Time Turner put the crate down slowly and sighed. "Yes, I am aware."
"Then why do you live so close to the town?"
"I like it here. No humans come by, they just take what's on the outside."
"You must not be from around here, to not hate humans."
"Yeah, I'm not." Time Turner started to pick up another, larger crate. "But you don't seem to hate me," he said, half way through.
Time Turner was having trouble picking it up. Taro grabbed it instead. "I don't. It's nice to have a conversation for once."
"I agree. Thank you."
"No problem. Happy to help." Taro set the crate by the other one. "Where are you from, Time Turner?"
"Dear Isron, the question is not where I came from, but when."
"I don't follow."
"You see, I do know who Taro is. I've been at several fights with him and some villain. Chrysalis, Gen, even Discord. The first time, that is. I was planning on dealing with that, but you beat me to it."
"How did you know these events would happen?"
Well, you see, you're not the only one who lied about his identity. I am The Doctor. I travel through time, using my TARDIS. I didn't get this by making clocks, you know." The Doctor motion toward his flank. That's why he was so familiar. "Although it is a hobby." He tossed a small, silver pocket watch to Taro.
"Why do you stay here if you can just go wherever you want with your TARDIS?"
Taro leaned on the frame of Kayderon's door. "Look, I know doing this takes a while, but can you make this go any faster?"
Kayderon was over an anvil, Kveykva in his hands. "I'm almost done, Taro. Hold your horses." Kayderon chuckled to himself. "Horses, cause we live with them..." Kayderon always made the worst jokes.
Taro sighed and looked out the near by window.
"There, all done. Kveykva is now infused. This sword is now as strong as it will ever get. I wish you luck, Taro."
"Excellent!" Taro said, taking the sword and re-sheathing it. "Thanks, Kayderon!" Taro bolted out the door for the clearing in the forest where the team would meet.
Jay and Rainbow Dash were already there. "What news have you?" Taro asked when he arrived.
"We know where he is," Jay replied.
"Really, where!"
Rainbow Dash looked at Jay, then back at Taro. "The caves beneath Canterlot."
Taro stared in disbelief. "Really! He was there the whole time!" he asked as Thatch landed. Taro filled him in on the details.
"Now we just need the Elements of Harmony," Jay said.
"Not necessary this time," Taro replied.
What? Why not? Thatch asked.
"I just came from Apple-loosa to see Kayderon. He strengthened my sword to the point where it's unnecessary. The need for the others is now irrelevant. The magic of my sword at it's current state should plow right through the magic barrier around Discord. So long as he doesn't fuel it enough."
"Excellent!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. "Now we just need to get to Discord!"
"Wait, what about the Changeling?" Jay asked.
"Relax, I already have a plan."
Morning rolled over the tree tops. Taro and Rainbow Dash were already awake. They had been talking all night about what happened in the last few years, as well as days.
Jay was next to wake up. "When are we taking him down?"
"What do you mean 'we'? The only one's who are going are me and Thatch," Taro replied.
Rainbow Dash was shocked. "No it's not, Taro, we're all going!"
Taro shook his head. "No. I can't lose you. Either of you. I would rather die than..."
"Than what? Have extra support for a greater chance that you won't?" Jay interrupted.
"Than have you or Rainbow Dash die! I want you two to be the ones who make it through this. I don't care if you even fight!"
Rainbow Dash looked down. "But what's the point in living anymore if you're not here to enjoy life with?"
Taro turned to her and put his arm around her. "Dash, I don't want you to die. If you died, I would have nothing to live for."
"Ditto," she replied, looking down. "I can fight."
"And I have no doubt of that, but how much better are you than someone who has been impersonating me and drawing power from us? I'm stronger than she could possibly dream of."
"But I want to be sure you're okay. What will happen if you die?"
"Hey," Taro lifted Rainbow Dash's head to meet her eyes. "How about we cross that bridge when we get to it?" He leaned in and kissed her.
Rainbow Dash smiled. "Kay."
"So are we staying or going?" Jay asked.
Taro sighed. "Thatch, you up?"
Thatch grunted.
"Should they come with?"
Thatch lay there for a minute, thinking. He turned to them and nodded slowly.
"Finally I can see my dad in action!" Jay exclaimed.
"Alright, I'll be back. Thatch, we're going for a quick ride."
Rainbow Dash caught Taro's sleeve. "Where are you going?"
"To make an announcement." Taro mounted Thatch and took off to the towns of Equestria.
PonyVille was first. He flew into the center of town and Thatch landed with a crash, drawing as much attention as he possibly could.
He stood on the saddle, the ponies gazing at him, many in fear. "PonyVille," he shouted, "if you would like to know what has truly been happening all these years, come to Canterlot this evening at seven precisely."
"And why should we trust the word of you, you traitor!" shouted one.
"Because he's not a traitor." The voice pierced through the crowd like a hot knife through butter. The crowd parted. Twilight.
"Oh really? How do you know?" shouted another pony.
"Come to Canterlot and find out," Taro said. He sat back on the saddle and flew off. Next stop: Fillydelphia.
He had reached every city and town by 5:30. Two hours to prep for the battle.
Many ponies and humans had gathered in Canterlot to view the occasion that had been scheduled. Taro, Thatch, Rainbow, and Jay were in the middle of the crowd. Taro checked the watch The Doctor gave him. 6:59. All who wanted to come have arrived. Taro stood on top of Thatch, took a deep breath, and said: "Ponies and humans alike, you are all probably wondering what all of this is about. Well, I will show you." Taro nodded to Thatch, who gave a powerful roar. "Discord! Come out from your hiding spot, beneath us. We know you're there!" Nothing. "Alright, the hard way, then!"
Thatch took his claw and scooped the cobblestone road out and dug. It only took one paw-full to reach the caves, revealing Discord. "Hold on, I'm coming," he said, climbing out of the hole.
"Draumr Kopa," Taro said. That wasn't Discord.
"Thatch, go get Discord while I take care of Chrysalis," Taro said, jumping off.
"Hello Taro," Not-Discord said, transforming her own human female form. "It's been such a long time since I killed you."
Both humans and ponies looked shocked.
"Yes, it has. I see you've made everyone think wrong of me."
The changeling laughed.
"Alright, enough talk. Let's fight!" Taro charged for changeling. He slashed upwards, only to have it blocked. The changeling swung overhead, and Taro sidestepped to dodge. He swung the end of the hilt toward the head of Chrysalis, nailing her in the cheek. Taro pulled back again to swipe at her stomach. The changeling quickly recovered to block the attack. She then swung her blade down again. Taro parried the blow and swung over head as well.
The changeling blocked his move, and he swung upward, diagonally. The changeling backed up to avoid it and swung at Taro. He tried to back away, but was too slow, receiving a cut right shoulder.
"Taro!" Rainbow Dash shouted. She tried to go help, but Jay stopped her.
"No, this is his fight," he said in a stern voice.
Taro switched to his left hand, which was just as powerful. He swiped again, but the attack was blocked. The changeling swung Taro's blade over her head to the other side of her and attempted to stab Taro. He quickly threw out his right hand. "Skolir!" The blade broke the shield, but it had mostly stopped. In the changeling's sudden confusion over the shield, Taro kicked her in her gut, pushing her back. Taro swung sideways, but the changeling's sword got in the way of his fatality. She was knocked back even more.
Taro swung over his head, which she also parried. Impressive, Taro thought. She had fallen, but was blocking all of his attacks on her way to the ground.
Taro kicked again, hitting her in the face. She retaliated by trying to roll backwards, but Taro stopped her with a spell. "Jierda theirra kalfis!" In an instant, the changelings legs broke with aloud crack. "Kveykva!" A green bolt shot from his hand to the chest of the changeling. She collapsed on the ground, appearing dead. Taro didn't want to take any chances. He rose his sword in the air and stabbed her through her throat. Only then did she revert to her changeling state.
"Taro, you did it!" Rainbow Dash congratulated. She ran up and hugged him.
"Not yet," Taro replied as he heard Thatch roar. He soon brought Discord, locked between his jaws.
"Well, well, Taro. You've come back. And I see you've beheaded my changeling. That's really a shame."
"I'm going to murder you so hard you'll never come back," Taro said with a stern look.
Rainbow Dash leaned in. "Dude, lame."
Taro pushed her away. "You're going to regret ever coming back to life."
"Oh I AM now? Hmm... I don't see the Elements of Harmony anywhere..."
"I don't need them anymore. You see, Discord, I've learned a few things in the past few days I've been resurrected. First thing, it's weird getting resurrected. Feeling your soul return to your body?" Taro shuttered. "Second, you're a cold, heartless bastard. Third thing, you used most of your power to create chaos in separating humans from ponies. And finally, you haven't gained that power back yet. I don't need the six elements to do anything to you, I only need one. Mine. When I left for Apple-loosa, I had Kayderon infuse my sword with the Element of Heroism. The magic of my sword and the magic of the element are more than enough."
