Distant Worlds: Shards of Harmony (uncut and extended.)

Luna pretty much slept the day away whilst I familiarised myself with walking on four legs, crashing and tumbling as I got used to my new body and attempting to use magic to move things around. Luna had explained that it was like grabbing something mentally like lifting something with my hands, it got easier with practice and it felt like I was moving it as if it was a part of my body. Luna came down refreshed from her rest.

“How are you feeling Silent Passion?” She asked,

“I'm fine, just trying to get my head sorted that's all.” Luna gave me a concerned look,

“Afraid of what others will say?” I nodded,

“It's best we get going, it's dark out now so we shouldn't run into any problems.” Luna nodded, she knew I was trying to change the subject. So we headed out into the comforting night.

A few lamp posts lit the streets outside, giving where I lived there was very few people out at this time of night. As we ran past various cars and buildings I could have sworn we ran by a few people, they didn't seem to pay any attention to us if anything the seemed grey even under the gentle glow of the street lights like they were just part of the dull and lifeless backdrop this town seemed to be becoming. Given my apparent ability to go unnoticed, and being ignored by people was something that just came so naturally to me, while my oldest friend Solaire seemed to relish and thrive in the early morning hours I much preferred the cool comfort of the late evening hours and soothing midnight breeze.

Luna was probably using some sort of magic to keep herself hidden, I briefly wondered what sort of magic one such herself could wield. I couldn't explain why but I felt that same comfort and trust only the night time seemed to bring me. As Luna already forced me to admit I kept this side of me a secret, during the day it felt I was hiding in my own shadow as the daylight seemed to burn me and exposed nothing but the lies that I must have convinced myself was the truth. In those few fleeting hours the night time brought I flourished as I could allow myself to be my true self, even though it was my hidden shame and deepest secret that I kept from the world. It's funny how I can no longer hide myself from the worlds countless eyes now, isn't it?

It would be another hour of exhausting galloping before we reached my parents home at the speed we were travelling at.

It's been over a month and a half since I've been to this part of town, it was no different from home...endless greys of concrete from the roads and buildings it was just too depressing, what happened to the colour, the liveliness of the town I grew up in. The only colour was the soft blues given of by the moonlit sky above us and the warmth of the street lights.

“Luna we're here.” I said coming to a halt and pointing to the two story house in front of us, I was kind of relieved that Dad kept the front garden so vibrant I never would admit that to him though. “C'mon over here.” I beckoned, taking a moment to survey the garden. Dad's car was gone he must be on the night shift this week. We both approached the front door, but I hesitated...how would Mom react seeing her son like this?

“Are you okay, Silent Passion?” Luna asked concerned, I hesitated a little before I answered

“I don't know how Mom will take this Luna, honestly I'm a little frightened.” I said simply, the nervousness was very evident despite my best efforts to hide it.

“Would you like us to explain?” Luna asked in a soft soothing voice, I nodded it would be better if Luna did anyway. Luna knocked on the door and waited for my Mom to answer, soon enough the door opened. Mom stood there in complete shock,

“May we come please?” Luna asked, Mom just nodded dumbfoundedly and let us in.

In the living room which was as cosy as I remembered it, I curled up on my favourite pillow on the chair in the corner out of habit, Luna on the couch by the window. Mom came in an looked at me,

“I'm sorry but my son doesn't like people sitting there.” She said simply.

“I know Mom...” I answered, sighing a little. Mom looked speechless,

“H-how? your in the hospital comatose...?!” I turned away afraid and ashamed,

“We do believe we can explain this.” Luna exclaimed, “Silent Passion...or rather Silent, saved our life the other night and we simply returned the favour for his...we mean her bravery.” Mom looked outraged,

“By turning him into this!!” she shouted pointing at me,

“Mom! That's enough if it wasn't for Luna I would've been in a coma for who knows how long!” Mom calmed down, and hugged me.

“Oh my baby boy, it'll be alright we'll find away to turn you back...” Mom tried to reassure me.

“We're sorry to say that is not possible, the condition of the spell we cast is that it is permanent. Her former body was destroyed as a result and cannot be undone.” Luna explained sadly, Mom looked at me and then back to Luna.

