Smokey Arrival

Smokey Arrival
Chapter 1:
Entrances and Questions
Written by: Smexy Sombra

A man walked down the sidewalk to his run down apartment, lighting a cigarette to calm his nerves from the day’s events. He had recently been laid off from his job, lost his place in the soccer team he was trying out for, and had been hit by a car, thankfully rolling over the top of the hood and hitting the ground without much harm done other than a few bruises and cuts.

“This day just couldn’t get any worse...” He muttered as he took a long drag from his cigarette. He adjusted his black hoodie that covered his white T-shirt underneath while placing the pack of cigarettes into his blue jeans. He sighed as he walked by an alleyway, expecting to see a homeless man begging for change. Instead he saw a very bright and luminous glowing object sitting at the end of the alleyway. He adjusted his grey beanie as he stared at the object with curious eyes.

He stared at it for a few moments before waving his hand at it, almost expecting the object to disappear as he motioned with his hand before he continued his walk. He stopped not a few feet away from the alley before taking off his hat and ran a hand through his longish black hair. With a sigh and a blink of his Ice blue eyes, he turned around and walked back to the alley way before approaching the object with great care. “I swear, if this turns out to be some trap, Chad isn’t going to be my name anymore, its gonna be mud.” He muttered. “Curiosity killed the cat...”

He bent down to look at the object. He blinked and squinted his eyes to look at the intensely glowing object before reaching a hand out to grab it. As his hand made contact with it, he felt something warm, and almost inviting. He raised an eyebrow before he felt some invisible force latch onto his fingers and pull him towards the object. He began to panic as he saw his hand disappear into the bright light, only to be followed by his arm, then his shoulder, finally he had to close his eyes and shield them with his other hand to keep from going blind as the rest of his body was sucked in.

~=~=~=~=~=~=~

In the caves of equestria, there was a large dragon. Gentle blue scales and ruby eyes were the most noticeable features aside from the massive leathery bat wings and massive spikes that adorned it’s head. It was clawing at the earth in the cave to get to the delicious gems, jewels, and crystals that hid under the terrain. It let out a little curious titter as it found a large glowing gem, just big enough to be a mouthful on it’s own. This was a delight for the massive lizard as it smiled and dug the gem up the rest of the way. The gem itself was a simple onyx, black as the moonless night sky, but somehow was giving off a bright white light.

Taking the gem from the earth it opened it’s maw up and slipped the gem in before happily crunching down and consuming the massive gem. The dragon licked it’s lips to clear the powder, and turned to the cave entrance and cantered out into the sunlight. With a satisfied sigh it took off into the blue sky, flying happily over the forest and over the large massive and extensive plains that laid between all the cities of Equestria. It let out a large spout of flame as it saw another dragon fly by, watching as the other dragon did the same and smiled. After the little greeting of foreign relations between dragons, it kept flying off.

The dragon kept flying until it felt it’s stomach clench up and twist as it flew. It groaned and hissed in discomfort before it flew down and landed. It took a few steps before it clenched the ground and hacked and dry heaved. It continued this for a minute or two before it’s cheeks swelled and it vomited onto the ground, whining in discomfort as it emptied it’s stomach.

It gasped and panted as it looked at the pile of bile in front of it. It whimpered as it remembered the gem it ate before it coughed a few times and whined as it’s stomach was now empty. It’s eyes narrowed as it saw something moving inside the bile before raising out of the goop. It looked like a diamond dog, only the legs were bent wrong and it was taller.

“What the fuck is this shit!?” It bellowed out making the dragon snort in disbelief. The creature that arose from it’s vomit began to flick the gunk away from it’s claws and wipe it off from it’s clothing. “What the hell even happened to me!? Touch a fucking glowing object and then wind up in a sewer drain?! Hell of a fucking prank!”

The dragon snorted again and leaned down to look at the creature that possibly was the cause for it’s unwanted stomach evacuation. It let out small puffs of it’s warm breath to let the creature know it was behind it. The creature stopped and slowly turned to see the dragon, it’s blue eyes widening as it saw the massive flying reptile. There was a silence before it let out a high pitched shriek and began to run away from the dragon. It skidded and slipped as it tried to run through the bile to get away, only succeeding in getting to the grass before the dragon grabbed the creature in it’s claws and brought it up to it’s face.

“Let me go! Christ, let me go! I don’t wanna get eaten by a giant lizard!” It cried out, squirming and fidgeting in the dragon’s grip. It let out an unamused snort before letting out a loud throaty growl, making the creature silence itself. The dragon cleared its throat before remembering equestrian dialect.

“What are you and why did you make me lose my lunch?” It’s feminine voice boomed due to it’s size. The creature in it’s claw gaped at her before it’s eyes rolled up into the back of it’s head and it slumped forward, passing out in her claw. The dragon let out a ‘Humph!’ at the being rudely passing out without giving her an answer. “I guess I’ll have to get my answer later.”

