Truth or Forgiveness

Naruko awoke once the chariot landed safely outside of the Golden Oaks Library and was highly embarrassed. “Sorry you girls had to see that. Flying is not a fun thing for me.”

“Oh it was no problem, darlin’,” shooed Applejack. “Everypony’s got fears; it’s perfectly natural.”

“I suppose.” Naruko then began to take in the sights around her. “Wow, so this is Ponyville. Quaint.”

“That’s it?” asked Twilight.

“Well I haven’t exactly seen the whole town yet, now have I? Just an observation.” Naruko shrugged.

“Well, darling, I think that nice tour around the town will do all of us some good,” suggested Rarity.

“Good idea Rarity,” said Twilight. “Let me grab Spike and we’ll be off.” Twilight entered the library while the others waited outside.

“Who’s Spike?” asked Naruko.

“Spike is Twilight’s assistant at the library and pretty much her little brother. He’s such a cute little dragon,” explained Fluttershy. Naruko looked pale.

“D-dragon?” she stammered. The others nodded. “As in, magical, fire-breathing dragon?” Again, the girls nodded, not sure what was going on. They didn’t have time to think on it thought as Twilight and Spike walked back out of the library. Spike walked toward Naruko and stuck out a claw.

“Hiya! My name’s Spike and I’m Twilight’s number one assistant! It’s nice to meetcha Naruko!” he greeted the unicorn. Naruko stared at him and then shrieked, jumping up into the branches of the library.

“Eek! Fire dragon! Stay away from me!!” Everypony stared up at her as she clutched on the branches, shaking in fear.

“Hehe, silly Naruko. You don’t hug trees like that! You give them nice big one around the trunk!” Pinkie explained helpfully. “Now come down and meet Spike properly!”

“Nuh uh! I am not going anywhere near a fire dragon!”

“Why not?” asked Rainbow.

“Personal reasons! You really think Terras was the only dragon I’ve met?”

“Who is Terras?” asked Spike.

“I think Terras is the name of the dragon that trained Naruko to defend herself while she lived in the Grand Chasm,” mused Twilight. Spike stared at her in awe.

“You didn’t tell me that! If she’s lived with a dragon then maybe she can tell me more about them!” he exclaimed.

“Maybe later, Spike. Now, Naruko get down here. You two will be living together from now on so you need to get along! He won’t hurt you and definitely won’t burn you. So please come down,” Twilight pleaded. Naruko hung there for a few moments to ruminate on the other unicorn’s words. She sighed in defeat and climbed down from her branch. Once she was on the ground, Naruko approached Spike and shook his claw.

“Sorry about that Spike. The last fire dragon I met wasn’t very friendly.”

“S’okay I guess. But why do you keep calling me a fire dragon? Every dragon breathes fire.”

“Maybe in Equestria, but there are dragons of other types that exist. My teacher, Terras, was an earth dragon and she breathed sand. Maybe I’ll show you some time.”

“Huh?”

“Naruko is part dragon thanks to her special magic, Spike. Her magic allows her to imitate her mentor’s powers. Trust us, we’ve seen it in action,” Twilight informed him. Spike nodded, but didn’t really understand. The group of seven ponies and one dragon headed out on the town afterwards. The first stop was Carousel Boutique.

“Welcome to my home and place of business, Naruko. I call it Carousel Boutique where everything is chic, unique, and manifique!”

“Oh, so you’re a fashion designer, Rarity? That’s cool. I can honestly say I have never met a designer before. Mind if we take a look?” asked Naruko.

“Of course, darling! Come in, come in!” Rarity ushered them in and Naruko was met with dresses the likes of which she had never seen. Each one was unique and embroidered with gems. The colors, the design, all of it, made Naruko’s jaw drop. While not a fashion mare in the slightest, Naruko knew talent when she saw it and if Rarity really designed all these then that mare was a genius!

“Rarity, did you make all these?” asked Naruko in awe.

“Why yes, every one of them was designed and made by Moi. Do you like?” Rarity could see it in Naruko’s eyes how much she appreciated her work. Rarity was almost ready to giggle see how in awe her friend was.

“They’re, they’re, breathtaking! These dresses are amazing Rarity! I want one each and I don’t even like wearing dresses! They’re so beautiful!”