“Why would you do this...” Mom asked again, “Because kindness such as hers is apparently rare in this world, from what we've experienced.” Luna explained with a sour look, “What you see in your son now is her true form if she was born in our world.” Mom looked me again mouthing words like 'she' and 'her'.

“I'm sorry, but I hardly understand any of this.” Mom said simply,

“To put it simply the spell we cast, brought out a side of your son she locked away because she was afraid of how people see her.” Luna explained,

“This again...I thought you put that all behind you Silent...but I guess this is your truth now, isn't it?” Mom couldn't help but sound a little disappointed. Mom once caught me during one of the few times I just seemed to disappear into the night with Solaire when ever he frequented that bar, she followed us both and took it the wrong way.

Two secrets were exposed that night, and it was hard to deny them in front of your own mother when your dressed up in a long black dress, lingerie bra and panties underneath along with matching stocking and wearing make up. She had even watched on in horror as a couple of handsome guys tried flirting with me...it scared her more when I flirted back at them as Solaire was trying his hardest not to laugh. Although she was convinced Solaire and I were an item, it was far from the truth...we were just two good friends hanging out and enjoying a drink together nothing more.

“I think you should see this honey.” Mom stated ripping me from my thoughts, she turned on the TV and put on one of the news channels.

“...Across the world people have been disappearing and in their place these ponies have been appearing claiming to be the missing people, the ponies that have been rounded up by animal control and taken to a secure location where they will be studied.”

Luna and I looked at each other with concern on our faces. I'll be honestly surprised if Luna doesn't decide to drop the moon itself on Humanity if this sort of thing continued, pushing the thought aside we continued watching.

It was disturbing to say the least, the ponies they had rounded up and caught were clearly afraid and had no idea of what was going on. I think it speaks for itself that some humans in general are bastards, more so if animals are involved.

“You know the more I learn about all this, the more thankful I am you turned me into a pony Luna.” I stated, “I can't imagine what sort of impression you have on humanity at the moment, but I'm certain it's not a good one” Luna gave a short nod.

“Current research shows that these pony like creatures will group together in herds in an effort to protect themselves and others of their kind.” The news reader continued. I asked Luna what this meant.

“When ponies create a herd in Equestria it means that ponies trust and help each other. A pony can join a herd by crossing their front hooves and bowing.” Luna explained, “Do humans do something similar?”

“On occasion yes, but when a human does it usually seen as an act of loyalty to those they will willingly follow.” I answered. “Mom can Luna and I stay for the night?” Mom nodded, adding that no matter my appearance her son is always welcome here.

Luna and I had to share my old bedroom, and needless to say the news and the other night gave us plenty to think about. It was a small but cosy room with various posters, art reference books and games stacking the shelves on the sky blue walls. This room basically said it all about me, everything in here had sentimental value and memories of I had of when I was younger chilling out or having fun with my friends.

“We know dealing with all this is hard, but you needn't worry yourself about what we think about Humanity.” Luna said, attempting to break the ice,

“It's not that Luna, it's just seeing those ponies scared like that not knowing what happened to them...It makes me sick that other people would treat others like that...” Luna stayed silent whilst I ranted, “These are people we are talking about here not some mindless beasts. I know humans have done some terrible things, but there are good and kind people in the world...”

“We are certain there is, you're one such pony,” Luna added, a sincere smile on her face.

“Thank you Luna, that really means a lot to me” I replied smiling back.

“Can you tell me why this bothers you so much, Silent passion?”

“My old man taught me how important it was to never abandon the people you care about...” I said flatly, “It was ironic how he taught me that lesson, because one day he just left no goodbye, no note nothing.” Luna put a wing over my shoulder to comfort me,

“Did you ever see him again?” She asked, I nodded solemnly in response.

“He didn't recognize me though...” I said bitterly

The rest of night was quiet, my thoughts kept drifting back to the news, what Luna had said about the situation and eventually to what I had told Luna. Nothing really made any sense to me anymore, and next to me was the only person...er...pony who could make sense of everything that happened.

If anyone else saw me as I am now, what would they think? Would I be treated like those ponies on the news? It all came back to what Luna did to save my life, I literally owe her my life....I got up from the bed, Luna watched me carefully.