With that she began to fly back to the cave she was previously in, knowing this may or may not take a hour or two before she would get her questions answered. Plus, if she was lucky, she could dig up some more gems to eat.

~=~=~=~=~=~=~

Celestia stood gazing out the window as something had her bothered. When the sun hit noon that day, she had felt a flux in magic that had been gone for thousands of years. It was the same magic that the Alicorn Amulet, that Twilight had given to her for safekeeping, used to give unicorns unimaginable power. She sighed as she was not able to track the magic as it had left as soon as it showed. It was a brief surge of power, but the magnitude was almost hard to comprehend.

Something was now in their world, whether it was good or not, would have to wait to be determined. And when it was, they would need to be prepared for either scenario. She took a deep breath and decided to not worry herself. She should not fret over what could be instead of what is happening at the moment. With that thought in mind, she made a mental note to check out any rumors later that may pop up. Standing up, she walked away from the window and back to the throne room where Twilight was sitting upon the throne and giving advice to the distraught patrons that came to her for help.

“...So if you put the farm animals on the other side of your property, not only is it still convenient, but it will keep your neighbor happy as well.” Twilight summed up as the old earth pony nodded and bowed in respect.

“Thank you Princess, I shall do that. I am grateful for your help.” He said as he turned and left.

“It’s no problem at all!” Twilight said smiling and waving goodbye until she saw Celestia and smiled a bit wider. “Hello Princess!”

Celestia gave a small giggle and shook her head. “Twilight dear, you don’t need to call me Princess anymore. Celestia is just fine.” She said as she walked over and nuzzled her former student.

“I guess, still getting used to things.” Twilight said giggling herself and returning the affection. As she stopped she noticed something amiss with the Princess. “Is there something wrong Princess? You look worried about something.”

“Oh it’s nothing Twilight. Just a flux in magic, just somepony somewhere is casting a very big spell and I am just a little worried. I am hoping they aren’t pushing themselves too hard.” Celestia said waving a hoof dismissively.

“Oh, must be a pretty big spell for it to make a shift in the balance.” Twilight said tapping her chin. “I wonder what it is.”

“I do too Twilight. I do too.” Celestia said casting a glance towards the window.

~=~=~=~=~=~=~

Chad woke up a hour or two later from when he passed out, feeling a draft drift over his skin. He shivered slightly and cracked his eyes open to see he was in a cave. He blinked and pushed himself up, noticing he was not wearing his jacket or his cap.

“Damn it...” He groaned. “Fucking thieves thugs... Take my stuff and leave me in a cave. Where do you even find a cave in Evergreen?”

He reached down and left his cigarettes and lighter, letting out a grateful sigh before pulling out the little box and plastic lighter. He pulled out a small cigarette and placed it in his lips before he lit the tip and took a deep breath. Watching the little stick glow a bright orange, he smiled somewhat and blew out the smoke that came with the relaxing properties of the cigarette.

“That was a hell of a dream I had though... What kind of shit did they give me to make me trip like that.” He thought out loud before scowling at the entrance of the cave. “If I ever find the little shits who did this to me...”

“Well I wouldn’t look very far.” A eerily familiar voice said. “But I can guarantee, that I am not a ‘Little shit’.”

He pinched his eyes shut before turning around and slowly opening one. There was the massive blue dragon, staring back at him with her unamused ruby red eyes. He gulped loudly and turned back to the cave entrance.

“I am not dreaming am I?” He asked no one in particular.

“Nope.” The dragon said.

“Fuck... RUN AWAY!” He yelled out as he began to run from the dragon behind him. Sadly it was for naught as he felt his legs get caught by something and he was hoisted into the air. He struggled to move in any direction as he found himself dangling in the air, at least two stories in the air. He looked up to see that a scally appendage that was holding him up by the legs. It lead into the darkness and behind the large reptile, so he only assumed it was it’s tail. “Um... Heh heh... Please don’t eat me...”

“Hmm. That depends.” The dragon said in her feminine voice.

“Aaaand you talk... That makes things... Either more terrifying or easier. Or both.” Chad muttered. He turned his head and tried to lean away as the dragon brought him close to her muzzle. “So... What does it depend on?” Chad said letting a nervous chuckle escape his lips.

“If you answer a few questions. Then I’ll let you go.” She said plainly.

“J-just like that?” Chad asked.

“Well. I am feeling somewhat generous, so I won’t put you in bonds and make you my slave.” The Dragon said grinning, showing all of the massive sharp serrated teeth. Chad only gulped and let his expression drop. “I am just kidding, squirt. Dragons don’t do that. It’s all urban myths.”

“Oh thank god... Oh, um.. Sorry.” Chad said nervously.