"Ooh, I'm scared," Discord taunted.
Taro silently lit Kveykva. "You should be." He ran at Discord.
Taro's sword connected with Discord. The ponies sat watching as Taro and Discord fought. Taro kept swinging, Discord blocking with a chaotic shield. No one seemed to gain the advantage as Taro's sword flashed with each collision. Every his was met with a small dark aura. They were untouchable. But then... "Thrysta!" The back of Discord's head was knocked forward from the blow. Taro was in shock, but quickly took his chance. He stabbed through the roof of Discord's chin to the top of his head.
Taro pulled out the sword, panting. Discord's lifeless body fell to the ground, revealing the source of the attack. Jarden was standing on a bright red dragon. "I can't believe you decided to do this without me," he said, lowering his casting arm.
Taro smiled. "Welcome back."
Jarden stepped off of the head of Chalmen. Before he hit the ground, Lyzia ran out and hugged him and kissed him. "You're alive," she said, her eyes damp with tears.
Rissa joined by Jay's side, still holding the egg.
"I am now," Jarden replied.
"Well then," Taro said, stepping on Thatch's head and being lifted up. "I hope you have all realized what had truly happened. Your hero has returned, with his apprentice." Taro tuned and looked at Jarden. He was holding his wife, Rainbow Dash stood next to Jarden, and Rissa and Jay held hands. Taro smiled. "If you wish to return to your normal lives before this had all started, that would be greatly appreciated."
"And we would like to take up our previous stances as raising the sun and moon," Celestia said, walking up to them with Luna by her side.
The crowd stared in awe, but soon broke into cheer, shouting "the rider has returned!"
Taro smiled as he was let down by Thatch. He sighed and turned toward his family, smiling lightly. He walked toward them.
"You're a hero once again, Taro," Rainbow Dash said.
"No, we all are. I couldn't have done it without any of you."
The egg glowed slightly in Rissa's hand. A crack appeared. Then another. Soon, cracks erupted from all over the egg. Suddenly a baby, purple dragon was standing in Rissa's hand. Her hand glowed. It soon revealed a small hollow teardrop. Taro and Jarden stared at each other smiling wide.
"Rissa, you're a dragon rider!" Jay shouted in amazement.
"My daughter has inherited the legacy!" Jarden shouted.
"Rissa, this is amazing!" Taro said.
"W-what does that even mean?" Rissa asked, holding the dragon.
"Who cares!" Jay said, shaking her shoulders. "You're a dragon rider!" He grabbed her and kissed her. Jay backed off in shock of his own actions. Rissa grabbed him and pulled him closer, kissing him again.
The dragon growled quietly in her hands. Everyone looked at it. It was so helpless. Taro walked up to it and took it in his arms. "Come on," he said. "Let's go home."
The dragon was a female. Her name: Ckaijen. Three days since it had hatched. Jay and Rissa were continuing their studies in the Ancient Language, more-so than before. Rissa was in the middle of a magic lesson, Ckaijen by her side, when someone knocked on the door.
"Rainbow Dash, can you get that?" Taro shouted from the den.
"Sure thing," she replied.
Mumbling in the background. Oh well. Taro continued with the lesson. It was only Rissa, since Jay already knew much of the Ancient Language. "Now what is the spell..."
"Taro! Somepony's here to see you!"
"Be right back." Taro closed the book he was holding. The dragon beside Rissa jumped and squealed quietly after he left.
"Look, can't this wait an hour, I..." Taro stopped when he saw who was in the door way. "Doctor?"
"Hello, Taro. Spectacular performance, I must say. So, are you going to invite me in?"
"By all means," Taro said, ushering him inside.
Rainbow Dash closed the door. "So, what do we owe the pleasure to, mister..."
"Just Doctor is fine, thank you. I was hoping to visit Taro, my favorite hero," The Doctor replied.
Rainbow Dash sighed. "Well, would you like anything to drink... Doctor?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Rainbow Dash left. "So Taro, how did you perform such a spectacular feat?"
"I just fought, I don't know what you're talking about," Taro replied.
"Not that, the dragon."
"What do you mean?"
"I've visited the future, that dragon isn't supposed to belong to her, it's supposed to belong to someone else."
"What? No, that dragon knew who it belonged to from it's birth. It's Rissa's."
"It's not supposed to be though, that's my point."
"What did you see exactly?"
"A girl, who was NOT Rissa, on a violet dragon."
"I don't know why we have this one, then."
"Neither do I. Perhaps it's another egg."
"Can't be, we scanned for any more eggs with magic. There are none."
"Didn't you scan for all other eggs before you found the violet one?"
"Well, yes..."
"And the red one before that?"
"Technically yes, but..."
"But nothing, this one could have escaped your grasp." The Doctor turned to leave. "I suggest you take a look. And besides, what's stopping Thatch from making more eggs?"
"Taro, what was that about?" Rissa asked, stepping out with Ckaijen on her shoulder.
"Nothing, although, remind me to speak to your father about something. Where were we?"
Just then, Jay walked in. "Hey Jay," Rissa greeted.
"Hi," he replied. "Dad, can I take her?"
"Where?"
"Out."
"Just 'out'?"
Jay nodded.
"Alright," Taro said reluctantly.
"Thanks Dad, let's go."
Rissa put down Ckaijen. "Stay here, okay?" she asked it. The dragon jumped in approval. Jay held Rissa around her waist and they left.
Rainbow Dash came into the room and wrapped her hooves around Taro's neck. "Looks like it's just us here tonight..." she whispered.
Jay helped the various ponies and humans in the field. They had been harvesting the corn for ages. He'd do anything to get out of it.
Hey Jay, what 'cha doing? Rissa asked through her mind. She was getting better, but she still needed practice.
Harvesting corn, he replied with a silent grunt.
Want to get out of it? Rissa asked.
Please and thank you.
A dragon flew over the horizon. "Jay!" Rissa shouted from Ckaijen's back. "Our presence is required, let's go!"
"Alright. Sorry guys, gotta go!" Jay shouted, hopping on Ckaijen's saddle. They took off. "I love you."
"I know," Rissa replied.
Ugh, Ckaijen complained. Don't get all gross on me now.
"When are we 'gross' when you're around?" Jay asked. "Wait, shouldn't you be with my dad, studying?"
"Yes." Rissa turned around and kissed Jay.
I tried talking her out of it, Ckaijen said.
Taro was back at the house. He came into the den where he had left Rissa. All he did was get a new book after Rissa froze the other one. She just started work with magic. "Rissa!" he shouted, seeing the den empty.
"Skipped out again?" Rainbow Dash asked from the other room.
"Yep," Taro said. "She's Jarden's kid alright." Rainbow Dash walked in and lay down on the couch. She was carrying a new book Twilight had written about Taro. Something like "The Legacy of the Rider". It didn't look so great, but Taro promised to read it anyway.
"I bet," she said.
"I don't know what's up with her. Jay's just fine with waiting, but every time Rissa and I have a lesson, she leaves."
"Well I guess you'll have to stay with her next time."
Taro sat down on the couch with Rainbow Dash. "Yeah, I guess I will. But you know what, she'll still manage to slip away."
Taro had Rissa and Jay in the backyard. He threw them two sticks. "Now, you two both need severe practices with swords and I'm not going to stop until we need a spell to heal you after the damage you'll deal," he said.
"Dad, I've been using a hidden blade for so long..." Jay started.
"I don't care, you need to learn to fight with a sword too."
"What, are we fighting each other?" Rissa asked.
"Of course. I'm too strong for either of you, and, I hate to say it, Rissa, you're even too strong for Jay from his lack of sword training. Now fight."
"I'm not going to fight my girlfriend," Jay insisted.
Rissa swung toward Jays stomach, nailing him. Jay slowly turned. "Come on, she wants to fight you," Rissa said innocently.
Jay swung a powerful swing at Rissa's head, which she blocked. She then spun around and hit Jay in his side again with the end of her stick. Jay swung at her again and hit her. She fell to the ground. "Ow, Jay, that was so mean," she complained. "That really hurt." She clutched her side.
Jay knelt down to her. "I'm sorry, are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm..." She grabbed Jay's shirt and spun him around onto the ground so she was kneeling on top of him.
"Finding your opponents weakness and using it against them, excellent. Jay, cover your weakness and don't be so sympathetic."
"Gee, thanks Dad, love you too," Jay replied, getting up.
"No problem, go again."
"What?"
"I said go again."
Three hours later, Jay and Rissa walked in the house, covered in bruises, Jay more-so than Rissa.
"Excellent job, you two. Now let's work on our magic lesson for the day," Taro congratulated, following them.
Jay and Rissa grunted. This whole 'mentor' thing was really getting annoying.
"Jay, would you mind lighting that candle?" Taro asked walking into the den.
Jay turned to the candle and stuck out his right arm. "Brisingr," he said calmly. Nothing happened. "Brisingr," he said again.