“Is there something wrong, Silent Passion?” She asked, but I remained silent and turned to face her, crossed my fore legs and bowed. The shock upon Luna's face was apparent.

“Silent Passion, do you know what you are offering?” I nodded,

“As a human I hereby offer my very life to repay a debt to you and you alone, as a pony I will do my best to aid you in gathering the Elements of Harmony to prevent any one being hurt by our worlds fusing, and anything else you wish of me.” I swore, “This much I promise.” Luna looked thoughtful for a moment,

“Are you sure you want this Silent passion? Once you have made this decision you cannot go back on it.” I nodded in confirmation, “Very well then, Silent passion as princess and co-ruler of Equestria I hereby recognise your request and welcome you as member of our kingdom.” Luna's broken horn glowed brightly and touched my horn with hers causing it too to glow in confirmation. This in turn caused a silver ribbon form between us.

“I haven't seen that in over a thousand years.” Luna admitted, I asked what that ribbon was. “It represents our bond, the ribbon's colour symbolises the type of bond we have...silver represents absolute trust and loyalty.” Luna smiled happily, “With bonds like this we can recreate the Elements of Harmony little by little.” I asked what the other colours meant but Luna said it was better explained as they appeared.

After our pact was made, I admit I felt warm and safe by Luna's company alone. It was the kind of warmth a child must feel when they are being comforted by a parent and the same sense of comfort only the night seemed to bring me. I eventually drifted into a peaceful sleep for the first time in a very long time...

I didn't know my mother was watching us the entire time, she signalled Luna over to talk.

“What did that all really mean?” Mom asked, Luna looked thoughtful for a moment.

“Where we are from, when a pony offers themselves to make a pact like that. They are not only joining a herd but are also entering a covenant with pony they made it with. Since I am royalty this ultimately means she is now one of our students and is under our care and protection.”

It took a while for it to sink in, but Mom got the message.

“How old is your son, if you don't mind us asking?” Luna asked, “25. Why do you ask?”

“Silent Passion's new body is roughly identical to adolescent mare, which would be roughly 16-18 years in a humans lifespan.” Luna explained, “A ponies life span is roughly around 80-100 years in this worlds time.” Mom let out relieved sigh, “Further more, as she is now our student we will be teaching her pony etiquette, culture and magic. Given the situation and how humanity is treating us she will be learning how to defend herself and others.”

“You mean he'll might have to...” Luna could see the horrified look on my mother's face,

“If it comes to that yes we'll have to...but hopefully we won't have to go that far.” Luna reassured her, “It would be best if we both retired for the remainder of the night. We all have a busy night ahead of us tomorrow.” Mom nodded and watched Luna return and curl up next where I was sleeping. As Luna draped a wing over my sleeping form, Mom could've sworn she heard a soft purring coming from me.

A soft pitter-patter of rain could be heard from outside, not loud but enough to wake me up. I could hear the sound of running up and down stairs, most likely my little brother annoying his sister as usual.

Out of habit I got up walked downstairs and told them to shut up, and that people are trying to sleep. The silence that rang through out the house was deafening, it didn't take me long before my little sister screamed.

“Oh my god, I finally have my very own pony!” She nearly crushed me with that hug of hers, but what do you expect from an overexcited 9 year old little girl. Johnny, my younger brother was absolutely gob-smacked at the sight before him.

It didn't take long for the racket to wake everyone else up in the house. Dad came thundering down in a foul mood, which is typical of him considering he works night shift. I could've practically predicted what he would have said in the usual situation, but given the sight in front of him he simply mouthed a silent “What the fuck”.

Now here was an opportunity I could not pass up smirking at, the look on the old man's face was priceless. Instead of the normally indifferent look upon his face was a complete confusion, it was rare to see him like this and was nice to see him show a little emotion for once.

Another soft clopping of hooves made their way down the stairs. I greeted the sound with a “Good morning, Luna.” and she replied in kind. Ellen upon seeing Luna, began acting as if she was told she was going to Disney world, I mouthed a silent “I'll explain later” to Luna.

We all made our way into the living room, but before Luna could begin explaining what's going on Mom came in and greeted Luna and I good morning, but she referred to me by name which got everyone’s attention, bar Luna’s.

“How are you here if your still in a coma at the hospital?” Dad asked, confusion apparent on his face. I looked towards Luna.