“Look, I meant what I said, so we might as well get it over with.” The dragon said as she lowered him to the ground. “Please don’t run again, it’s getting less and less amusing and becoming annoying.”

Chad only nodded as he was released and fell to the ground, slumping a little bit as he felt his legs lay next to his head. “Oh... Sorry.” The dragon said wincing slightly.

With a small grunt of pain, he rolled to the side and flopped to the ground. Righting himself up, he stood up and turned to face the dragon, taking a sudden breath as he saw just how massive she was. With a nervous breath he sat down and crossed his legs. As he rested he quickly pulled out the box of cigarettes and his lighter again before looking up at the dragon.

“Um... Is okay if I smoke?” He asked sheepishly. The dragon raised an eyebrow before shrugging her shoulders and he quickly pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Taking a long drag from the cigarette, he let out a relaxed sigh while he blew out the smoke. “Thank you...”

“No problem? Now down to business.” The dragon said as she stretched out somewhat, making Chad flinch, and then curled her body up, resting her head onto her front talons. “I’d first like to know what you are.”

“Like, what species?” Chad asked as The dragon nodded. “I’m, uh, human.”

“Hoo-man? What is that?” The dragon asked.

“Well, we are like apes considering we evolved from them. Only more technologically advance, can talk, and are way more civilized.” Chad said before he took another puff.

“I see. Okay, now the big question, why did you make me vomit, more importantly, why were you in my stomach?” The dragon said getting slightly angry.

“Um, would to accept the answer ‘I don’t know?’.” Chad asked sheepishly. The angry glare he received in return told him the answer. “Yeah didn’t think that would. But in all honesty, I don’t know! All I remember was I was walking home, found this weird glowing gem thing and walked over to see what it was. I touched it and then next thing I know, I am being thrown to the ground in massive wave of goop, trying my best not to drown in the stuff!”

“So you had no real choice in what happened?” The Dragon asked.

“Well, unless I developed a sudden affinity for Vorarephilia, then no.” Chad said as he took another puff. “Speaking of which, may I ask why I am not still covered in vomit?”

“Oh, I cleaned you. But I may have accidentally torn up your cloth hide.” The dragon said looking away in slight embarrassment.

“Wait you mean my hoodie?... Aw damn it... That one was my favorite too.” He said leaning his head back. “Wait how did you clean me? Like dump water on me or something?”

“Well.. Actually, since I didn’t want to risk drowning you before I got answers and I didn’t want to smell that stuff on you, I may or may not have... Licked you clean.” The dragon said fidgeting in embarrassment. Chad immediately put the cigarette back between his lips and breathed in until it was a stub and flicked it away before letting out a plume of smoke.

“... I actually don’t know how to process that... But thanks I guess. Glad you didn’t end up swallowing me...” He coughed out. “Is that it, by the way? Is that all you wanted to know?”

“Pretty much yes. You may leave, but I will warn you, that forest isn’t safe at dark.” The dragon said as she closed her eyes. Chad just cautiously stood up before he walked to the cave entrance.

“Um... Alright. Thanks for not eating me.” Chad said, receiving an amused snort from the dragon. He walked out into the open air and took a deep breath, making him have a small coughing fit, seeing as he was used to smoggy air that usually came with a city. He looked up into the sky and realized why the dragon warned him. The sun was setting in the distance, and the forest he was in stretched at least three miles, even then it stretched on. He sighed and looked around the plateau that he was standing on for a decent. Finding only one path, he sighed and began his trek down the mountain.

~=~=~=~=~=~=~

“SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHI~IT!” Chad shouted in total fear as he ran from the wolves made from timber. “God damn it, SOMEONE HELP MEEEE!”

The moon’s glow was the only thing giving him light as he ran through the thick trees. He dodged and side stepped the wolves as they caught up to him, one tearing the end of his pants when it bit at him. He continued to run until he found the mountain again, with no other option he ran along it’s side until he found the pathway and immediately began to run up. The wolves followed him, but they ran up in a single file line seeing how thin the path was. Chad only continued to run as he heard the growls and barks that threatened his life. He reached the pile of stones and boulders that littered the pathway and began climbing to get to the top as fast as possible. Jumping off the peak of the hill, he landed on the path way, grunting as he felt his limbs get scuffed up by the rough stone ground. The wolves were having trouble getting up, but they were fixed on getting rid of Chad.

“Who fuckers just don’t quit do ya?” He panted as he pushed himself up. A wolf jumped down to the ground making him continue sprinting away. He finally reached the top of the plateau and panicked as he realized he had nowhere left to run. “Oh shit...” He muttered as he hastily looked around. “Ooooh shit!” He exclaimed until the sound of wolves growling caught his attention. He slowly turned to see the pack of wolves made of wood closing in on him.

