Of Magic and Flame

I was surrounded by blackness. Glowing green eyes flashed around me. I could feel the fangs still, even after seeing this a thousand times. The mouths of whatever beasts were attacking me continued to devour me. All the while, I was flailing and attempting to hit them with fire. But once it was clear that I had lost, I gave in and let myself succumb to the pain. That was when I heard the beeping.

I slowly opened my eyes to see stark white. I was laying on a bed and I could barely see some green and red in the corner of my vision. Then, I fell into the darkness again.

The figure from earlier stood before me, continuing to radiate its power. It was white all around us, but somehow there was a shadow below the figure. As we drew closer, it appeared to be a large pony. It looked very similar to Twilight. However, the legs, horn, wings, and mane were all longer and larger. Although I could not yet make out a face, the figure spoke.

"Welcome child. This may be my sister's domain, but it is my only means of communicating with you. How are you finding life in Equestria?

"What? Who are you? Are you the one who brought us here?"

"Well yes, of course I am. I am Princess Celestia, ruler of the sun and Equestria." She came closer to me. She stood above me, looking down.

"Why?"

A puzzled look flashed across her face. "Why, to what?"

"Why did you take us here? We didn't ask to be sent to a cartoon for little girls. I was happy with my life back home. I was going to graduate this summer! And go to college! Why would you take this from me? And Chad, he was going to the marines. Peter almost had a girlfriend. We were just whisked away from our families and everyone we loved, and for what? So you could have a few new animals in your little pretty pony land? Why would you do that to us? How could you?"

"I... I'm afraid I..." She faltered and looked at the ground, ashamed.

"You're afraid you what? Messed up? You don't say? What do you think my family is doing right now? And my friends? We all just disappeared with no explanation. They think we're dead! We've lost everything because of you. And now? Do you expect me to just bow down and worship the sun goddess because she turned me into my favorite pokémon? Just tell me, why? Why us? Why this? Why now?"

Tears were now slowly trickling from her eyes. "I'm sorry, Blazewing. I didn't know. As for why, you each exhibited great character in every day. My sister and I watched you at times. We needed ponies like you. Our country is in danger. We fear that Chrysalis will return with her changeling army to destroy us. That is why you were brought here."

"Chrysalis? Who is that?"

"She is the changeling queen. The changelings can assume the form of any pony they choose, typically those you love, bit their true form is like a pony shaped bug."

"Wait a minute! Those things attacked me outside the library! But, how do you expect us to fight for you, after what you did to us? Why should we?"

"Because you need to. The changelings will suck you dry. They can survive on love, but Chrysalis wants revenge. They will harvest our life forces and kill us all in the process. If we do not fight, all of us, even you, will die."

"Still, we could just run. Why should we stay?"

"Your friends have their reasons. Especially the one you now call Shellshocker. It seems he and my student have become rather...close."

"Fine, I'll fight your war. But can we be sent back?"

"I believe so, but I can send all of your families a letter now, telling them that you are safe and alive."

"Can I? I want to talk to them."

"So be it. But Blazewing?"

"Yes?"

"Don't tell them about where you are."

"Fine." The world around us began to fade, and the ground was shaking. "What is that?"

"I believe you are waking up. Until we meet in person then. Farewell."

I woke up and found myself in a hospital. I saw Bruteroot sitting on a red chair in the corner of the room. He was sleeping.

My tail was resting in a loop, keeping it above the bed. The flame was burning brightly now. I had a few bandages on my arms, chest and head, but I didn't feel much pain. An IV drip flowed into my right arm. I peeled back one of the bandages as carefully as I could, and I saw a faint bite mark, probably from those changelings.

When I returned to the library, I found them waiting in the shadows for me. They attacked, and I defeated as many as I could. I guess someone found me and brought me here. Suddenly, Bruteroot stirred in the corner. He groggily opened his eyes and gasped when he saw me.

"Blaze! You're awake! It's been so long, we thought you'd never wake up!"

"Woah. What happened? I know I sleep in for forever, but how long was I out?"

"Four weeks." I stared, speechless. My mouth hung open comically. After a minute, Bruteroot let out a laugh. "Ha ha, I knew you would be surprised, but I didn't think you'd go into another coma!" I shook myself out of it and tried to get out of bed. "Hey! Not yet. Doctor's gotta clear you first. Said you're not supposed to move at all until he makes sure you're good."

"Ugh. Fine. But can I get a pen and some paper?"

"Sure. Got some here. Twi said that I might want to write down some stuff about our world and about pokémon, but I never got to it. What for?"

"I want to write a letter to my parents."

"Well, ok. No point in trying to send it though. Post here sucks. Only have one pony for the entire town. Not to mention we're on a different planet."

"No problem. Just give me some privacy and let the doctor know I'm up?"

"Alright." He sighed and left the room. When I heard the door close, I began writing.

"Dear Mom and Dad,

I know this has been hard on you. This has all been a little crazy for me too. So to clear it up, I'll tell you what happened.

We were sitting in chapel when we teleported to the gym, from there, a giant beam of light took us to a different planet. And guess what? I'm now a charmander! Chad and Peter are with me. They are a squirtle and a bulbasaur too! We all landed together. But, we decided that, as long as we are here, we would use fitting names. Chad is Shellshocker, Peter is Bruteroot, and I am Blazewing. So I was introduced to a few of the locals by a farmer, and we came to stay at the local librarian's house. We took a tour of the town and met some people. Then I was attacked. I was out for four weeks. I'm fine now. Just woke up.

Apparently, Chad got 'romantically' involved with the ruler's student. Don't ask. I don't know who it is. This happened while I was out. Other than that, I don't know what has happened.

However, the strangest thing that's happened yet just occurred earlier. I fell back asleep after barely waking up, I just saw fuzzy images of the room. When I was asleep, I met the ruler of the land. They talked to me and explained why and how we're here. They took us here to fight a war for them. I don't want to, but the locals here don't deserve to die. Even if their rulers don't seem to think through life changing decisions, they seem nice and kindhearted. They let us into their homes and became our friends even when we looked strange. I don't think I can leave them to die. So I will stay and fight for them.

I won't be back for some time. The ruler is letting me send you this letter. She might let Chad and Peter send one too, but I think this will be the last time we talk for a while. So, I'll try to make this good.

Bruce, don't touch my stuff. Anyways, I'm gonna miss playing gameboy and DS with you. Especially when we would battle. I always loved that. I hope you get really good while we're gone, because you need to honor my name in high school. Wear my name proudly and become the master I knew you could be.

Dad, I'm gonna miss playing football and basketball with you. I know there are other people to play with, but it's not the same without you. Also, we have certain...limitations. I'm sorry about ditching you last night when my show was on. I wish I could have played with you one last time before I was gone. I'm sorry.

Mom. Make sure Bruce doesn't touch my stuff. Also, I know you were looking forward to me going to college and getting my degree, but I'm away now so I'm halfway there. Anyways, I'm gonna miss you and all your advice. You were always there for me. I'm sorry I can't be there for you right now.

I want you all to know I'm safe, but if I don't come back, I want you all to know that I love you. Sorry for everything that this has forced on you. I know you probably thought I was dead, but I will come back. I will try. Stay waiting for me because when I get home, I'll be a hero.

With much love,

Your son, Blazewing."