Rarity beamed at Naruko’s praise. “Oh I am so glad you like them! I just might make one just for you, Naruko,” she hinted and Naruko nodded her head.

“Really! That’s so generous Rarity. Thank you!”

“Well, I am the element of generosity, dear. It’s just how I am.”

“Yeah, yeah, enough with the frou frou!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash. “Let’s get going and show her the rest of town already!”

“Okay, Rainbow. You don’t have to be so impatient. It’s very unbecoming for a lady,” Rarity chided. Rainbow blew a raspberry in response causing Naruko to chuckle.

“Yeah come on Naruko! I’ll show you where I live!” yelled Pinkie. She grabbed Naruko by the hoof and sped off with Naruko screaming,

“Whoa!!!” The two mares stopped outside of a building that looked like a giant gingerbread house with a cupcake on top. Naruko’s eyes widened at the sight. “Can I eat this?” Naruko said in awe.

Pinkie giggled. “Of course not silly! But you can eat what’s inside! This is Sugar Cube Corner. I live and work here with Mr. and Mrs. Cake. It’s a bakery that sells the greatest sweets in town! So do ya like? Do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya?”

“Does ‘me likey’ count as an answer?” Naruko asked. Pinkie nodded feverishly. “Then, me likey!! Can we get something to eat?”

“I think I might be able to get you a cupcake on the house. Be right back!” Pinkie ran inside the delicious looking building and Naruko had to use everything in her to not go right out and take a bite out of Pinkie’s home. Thankfully, her other friends finally caught up to her.

“There you are!” said Twilight.

“Hey girls! Pinkie went to get me a cupcake, so she’ll be back soon.”

“You alright sugar cube? Pinkie can be pretty hyper at times,” said Applejack.

“Yeah, I’m good. Believe it or not, I’ve gone through stranger. Trust me, there are some messed up things out there.” They took her word on that. Pinkie came out and moment later holding the most sugar coated baked good that Naruko had ever seen.

“Here you go Naruko! Hehe that rhymed! Enjoy, I made it especially for you!” Pinkie hoofed her the cupcake.

“Aw, thank Pinkie. It looks delicious.” Naruko held the cupcake in her hooves and then ate it all one big bite. As she chewed, Naruko felt as if she were heaven from the taste. It was the best dang cupcake she had ever eaten. “Mmm! That was awesome Pinkie! I loved it!” Pinkie bounced in place at her friend’s praise.

“Well, now that Sugar Cube Corner and Carousel Boutique are done, time to getcha to the main attraction, Naruko. Come one, I’ll introduce ya to mah family down at mah farm.”

“You run a farm AJ?” Naruko asked as they headed off to the edge of town.

“Eeyup. Sweet Apple Acres. Myself, my older brother, younger sister, and mah granny take care of it all on our own.”

“What about your parents AJ?” Naruko asked, but instantly regretted it. AJ stopped in place and looked down at the ground and then high into the sky.

“They’re in a better place now,” was all that the farm mare said. Twilight and the others shifted uncomfortably as none of them liked bringing up Ma and Pa Apple around Applejack. Her usually happy mood would almost instantly turn somber and sad. Naruko looked at her with sadness and then hugged her. This caused the others’ eyes to widen in surprise as Naruko had so far been the only one not to show any sort of emotion besides anger, sadness, and glee.

“I’m sorry that happened, AJ. I know that means very little, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart.” Something in Naruko’s tone caught AJ’s attention and she looked Naruko dead in the eye. She saw sadness in those eyes, loneliness that nopony should ever have. Applejack realized that day what Naruko had said and why she was so defensive of her parents. She’s just like me! Naruko’s all alone.

After that tearful moment, the rest of the walk to Sweet Apple Acres was a silent one. As the group crested the hill, Naruko saw apple trees as far as she could possibly see. Even from this far away, Naruko could tell that this was a thriving orchard. “Wow, Applejack. Your farm is massive.”

“Eeyup. We try to make sure we can grow enough apples to provide for all of Ponyville as well as other areas all over Equestria. Quite the sight ain’t it?”

“I’ll say!” As they entered the farm and approached a barn-shaped house, Naruko saw a big red stallion in the orchard kick one of the trees causing all of the apples to fall into the baskets below. The sight confused Naruko to no end, but she was really more interested in who the pony was, hoping that he belonged in the orchard and wasn’t a thief.