Rissa walked up to him. "Try thinking of less. Focus your strength and power from your mind, to your body and force it out through your hand. Give it no other exit." She rose her arm. "Brisingr." The candle started with a satisfying crack.
"Very good, Rissa. Of course, having a mark to let it through makes it easier, but it's still impressive."
Jay sat in his room, the candle in front of him. He just couldn't get the spell to work. Rissa and Taro were outside, working on "mental focus" or something. Jay rethought Rissa's advice. He entered his mind and accessed the small bit of his brain he thought to be housing the magic. The power slowly urged through him. It filled his body, giving only one place to go. Out. He extended his arm toward the candle. "Brisingr." Fire rose onto the flammable material. But not the candle. The curtain behind the candle. It started as a small flame, but quickly grew larger as Jay tossed a bucket of water at it. He had thought something like that would happen.
Rainbow Dash was on her way outside to tell Taro that Jarden needed to speak with him when she got drenched as the water passed through the floor boards. "Jay!"
"Uh oh, that's not good." Jay slowly marched down the stairs to meet his soaked mother. "Y-yes?" he stuttered.
"Notice anything different about me?" she asked.
"Um... new manecut?"
"Not even close."
Taro lay with Rainbow Dash in bed that night. "I don't know why you're so angry with him, he finally used magic!" he said gleefully.
"You know how hard it is to get my mane to dry correctly. The strands mix with the other colors and looks like a mess." she fought back.
Taro brushed some hair out of her face. "I know, but still, what was he supposed to do? Let the house burn?"
"I guess not, but he could have at least used a different spell in the house."
"Alright, yeah, a fire spell in his room next to a curtain was a pretty bad idea, but he took the necessary precautions."
"Necessary precautions? He had a bucket of water!"
"What do you want? Two for when he misses the first one?"
"It wouldn't have been a bad idea!"
"Okay, okay. Fine. He could have been smarter, but my son finally used magic. I'll find another way to punish him. Forbidding him to see Rissa is a little difficult."
A/N: There's a link later in the chapter. If you have ungodly Internet speed like I do, scroll down and open it so it can load.
(Three years later)
Taro was dealing with yet another small problem of PonyVille. A human blacksmith needed the last anvil, but the pony clerk wouldn't sell it to him.
"Well if it's on reserve for someone who's not you, I guess you don't get to buy the anvil! Do you really need a freaking Dragon Rider to tell you that?" Taro complained.
"But my old one is falling apart!" said the blacksmith.
"Too bad, tough it out a little longer. I get the next set of anvils next week, I'll put one on hold for you," piped in the clerk.
"Taro!" Jay shouted, running.
"Jay, what's wrong?" Taro asked.
"The princesses, they're in trouble!"
Taro immediately took off toward the high city of Canterlot, breaking the sound barrier three times before even landing.
He crashed through the window of the castle just in time to be grabbed by a servant, dressed in all black.
"Taro," Luna said, surprised. Both of them were on the ground.
A man in black stood over the princesses and laughed. "Welcome, Dragon Rider. Now you can witness the death of your beloved princesses!" he shouted, raising a bright, silver sword.
"NO!" Taro shouted. He brought up his hand the best he could and directed it at the man. "Jierda!" The man holding him and the man with the sword were blasted back. The sword had graced the necks of Luna and Celestia before hitting the ground. Taro ran up to the princesses. The wounds looked fatal. All he could think was how it was his fault. It must have shown in his eyes.
Celestia spoke weakly. "Taro, do not fault yourself to this. We will join into the sun and moon and continue the rotation of day and night. You have done nothing wrong."
"You have saved Equestria from many fights. We are grateful to you."
"We talked it over earlier. We were going to give you our thanks by allowing you to change the position of sun and moon however you feel."
Luna and Celestia's horns glowed bright. The light flowed from the entirety of the horn to the tip before it flowed into Taro's hands and up the rest of his body.
"Use it well," Luna said.
"Now, we must fall. Equestria is under your command, King Taro," Celestia replied, her final breath falling out of her chest.
Taro stood up and went to the window he broke. Many ponies and humans gathered in front of the castle to see what had happened. He had apparently made quite the commotion.
Taro stood on the empty window sill. "Citizens of Equestria, your former rulers have just fallen and have deemed me king. Nothing should change from what your life was yesterday, aside from no princesses to rule you. The sun and moon will still change the way they did before."
Three weeks Taro had been king. He sat now on the balcony of his home in Ponyville with Rainbow Dash by his side and a sunset in front of him. One leg dangled off the edge.
"It's a beautiful sunset," Rainbow Dash said.
Taro nodded. "And this one is just for you."
Rainbow Dash leaned on Taro. "Thanks."
Taro put his arm around his wife. "No problem." He turned to her. "And so long as I'm alive, every sunset, every sunrise, every noon, any time of the day, it's made just for you." Taro kissed her on the cheek. "I love you, Rainbow Dash, never forget that." Rainbow Dash turned toward Taro and Taro slowly leaned in for a kiss on her sweet lips. He rose his finger and pointed it at the sun. His finger started to glow dim as he moved it down, beyond the horizon, darkening PonyVille as their lips met.
"I won't," Rainbow Dash said through the kiss.
End of 'Legacy of the Rider III' End of Trilogy
I hope you all enjoyed my first series/stories. Thank Rubberduck248 in the comments for suggesting the song.
Taro and Jay sat next to Rainbow Dash on the hospital bed. Her breathing was steady. She opened her eyes. Her mane had just started to fade, her eyes blanketed by wrinkles.
"Hey," she said weakly.
"Hey," Taro replied. "How you doing?"
"Good..."
Taro's eyes were starting to get wet. "I'll miss you..."
"Don't. Promise me you won't mope for too long. Find someone else, I won't mind."
Taro shook his head. "I can't find someone else. I love only you. I can never love another mare nor woman. I'll only love you..." Taro was almost crying at the loss of his wife. He had known her for years, loved her for years. "I can't just let you go."
"Don't cry for too long, Taro." Taro crawled onto the bed with her.
"I can't promise you that." He wrapped his arms around her and held her head close, tears rocketing from his eyes. "I love you, Rainbow."
"I know you do, Taro." Taro held her and rocked back and forth with her in his arms.
"I'll never let you go..." The life line slowed. "Rainbow..." It slowed more. Taro started to sob more. "Rainbow?" No answer. The life line dropped. "Rainbow!" he sobbed. He held her body. "Rainbow!" he cried. He sniffed as he stood.
"Taro?" Jay asked. "Where are you going?"
Taro didn't stop. He ran slowly through the lobby, ignoring everyone completely.
He stopped in the middle of a forest. Taro put his closed fist on a tree, sobbing hard. He removed his fist and punched the tree as hard as he could. With his inhuman strength, the chunk he hit flew out of the tree, causing it to fall.
"Dad, are you alright?" Jay asked behind him.
He turned around and met his gaze. He was 45 years old. Jay was looking older than Taro. "No I'm not alright, my wife just died!" he sobbed, hitting the top of the stump. It split into four before Taro's fist reached the ground. He fell to his knees.
"Hey, Dad. It's okay." Jay put his hand on Taro's shoulder.
"No it's not! I'm watching as you, Lyzia, and Rainbow Dash age while I stay the same! I have to watch you die! I have to watch everyone die!" Taro sobbed even harder. "I protected you all for this? For you guys to die in front of me?"
"No, for us to die with loved ones by our side. So we can live another day to be with those we love. Dad, Rissa and I already spoke about what will happen when one of us dies. We both agreed that, no matter what, we will keep on going. We would try and change this world for the better. It's what we both want. What would Rainbow Dash say if you just sat here and cried over her for the next 50 years?"
Taro looked at Jay and stood. "I don't know. I guess we'll never find out."
Wedding day. Taro and Rainbow Dash had spent most of the day apart form each other to make sure everything was ready. They met back on the ground only a few minutes before they had to be at the wedding. That was the first time they had seen each other dressed for the wedding.
"Wow, Dash. You look amazing," Taro complimented.
"As do you, Taro," she replied dreamily.
"Ready to get married?" Taro asked.
Rainbow Dash nodded.
"Let's go then..."
"Taro!" shouted a stallion. "There are thieves back at Bon-Bon's shop!"
Taro looked at Rainbow Dash. "It shouldn't take too long, I'll be back soon!" Taro started running and was about to rip his wings out, but then he remembered he was wearing that same tux to his wedding. He jumped into a carriage and directed them to the store.
Rainbow Dash sighed and flew to the wedding alone. When she walked through the door, everypony was already getting ready to witness the wedding. Rarity was waiting for them by the door. "Where's Taro?" she asked.
"Thieves at Bon-Bon's store. He just HAD to deal with it." Rainbow Dash looked down.
"Oh don't worry. He's strong, he won't be more than a minute."
Taro threw the last of the thieves out the door. "You're lucky I'm in a hurry."
