A Hero's Tale

Chapters

The End...And The beginning...
A Butterfly and a Star
A Not So Heroic Clash
A talk of Leadership...

The End...And The beginning...

World…Unknown…
Place…Unknown…
Time…Unknown…

I awoke with a stirring, though I had fervently wished I had not.

I could feel my body scream in protest to the pain. It felt as though I was all but beaten to death, at least that’s what my mind was tell me. I could feel I procured more than just a few cracked or broken bones. I would have loved to say I had been through worse than this but…I would be downright lying if I had said such a thing.

I felt so weak…so spent…

As much as I just wanted to end myself just to stop the pain that coursed though my body, I could not.
I needed to get up.

I needed to stop that monster.

Slowly and as gently as I could, I try to lift myself up, but it was to no avail. My body seemed to deny every request of movement I threw its way.

I was, however, able to slowly I turn my head to the side, catching a glimpse of what I was there for. Of what I and others like me had been here to do. That mass of dark energy lay a few meters in front of me, the same mass of energy that we was tasked with destroying.

Fighting against every one of my rational senses I reach out a hand toward the darkness a spark of electricity began to form around my palm, gathering together into a small mass of all the lightning magic I could summon. All I needed to do was just need to disrupt it…If I can do that…then…

My eyes widened as I felt something grab ahold to the back of my head and, in that same instant, felt my face greet the rocky floor over, and over, and over again until I was picked up, none to gently mind you, by my hair. How I stayed conscience was beyond my reasonable thought process. Though any who knew me knew that pain wasn’t all that new to me.

I barely managed to open my eyes when I found myself face to face with my torturer. Silver, beautiful fur surrounded his body. Long, flowing silky white hair ran down the length of his back, reaching to his knees. His tail swished back and forth behind him and his long ears stood straight up, barely moving. He had the built that others could only dream of, almost female if one were to just catch a glimpse of him. The tatted black robe that hung off his body did little to leave anything to the imagination.

His foxlike muzzle held a coy smile upon it as he stared into my eyes, his own belaying the smile he presently held.

“Ah…So here you all little hero…Been wondering where you went to after…Well…You know…I decimated the ship…”

I barely opened my mouth to speak when I felt his hand tighten his grip on my hair threating to be pull out from my skull.

“Now now…The grown-ups are talking child.” He said with a chuckle in his voice. “Tell me…Little one…How it feels to fight against a god? It must be quite troublesome, am I right? Tell me it’s troublesome.” I stayed silent, not because he told me to, but because I couldn’t tell rather or not I could talk at all. With a chuckle he forced my head to turn, and my eyes widened at what I saw.

Bodies of others lay scattered, broken, or torn lay before my eyes. Some of them I knew personally. Others I didn’t. All of them were comrades…My comrades…they were…were…

“You see this…THIS is what happens when you fight against fate!!” He laughed. “But look at you Little Kazuki! The last survivor on this dying, world besides myself. Well that’s no surprise though…You were trained by the best after all!” He forced my head to turn back to the mass of dark energy building nearby. “Look…its almost complete…can you believe it? After all these years…I can finally have the world I wanted…yes…The world I have dreamed of!”

He pushed me till I was down on my knees, and forced me to keep my eyes open as the mass of darkness began to grow. “Yes…I can finally be…with my Eve…” He chuckled at first but then it grew into nerve wrecking laughter. “Together, we will destroy all who stands against to us!!”

I cursed myself for being so weak. I couldn’t do anything. I felt so helpless and my…My palm…It still had the energy…it was small but it was there. With one last hope of turning the tide I looked at the fox-being out of the corner of my eye and spoke in a low voice three words. He turned to face ma with a raised eye brow not hearing what I had said.

“What is it…Do you wish to join me in my dream world as well? It’s much too late for that little-!?”

I rammed my clawed hand into his chest digging it as deep as I could before pulling away, his blood splattering upon the ground as I did so. Awkwardly, I began to make my way toward the mass of energy, the magic I had built up still sparking within my right hand. I could hear him throw curses and threats towards me as loud as he could as he doubled over in pain, but I paid him little mind, So determined to finish what I had come here to do. With raised palm, releasing the last of what little energy I had left into one final attack.

“Y-You fool!!” The silver fox screamed behind me. “DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!!??!!”

I turned to face him, though I fell as I did so, my body finally giving in to the injures I had sustained. I found my self smiling finally, as I let my deeds answer for me. The energy behind me began expanding without remorse or signs of stopping, threatening to consume all that was in its grasp.

My last thoughts turned to that of someone in the distance, her gentle laughter making me smile a sad and regretful smile.

‘…I…I’m so sorry…I won’t be able to live my life after all…’

World…Equestira
Place…Outskirts of the Everfree
Time…Early Moring

The morning dew dripped lazily from the treetops, and the song birds chirped happily from their nest. Little critters ran this way and that way busily doing what they do best, scurrying about. It was a normal day in the plains of Equestria.

At least one would think it was…

In the river, not too far from the Everfree Forest, was a brown furred figure, its lower body submerged while its upper body rested on the rocky gravel. He was, for the being was most certainly a male, unconscious. His body was covered with cuts and bruises and a trail of blood had trickled down his forehead and nose, drying in the heat of the sun to cake his fur in a red nasty mess. He had been dressed in a black no-sleeve shirt, with tan pants, both of which looked no better than their owner, being torn and tattered to the point of disrepair. All and all, the poor being had looked as though he had been through the gates of Tartarus and back again.

It was then that one would hear a cheerful little ditty coming not too far away from the strange being. The voice in itself belonged to a pink maned pony with butter-yellow fur with three little butterfly’s adorning on each side of her flank.

She happily trudged a cart full of clothes, having just washed them not to long ago up river humming a happy little tune as she did so. It only took a quick look for her to see the strange creature and for her to, just as quickly, dive in a nearby patch of bushes with a freighted squeak.