“Ah see that you noticed mah brother, Big Macintosh. HEY BIG MAC!” The stallion looked up from his work. “GIT OVER HERE AND INTRODUCE YERSELF TO OUR GUEST!” Big Macintosh trotted over to them from his work and stopped next to his sister. “Naruko, this is mah big brother, Big Macintosh. He’s the muscle of the family.”

“Eeyup,” he said simply.

“Don’t talk much, though,” Applejack added.

“Nope.”

Naruko looked Big Macintosh over, criticizing every aspect of him. She looked him right in the eye and he did the same. After a moment of glaring, he smiled and stuck out a hoof. Naruko responded in kind with a hoof bump.

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh.

“Mm hm,” responded Naruko. With that, the stallion returned to his work and the girls and Spike went back towards the house they were approaching earlier. Though, all of them were confused on what just happened.

“So what was that all about?” asked Spike.

Naruko explained. “We were judging each other’s strengths. We recognized each other through such an act and respect between us has been formed.”

“So, what did you think of him?” asked AJ trying to be smug.

Naruko ignored the innuendo. “He’s stronger than those pitiful guards back in Canterlot, I’ll give him that. But it would be a losing battle if he were to fight me. I’d put him in the ground.”

The way Naruko said that, so nonchalantly, made AJ’s eyes bug. “But Big Mac’s the strongest pony ah know!”

“Second strongest,” Naruko corrected. “You haven’t even seen the extent of my abilities dear Applejack. My magic and my strength do not completely correlate. Plus, I have a few more abilities as well.”

“Like what?” asked Twilight who was truly curious.

“That’s for me to know and you to find out if I need to use them,” she replied cryptically. Twilight grumbled something about not getting knowledge, but the group finally arrived at Applejack’s home to find an elderly mare sleeping in a rickety old chair.

“Granny, wake up. We got company!” said Applejack.

“Who? What?” said the mare waking up from her sleep. “Oh, Applejack welcome back. And you brought friends. Wait a second,” she said looking right at Naruko. “Who’s this pony? Ah don’t recognize her.”

“This is Naruko, Granny. She saved me and mah friends on our mission for Princess Celestia. Naruko, meet Granny Smith. The pony that knows everything about anything.” That statement confused Naruko, but decided not to make a point about it.

“Nice to meet you ma’am,” Naruko greeted.

Granny Smith looked deep into Naruko’s eyes, making the young mare very uncomfortable. Then the old mare spoke, “You got the eyes of a pony whose seen a lot of pain, youngin’.” Naruko’s eyes widened in shock. “What kind of pain have you experienced, little filly?”

“That’s, that’s none of your business! Stay out of my past!” Naruko practically growled at Granny Smith. The others recoiled, but stood firm that Naruko would not do anything. “What happened back then is not meant for anypony else but me and that is how it’s gonna stay. SO STOP ASKING!!”

“Naruko, please calm down,” said Twilight who pulled in front and began to hold Naruko tight. “She didn’t mean to pry, Naruko. Can’t you forgive her?”

Naruko’s eyes began to return to their normal, as they had once again became those of a dragon in her rage. “I’m sorry,” she whispered in shame and hung her head. “Just please stop asking about my past. It hurts too much.” Fresh tears began to grow in her eyes, but Twilight on clutched her tighter.

“We’re here for you Naruko. No matter what.”

“Sorry if I strutted on improper ground, youngin’,” Granny Smith apologized. “Sometimes being honest means ya say things ya shouldn’t.”

“It’s alright, Miss Smith. You didn’t know.”

“Now, now. None o’ that! Ya’ll call me Granny! Now what say we get somethin’ ta eat?” The groups’ stomachs grumbled in response. Granny laughed heartily as she went inside to cook up some treats.

After a filling lunch, and a quick introduction to Applejack’s energetic younger sister, Apple Bloom, the eight friends were off to Fluttershy’s cottage. One there, Naruko was amazed at all of the animals. There were animals of every kind: beavers, chickens, a bear, other birds, and a one very grumpy bunny. Angel Bunny and Naruko did not get off to good start as Angel had kicked her leg in greeting. Naruko responded with a kick back which ended up causing a bunny shape hole in Fluttershy’s house. After a quick lecture to the both of them and a very un-heart filled apology to each other, Fluttershy let them two be.