He jumped back into the carriage and charged back toward the wedding. He jumped out and his escort left. His almost touched the door knob when a black humanoid of muck jumped at him. Taro was pinned to the ground. "What the hell?" he asked.
Taro freed a hand and punched the ooze in the face. It opened it's mouth revealing fangs as it screeched in anger. Taro kicked it off him and jumped back to his feet. The monster threw a punch at him, which Taro dodged. He then shot a fist at the monsters gut. It barely seemed phased as it punched Taro in the face, knocking him back to the ground. The black slime got back on Taro who struggled to gain his momentum to force the monster off. It lifted a hand off of Taro and opened its fist to reveal sharp claws. The claws met Taro's dirty tuxedo and scratched three lines in it, touching his skin and drawing blood.
"Hey! I have to get married in this!" Taro objected.
Everypony was starting to get anxious. Taro was supposed to be there ten minutes ago. Taro and the monster jumped around silently outside the small window behind Rainbow Dash and Rarity.
Rainbow Dash looked disappointed. Rarity noticed. "Don't worry, I'm sure he's outside the door right now."
Rainbow Dash turned away from Rarity. "If he is, he had better be fighting some kind of monster." Taro blasted through the door, breaking it down as he flew through the middle aisle. "Well I didn't mean it literally!"
Taro stood slowly and faced the ooze that entered the chapel. Rarity immediately noticed Taro status. His wings were sticking out and was ridden with blood. He might have even had a few broken bones. Rarity immediately spoke up. "What did you do to the suit I made you!"
Everything just froze. Taro looked at her in disgust. "Really? That's the FISRT thing you think of?"
The monster lunged at Taro. They exchanged a few blows. Rainbow Dash had come into the aisle, keeping her distance between the fight. The monster kicked Taro at the wall further down the chapel's aisle. "Taro!" she shouted.
"Stay out of it Rainbow Dash!" Taro commanded.
The monster turned his head and screeched at Rainbow Dash. Then it went for Rainbow Dash. Taro looked toward it and jumped at the monster who was about to land on Rainbow. He hit the monster in its gut and they continued to sail until they hit the wall. Taro held the monster against the wall, anger welling up in his eyes. He hit the beast in the head with each word he spoke. "DON'T! TOUCH! MY! BRIDE!" With the final blow, the monster's head broke through the wall of the church. It opened its jaws to squeal in disapproval, only for Taro to shove his fist down its throat. "BRISINGR!"
The black ooze soon exploded into the church, splattering everything with black as it quickly burned. Taro backed off panting. He turned to meet everypony in the chapel. Ignoring their glares of awe and fright, Taro walked passed them to his frightened fiancee. "Are you alright?" he asked.
Rainbow Dash nodded and hugged him.
The slowly released each other and Taro turned back to the crowd. "Well, I think this goes without saying, but it looks like the wedding will have to be postponed until tomorrow." Taro turned back to Rarity. "Think that's enough time to clean this up?"
"Definitely."
The next day, the two were wed. Nothing too out of the ordinary aside from construction workers putting a new door on during half of the ceremony. Taro and his wife exited the yard behind the chapel to lave the after party Pinkie Pie had thrown them. About half the other party goers had already left. "Congratulations, you two," a mare said from behind them. They turned to see Twilight. She had been invited to the wedding by Taro, but Rainbow Dash tried her best to avoid her after what she did only a couple days before Taro proposed.
"Thanks Twilight," Taro said happily.
"Any plans on a honeymoon?" she asked.
"Well, we haven't discussed it yet, but I was thinking of a visit to my old home. I want to see how everypony... er, everyone is doing without me. I wonder if they'll even come to Equestria to stay."
FORESHADOWING!!!
"That sounds nice," Rainbow Dash said.
"Dash, I can't say I'm sorry enough for what I did to you two in Canterlot," Twilight apologized.
"It's okay, Twilight," Rainbow Dash said.
"I am so glad you're the Element of Loyalty and NOT honesty. That was terrible," Taro replied.
"Alright fine, I'm still mad at you, but can you blame me? I just want to get through the happiest day of my life without having to relive my worst, is that so wrong?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Taro was brought back by her statement. The happiest day? "I love you, Rainbow Dash." He knelt down and gave Rainbow Dash a peck on the lips.
"I'm sorry Rainbow Dash," Twilight said.
"Don't worry about it for now. Come on Hon, let's go home," Rainbow Dash suggested.
A little over two years. Taro had been living in Equestria for a little over two years. And coupled with that, he had been dating the most amazing pony in Equestria for two years. Night had risen. Celestia was hosting a party in Canterlot and had invited Twilight and her friends to the party.
The girls were all inside the castle, aside from Rainbow Dash. She was waiting outside the entrance for Taro. Things always happen when a big event came up.
"Well if it isn't Rainbow Crash!" A caramel colored pegasus walked up to Rainbow Dash.
"What do you want, Hoops?" Rainbow Dash asked, already annoyed.
"Where's your boyfriend, huh? He finally realize how bad of a flier you are?"
"Wow. Creative. Come up with that on your own?" Rainbow Dash replied.
"Let's face it, you don't even like the guy. You just like what he is. A fast flier who acts like he's 'all that'."
"That's not true."
"Yeah it is, Crash. Tell me: did you have any feelings for this guy before you found out that he's a hero?"
"What does it matter to you anyway? I know you're just trying to get in my head."
"No, really. Tell me. I'm curious."
"Yes I did. Besides, remember that Mare Do-Well incident? How much I hated having to share the spotlight? If Taro's such a fantastic hero and I wasn't madly in... Why am I even telling you this?"
"Face it Crash. You don't like this guy at all. And I can tell by the way that he's not here that he doesn't like you either."
"Leave me alone."
"Please, you know..."
"She said to leave her alone," interrupted a voice from behind Hoops. It was Taro.
"Oh, heh. Mister... uh... Dragon Rider... um... guy. I was just... uh... kidding about the whole 'don't like you' thing..." Hoops stammered.
"Oh! Ha ha! I get it!" Taro grabbed Hoops' mane and pulled his own face closer to Hoops'. "You listen here: Rainbow Dash isn't going to fall for your crap. You need to grow up. Just because YOUR butt can't get a date doesn't mean you need to try and break up other couples. Now tell Rainbow Dash you're sorry or you'll be lucky you get this stupid mane back at all."
Hoops grunted in slight pain. "Sorry Rainbow Crash." Taro tugged at his mane. "Dash! Sorry Rainbow DASH."
"Good." Taro let Hoops go. "Now leave." Hoops turned around. "Wait." Hoops looked back. "Do a little dance first."
"What? Here? In public? It's embarrassing!" Hoops complained.
"You act like a child to my marefriend, you'll look like a little kid in public."
Hoops grunted and started flailing around. Small chuckles came from the ponies around him as he 'danced', including Taro and Rainbow Dash. Seeing the unwanted attention, he flew away as fast as he could.
"Thanks Taro," Rainbow Dash said.
"Don't mention it. It's my job to protect my Rainbow Dash."
They turned toward the door and entered the castle. Twilight quickly pulled them aside. "Hey Taro, mind if I speak to you in private?"
"Yeah, sure thing, Twi." Taro turned to Rainbow Dash. "Would you mind bringing the three of us something to drink?"
"Anything for you, babe," she replied.
Twilight tugged Taro into a nearby room and shut the door.
"What's up?" Taro asked.
"I saw what you did outside for Rainbow Dash."
"Really? Awesome, more to hold against him when he does it again."
"Rainbow Dash is so lucky to have you. You're always there for her, you stand by her side no matter what. It seems you two were made for each other. Except..."
Taro piped in at this point. "Except Mother Nature screwed us over with the whole pony-slash-human thing we got goin' on here?"
"Something like that. I just wish I knew how you two felt."
Taro chuckled. "What do you mean?"
"I-I've never had a coltfriend before..." Twilight admitted, looking down.
"Really? Never?"
"Well before I came to Ponyville, I never spoke to anypony besides my brother and after two months of me being in Ponyville, you showed up. And you know..."
"That within that time period, you've been single," Taro finished.
"Exactly."
"Well come on, Twi, it's not like nopony likes you." Taro knelt down, held her shoulder, and looked her in the eyes. "You're an amazing mare. I'm sure a bunch of colts would love to be with you. Besides, the night's still young. Who knows, you could meet somepony. Maybe even..." Taro was stopped short by Twilight pressing her lips to his.
Rainbow Dash opened the door with the drinks. Taro and Twilight stared at her, both of their eyes wide.
Taro looked to Twilight and back at Rainbow. "No! No, no, no! It's not what you think! She..."
Rainbow dropped the drinks and walked out of the room, her eyes wet.
Taro ran after her. "Rainbow Dash, it wasn't like that!"
Rainbow Dash turned around and looked at him. "Don't touch me! Don't look at me! Don't talk to me! Don't come back to my house and leave me alone!" she shouted. The party got quiet and everypony stared. Rainbow Dash ran outside, her eyes full of tears.