The bushes shook violently as her eyes peered from an opening to view what had caused her to flee. They blinked twice before, trying to register what it was that she was looking at. After about five minutes she would pop her head out to see if she could get a better look at the being. To her surprise she could see that not only was it not moving but it seem to have been hurt somehow.

Or possibly worse…

“Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness!” She stammered, quickly moving toward the creature. “What do I do!?”

She quickly wrapped her fore hooves under his arms and slowly began to pull the rest of his body out of the water, praying to the heavens above that she was not causing more damage to the poor creature. It took her about a full five minutes to finish her task before she finally felt it was safe enough for her to move to his side.

The shy little pony twisted him so that he could face upwards, and despite the urgency of the situation, she could not help but study and be amazed by the look of the strange creature’s face.

The same brown hair covered his face, along with what she had suspected was his mane. Despite the blood that had caked the left side of his face she could tell that he looked feline in origin, complete with a pink button nose and animal like muzzle.

She looked down his body finding, to both her shock and horror, his chest unmoving. She pressed her ear against his mouth.

Nothing…

“N-No…Please wake up!”

She closed her eyes, breathed in deeply, and lowered herself, pressing her lips against his own, letting her breath fill his lungs. After she did so she would rise up and begin pressing down on his chest with her fore hooves repeatedly.

He didn’t stir…

“C-Come on Fluttershy! You can do this!” She said quietly to herself, trying to give herself a boost of confidence.

She repeated her past actions, ending with her once again pressing her hooves into his chest.
Nothing again…

“Please…for me…” She said as tears began to form at the corner of her eyes.

She did it once more.

And was rewarded by a fit of coughs and a sputter of red colored water escaped his mouth. When it did she almost squealed with delight, but quickly corrected herself. “N-No time for praising yourself Fluttershy! I have to get him back to my cottage!”

She ran to her cart and dumped the contents out there of. She quickly pulled it to where the creature was and quickly (but not too much so) loaded the poor thing onto the cart. She then began a fast yet careful trek to her little cottage on the hill.

“Don’t worry. Just hang on. I promise to save you.” Fluttershy thought she had whispered it to herself, but as she trekked along to her home the creature’s ears would flick ever so lightly in response to the mare’s voice.

World…Equestira
Place…Lone Little Cottage
Time…Evening

It was early evening by the time Fluttershy had gotten herself cleaned up after the long night with the strange creature. She had did her best for him, working around the clock and making sure he was as comfortable as possible during his sleep. By the time she felt she could allow him to rest on his own the mare had become a mess.

After a quick hop into her shower and a light grooming she was able to look somewhat like her normal self again, though the bags under her eyes was a testament to her strenuous night.

Making sure that she, herself, was taken care of, Fluttershy would peak into the strange beings room, finding him resting peacefully within the bed, the slow, shallow breathing he produced the only indication that he was having a somewhat peaceful rest

Fluttershy closed the door to the room she had left the strange creature in before making her way down to her living room. As she adorned her saddlebags, the shy mare could not help but mull over the poor creature that lay upstairs.

Fluttershy had dressed and cleaned his wounds as best she could after removing his torn clothes. Much to her embarrassment, as well, as she found out that the being was in fact a male due to what he had between his legs.

The demure yellow pegasus was still quite worried about him, and she did not want to leave the creature by his lonesome the way she was doing, but she couldn’t look after him on her own. His injuries were sure to be more severe then she could even fathom if the ones she could see were any indication. She was sure he would need an expert to look him over when all was said and done. She had decided to acquire Twilight Sparkle’s help in the matter. Hopefully she might even know what this creature was due to her knowing so much about odd things.

Fluttershy turned to a nearby little white bunny relaxing comfortably upon her couch, giving it gentle smile as she did so. “Angel, momma’s going to be right back. I need you to look after our guest until I do.”

The bunny blinked once before turning his back to her, folding his arms and holding his head up high in defiance to her request.

“Please Angel.” Fluttershy begged. “I don’t want to leave him without someone to watch him.”

The bunny held his pose, though he couldn’t help but lower his ears a bit.

“I’ll make that extra special carrot cake you like.” Fluttershy said in a gentle singsong voice.

That got the bunny’s attention. He looked toward the yellow pegasus and nodded with a bright smile. Fluttershy nuzzled the bunny muttering a thankyou before making her way out of her cottage and towards her town. Ponyville.

She never really liked being out in crowds, and despite knowing most of everypony within Ponyville, she would never really come out during early afternoon unless it was for something she really needed. Ponies would say wave or say hello to the mare, but she could barely give them a second glance, her destination the only focus within her mind

It took little time for her to reach her destination, a large hollowed tree made into a lovely little home/library. The sign, Books and Branches, hung just above the door, swaying gently in the cool evening breeze. Fluttershy gulped as she placed a hoof upon the door and gently pushed it open. The jingle of the bell announcing her presence as she entered.

“H-hello? Twilight? Are you here?” The demure Pegasus would call out, looking around the room as she did so

A lavender hoof waved from behind an overly large book whose title read ‘Princess 101: A Study Guide’. A cute but distracted grunt came from behind the tome as the hoof singled for her to come over.

Fluttershy slowly made her way around till she was behind a lavender pegasus like herself with a deep purple mane and a pink streak running along it. A picture of what looked like a big purple star sat upon her flanks, much like Fluttershy’s picture of the three butterflies.

Fluttershy meekly tapped upon her, and spoke in a low and gentle voice. “Um, Twilight, if it’s ok with you, I mean if you’re not busy, I…I really need you to come over quickly to my house.” She shuffled her hoof on the ground as she added. “It’s really important…”

The pegasus named Twilight took a quick look behind her toward Fluttershy as she spoke allowing the yellow pegasus catch sight of the horn that grew from the top of her head.