“What is there is nothing but a temporary illusion, it'll fade within a week.” I guessed that answered the question but I made note to ask Luna about that later. Luna told a slightly altered version of what she told me, making it sound like she was sent to investigate these disappearances in our world instead of finding the humanity's Elements of Harmony.

The old man was unconvinced, but let it slide possibly coming to the idea Luna had her reasons, his gaze turned towards me. I considered the fact he had worked with horses in his youth I knew he would ask me about my condition. As if on cue...

“I can understand your a unicorn of all things now, but why are you a mare?” I turned to Luna for an explanation, as this was going to hit a sore spot for sure with the old man. Mom had a curious look on her as well.

“The spell we cast upon your son, changing her into what you see know brings out how a person sees themselves mentally in pony form.” I knew this was going to be taken the wrong way by the old man...

“So all this time, my stepson has seen himself as a woman?” I have to admit I never really given it much thought, the idea I was transgender on some deep subconscious level had me thinking if anything I felt a lot more comfortable in this new pony body than my human one.

The look on the old man's face was a grim one, but he kept whatever he was thinking to himself.

“So what's going to happen now?” I asked Luna, “Exactly one week from now, my horn should have recovered enough to allow us speak with my sister. In the mean time we are going to draw out your magic into a more personal form.” In my current condition, the most I could do was simple telekinesis.

“When do we start?” I asked “Immediately.”

An hour later, Luna and I sat in my old room. I briefly wondered how we would go about doing this.

“What we are going to do, is dive into the deepest part of your being and draw out your potential.” I allowed myself to get comfortable, and focused my magic. The next thing I knew I was floating down to a large blank platform in the middle of endless black void.

I landed safely I took in my surroundings there was nothing but myself, I took a few steps forward and noticed I was in my human form again. “Luna?” I cried, my voice still sounded feminine on closer inspection I realised that while I was human again, I was a human woman.

“Well it's about time you showed your true colours, Silent.” I looked around, trying to find where that voice was coming, it sounded like my old male voice but more twisted with a slight echo to it.

“Who are you?” I asked simply,

Me? I'm the part of you that you readily hide away from others, the real you!” It let out an insane laugh. “Every little thing that disgusts you, every betrayal, and every little lie that you have told yourself make up a part of me.”

A thick blueish black miasma oozed from the ground slowly becoming a very recognisable form, it was very clearly a mirror image of my male form, it's face covered with a simple grey mask only leaving it's gold coloured eyes visible.

“I am a shadow, the true self!” It introduced itself, it paused briefly, “I am fully aware of why your here, what you can do to me and who is helping you. Make no mistake I'm not happy with what has happened to us or what is about to happen, but the things to come you will need my help whether either of us like it or not!” I was surprised to say the least,

“I take it this comes at a price?” I asked my doppelgänger. It nodded in confirmation, a twisted smile across it's features,

“More like a limit, everything she teaches you will be yours to use as you please, what I offer on the other hand will only come when it's needed most. Now what do you value most?”  It asked.

“My hopes and dreams, trust and loyalty, the people I care about!”

“And what will you give up in return? I suggest you think carefully.” I could tell a sneer was forming under that mask. It had point though what would I give up? It awaited my answer for what seemed like hours, I soon realised my answer...

“My gender, the male me, the old me! Everything bad that has happened in my life, happened because I couldn't accept who I really am!” I cried,

“Yes!! That was the answer I have been waiting for all these years!! As you wish my mistress I am yours to do with as you see fit.” It laughed finatically.

It took a few steps towards me putting its hand on my shoulder, as it removed it's mask revealing a genuine smile upon its face before fading away.

“Here's to the world, the bonds we make from this point on will be forged with everlasting loyalty, together as one we will make this our pact!”

The blankness beneath me began glow and break apart revealing what looks like stained glass depiction of my true self surrounded by blank panels with the exception of one depicting a star and moon with a silver outline around it.

I extended my hand forward, reaching out...

“With the lies, hardships and betrayals bringing the world into chaos, I will undo it all with the flames of passion!” I grabbed the air as it became an ornate rapier in a flash of light.

I admit this all felt a little anti-climatic, guess I was fully expecting an all out battle in the centre of the mind or something...