Taro followed and left the building as Rainbow Dash took off.
Twilight exited the castle and stood next to Taro. "I-I'm so sorry, Taro."
Taro looked down at Twilight, almost crying. "Don't talk to me right now..." he said calmly as he flew away.
Rainbow Dash landed on a cloud and buried her hands in her hooves, bawling immensely. "How could he do that?" she asked herself.
"Rainbow Dash..." Fluttershy asked, flying up to the cloud. She stayed in Ponyville to tend to her animals and watch the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Even though they already had them, they still called themselves that. "What's wrong?"
Rainbow Dash looked up and saw Fluttershy's face. "Taro. He cheated on me with Twilight."
Fluttershy got a worried look on her face. "Oh my... that's terrible..."
"Why would he just do that? What's wrong with me? I'm awesome, funny, cool... selfish, arrogant... cocky, self-absorbed... No wonder he got tired of me."
"Rainbow Dash, don't think like that," Fluttershy comforted.
"Well it's probably true." Rainbow Dash sighed.
Taro sat on a cloud, all alone. Hours had gone by. Who knows how many. The way she screamed. I've never heard her scream like that before. Why did I have to talk to Twilight? I could've just said 'no'!
"I'm such an idiot." Taro buried his hands in his face. Taro replayed the event in his head a thousand times. He jumped down from the cloud to the town below. It was late. He need to find a place to stay. Rarity's the most generous pony I know. Well... except the Canterlot Wedding...
He knocked on the door to the Carousel Boutique. Rarity answered the door, looking tired. "It's the middle of the night..." she complained. "Oh. It's you. What do you want?"
"Well hello to you too."
"I don't want to speak to you, Taro. You're a cruel jerk who doesn't deserve a spec of mercy."
"What are you..."
"I spoke to Rainbow Dash. How dare you make her feel so depressed! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!"
Great, he thought, now Rarity's mad at me.
"I didn't kiss her, she kissed me!"
"Oh, okay. Now I believe you," Rarity said, walking inside and shutting the door.
"Well, on to Fluttershy." Taro began his march.
Rainbow must have told everypony. Only one pony accepted him into her house. Well, mostly. Taro just walked right into Twilight's house. The lights were off. "Who's there?" she asked from her room.
"Someone you owe a place to stay." Taro replied, shutting the door behind him.
"Oh, Taro. Thank goodness. I need to talk to you." Twilight turned on the light and walked downstairs. "Everypony is mad at you and me."
"Yeah, I got that. You are the LAST pony I want to stay with right now. It's like she posted a bulletin."
"I'm so..."
"Sorry, yeah I know, but that doesn't change anything, does it?" Taro walked upstairs. Spike was awake and irritated at the light. "I call the bed," Taro said, plopping himself down on it.
"So you come into my home, demand a place to stay, and steel my bed?"
Taro replied with his face in a pillow with a simple "Yup!"
"I thought you were a generous hero."
Taro looked at her. "And I thought you were a nice pony who was friends with almost everypony in town and wouldn't do anything to hurt them. Looks like I was wrong too."
Twilight looked down in disappointment. She shut the light off and lay down on the floor.
Taro instinctively searched with his arms for his marefriend, only to find another pillow. Tomorrow, he thought I talk to Rainbow Dash.
A/N: This chapter has music in it. If you have ungodly Internet speed like I do, scroll down until you find the link, open the tab and pause it so it loads. You're welcome.
Morning rose and Taro flew up to Cloudsdale, just hoping Rainbow Dash would speak to him. If not, he had a backup plan. He looked into the window and saw nopony. "Figures. Now I have to search."
Taro landed in front of Carousel Boutique and knocked. "What do you want this time?" Rarity asked.
"I need to speak with Rainbow Dash."
"And you think I know where she is?"
"No, I think she's here."
"Why in Equestria would you think that?"
"Because I know Rainbow Dash. She wouldn't sulk on her own, she'd go somewhere that she would get attention and comfort from."
"Well she's not here."
Taro opened his mind. "Yes she is. She's upstairs. Third door on the right. With Apple Jack."
"You're not coming in here!"
"Too bad." Taro tried to push passed her, but she continued to block the way. "Do you really want to do that?"
Rainbow Dash lay on the bed. "It's okay, Sugarcube. I'm sure..." Apple Jack was interrupted by a small crash downstairs. "Uh... I should go check that out..."
"Rainbow Dash! My love!" Taro entered the room and set Rarity down, who was in a magical grip. "I've come to explain myself."
"You've got no business bein' here!" Apple Jack taunted.
"You want to end up like Rarity?" Taro asked.
"You don't!" Rarity said from the floor.
Apple Jack stepped aside.
"I don't want to talk to you, Taro," Rainbow Dash said flatly.
"Make you what? Even if you did cheat on me, you still wouldn't hurt me."
"It wasn't me, it was Twilight who kissed me," Taro replied.
"Whatever," Rainbow Dash replied, putting her head in a pillow.
"Alright, you made me."
"Made you what?"
He began:
"You see me soarin' through the sky, I see you below as you walk on by, I could clear the sky in 'ten seconds flat', well how about that? Well how about that? I could be sitting here on a cloud, watching the sun as it starts to go down, the only thing missing... is you by my side."
Rarity and AJ looked into the room, surprised.
"Give me smidge of confidence, give me a SPEC of somethin' that makes sense! Give me an idea of dependency, give me a dash of Loyalty."
Taro held Rainbow's chin and looked in her eyes. She stuck for a second before she tore them away. "I could save my lonely soul for you. But the feelin' in my heart can't follow through..." He pet her mane. "You can give your broken heart to me, cuz you know that I'll stay with you, that's why they call me 'Loyalty'."
Rarity and Apple Jack leaned in closer. "Is he singing?" Rarity asked. "He hates singing!"
"You think he might be tellin' the truth?" Apple Jack asked.
"I-it could be... a bribe or something..." Rarity suggested.
Rainbow Dash looked at Taro. Into his eyes. "The sun shines bright and the rain pours on, rainbows here one minute ad then they're gone, they remind me of me and you. What did you do? What did I do? Determination in those eyes, where has it gone, has it said 'good-bye'? A lot has happened, but I'll stay by your side." Taro put his forehead on Rainbow's. "Give me smidge of confidence, give me a SPEC of somethin' that makes sense! Give me an idea of dependency, give me a dash of Loyalty."
Rainbow stuttered. "I-I..."
"I could save my lonely soul for you. But the feelin' in my heart can't follow through. You can give your broken heart to me, cuz you know that I'll stay with you, that's why they call me 'Loyalty'."
"Okay," Rainbow said. "You can stop now..."
Taro spoke. "You got me started, now I need to finish..." . Rainbow Dash smiled. He sang again. "Time stands still when you're with me... How can I make you see? Your crazy antics make me want to scream your name so loud 'til my throat starts to bleed! To blee-heed!"
Rainbow Dash leaned in closer. She closed her eyes and slowly kissed him. Taro broke it and looked at her. "I could save my lonely soul for you... But the feeling in my heart can't follow through. You can give your broken heart to me, cuz you know that I'll stay with you. That's why they call me 'Loyalty'! I could save my lonely soul for you. But the feelin' in my heart can't follow through." They hugged. "You can give your broken heart to me, cuz you know that I'll stay with you, that's why they call me 'Loyalty'."
"I'm sorry I blew up at you Taro..." Rainbow Dash said.
Taro held her cheek. "It's okay." He kissed her again. "I can't believe you thought I'd step out on you. I could never do that to you."
"And I owe you two a huge apology," Twilight said from the doorway. Rarity and Apple Jack jumped in surprise. "I've forced you both into a state of depression... heck, even TARO cried! I've NEVER seem him cry. And he broke several bones in that one mission about a year ago."
"Yeah, he was tough. I don't think I've ever been that hurt before. Well aside from last night."
Rainbow Dash put her cheek against Taro's.
"Will you ever forgive me?" Twilight asked Rainbow.
Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight. "Probably. But not now. I'm still mad at you for kissing me boyfriend. I'll forgive you eventually. I'll forget about it in two weeks or so and we can just let it go, but for now, no. I don't forgive you. Come on, Taro. We have some things of yours we need to put back together back in our room."
A/N: I don't know why, but I've been feeling in the mood for writing Romance. It's weird and a little creepy.
Taro walked into the local jewelry store in Ponyville. He had almost three hundred bits in his wallet. Taro opened the door, letting the air from the store splash over his face.
Taro walked up to the counter and looked at its contents under the glass display case. Rings for the unicorns and pegesai and the necklaces for earth ponies lay inside the counter, shining bright colors on the ceiling above.
The stallion at the counter looked to with bright eyes. "Taro, the Dragon Rider! What are you doing here?" he asked the hero.
"Take a guess," Taro replied. He set down the small bag of bits onto the counter.
The clerk looked at him and smiled. "Rainbow Dash?"
"Who else?" Taro answered with a smile.