“Well I am a little busy Fluttershy. Studying up on Princess Posture and Techniques and all that…but I can take a bit of time away from the books. Anything to help out my friends.” The mares warm smile would turn into a concerned frown. “Fluttershy? Have you been up all night?”

Fluttershy looked away as she spoke. “Well…Yes Twilight…the thing is…I found this creature I never seen before by my cottage. He was hurt, very badly. Angel is watching him right now and I took care of him as best I could, but I really don’t know how to treat him beyond what I had done.” She looked towards her friend. “I was wondering if you could come over and see him right quick. Maybe you have some information about his spices.”

Twilight placed a hoof to her chin. “Well…I could. It shouldn’t be too much trouble.” She smiled. “Besides, this creature has to be really something to have you stumped as to what it could be.” Closing the book, Twilight set it aside and adorned her saddle bag, filling it with many books about animals and medical practices. “Right then, show me the way to this strange creature Fluttershy.”

World…Equestira
Place…Fluttershy’s Cottage
Time…Late Evening

“What the hey even is that?!” Where the only words that came out of the winged unicorn’s mouth after staring straight at the sleeping creature for about ten full minutes.

Before Fluttershy could even answer the question, Twilight would quickly levitated a book in front of her and began to flip through the pages.

“It can’t be that…or this…It’s defiantly not a Diamond Dog…too feline in appearance.” She took a second look at the creature lying motionless in the bed. “I’m sorry Fluttershy I just don’t know…This…This isn’t a creature I’ve ever seen or even read about within Equestrian Lore.”

The yellow mare just shook her head. “I don’t care what he is Twilight…I’m just worried that he might be more hurt then what I can see.”

Twilight tapped a hoof to her chin before widening her eyes, her ears popping straight up as she spoke. “Hey! I can use my magic to see if he has any internal wounds!”

“Y-you can do that?” Fluttershy asked, a bit of hope in her voice

“Well…not per say. You see, I’ll use a little of my healing magic to see if any damage to bones or anything else. Maybe even patch up anything that looks life threating.” The mare would look away, scratching the back of her head. “Mind you, I can’t heal him all the way or I risk damaging something far greater then I can fix but it can help…Maybe…”

Fluttershy smiled lightly. “Well…anything to make him more comfortable would be more then appreciated Twilight.”

“Right! Stand back.” With a glow of her horn Twilight began to encroach around the creature in a pale purple glow. She had enveloped him all of two seconds before she instantly released the spell her eyes widening by degrees. “I-Impossible!!”

“T-Twilight?!” Fluttershy gripped her friend as she stared wide eyed between him and her friend. “W-what’s wrong?! Is it that bad? Is he okay?!”

Twilight raised a shaky hoof to the unconscious being, her tone barely a whisper but still quite loud enough for the butter yellow mare to hear. “H-His body…I-its healing its self! He’s using magic!”

Author's Note

My little Hero remake

have to be honest...I was racking my brain on what to do with MLH so much that I just had to reformulate the whole thing.

Hopefully i have better success with with one

A Butterfly and a Star

“Kazuki?”

I stir at the sould of my name and open my eyes, finding myself staring into the face of a human female. Her white hair tickled my face as she bent down to get a closer look at me, my sleepy eyes blinking in the shining sun. I could feel the soft folds of her blue sun dress she always like to ware and a light blush appeared on my furry cheeks as I found where I was exactly laying upon. The feeling of her shifting slighlty to better posistion my head on her lap made me blush even deeper. She had really soft legs. “F-Fionna? Is that you?” I ask in a raspy tone. My throat felt dry as I spoke. “W-what are you…?”

She placed a finger on my lips. It felt cooled yet so very warm.

“You must listen for I don’t have enough time.” She placed a hand on my head, brushing my hair back as she did so. “Do you think you can hear me out for a few moments.”

I try to give her a inquisitive look but I can’t seem to find the energy to do so. Instead I nod by head once in acknowledgement.

She smiled as I did so, brushing my hair from from my face to get a better look at me. “You’ve grown so much Kazuki. I barely recognize you anymore.” He let the palm of her hand lay gently upon my cheek, cupping it softly. “I remember when you were just a wide eyed curious cub. Look at you now.” Her smile faltered slightly. “A proper little Guardian. My little protector”

I scoff in my mind. She doesn’t know about what had happened. About what I had done in my final hour. Or maybe she does and she is disappointed in me. She never wanted me to be a Guardian int the first place. Not with what It entailed. But I had to. For her. For us. I wanted her memory to live on...

“I hold no ill will toward you Kazuki." She told me as if reading my mind. She was always good at reading me. "What you have done for our world, what you had done for many others, you are someone that deserves to rest. You deserve to find your own peace…” Her voice trailed off for a moment. “…That...Cannot be however. I am sorry, you cannot rest just yet my little Guardian. I can’t allow you to. Not now.”

I open my mouth to speak, to protest. I felt my lips move and I knew what I was saying, but the words did not come.

She smiled sadly none-the-less.

“There is no place for you here, with me...at least not right now Kazuki, not when your life is still yours.” She leaned over me, placing a gentle kiss upon my cheek as she did so. “You will awaken soon little Kazuki. Take to heart what I have to say. Listen and remember every word I utter. He is very near and he will take all you hold dear if you are not careful.” Her voice began to drift out of focus as she spoke and I had to strain my ears just to hear her. “My time is coming...I am sorry. Please. Stay safe. Stay well, my little Kazuki…”

He awoke slowly, wanting to clutch a paw to the top of his throbbing head, but found himself restricted from doing so, an overly heavy comforter being the one to with restrain him. The warmth of it made him shift under the covers slightly, nor really knowing if he should enjoy the feeling the the covers gave him or complain about his apparent headache. He couldn't help but scoff slightly though. It was always like this after a mission, rather it be successful or a failure. With nothing else to do, he would allow his body to rest, giving in the the sweet embrace of the warmth and hopefully able to wake up a bit more refreshed.