As Naruko began to play with one of the bats, she noticed Rainbow watching her. But what surprised Naruko was that Rainbow was watching her while laying down on a cloud! Naruko put all of her attention on it and began to make Rainbow Dash very self-conscious. “Somethin’ up Naruko?” asked the pegasus.

“How are you do this?” Naruko said trying to prod the cloud. “How are you sitting on a cloud? This defies the very laws of the universe.”

“Duh, I’m a pegasus,” said Rainbow like that explained everything. To Naruko, it didn’t help a bit.

“What’s that got to do with it?”

“Pegasi magic helps with the weather, Naruko,” explained Twilight from behind her. Naruko jumped in surprise.

“Ah! Don’t do that!”

Twilight blushed. “Sorry. Anyway, pegasi have the ability to manipulate clouds and weather with their innate magic. Rainbow here is actually the head of the weather team here in Ponyville.”

Naruko’s left eye began to twitch. “B-but that’s… how does… what? That flies right in the face of Mother Nature! Next you’re probably gonna tell me that ponies manually change the seasons, too.”

“Well…”

Naruko deadpanned. “Seriously!? This place is messed up! This defies nature dang it!” The twitch was getting worse.

“Well, Naruko that’s just how things work here in Equestria. This stuff doesn’t happen on its own.”

“Wow, you really don’t know anything, do ya Naruko?” quipped Rainbow.

Naruko gave her a hard glare and then smirked. “The length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle can be found using the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse equals the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides. For example, if one of the other sides has a length of 3 (when squared, 9) and the other has a length of 4 (when squared, 16), then their squares add up to 25. The length of the hypotenuse is the square root of 25, that is, 5.”

By the end of Naruko’s little explanation of the hypotenuse of a triangle, Rainbow’s eyes had glazed over and Twilight was taken aback in surprise. “How did you know all that?”

“I was a vagabond, not a moron, Twi. You needed to learn things to survive and mathematics are a basic survival tool that many ponies underestimate.” Twilight beamed at Naruko’s explanation and now truly believed that Naruko was ready and willing to learn anything.

“Great to hear, Naruko. You’ll be the perfect student!” She clapped her hooves. “Ooh, I’m so excited to begin your lectures!”

Surprisingly, Naruko smiled back. “Sounds like fun!” With fun animal time over, the group had to get moving. Fluttershy had to stay, though, as she had dinner to prepare for her animals. Naruko and Angel shared one last glare as the rest trotted off. Pinkie, Rarity, and Applejack had to get going too as the sun was beginning to set. Same with Rainbow Dash, but promised that she would show Naruko her cloud home sometime. Naruko was eager to see what that would be like. Twilight, Spike, and Naruko then went home so Twilight could show off their home.

Once Naruko entered the tree for the first time, she was in awe at the vast amount of books that were at her disposal. Twilight looked at the unicorn and smiled. “See anything you like, Naruko?”

Naruko slowly nodded her head. “I am going to read… everything.”

Twilight giggled at her new roommate’s reaction. Spike just rolled his eyes. “Great. Another book worm, just what we need. I’ll go get dinner started.”

“Thanks, Spike. I’ll show Naruko to her room.” Twilight then pulled Naruko from her book induced trance and showed her the room where she’ll be staying. It was technically the guest room, but it was the only spare they had. “We’ll get you some more furniture later this week, but it should be just fine for you and Terriermon. You got your own bookshelf in here that you can use as you like. The bed is over in the corner and a desk filled with parchment, quills, and ink is in front of the window. Spike will have dinner ready soon, so just get comfortable.”

“Thanks Twilight. Really. You are doing so much for me, so if there is ever anything you need, don’t be afraid to ask me. I don’t want to take advantage of your hospitality.”

“It’s no problem at all, Naruko. I’ll come get you when it’s time to eat.” With that Twilight walked out of the room, leaving Naruko alone with her doll. Naruko put her guardian in the back corner of the bed and went to the desk. She pulled out a fresh piece of parchment and began to write. As she wrote, the voice returned.

Glad you took my advice, it said sounding smug.

“Don’t get cocky. You know that we can’t stay here forever. Our mission is what comes first and foremost.”

What mission? How many times do we have to go over this Naruko; your only ‘mission’ is to observe and advise the local populace. Nothing more, so why not enjoy it? It’s quite nice here.