"Well I think I have the perfect ring." The unicorn stallion disappeared through a door. He came back a minute later, holding a ring in a light blue grip. "Here," he said, handing it over.
The ring was a sapphire split by a lighting bolt pattern, joining into an emerald. The colors blended together in the most beautiful arrangement. The ring itself was made of white gold. Taro held, his mouth agape at the amazing sight. "Wow..." was all he could muster.
"Pretty nice, huh?" asked the clerk.
"Better than nice. How much?" Taro asked, not taking his eyes off the ring.
"Well this sort of ring is usually about two-hundred-fifty or so bits, but for you, I'll cut you a deal. How does one-seventy sound?"
"Done," Taro replied, not skipping a beat. He dug into his wallet, pulled out the various shaped bits, symbolizing the different amounts. A little idea Taro came up with after hearing pony after pony complain about their heavy purses and wallets. Not to mention having to count so high.
"Here you are, Taro. Good luck." The cashier took the money and put them in the register. "I hope it ends well."
Taro awoke the next morning, Rainbow Dash atop him, snoring lightly. She woke up and looked at him. "Hey," she greeted lightly.
"Morning," Taro replied.
"What do we have planned for today?" she asked.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe we'll head out for a fly. We haven't done that in a while."
Rainbow Dash smiled at him. "Okay." She was clearly still half asleep.
A few hours had passed and they found themselves flying to a large cloud. The setting was perfect. A high-noon sun, a slight breeze, blowing Rainbow's mane in the most beautiful way strand by strand crossing her face, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight. A simple way to put the way they felt: Two beings in love.
Now, Taro thought. "Rainbow," he said. "You know I love you, right?"
"Of course, Taro," she replied.
"I would do anything for you, you know that, right?"
Rainbow Dash nodded.
Taro dug into his pocket and held the ring. "Rainbow Dash, after the events that have occurred a few days ago, I couldn't bare the idea of living without you." He pulled his hand out of his pocket and knelt. "Rainbow Dash, my life with you means everything to me. Will you marry me?"
Rainbow Dash was on the edge of tears, her smile spreading from ear to outstretched ear. She grabbed Taro and hugged him tightly. "I can't believe you had to ask."
A unicorn ran down the dark alley in west Manehattan. Her ruby-colored mane trailed behind her. The unicorn came to a dead stop when she reached the end of the alley. She turned and cowered as she faced her pursuers: a tall man and a dark blue pegasus.
The human snickered. "What shall we do to her?"
The pegasus spoke: "How about we beat that horn right out of her?"
A new voice was heard from behind them. "No, how about you rip the individual strands off her mane and tail!"
The original duo turned to face a man, hanging upside-down from a flag pole above him. He smiled and brought his fist to their faces, knocking them out. He flipped off the flag pole. "You alright?" he asked.
"Y-yes... Thanks, I guess," the mare replied.
"Come on, an alley isn't the best place for anyone to get trapped in." The two stepped out into the light, where the mare could confirm her suspicions. Her savior was the legendary Dragon Rider and King of Equestria, Taro.
"Y-your Highness!" the unicorn bowed.
"Get up, you don't need to bow," Taro replied. "What's your name?"
"Silus," she replied.
Taro looked past her to her magenta flank. Three sparkling raindrops. "Explain to me: how is it that your special talent is rain, yet you're a unicorn?" Taro asked, starting to walk.
"Well, most unicorns are talented at various ground magic, centered around earthly tasks, I happen to be fascinated with the weather. I even conduct the weather over Manehattan and Fillydelphia."
"Really? That's quite impressive for a unicorn."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"I still hate it when people and ponies call me that. Call me Taro." Even after 1734 years, he still hated "Your Highness".
"Yes Taro."
"So what are you doing out here all on your own?"
"Well, I don't exactly have anypony else to be with."
"No friends?" She shook her head. "No family?" She shook her head again.
"I'm on my own."
There was one thing they had in common. Taro was the only one left. Rissa was killed around 441 years ago, and Jarden only 6 years before her. The only one Taro had was the one he was training in case he was a Dragon Rider. Taro's own great-great-great-you-know-the-drill-grandson and the new princess, who raised the sun and moon.
"Why were those two picking on you?" Taro asked, snapping himself out of his trance.
"Because I'm different and alone. Nopony will help me, making me an easy target. Well, except for one other pony a little while ago. But let's forget him. What are you doing in Manehattan?"
"Ursa Minor sighting. I was asked to deal with it. I only just arrived here, and what do I see? A poor unicorn running for her life. I'm going to go patrol around the city." Taro took flight, leaving Silus.
It didn't take long for Taro to find what he was looking for. The beast was on its way to the town. Taro quickly flew down to defeat it. He landed in front of the constellation to fight.
The bear swiped into Taro, who easily dodged. It then tried to step on Taro, but it wasn't strong enough. He drew Kveykva and thrust it into the paw of the monster. It kept pushing down, but Taro stood his ground. Taro drew his strength and shouted: "Letta!" A magic shield grabbed the monster's paw and Taro ducked out from under it. It broke the shield soon after.
Taro flew up to the beast's face and ran up it, jumping off. He landed on its neck and stabbed into it. The Ursa screamed and swiped Taro off its neck and pinned him onto the ground.
Taro had been practicing magic lately. He accessed his abilities just in time for a cloud to appear and zap the Ursa with a powerful lightning bolt. Impressed at how fast he had worked, Taro took action. He attacked the dazed constellation, dealing the final blow.
"Impressive, Taro. Good thing I was here to help you out," said a female voice.
Taro turned from his work to meet the unicorn's eyes. Silus. "What do you mean?"
"You mean you didn't see that cloud zap that thing?" Silus replied.
"No, I did."
"That was my doing," Silus stated with a grin.
"I didn't need any help," Taro said, walking past her.
"Where are you going?"
"Home. Canterlot."
"What, why?"
Taro stopped and turned around. "Why not?"
Silus paused. "Because this is the longest time I've spent speaking to somepony."
Taro turned and started walking again. "Cool."
"What? That's it! Just 'cool?' I've been alone almost my entire life, not even having a full on conversation and you just say it's 'cool?'"
Taro stopped walking once again and laughed lightly. "What should I say then?"
Silus froze for a second. "I-I don't... know. What would anyone say? All I am is a random pony. No home. No friends. ...No sympathy. It would be nice to just start over."
"Oh, I see what your doing now." Taro grinned at her. "Come on. Let's go, we need to catch the train to Canterlot."
"Really?"
"Yeah, why not? I could use some more company."
The ride back to Canterlot was filled with them discussing mainly Silus's life. She had been a weather pony for most of her life, mainly starting after her parents died. She was sent to an orphanage and continued school. No one spent time near her at the orphanage or at the school she was attending. If anypony knew what it was like to be alone, it would be Silus.
Taro walked Silus to the castle, where they were greeted by a few guards. Taro took them up to the third floor, where his room, his apprentice's room was, and the princess's room was.
"You mean the princess stays in THIS room? This place is huge! It's more of an entire BUILDING than a room!" Silus exclaimed.
Taro laughed. "Yeah, I know. Come on, I'll show you to the room you'll be staying in. Kahn!"
A guard ran to his side. "Yes, Your Highness?"
"Come with us and prepare the room this one will be staying at."
"Yes sir. Is she with you?"
Taro turned to the guard pony. "What do you mean?"
"Are you... together? Do I really need to prepare a whole new bed?"
"Yes, I only just met her. She's staying here until she can get a job and pay for her own home."
"Are you..." The guard was interrupted by a female's voice through the hall.
"I must greet our king again!" An alicorn came down the hallway and ran at Taro. "Welcome home, Taro!" The alicorn wrapped up Taro in a hug.
Taro returned it. The alicorn was slightly smaller than the previous princess, Celestia. Her coat was snow white and her mane was a deep red. "Thanks Faust."
The alicorn opened her eyes wide. "Who's this?"
Taro released Faust and looked. "Oh, this is Silus. Silus, Faust."
"Welcome to the castle!" Faust greeted happily.
"Thank you, it's an honor to be here," Silus returned.
"That it is. It's not everyday you get to enter the Canterlot Castle. Where are you from?"
"Manehattan."
"Oh, so he picked you up on his mission, huh? What a..."
Taro cleared his throat. "You know I'm still here, right?"
Faust smiled lightly. "Oh, I know."
A servant pony called from the staircase. "Taro, Faust, ...Guest... Dinner is served."
"I take it that I'm 'Guest'," Silus said.
"Oh, really? What gave it away?" Taro replied sarcastically.
Dinner was finished and stomachs were full. The moon was setting, thanks to Faust, and Taro retired to his room. He was sound asleep when the door opened, arising him. He grabbed Kveykva from the foot of his bed.
"Geez Taro, it's only me," Silus whispered in the dark.
"Silus? What are you doing here?" Taro asked, re-sheathing his blade.
"I didn't want to sleep here alone."