That is until he realized something important.

He was alive.

The being sat straight up, but regreted it when he yelp with pain, his body cringeing over in protest to his hasty actions. He was stuck where he was, unable to move due to how overbearing it was to him. When he was able to calm down from his painful high he opened his eyes to take stock of himself.

The first thing he noticed was that his lower torso seemed to have been bandaged, quite expertly he might add. His whole left arm and part of his right seemed to be in in the similar manor as well. He gave a quick look under the covers and just as quickly recovered himself back up when he found that he was, by all accounts, pants-less, though he was able to see that parts of his right and left leg were bandaged as well.

Forgoing his wellbeing for the moment, his gaze focused on his surroundings, giving them a once over. The warmth of a beaming sun shined through an opened window, warming his exposed furry torso. A small lit candle lit on a small table beside him, sending the scent of vanilla wafting through the room. The rest of the furniture seemed to be normal and sturdy, yet beautifully crafted, more than likely out of wood.

His head hung down as he began to contemplate exactly was happening to him.

I...I died, Right? I-I should be dead. T-that explosion should have destroyed me along with…him. So why…? He raised a paw and curled his fingers into a fist. Is this the afterlife? Maybe I am dead. He shook his head. But if that was true then why the bandages?

A creek to his side caused him to tense slightly. Looking over he would see…A shapely butter yellow butt? A tail swished teasingly, or at least he thought it was teasingly, in the air as it backed up, opening the door. He blushed profusely as he turned away from it, not really knowing what to do or what to say. A sharp gasp and the sound of something shattering caused him to look back toward the one who had entered.

Now that he was taking a good look at what had just entered he found that It was a small miniature horse. Its fur was light yellow and upon its head was a pink mane that seemed to fall down past its knees. It seemed to be at least as tall as his torso, maybe a little bigger. At its hooves were the shattered remains of what looked like a ceramic cup. It seemed to stare dumbfounded at him for a moment before its crystal blue eyes widened considerably. It quickly cantered towards him and placeed its hoof upon his chest gently pushing him back down. It felt warm to the touch, which was very surprising to say the least.

“P-please don’t move too much. You might still be damaged on the inside.” She said in gentle, motherly tone. Whoever she was she seemed to be concerned for his wellbeing. He couldn't help but comply to her demands.

That is until his mind registered a second fact he had a little trouble believing.

“Y-you can talk!?” He asked hesitantly. His voice sounded raspy like in his dream. Maybe he still was. Very, VERY elaborate and odd dream though.

“Y-you can talk!?!” She asked just as confused as he was.

Both the girl and he stared at one another for a moment before the little horse pulled away and ran out the door, closing it behind her. The being could only watch as she did so, not really knowing what happened or why she would run. He heard voice come from behind the door and footsteps, or in this case he believed hoof steps making their way toward the room he was in. With a swing of the door, he could see the same yellow pony but she was being led by lavender one now.

Twilight eyes widened as she looked upon the male. She noticed that he too was looking upon both she and her friend with growing interest. a gentle squee came from her throat as she placed a hoof over her mouth.

It was a new lifefore not yet documented in Equestria's archives. Was he a resident of the Everfree Forest? Not too many ponies venture too far past its gates to correctly map the area or check on anything past a certain marked path. Who knows what lay within the depths of such a forest. Pegasi don’t even fly over it due to its unnatural energy. If he is a resident then that would mean…

Twilight visibly gasp.

He’s was an undiscovered race! He had to be!

And she was the first to find it!

SHE WAS IN FIRST CONTACT!!

Well technically Fluttershy was but she wouldn’t mind sharing the fame. Actually scratch that. Fluttershy had her fill of fame during the whole model thing and she hated it. That would mean she had it all to herself. Yes her name would be forever labeled PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE; DISCOVERER OF-

He looked upon the lavender mare with the deep purple mane spin around and around in place as she looked up into the ceiling. He wanted to interrupt the horse but she seemed to be enjoying herself quite wholly. Instead he turned his attention back to the yellow mare. The one in question seemed to have the same confused expression he had just bore directed toward the awkward purple pony. He took the laps in conversation to study his two new visitors. The yellow mare seemed to have a pair of wings on her back. More than likely she could fly, though how she was able to elude him. They seemed so small and fragile to even lift her up off the ground. Upon her rear, which he tried not to stare at too much, was a picture of three butterflies.

The mare spinning beside her had wings just like the yellow one did. The only few differences was the fact that she had, upon her head, a horn sticking out from the middle of her forehead. Her rear also bore a picture, but this one looked like a starburst with little stars surrounding it. He had figured that it meant something but could not quite pinpoint what that something was.

After a long while of him studying the two horses, he raised a hand to cough politely into it hoping to gain their attention. Forgoing his questions about why the world was still in one piece for now, he decided that a more…reasonable question was in order.

“Hello…um…who are you?”

The lavender mare stopped spinning upon hearing his voice and looked upon him with a brightened expression, her mouth forming a ‘O’ as she seemed to process what he had just said. Her horn suddenly began to glow and a quill and parchment seemed to pop into existence just above her wrapped in a purple glow. The mare quickly made her way Kazuki’s side a bright smile upon her face.

“You really do speak Equestrian!" The lavender horse squeed. "I have so many questions. Who are you? What are you? Where did you come from? Why are you here? Did something attack you? How is your body healing itself? What are-“

He visibly tried to back away from the onslaught of questions. With his head reeling from her verbel attack, he tried to figure out what she had said, he really did, but she spoke so fast that most of them past over him without a second thought. “I…Um…W-What?” was all he could muster at the second.