“You are all assholes, you know that!?” He shouted at them. They continued walking across the plateau slowly, and carefully spreading out to not give him a escape. Seeing his end closing in on him, he took out his cigarettes again and pulled out his lighter. Flicking the flint on the end, he noticed no flame would be made, no matter how many times he tried to get it to ignite. “For fucks sake...”

As the timber wolves reached the halfway mark, meaning the entrance to the cave, he backed up until his foot was on the edge of the plateau. He looked down to see the long fall that awaited him if he decided he didn’t want to be mauled by wolves. He took a shaky breath as he was trying to make his decision. With a final deep breath he stood straight up and prepared to jump off before a sudden light filled the air.

Time seemed to stop as the massive sapphire flames spewed out of the cave entrance, spraying the wolves in front of Chad with their intense and beautiful power. He stood there in awe as he saw the wolves turn from the beasts of the forest, to simply lit kindle for a nice bonfire. As the flames stopped pouring from the entrance of the fire, the only proof of the wolves ever being there was a dozen piles of blackened ash.

“Holy shit...” Chad muttered before smiling and pumping both of his fists in the air. “HOLY SHIT THAT WAS SO FREAKING COOL!”

There was a somewhat loud ‘THUMP’ as the blue dragon from before crawled out of the cave and looked down at Chad with a disappointed stare. “I thought I told you that the forest was dangerous at night.” She said with an almost parental tone.

Chad looked up, slightly straining his neck. He grinned happily before walking away from the edge and shuddering slightly as he thought about what he almost did. “You did, but you didn’t really give me much of a choice! I couldn’t have just stayed in the cave until the morning light!” Chad retorted as he looked down and rubbed his neck.

“I never said you couldn’t stay.” She said raising an eyebrow.

“But you didn’t say I could!” Chad said looking back up at her. The dragon just sighed and crawled back into the cave, letting her tail slither in behind her. Chad just huffed in a angry tone before walking over to see a single piece of the timberwolves was still ablaze, if only barely. He sighed and knelt down before lighting the cigarette with the small flame and then leaning back up, slowly puffing on it.

“Are you going to get in here, or are you more willing to freeze to death?” The dragon’s voice boomed from the cave, making him flinch. He sighed and walked back to the cave, casting a glance at the handsome starry night that was above him. As he entered the cave, he instantly felt the warmth enter his bones again, most likely due to the massive dragon that was at the back of the cave. He walked in and sat down and leaned against the wall, attempting to get comfortable. “Is all of your species as stubborn and hardheaded as you?” The dragon asked as she laid back down.

“Heh, not always... Hey, um. Thanks. For saving my hide back there.” Chad said as he finished his smoke and put it out in the dirt.

“It’s no problem. You just arrived here, would be a shame for you to die and never return home.” The dragon said closing her eyes.

“Yeah, that would suck... wait did you say ‘Return home’?” He asked.

“Well yes, you are obviously not from around here. Nor do I remember any type of species being called ‘Humans’ appearing in Equestria.” The dragon said, opening one eye to look at Chad.

“That explains the wolves made from trees... Oh god this is just the worst day of my life.” He groaned as he rubbed his eyes, feeling the exhaustion hit him as the adrenaline in his blood wore off. The dragon just chuckled and closed her eyes again. Chad just laid down onto his side and placed his head onto his arm as a makeshift pillow. “The name is Chad, by the way. Chad Holden.”

“Charmed, I am sure. I would give you a name, but I do not have one.” The dragon said plainly.

“You don’t have a name?” Chad asked as he lifted his head.

“Of course I don’t. I am not like one of those adolescent whelps that gather around the lava springs.” The dragon said snorting in annoyance. “Names are simply a title. Nothing more, nothing less. And I will make a title for myself.”

“Well... What if I gave you one?” Chad asked making one of the dragon’s eyes snap open.

“And why would you do that?”

“You kinda did save my ass back there. So if anything you should be given a name so I remember my savior. I don’t want to look back and say ‘Yeah, I once was saved by that dragon!... You know, the blue one!’.” Chad said chuckling lightly. The dragon lifted a claw and tapped her chin.

“Alright, have a go.” She said, giving him a small grin.

“Um, okay... Uh, how about... Sapphire.... Flame?” He said wincing at his thought. The dragon hummed at the name before clicking her tongue.

“That is a nice name, but how did you think of it?” The newly named ‘Sapphire’ asked as she laid her head back down.

“You used blue flames to toast those wolves back there, and you are the color of a sapphire so, I just kinda put two and two together.” Chad said as he also laid back down. “I am glad you enjoy your new name, and I hope you remember it.”

“I certainly will. Thank you Chad.” Sapphire said closing her eyes.

“Any time. Good night, Sapphire.” Chad said with a grin. And with that the duo fell asleep in the dark cave, the moon’s luminescence acting as a form of a nightlight and the gentle chirps of the crickets and the hum of the winds outside making a wonderful lullaby allowing the sleep patrons of the world blissful dreams.