"Why not?"
"Uh... I-I'm scared..."
"How old are you?"
"Can I stay here?"
"Why can't you stay with Faust?"
"I don't know her very well."
Taro sighed. "Fine, but I only have one bed, so you're going to have to sleep on the floor or something."
Taro could hear hoofsteps coming toward him and his blankets shifted. "What are you doing?"
"I don't want to sleep on the floor."
Taro sighed again and went back to sleep.
Rainbow Dash flew through the sky as fast as she could, trying to catch up with Taro. "Slow down!" she complained.
"Come on, captain of the Wonderbolts can't catch a Dragon Rider?"
"Not when he's riding a dragon!"
Taro laughed and jumped off, flying back to Rainbow Dash. "Better?"
"No, that dragon is still here."
Taro grabbed her, making flying his job. "Go on, Thatch. We can fly on our own." Thatch flew down and left them alone.
"Now we can have some peace..." Rainbow Dash leaned in closer to Taro's face, getting ready to kiss him.
"Um... Taro?" Silus asked.
"Not now..."
"Taro?" she said again.
Taro slowly drifted out of his dream, but not before he could muster one final sentence. "Yes Rainbow Dash?"
"Who's Rainbow Dash?" Silus asked.
Taro's eyes shot open. He was holding Silus like he would Rainbow Dash, so many years ago. "Woah!" Taro jumped, pushing her away and falling off of the bed with a thump. "Oof!"
"Taro, are you alright?" Silus asked, peeking over the side of the bed.
Taro rubbed his head. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Two guard humans burst through the door. "Your Highness, what's wrong? We heard..." Their eyes rested on Silus lying down in the mess of the covers. "Oh... Uh, sorry."
Taro looked up at them, then to Silus. "No! No, no, no! That's NOT what happened!"
"Then why is she in your room?" asked the second guard.
Taro opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again. "Nothing, forget about it. Just go prepare breakfast."
The guards left and Taro stood up. Silus remained lying on the bed, looking at him.
"What?" he asked, walking to his oak desk.
Silus paused and took a breath. "Who's Rainbow Dash?"
Taro paused now. He leaded on the desk, his back facing Silus. He looked down. "Thousand-some years of not having her and just one night brings me to mention her name..." Taro took a deep breath. "I had a dream about her last night. I held you as if you were her." A single tear fell from Taro's eye, remembering his wife.
"Who's 'her'?"
"Rainbow Dash. My one and only love."
"Where is she?"
He turned around and face the unicorn. "Dead. Long since dead. This was back when ponies still had names like..." He took another breath. "Twilight Sparkle or Fluttershy. Or Rainbow Dash."
"Oh..." Silus shrank, feeling as though she had just killed someone. The dread, the depression. So thick it could be cut with a knife. "What was it like to be with her?" Silus asked, trying to get him to cheer up. It probably wasn't the best idea to do it by bringing up his dead wife, but he smiled gently anyway.
"Wonderful. Happy. Amazing. ...Beautiful. I haven't thought of her in centuries because I knew I wouldn't be able to last too long thinking of her..." Taro's eyes dripped a second tear drop.
"She was special?" Silus jumped off of the bed.
Taro smiled. "More than special. I loved her until the day she died. She told me to find someone else to spend time with."
"And?"
"I told her I couldn't. I told her that she was the only one I would ever spend more than a week with."
"I'm so sorry..."
Taro sniffed. "Don't be. I knew she had to go at some point."
"No, not for that. For not being able to find someone else."
"When we married, I promised loyalty unto death. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm not dead yet. I promised to love her forever."
"Taro, you'll find it difficult to love somepony forever when you actually live forever."
Taro looked Silus in the eyes. "Yeah well... I like a challenge."
Silus smiled. "Good... Come on, Taro. Time for breakfast."
Taro stepped out of the castle wearing what came to be his new favorite look. A dark tan trench coat and a black fedora. He breathed in the morning air and slowly exhaled, a bright smile on his face. No crime around Equestria for the passed two weeks. It had been a nice beginning of the new year. Year 1736. Two years since Taro had met Silus and two years they had been friends. Taro's student had been tested and was not a Dragon Rider. Silus stayed in the castle at night and went out to conduct weather over Canterlot during the day. Except today. Today, she was going to have a meeting with Ponyville's weather conductor, Donna Doo. Taro was going to go over a simple patrol around the neighboring cities around Canterlot and pick up Silus to spend the rest of the day with her.
Taro continued on, taking flight to look over the city. He landed on a tall building, taking in a deep breath. Something moving caught his eye. In an alley, no less. It blinked and disappeared. Then it reappeared. And disappeared. Then reappeared again for good. His adventurous instincts taking over, he flew down to take a look.
A tan pony stepped out and he brightened up when he saw Taro. "Ah, hello again Taro. Long time, no see. At least I think it's been a long time. What year is it? How old are you? How's Rainbow Dash?" he asked.
He had been there for less than a minute and he had already struck a nerve. "She's dead. She has been for over a thousand years. I happen to be 1736 years old," Taro said sternly.
"Oh, well. It HAS been a long time. I'm surprised Thatch isn't with you."
"He's dead, too. Not starting on very good terms, are you sir?"
"Sir? It seems it's been long enough for you to forget me. Don't you remember? Ageless pony, time travel..."
"The Doctor..."
"Ah, now he makes the connection," The Doctor stated.
"What are you doing here?" Taro asked.
"Mmm... Just sight seeing I suppose. Nice new choice in clothing," The Doctor smiled.
"Thank you."
"So what are you doing now-a-days?"
"King of Equestria."
"Impressive, what of the Princesses?"
"Dead."
"Them too? Who else?"
"Think of everyone and everypony that you and I both know. They're probobly dead."
"Even the..."
"Yes, even the other Dragon Riders. I'm the only one left." The Doctor looked down. "Come on. Walk with me. We need to get to the train station to pick up my friend from Ponyville."
"Who's your friend?"
"Oh, you probably don't know her."
"Her? Taro, you sly Rider, you," said The Doctor, nudging Taro.
"Ha, ha. You're hilarious. You know I only loved Rainbow Dash."
"I'm only teasing."
They continued to the train station and departed to Ponyville. Much of the ride was quiet, save for the first couple of minutes. "Wow, Taro," started The Doctor. "Two last minute tickets to Ponyville completely free."
"Yeah, well I happen to be King of Equestria. How many people would be willing to argue. Most of the time I don't accept special treatment. But I'll take the train free more often than not for my friend." They arrived in Ponyville Station in an hour and Taro stood to leave. "Wait here, I'll bring her."
A short walk and Taro met Silus in between the weather station and the train station. She was wearing a huge sunhat that was too big for her. "What's with the hat?" Taro laughed as he approached.
"It's my reward from myself for getting the job," Silus replied with a smile.
"Isn't it a little big?"
"Look who's criticizing a fashion sense."
"Hey, fedoras and trench coats are cool! And I have somepony to vouch for me on the train!"
"On the train? You met a new friend? Taro, you know you're not allowed to do that without my permission."
Taro pushed open the door to the train they just reached. "Yeah, ha. You're sooo hilarious."
"So, where's your friend?"
Taro pointed with an open hand at a pony looking out the window. "Right here. This is..."
The Doctor spoke up. "Silus?"
"Doctor?"
"What? You two know each other?"
"Yes. Well, he had a bow tie then. Glad it's gone."
"Hey, bow ties are cool!"
Silus turned to Taro, who face-palmed. "Somepony to vouch for you, huh?"
"Shut up, they're still cool."
Silus laughed and her and Taro took a seat next to each other. "So how do you two know each other?" Taro asked.
"Remember when we first met? When I said there was one other pony a little while before you?"
"Him, huh?"
"Exactly," The Doctor finished.
"Interesting..." Taro sat back.
The Doctor took a breath. "How did she die?"
Taro looked at him. "What?"
"Rainbow Dash," replied the Doctor. "How did she die?"
"Age."
"Really? Age? Not over exerting herself?"
"She didn't push herself that much."
"Well..." The Doctor turned himself silent. Then... "Do you miss her?"
Taro looked out the window. "Very much."
The Doctor took a deep breath. "Do you want to see her?"
Taro looked at him in surprise. "Can you do that?"
"I can go back in time to when she was alive, if you like. Name a time and I'll take you to her. A time when you weren't there would be nice, like on some kind of mission on your own."
"When I went to the griffin provinces to the east. I was gone for ten days. I returned and she hugged me and cried about me finally being home. As if I hadn't been home for a year."
"Then it's settled. When we arrive, you and I will return to the TARDIS and we'll see Rainbow Dash."
"What about me?" Silus chimed in.
"What of you? You'll stay in the castle," Taro replied.
"But I want to see Rainbow Dash. I want to see the pony you've been moping over for so long."
Taro turned to the Doctor. "Alright, you can come along."
The train made its stop in Canterlot and the three made their way to the alley where the payphone rested.