“Twilight!” The one named Twilight seemed to visibly flinch as the yellow one called out, what he could only guess, was her name. “Now Twilight, you have to give him time to rest. Weird healing ability or not, he was badly hurt and he had slept for four days straight.” She turned to face the male with a kind smile as the lavender mare shrunk away sheepishly. “Um…how do you feel? Are you ok?” The yellow mare asked in a tentative tone.

He looked upon the mare with his brown eyes unblinking. After a moment he gave her as kind of a smile he could muster. “Yes…Thank you…” Truth be told though he still hurt everywhere, but it was more then likely a lot worse before he awoke. “If you don’t mind me asking, who are you? Both of you?”

“W-well…my name is…Fluttershy…” She spoke in a low voice as she said her name before motioning towards the lavender horse. "And this is my friend Twilight Sparkle."

He nodded and smiled as kindly at the pair. “I take it that you two did...Well” He motioned towards his body. "You two fixed me?"

“W-well…yeah…When I saw you out in the river, I couldn’t just leave you.” Fluttershy said as looked away with a light blush on of features. "I bright you in and did the best I could for you.” She motioned towards Twilight. “After that I brought Twilight here and she helped me with getting you comfortable.”

He nodded and closed his eyes. “I see…thank you…both of you.”

“Excuse me,” The lavender mare took her place back by Fluttershy’s side. “But if you don’t mind me asking. Who are you? What are you?” She at leasted asked in a more reasonable speed so he was able to understand her a lot better.

He sat up slowly and stopping Fluttershy as she tried to push him back down with a wave of his hand in front of him.

“I am Kazuki Knights." He spoke in a formal tone. "A furon...Hedgecat to be more accurate. "

“Kah-Zoo-key?” Twilight repeated, enunciating each of the sysibles. “That is quite the uncommon name to have around here. And you say you’re a hedgecat? What is that exactly?”

“Well…I am a cross between a hedgehog and a cat.” Kazuki made placed a hand upon the back of his head. “I'm...ah...a crossbreed...”

“Fascinating.” The lavender mare mused. “Now how does that work? A hedgehog and a cat together?”

“Well...it’s complicated.” He looked away blushing. “And not really something that I was all too interested in to to find out about tell you the truth. But it was common where I came from so...I don't question it.”

“Hmm…I see.” Twilight quickly jutted down some notes. “And you said you’re a furon? Is that you race? Are there more of you?”

Kazuki hung his head down. “I...ah...yes...and...ah..." He grew scilent.

Twilight looked up from her writing with a questioning gaze.

The hedgecat shook his head. “There should be...” He tightened his grip on the covers as he spoke. “I guess...”

Twilight tried to get more out of him but he didn’t answer. Seeing this Fluttershy turned to her friend. “Twilight, I think it would be best to let him rest for now.” She turned to face the hedgecat. “I think he might need it.”

Twilight wanted to protest but she thought better of it, not wanting to be subjected to the stare...again. Instead she nodded and made her way out of the door leaveing the two in the room. Before Fluttershy followed she gently pushed Kazuki back down. “I’ll bring you some food later ok Mr. Knights. You being feline I would guess fish is acceptable.” He nodded and looked away. With flattened ears the mare made her way out the door and closed it behind her.

Kazuki turned to his side as he gripped the covers tighter. One thought, one terrible thought forming over and over in his mind as he tried to drift himself off to sleep.

What...Happened to me?

“Fluttershy! Why did you stop me?!” Twilight yelled in a hush tone. "I needed more infomation from him!"

The yellow mare shifted her hooves on the ground as she was berated by the alicorn princess. “B-because…He was hurting…”

“Well of course he was hurting. Healing ability or not he was seriously wounded and we had to treat his wounds just a few days ago.” Twilight groaned. “Princess Celestia wanted a report as soon as he woke up.”

“I know Twilight…it’s just…” She looked away. “I’ve seen that look before…The one he was giveing before we left...”

“That look?”

Fluttershy nodded. “That look…It’s the same look I get from some of my smaller animal friends who live in the Everfree Forest who lost thier home...or thier loved ones. He gave me a look that told me…” She looked up at the mare. “He was alone…”

A Not So Heroic Clash

Rainbow yawned softly from her spot on the bed, the cyan mare pushing her head against the one she held’s back, snuggling gently into it as she did so. She couldn’t help but push herself into her friend’s broad back, the touch almost dreamlike to the sleepy Pegasus. She soon felt movement from the one she held, the being doing their best to slip from her grasp as carefully as they could, she would, despite still being stuck in her sleepy haze, wrap her hooves tighter around the one she cuddled, a soft yet tired “Unf” resonating from the one she held.

As appose to Rainbow’s calm and sleepy demeanor, Knight’s own was at wits end. The situation he found himself within would not allow him to fall back to the sweet, sweet embrace that only sleep could give him, the one that was holding him close as a child would a teddy bear having seen to that. He had tried as many times as he could to slip from her grasp. Every attempt he had made to extricate himself from her grasp, however, ended in both failure and frustration. It didn’t help that his last attempt to pull himself away from her caused the mare to have a face full of the fur on his chest. Which only proved problematic in the long run due to her having such nice, soft, warm fur to cuddle into.

Knights froze as the mare shifted once again, a soft yawn escaping her as her eyes finally fluttered open to peer up at her bedmate. Knights was honestly surprise when she gave him a blank yet drowsy gaze before allowing her head to rest against his chest again. Astonishment soon turned to dread as he felt her snap her head back up, eyes wide and fully awake now. Both he and the cyan mare stared at each other for a long while, neither speaking a word.

It wasn’t long before Knights broke the glass of silence. “Ah…Morning…” Quick say something smart! “You felt wonderful last night!” DAMNIT!

Rainbow’s gaze turned into a glare.

“No! Wait! I mean your fur! You were rubbing against me all night!”

The glare was accompanied by a blush of indignation.