“We can’t get too attached to this place. I won’t get what I need here; this is just for the archives.”

Keep telling yourself that. If you need me, you know where to find me.

“Right where you always are; at my side.” Naruko finished up her writing with the quill just as she heard Twilight calling her.

“Naruko! Time for dinner!”

“Coming Twilight!” As Naruko trotted out of the room, a letter to an unknown being left on her new desk.

Dear brother,

I have made contact with local inhabitants. They call this place Equestrian and the natives are of equine in nature. A powerful artifact of this world has also declared me as its bearer and made me a part of a group of heroes called the Elements of Harmony. I have taken up residence with their leader, Twilight Sparkle, and will be staying until further notice. I will continue to observe this world and report back my findings. DO NOT contact me through our normal means as their technology is reminiscent of pre-industrial Earth. Maintain contact through letters only! I think the other Elements are wary of me and I think I may becoming compromised through them. I do not understand these feelings, brother, but for some reason, I feel… at peace here. I don’t understand it at all.

I will write again at my earliest convenience,

With love, your sister

Naruko

A moment later, the parchment was consumed in an icy-blue flame and disappeared in a wisp of smoke into the night air.

**********

Later that night in Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna looks out amongst her and her sister’s kingdom. Out in the distance she could see the town of Ponyville where she uses her magic to walk amongst the dreams that plague her subjects’ minds. That is what she usually did, as her duty as Princess of the Night, but tonight she was focused on one mare in particular. The mare that had been through so much in her short life: Naruko, the Element of Trust.

With her sister, Princess Celestia at her side, Luna looked into Naruko’s sleeping mind hoping to find some hint of what had happened to this filly in her past. She found the unicorn’s mind and began to pry it forth to speak with her, but something went wrong. Luna’s eyes popped open and she gasped in shock. Celestia was immediately there, trying to help her suddenly frightened sister.

“Luna what’s wrong? What did you see?” she questions the younger alicorn.

“Nothing,” Luna responds after a moment to regain her composure.

“There is no need to lie to me Luna. What did you see?”

“Nothing, sister! Because we couldn’t enter her mind!” Celestia gasped. Nopony was immune to her sister’s dream walking, not even her.

“How?”

“We tried to enter her dreamscape, but came across something that we have never seen before. There was a wall sister! Naruko has a mental barrier, one whose strength is unsurpassed. I could not even scratch its surface. And then…”

“Then…” Celestia egged her sister on.

“Then, she was there sister. Naruko approached me through the wall. She spoke to us as if she knew what was happening. She said, ‘Do not even try it Luna. My mind is impenetrable through your or your sister’s magic. Do not attempt this again, or you will know how it feels to have your mind invaded.’ Sister, does this mean that Naruko knows of such spells?”

Celestia stared out at Ponyville, digesting what had transpired. The only thing that she could say was, “Just who are you Naruko? Who are you really?”

Far, far away, a man sits at his desk in front of a wide array of computer screens. His wife sits not too far away, still looking as young as when they first met. The man stares at the screens, contemplating on the events that happen far away from them. Next to him, a small circle lights up and the figure of a human female appears in holographic form.

“A letter from Naruko has come through,” it says simply.

“Thank you Cortana, you may return to your tasks,” he says in response.

“Like I need your permission for that,” she replies before disappearing.

The man gives a hearty laugh as he begins to read the letter. He is not surprised, as Naruko always did things by the book, something that was rare amongst their peers.

“Anything new to report, Luke?” speaks his wife.

“Naruko has made contact with the natives after three years,” the man, Luke, answers. “This world seems to be completely at peace. I hope this is what gives Naruko what she needs, Rose.”

Rose, the wife, approaches behind him and wraps her arms around the still youthful man. “She will find her way, Luke. I know that you worry for her safety, we all do, but everyone in the family must find their own way. This is what you’ve tried to preserve.”

“I know, Rose, but it pains me that we couldn’t give Naruko what she deserves, especially what happened to her. The Lazarus Event didn’t help with that either, since we had to tear her away from that world temporarily and almost got Naruko killed along with a lot of others. These ‘Elements of Harmony’ are interesting, though. Maybe they will finally help Naruko see the light through the darkness that clouds her heart.”

“One can only hope,” Rose says wisely.

Luke looks up to the ceiling of their homestead. “May the force be with you, my sister.”