"A payphone? Keep with the times, Doc," Taro said sarcastically.
"I like it as a Police Box," the Doctor replied, entering the TARDIS.
Taro and Silus entered the box. "Woah!" said Silus, looking around. "It's... it's smaller on the outside!"
The Doctor looked up. "Well that's one way you could put it, I suppose."
Taro looked around. "Well I would imagine. Can't exactly take people through time in a payphone, can you? But this is extremely impressive, compacting such a large space into a Police Box, it's impossible, yet it makes a large amount of sense. And TARDIS? What is that? An acronym? Space and time? I would guess something like 'Time and Relative Dimensions into Space' am I right?"
"In Space, actually, but wow Taro. I never thought you would know much about this. Oh, and by the way, don't talk to anypony. At ALL! I don't want to have to explain how you're going to return soon and you have no idea what your friends are talking about. So, to Rainbow Dash?"
"Yeah, let's go," Taro said.
The Doctor pulled a few levers and pushed some buttons. "Hold onto something, I'm not the best driver. Allons-y!"
The TARDIS made some noise and rumbled around. It shook and spun in random directions before coming to complete stop.
"Ah, here we are!"
Taro stood up. "Tell me, Doctor. What is there to crash into IN SPACE!"
"You'd be surprised." The Doctor walked to the door and opened it. "Here we are, Ponyville, approximately 1.7 thousand years ago."
Taro stepped out to find that they ended up at the edge of the Everfree Forest Taro and Thatch stayed their first few days living in Equestria and one of Rainbow Dash's favorite training spots. "It worked..." Taro said to himself. "Where is she?"
"I'm not sure. She could be anywhere."
"Wait, isn't there some kind of effect? You know, step on a butterfly and you can change the entire course of history?" Silus asked stepping out of the TARDIS.
"Well here's an idea: don't step on any butterflies," Taro replied.
"You know, I was about to say the same thing," said The Doctor.
Suddenly, a rainbow bolt crashed in front of them. "Ow! Okay, that could have gone a LOT better."
"Rainbow Dash?" Taro asked in disbelief.
She turned around. "Oh, hey Taro. TARO? How are you here? You left for Griffin Provinces only four days ago."
Taro walked up to her and hugged her tight. "I love you so much, Rainbow Dash. And I'll never stop."
"Um... okay... Wait, what are you wearing? When did you pick this stuff up?"
"Long story. REALLY long story." Taro released her.
"So are you going to introduce me to your friends?"
"So Taro, what are you doing back here?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Taro was almost at the edge of tears from seeing his dead wife. "Just here to say I love you one last time," he said, hugging her again.
"What do you mean?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Taro kissed her. "I love you so much..."
"Why do you..." Rainbow Dash was cut short by a dark figure jumping behind Rainbow Dash. It held a sword high.
Taro gasped. "Move!" he shouted, pushing her away. The sword dug halfway into the ground.
"What is that thing?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"It looks like that thing I fought at our wedd... Never mind. That's for later. Now I have to fight!" Taro reached into his coat. "Right. Don't need a sword to pick up a friend."
The monster swung its blade at Taro. Instincts taking over, he ducked and swung his fist into the monster's gut. "Woah, he's not supposed to have that!"
It quickly retaliated by shoving its sword deep into Taro's gut, breaking it. "TARO!" Rainbow Dash and Silus shouted.
Taro dropped to the ground and the monster ran away. "That's why he didn't have the sword..."
"TARO!" Rainbow Dash shouted again. She put her hooves on top of him, tears pouring from her eyes.
"Rainbow Dash, it's okay. That thing won't return for a few more months. I'll take care of it then."
"How can you take care of it then? You're dying!"
Taro shook his head.
"Taro, come on. You can't die here, I've seen you take hits more powerful than a sword," Silus said.
"I'm sorry, Silus. I can't pull out energy from mid-air. This is where I die. This is it."
"Stop saying that! Taro, you can survive!" Rainbow Dash shouted. "You HAVE to!" A tear fell from here cheek.
"Rainbow Dash, my beloved. I love you so much. Seeing you here. It's... fantastic."
Silus put her head on his chest, breathing heavily. "Taro... I... you can't just die! You're a Dragon Rider. You're the last of them."
"No Taro. Don't die! You can't die! What will I do without you!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Nothing different, Dashie. I am not from this time. I am from over one-thousand-seven-hundred years into the future."
"Don't make jokes at a time like this!"
"I'm not lying to you Rainbow Dash. I am from a different time." This is why. She didn't hug me as though I've been gone for a year. She hugged me as though I've died right in front of her.
"Taro, you've lived a wonderful life," said The Doctor. "Come on, into the TARDIS." Silus grabbed Taro in a magic grip.
"NO! DON'T TAKE HIM AWAY FROM ME!" Rainbow Dash grabbed Taro in her hooves.
"Rainbow Dash, let me go. I'm not dead yet. I'm in the Griffin Provinces. Don't tell anypony about me here. Not even myself."
"TARO, NO!"
"I'm from the future, Rainbow Dash. The Doctor will take me home. Back to my time."
"Who's The Doctor?"
"That would be me," The Doctor replied.
"Silus, talk to her." The Doctor shut the door as Taro spoke the words.
Rainbow Dash sobbed outside. "You've got a plan, don't you Taro?" asked the Doctor.
"Not really, but I'm pretty good at winging it."
"Me too," replied The Doctor.
"It's more fun that way," they said together.
"This TARDIS, it's living isn't it? It's got some kind of living energy to it, I can feel it. If I can draw enough out of it, I can heal myself. But first I need to know. Who are you? What will happen to you?"
Outside, Silus and Rainbow Dash were hugging over their dead friend. "Why did he insist on him being from the future?"
"He is from the future. I am too." Rainbow Dash looked at Silus. "He saved me from a few jerks two years ago."
"Yeah, that sounds like him."
"He took me back to the castle and let me stay there. We see each other most of the day."
"He really is from the future?"
"Yes."
"Why did he come back?"
"To see an old friend of his."
"Did he ask you yet?"
"Ask me what?"
"To marry him. Two years already, I've been waiting for a little while now. It seems he's slow. Even Rarity thinks he should hurry up and do it. You know, before he gets himself killed. Too late for that though isn't it?"
Silus laughed. "No. We're not even dating. Sometimes I wish we were though. Why did I just say that?"
"Why aren't you? Doesn't he like you? Not that you can do anything about it now, but still."
"It doesn't matter. He only loves his wife. He promised to love her forever." A bright flash from the TARDIS went unacknowledged.
Rainbow Dash looked down. "Oh. W-who is she?"
"She's amazing. She's beautiful. Everything he wants in a girl. She's so full of herself. Only a few more months and you will be heart broken. He told me a story about it. Forgive him, though. Let his lyrics captivate you. Do that and you will be the happiest mare who will ever live."
"What are you talking about?"
A man with spiked up brown hair stepped out of the TARDIS. He wore a blue suit underneath a tan trench coat. "Allons-y, Silus. Taro wants us to go home now."
"You'll find out, Rainbow Dash. Remember my words," Silus said, entering the blue box. "He never stopped loving you!" The doors shut.
"So how much does she know?"
Silus turned around. "Well I told her..." Her eyes stopped at what was leaning on the central control panel of the Police Call Box. "Taro..."
"Hello Silus." The unicorn ran at Taro and hugged him tightly.
"I thought you died! I told her you died!"
"You want me to change that?"
Silus looked up at Taro. "No..." She brought her hoof up to his cheek. "If you did, I could't do this..." With that, she rose her hoof and punched him across his face.
"Ow! What was that about!"
"I just told you! I thought you died! What the hell did you do! And who is this guy anyway? Where's The Doctor!"
"Well I WAS going to let you soak in the fact that I cheated death, but I suppose we could go through this now." Taro stood up straight. "The Doctor is a Time Lord. Every time he dies, he regenerates into a new form."
"So what, he DIED for you? Is that why this guy's here instead of the other pony?"
"Yeah, pretty much. Did I never teach you of magic's cost? To prevent the death or bring life back to someone, one must die. I channeled my energy through The Doctor, killing him, bringing him to regenerate and saving my own life."
"Why's he human, then?"
"Well, regenerating is a... chance process. Last time it happened, I turned into a pony, this time, I'm a human. I quite like it. I forgot what it was like to be human," The Doctor answered. "And one of the best parts, I have pockets again." The Doctor pulled out a small cylindrical device.
"What's that?" Silus asked.
"Whatever it is, it has power. I can feel it." Taro said. "Let's not linger on anything, though. Let's go home." Taro knelt down by Silus. "Oh, and I heard what you said about me out there."
"What do you mean? What did you hear?" Silus asked.
Taro leaned in and kissed her for a second and stood back up, turning toward the controls. "That."
"B-but what about Rainbow Dash?"
"Don't think I've forgotten her. You only get one. And besides," He looked over his shoulder to her, "she said she wouldn't mind if I find somepony else."