Knights broke into a cold sweat as he looked left and right trying to find inspiration to get him out of the mess he found himself in. When none came, he game the mare a smile only one on death row could give. “This is a dream?

“That’s three strikes bucko.”

Fluttershy hummed a marry tune as she toiled away in the kitchen. The smell of fried fish lingering within the air as she placed the food upon the flower adorned plate. While it was never her most favorite of activities, the shy mare knew that not all animals were of the…well…same food pallet of that of ponies, her pet bare, Berry, being a prime example of that fact. Having found out Knight’s dietary needs, she had caught and prepared him a nice meal for fried fish for breakfast. While she herself never really partook in the dish itself, she knew plenty of ponies who have, though she never knew why for the life of her.

Still, for a recovering patient in need of substance of the more…fleshy variety, she was prepared to do what needs to be done to help him recover.

With dish tray balanced perfectly upon her back, the butter-yellow Pegasus would make her way towards the room Knights resided in. She had just reached the top of the stares, his name about to ring from between her lips when someone blasted through the door, a familiar brown furred creature hitting his back against the wall just as it forcefully shot open. Knights quickly landed on his hind legs, his body turning quickly to dash towards the window at the other end of the hall. The hedgecat forced the window open, before jumping out of it, a rainbow colored streak having just shot from the room he was knocked out of, nearly tackling him right out of the air just as he dodged his way outside.

Fluttershy was left speechless as watched the events unfold, the tray of food lying upon the floor.

Knights was…well…for a lack of a better way of saying it, in deep cow manure now.

While he was able to get away with only a few light bruises, the one who was currently attacking him was both shockingly fast, and amazingly ruthless for such a cute little thing. Each of the cyan colored mare’s strikes where on point, each blow she delivered was a testament to the training she no doubt had been though. He would be impressed with her abilities if he currently wasn’t trying to keep himself from dying by her hands…hooves.

The rainbow maned mare lashed out with a spinning back kick with one of her hind leg, Knights only barely able to block the deadly strike to his head before lashing out with a kick of his own. He was met with only empty air however, the mare quickly taking to the sky before countering with a heavy axe kick to his shoulder. A shudder of pain rippled through his still recovering body, though he was able to keep a sizeable amount of damage to a minimum, shifting his body so that it carried with her strike instead of going against the blow.

Using her own force to his advantage, Knights rolled under the mare lashing at the mare with another kick. This time he felt himself connect, the cyan mare not having expected such a maneuver on his part. Despite using all of his power though, she seemed to have been made of tougher stuff then he had expected, the mare not only taking the hit but grabbing his leg in the process. Knights felt himself lurch back as the world around him began to spin violently, before having the feeling of vertigo forced upon him as he flew, his back hitting hard against a nearby tree which, he had to admit, hurt like hell.

Knights growled softly in pain as he tried to get his bearings, only the sight of a very pissed of mare meeting his vison. He sighed softly, knowing that this was his fate all along. He didn’t want to die like this, but after getting the wind knocked out of his lungs by a rather impressive feat of agility and strength, he couldn’t complain too much about it. Still, his only regret was that he was going to die being labeled as a pervert.

“Any last words creep?” The voice of his attacker called out, the tone both deadly serious in her actions and…with a hint of the tiniest bit of embarrassment laced between her words. She had raised her hoof, ready to bring it down upon his as a god would judgment upon those they deemed unworthy.

Knights coughed as he tried to catch his breath once again. He was pretty sure he was bleeding from his side but he didn’t really want cheek to make sure. Why even bother at this point. Still, if he had to go out might as well cover all of his bases. “Tell Fluttershy…I'm sorry...that I could not...Ow...Repay her....”

“Tell Fluttershy...Wait…"Rainbow pointed a hoof towards the halfbreed. "YOU’RE THE ANIMIAL THAT FLUTTERSHY IS TAKING CARE OF THIS WHOLE WEEK!” the blue mare yelled in astonishment.

“I...Don't even know how to respond to that…” Was all that he could muster at that point.

“RAINBOW MARYANN DASH!”

Both Knights and the now labeled Rainbow Dash looked in the same direction that an oh so familiar voice had come from. Both the hedgecat and the pony froze at the searing glare that was directed towards the blue mare and even though it was for her and only her, Knights could feel both the intensity and the ferocity that came with such look.

“Buck me with a cloud…” Was all that the blue mare could say.

A talk of Leadership...

He awoke to pain…Like he had done the day before, and the day before that…

Pain and darkness.

He could feel his once beautiful body painfully pulling itself together. Ruptured organs. Broken bones. Damaged tissue. All of it was slowly, grotesquely, repairing itself. A lesser being would have gone mad with hate at the unbearable agony he could feel, ebbing though every inch of his broken mind.

He chucked…

Well…it’s a good thing I was already.

He casted a glance over to his side with the one good eye he could manage, finding a few odd looking creatures looking at him nearby. They dare not approach however. The fear he felt from their quaking forms causing him to smile with his broken jaw.

Yes…fear…

He loved that word in more ways than one. It would always get things done. It always kept others from questioning his stability.

Well…Everyone except …her…

He glared coldly into the dark trees of the forest. She was always trouble, even in the beginning. But she did care for his prized student, so she was a necessary evil. He had believed that he could mold the boy, form him into something more…useful.

But that silver haired whore’s ideals stuck with him didn’t it. Yes…She was the one who broke his toy, and in return, she was the one who caused his broken toy to wreck everything. Everything he had worked for. His dreams of a perfect paradise.

Now here he was, deep in the forest with little more than madding pain and devilish thoughts to keep him company. Oh…and how devilish they were. Even now, he can sense the boy’s presence. It was too far from the boy to locate him, but he could sense him perfectly. He was healing as well. Good…he wanted him fully healed before he dashed all hopes away from him.

He will pay. Oh yes…He will pay dearly.