I was engulfed in a flash of light, the next thing I knew I was staring at Luna. I took a moment to examine my appearance realizing I was back in my pony body. I had told Luna what happened but she dismissed the masked spirit as something normal for a human.

Over the week that followed I got me familiar with the magic Luna was teaching me, while I'm not a natural I got the simpler spells down easily but I have a lot trouble with the more complex spells. Luna did ask me why, I told her it was a little like a role playing game earning me puzzled look.

“It's a human thing, sort of like a story only your playing main role.” I explained, “I tend to favour supportive spells more than offensive ones.” It was true though, what I couldn't do with a sword or bow, I made use of defensive magic or spells that hinder my opponent.

“We see...” Luna give considered this for a moment, “So what offensive spells could you learn?” I honestly didn't know what to say really.

“I would imagine a simple ranged spell would be useful, some sort of magical arrow maybe, so far you've taught me telekinesis, cloud walking, cast light, a magic weapon enchant, hush, lesser heal and force.”

“What about your own magic?” Luna inquired, I admit I haven't had much opportunity to use my own personal magic yet,

“The most I can do is summon my sword, and my ability to seemingly go unnoticed.” I replied.

“We suppose we're as ready as we'll ever be then.” Luna sighed, I felt like I disappointed Luna a little.

“I'm sorry...just give me more time to improve, please.” I pleaded,

“I know you will Silent passion, you've only began to get used to having magic.” Luna reassured.

“What will we do once that illusion fades? I mean we only have till tomorrow night before they start looking for me.” I asked,

“Tomorrow night we will leave, we will ask my sister for advice. Our magic has recovered enough to open a portal to Equestria, from there we will devise a plan to rescue those ponies.” I nodded in confirmation, “We have already sent word to my sister, we should warn you that this is a massive risk. There are things in the realms in-between that will attack us should we be careless, the spells we taught you will help you protect yourself.”

We both began preparing for tomorrow night, I didn't bother telling my family anything other than that I had to leave with Luna. I admit I didn't like the idea of leaving but time was running out with that illusion in place, and I can only do so much right now.

A few hours later Luna began to cast spell that would take us to Equestria, she explained that I would I have to deal with anything that came through the gate, as well the attention it will surely attract.

The sky began to crack and split apart. Luna and I cast the cloud walking spell, and galloped as fast as we both could towards the opening rift. Luna was right I did attract a lot of attention, I followed Luna through the seemingly endless crossroads...but it felt like something was wrong.

“Should the crossroads be shaking?” I shouted over the noise. “Behind us!! Just RUN!!”

SKKKKKKRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

The creature emerged behind us, I caught a glance of it...

”SHIT!! That's Kalame'et!!” I recognised it from Dark Souls, “What the hell is that thing doing here of all places!!” It roared as it shot black flames at us both,

“Use it now!!” I knew that familiar voice. In response I summoned my sword, as Kalame'et began to catch up with us, “Luna!! Aim for the eye, Blind it!!” Luna shot a barrage of moonlit arrows, but couldn't get a direct hit on the pitch black dragon. All it did was get it to focus it's attention on Luna as it sped past me, roaring and howling preparing to turn Luna its next meal. I picked up my pace to catch up with the beast.

“FORCE!!” I cried, sending a shock wave of energy towards it wings knocking out of the air, buying us a couple of seconds to get ahead. It didn't take long for it to catch up to us...

“Tachyon Dragon! Final Tachyon Stream!” A large purple jet of white hot light shot out at the end of the portal blowing away Kalame'et in one swift blow giving us the time needed to escape. Kalame'et roared and screamed in pain as it was blown away by the force of what ever attacked it.

“Silent Passion! Ahead of us!” Luna shouted over Kalame'et's enraged roars, was that the Equestria? My thoughts were cut as Kalame'et was shot down by a fiery ball of white light as it knocked the dragon out of the sky. We both jumped out of the rift as it closed behind us.

“Sister!” Luna cried happily, I took one look at Luna's elder sister and towards a somewhat familiar black furred earth pony, with sky blue eyes, a blond mane and tail, with a yellow sword like cutie mark with the hilt of it styled like a sun.

“Praise the sun...” Being the last words to escape my mouth before passing out from exhaustion.