The silvered haired being reached a broken hand out, his fingers twisted all in different directions as he spoke. His tone like that of a demon possessed.

“I’m going to get you…My little Ka-zu-ki…”

Equestrian Angel

Theme-Millions of Bravery

Kazuki awoke with a start, his body doubling over as a streak of pain washed over his being. He could steel feel his rips had not yet properly healed yet. It was to be expected however. He wasn’t the most adept at healing arts. He was lucky to have what he had before…

He shook his head slowly.

“No…just…forget about her…” He whispered to himself. With a gentle sigh

Another throb of pain wrecked his body, sending his body into shivers. He gripped the bed sheets tight as he could as he fought through the pain. He used his inner magic to feel out the damage of his being.

The ribs seemed to be more bruised then anything. He was told by the yellow mare, Fluttershy, that when he had first arrived, it was a lot worse than that. He really was thankful for what he knew…and also thankful for lady luck keeping him safe.

He cringed as he moved.

Still hurts though…

His mind started to wonder as the pain progressed, going over the events of the past two days in an attempt to distract himself from his throbbing ribs. His thoughts stayed towards the purple mare named Twilight. She had returned the day after their first meeting to talk to him, and despite Fluttershy’s wishes, he had agreed. His mind played back the events as best as it could, recalling the talk he and Twilight had…

Twilight sat beside his bed, a quill and scroll in front of her, ready to once again take notes, though she did look a little…calmer than the last time he had met her. More than likely it was due to the muffled talking she and Fluttershy had done behind the door just before she had entered the room.

The soft glow of the candlelight beside her the only light within the room, the curtains having been drawn as not to be disturbed by unwanted visitors or wondering eyes. In the dim glow, Kazuki watched as the mare study every inch of his face, unknowing causing him to become a little hesitant in her company. When he had looked away from her, her ears had folded back in response. When she spoke, her tone was that of remorse. “Uh…I’m sorry for…you know…Not considering your feelings all of this. I was just so excited to see a creature that even Princess Celestia may have never seen before and…well…I treated you poorly. Your lost and alone…not knowing where you are and…well…I’m really, really sorry… “

Kazuki blinked once, slowly processing what she had said, then smiled softly. “Hey…I properly would have acted the same way if I was in your shoes…ah…well…horseshoes…” He looked downwards towards her legs. “Is it hooves?”

Twilight giggled, shaking her head.

“Ok, ok I get it. You accept my apology.” She beamed as she sat up straight, giving her wings a gentle flap before speaking again. “Ok then. I just have a few questions for you today, but I want to go over what you had told me first. Now, you told me about your race and what you specifically are in general, that being a hedgecat, am I right?” When he nodded she continued. “Now then…Let’s see…where in Equestria do you come from?”

He looked down, not knowing what to say. What could he say. “I…I don’t know…” When she raised an eyebrow at his answer he continued. “I mean…I don’t know anyplace named Equestria. When I woke up I was here…”

“So…you don’t know anything?” Twilight inquired. “What your town was called or where you’re from?”

“I…Knew where I was,” He stated. “And it was nowhere near a place called Equestria.” He fidgeted with the bed sheets as he spoke, his gaze shifting down. “It wasn’t a town I lived in, it was a convoy.”

“You lived in a convoy?” She inquired. “You mean a group of chariots, traveling together for mutual support and protection.” He nodded before continuing.

“Not really chariots but yeah.” He said smiling a little “There were a lot of us. As far as we knew, we were the only ones that traveled. We had too…”

Twilight leaned in, her eyes widening. “Why?”

Kazuki shook his head. “There were these monsters. Shades we called them. Ruthless beings that wanted nothing more than to destroy. They always attacked in the cover of darkness, which is why we usually traveled at night and slept most of the day.” He scoffed. “Not that it made much of a difference. The sun was always blocked by the clouds that covered the lands.”

“There was nopony to clear the skies for you?” Twilight asked.

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. “Clear the skies? What do you mean?”

“Well, here in Equestria, pegasi can control the weather.” Twilight explained. “They help make it rain and snow and…well…everything else that relates to the skies.”

“Wait…you can control the weather?” He asked leaning in a bit.

She nodded. “Not just the weather, but the seasons too. As well as the sun and the moon. But that is strictly for the princess to control. Kazuki reared back, his brown eyes widening.

“You…you can’t be serious. The weather maybe…but you would have to be insanely good at class one fire magic to even attempt to do something like that…and even then, I’m sure the strain will kill you the second you do.”

“Your magic is based on classes?” Twilight asked. “Wait so you do have magic in your world? I knew you were doing magic, even in your unconscious state. Tell me about your class based system. What class were you? How strong were you most powerful magic user?”

“I…ah…I…” He looked around, not know what question to answer first. Heck. He barely remembered what question’s she asked, she was speaking so fast. Seeing the noticeable expressions he was giving, Twilight pulled back and blushed deeply.

“Oh…ah…S-Sorry…” She said. Kazuki could have sworn he heard her squeak after he spoke. He passed it off as it being the bed instead.

“Ah…no its ok.” He said with a nervous chuckle. “Just…repeat the first one and I’ll answer that as best I can.”

“Right…” She looked over her notes. “Ok…first one…heh…a obvious one I regret to inform you. I asked if your magic is based on classes.”

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. Was she seriously asking her questions in the order she asked them? “Yeah…It’s based on a three class system. First, second and third class; third being the lowest.”

“Can you go in more depth of your system?” Twilight asked.

He nodded. “Well, almost everyone knew some form of magic, most of which were healing magic, but more than a few knew other forms.” He thought for a moment. “There was fire and Ice. Water. Wind. Earth. Also light and…dark...” He said the last magic with a somewhat distant tone.

“Besides the light and dark, not too many unicorns know any of the other magic you mentioned. In a way, wind is controlled by Pegasi and earth is controlled by…well…Earthponies.” Twilight remarked. “So…If you cannot control the weather with your magic, I assume you use you magic for a different purpose?”

He nodded sagely. “Yes. It was a basic way for use to fight the creatures the darkness spawns.”

“I…I see…” She said before looking away. She then perked up.

“Wait. If everyone could use magic, that means you can too?” She said excitedly.

He looked away for a moment before closing his eyes. “I…I can but…well…” Raising his hand he gave his fingers a snap, causing a flash of purple electricity to appear for a split before it disappeared. “I’m…not that strong…or adapted in magic. Heck…I’m amazed that I have any healing properties what so ever…”

Twilight’s eyes winded as she began to take notes. “So you’re a third class then? It’s not all that bad though right? Electricity is a hard spell to learn for most ponies, so for you to know it here is a will be an uncommon sight” She said with a kind smile.

I'll take your word for it. Kazuki mused in his mind.

“So do you know anymore magic?” Twilights asked with a hopeful glint in her eye.

He looked away again. “I…Don’t. Or rather, I can’t learn anymore. All other magic, besides sub-basic healing and sup-par lightning is all I can learn.”

Twilight’s ears flattened. “Well…I’m sure with practice…”

“It’s not about practice.” He said, interrupting her. “My body is damaged goods, only kept so I could sacrifice myself on the front lines.” He talked in a bitter tone. “No one…not one, expected me to come out alive every time.” He gripped the sheets as he spoke. "No one was there to welcome me back with a job well done..."

“Kazuki…” Twilight looked up the hedgecat, her face showing concern. At the sound of his name, he looked the mare’s way before flatting his own ears. He looked away and waved a hand, dismissing his last statement completely.

“Just forget about it Twilight. That’s, in more ways than one, in the past for me. I’ll tell you about the ferons but other than that…”

“No. I understand.” She said nodding gently. “Now…where were we? Ah yes. Now then can you tell me abet about your history? Or did you not learn of it?”

He looked at her for a second before blinking once. “Our history, well I don’t know much accept the basics. How we use to live. How we planted and farmed. A bit about our rulers…”

Twilight nibbled on the feather of her quill. “Let’s start with government. We here in Equestria belong to an pony friendly form of a constitutional monarchy, with our rulers, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, managing Equestira from Canterlot.”

He tilted his head. “Um…Mind if I ask a question?”

“Oh, go ahead.” She said beaming.

“What’s a constitutional monarchy?”

Twilight’s already prominent smile brightens at his inquiry. “That is a very good question Kazuki. A constitutional monarchy is a form of democratic government in which a nonpolitical monarch acts as head of state within the boundaries of a constitution, whether written or unwritten.” Kazuki stared blankly at the mare. “Ok let me put it this way,” She continued. “It a form of leadership where the leader is in charge, and follow a set of rules given to them. They hold power but not so much so that some might think they are an absolute monarch, or one that is in charge of every aspect of their rule. The princess’s worked alongside a set of government officials to help rule over our country.” She looked at him. “I’m surprised that your school system didn’t teach you such simple things.”

He looked away. “We were…preoccupied at the time…”

“Oh…” She looked away as well. “The monsters, right?” She spoke again after his nod. “Well…Did you at least get what I was telling you?”

He nodded. “I think I get it…kinda…” He smiled sheepishly. “Still kinda going over my head.”

“Well I think you get the just of it anyhoof. Now then, what about where you come from? What was your government like?”

He paused as he thought about it. “Well…from what I’m told, we had a president, for a time at least.”

“Hmm? What do you mean?” She inquired.

“Well…I don’t know the details, fully at least, but when the monsters first began to appear, the president and the other important ones did as anyone would have expected them to do. The President tried to fight back. It was though those fights that we were able to harness our Magic.” He paused. “But, soon the monsters began to become more and more frequent, and…well...our world soon began to become over populated with the beast. I was told whole cities crumbled before the monsters.” He shook his head. “And the president and the important ones did the only thing they could think of.”

When he didn’t answer Twilight moved a bit closer the question already reaching his mind before it left her lips. “What did he do?”

“She…” He corrected.

“She.” Twilight parroted.

“She left…”

He shook his head, clearing himself of the thoughts. On his world, he had been so accepting of his role. Now that he had time to think about it, it irked him. And the more time he thought about it, the angrier he became. How could he have just risked his life for those that refused to fight themselves. How could their leaders just…run?

He shook his head before gently lowering himself back to the pillow. He looked out the window and sighed gently.

“Not much to do until my body heals…” He said to himself. Turning over he covered his head with his pillow and closed his eyes. “Forget about the past…and sleep…” He said softly before he allowed slumber to overcome him.

The sound of something creaking pulled Kazuki from his slumber, the sleepy furon now fully wide awake.

Was that the window? Wait...Someone is in the room with me!

The gentle sound of flapping filled the small run, followed by the feel of slipping under the covers. He could feel soft fur rub gently against him, his body instantly stiffining as he felt the warmth of what ever it was that was...well...cuddling him under the warm blanket.

"Don't be afraid Shy. Its only me." Said a scratchy yet feminine voice from behind him. "I just...I had that dream again...You mind if...if i stay here tonight?" He did not answer. He could not answer. The very thought of answering terrified him. He could feel her smile gently against his back in the darkness of the night. "Thanks Shy...I...I know that...ya know...your not like that. It still comforts me that your willing to help me though."

Kazuki's eye twitch. Like that? What did she mean like that? Crap! Wait! Better question! why is Fluttershy letting me use her bed!? Where is she sleeping?! WHERE THE HEY IS SHE!?!?

"Shy..." The sound of her voice the feel of of something soft pulling him closer made his brain go temporary numb. "Thanks again..."

His eye twitched again.

He was so screwed in the morning...

Author's Note

I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT :rainbowderp: