My Little Sinner

“Do you have an idea of something I can do for my next date with Rarity?”  Spike asked.

“Well one thing you could try is arranging a good number of lights to spell out a romantic message to her.”  I suggested while distributing bird seed.

“But wouldn’t something like that take up to much time and be very noticeable?”  Spike questioned as he continued to follow me.

“Yes it would be time consuming, but it wouldn’t have to be noticeable yet.  We can set it up so the message would be in a secluded spot and remain hidden, until it’s lit.”  I answered.

“And you’re certain that something like this will work?”  The little guy continued.

“Most definitely, but it won’t be the act that grants you that achievement, it would be the message you come up with.”  Talking about this kind of gift actually is pretty clever; I might use it for Rainbow as well.

“Thank you so much again for helping around here Inrei.”  Fluttershy announced as she carried over another bag of food for her critters.

Even though I agreed to assist the mare with her pets, I never expected Fluttershy to have tons of animals.  I don’t regret my decision in helping the girl, it’s more of I’m amazed that the pegasus managed to care for these creatures by herself originally.  It was interesting taking up this role, and even more interesting when Spike decided to tag along and ask for more dating advice.  Spike maybe a kid, but he’s been very serious and mature about his relationship with Rarity.  Despite his inexperience, I will say the little guy is doing exceptionally well.

As nice the moment was with the three of us, there is just one thing that is bothering me.  I still haven’t had the chance to ask Fluttershy how to preen feathers.  I know by asking Fluttershy this, she’ll most definitely wonder about my intention.  I’m completely okay with Fluttershy knowing my reason and I can trust her to keep quiet about it.  The problem of me currently not engaging the mare with this question is the dragon that came with me; Spike may by my friend, but I’m not sure how good he is with keeping secrets.  I know I could avoid the trouble by simply proposing to Rainbow, since the book stated pegasi accept that method as well.  But I don’t know if Dash would prefer a traditional proposal or not.

“By the way Inrei, what have you decided to get Rainbow for her birthday today?”  The yellow pony continued.

What?  WHAT?  Please tell me I misheard that.

“Could you repeat that, Fluttershy?”  I steadily asked.

“Well, I was just wondering what gift you got for Rainbow’s birthday.”  She declared.

That’s what I thought.  I’m screwed!

“D-Did you not know that today is Rainbow’s birthday?”  Apparently I had a look that clearly answered Fluttershy.

“N-No.”  I blurted out.

“Wow, did you forget that it’s Rainbow’s birthday today?”  Spike jumped in.

I didn’t forget; that’s not the case.  In all my life, I have never asked anyone what day their birthday was.  I can probably say my reasoning for not inquiring that kind of information from others is that fact my birthday was never celebrated.  Hell, I don’t even know my own birthday.  Because of that, I just viewed any passing day the same as others.  When others had their birthday, my mentality back when I was a kid in this life was mostly meh or just wish them a happy day.  And when I grew up, I never, and I mean never had the thought about parties until Pinkie threw my very first one here.

Crap, crap, crap, crap!  What am I going to do?  It’s Dash’s special day, so what am I going to give her?  It can’t be a last minute gift; it has to be a present with meaning.  A simple gift like the new Daring-Do book is out of the question since Twilight already gave that novel to Rainbow and I.  I have no clue when the Wonderbolts schedule their performances, so acquiring tickets may be difficult or even pointless at this point.  What would Dash like?  If the orphanage caretaker was here, he’d have an idea already; that old man always managed to find something that the birthday boy or girl really appreciated despite timing.  I bet the kids truly did see him as their father during the time they spent with him; he really cared for those children as his own like Reiku did for me…A father and child.

A father…

I have an idea, but I need to talk with a certain somepony first; namely Celestia.  I want to get her approval or at least let the dear princess know of my intention.  Just because Rainbow can’t live with that human doesn’t mean she can’t visit him.  Hopefully Leon is still alive.

“I’m sorry to leave you two on such short notice, but I need to speak with somepony real quick.  See you at Dash’s party.”  I announced.

“It’s alright Inrei; I’ll see you at party.”  Fluttershy said in her usual quiet tone.

“Alright, see you there.  Hopefully you’ll have a present in time.”  Spike teased.

I pictured the throne room of Canterlot Castle in my mind, then immediately leaned towards the ground in almost a falling fashion.  Using my abilities, my growing shadow soon engulfed me, and through the darkness, teleported me out of the left wall of the castle’s throne room.  With my unannounced arrival, I soon found myself completely surrounded by the royal guards the moment I stood back up.  I should have figured I would have been greeted like this; at least it goes to show that the guards here are ready to perform their duty when the time calls for it.

“Inrei?  What are you doing here?”  A regal voice asked.

“Greetings Princess Celestia; sorry for the unexpected visit.  If you have a moment, there is something I wish to ask of you.”  I began; getting straight to the point.

“You most certainly may.”  The alicorn gave a quick nod, which dispersed the soldiers around me.  “So what is it you want to discuss?”

“Well, it is Rainbow’s birthday today and I wanted to do something special for her.  I want to take her to see her dad for the day.  Not her biological one, but Leon; her adoptive father.”

Celestia raised an eyebrow to my words.  “And you want to take Rainbow Dash back to the human realm, correct?  Do you know the reason why she wasn’t allowed to stay in that dimension?”

“No…”  Does this mean the Princess won’t agree with my gift to Dash?

“The reason why was because it was never meant to be and that world wasn’t made to home her.  Alone, Rainbow wouldn’t have been able to survive.  And no matter what would have occurred if her friends and I didn’t appear to retrieve her, the end results would have been the same.”

If something suddenly happened to Leon or he died naturally, Rainbow wouldn’t have the means to survive on her own.  She lived in one of those dimensions; no magic or other supernatural creatures.  Alienated in a world with nothing left to depend on.

Essentially Celestia is disagreeing with my idea.  It’s only for a day though, and if something goes wrong, I’ll ensure the safety of Dash and Leon.  A parent and child shouldn’t have to be separated like this.  And its Rainbow’s day, she at least deserves to see her father again; even if it’s only once.

“Even if I don’t obtain your approval, I’ll still take Dash to the other world to visit her father.”  I firmly stated.

“Then what’s stopping you?”  The alicorn asked.

“Nothing-Wait…What?”

“If you had planned on taking Rainbow Dash to be reunited with her adoptive father anyways, then what is stopping you?”  She repeated.

I’m a bit confused, but somewhat joyful for what Celestia said.  “So does this mean you’re okay with my intention?”

“Of course I am.  When I first arrived in the human world, I didn’t know what to expect; in fact, I assumed the worst had occurred to that dear pegasus of ours.  But when I discovered the relationship and the amount of care Leon had shared with Rainbow Dash, I knew I could put aside my worry.  And then there is you; you who came from difficult life and a different universe, only to end up giving Rainbow your heart.  Despite the species difference, both you and Leon showed no prejudice towards Rainbow.  Both of you have proven to be capable of caring and aiding her.  You both want to see Rainbow happy.  And most importantly, you both love her so dearly; Leon as her father, and you as her paramour.  I am glad and proud that the two of you are so accepting of Rainbow Dash.  Inrei, your idea, your gift, is a wonderful one.”

A smile took hold of my lips.  “Thank you Princess.  This means a lot, so again, thank you.”

I can’t really thank the Princess enough; if there was I would.  I’m glad the ruler of this world is one of the benevolent and kind ones.

“You never had to ask me for my permission with this generous gift, Inrei.  Now go, you’ve got a birthday to attend.”  Celestia wholeheartedly smiled.

I gave Princess Celestia a quick bow, then immediately left for Ponyville.  As I rocketed through the air, I turned my sights downwards and surveyed the peaceful town I now call home.  My reasoning for this is because I forgot to ask both Fluttershy and Spike about the whereabouts of the party.  As I flew around, I eventually spotted the colorful dots that made up my family.  The seven of them had set up a small picnic with punch and a very delicious looking three layer, chocolate cake.  Also, behind all my friends except Rainbow were carefully wrapped gifts; Rarity’s present looking the most extravagant, while Pinkie’s was the most exuberant.  I soon joined them I realized shortly after, I haven’t the foggiest idea as to where the realm homing Leon is.

I can’t believe I forgot to ask the Princess for the dimensional location for that universe.  I guess I got a little too excited when Celestia agreed to my gift to Rainbow and forgot about learning its location beforehand.  I can still take Dash to see Leon today; it just won’t be a surprise like I hoped it to be.

Pinkie Pie was the first to notice me.

“Looky looky!  Inrei’s here!”  She cried.

Rainbow stood up, and then happily flew into my arms as I caught her.

“Hey hot stuff.”  My cyan love greeted.

“Hey sweetie.”  I stated back.

The two of us leaned forward into each other’s lips and shortly after, sat back down with the others.

“So did you find your girlfriend a present?”  Spike slyly whispered to me.

“Yes I did, so you can’t tease me this time.”  I quietly gloated back.

“Come on everypony!  It’s time for cake!”  Pinkie happily jumped in.

The cake was evenly cut up into eight starting slices by the use of Twilight’s magic and calculations.  After the first set of dessert was finished amongst us, the rest of the cake waved over us all, for Pinkie decided to dig her face in the frosting covered food.  It peeved the others a little, only because of the fact of having cake splashed onto them; I wasn’t bothered by it at all.  I simply used my finger to wipe some of the frosting off Dash’s cheek and ate it; in response to that, Rainbow moved closer and licked the icing that was on my face off.  Soon after the chocolate was off us, more was thrown on the two of us by none other, the giggling Pinkie Pink.  Rainbow and I immediately exacted our revenge and started a food fight with what was left of the cake.

After our messy fun ceased, the eight of us quickly cleaned ourselves up and moved onto the opening of the gifts.  Rarity’s present was first; the unicorn had gotten Rainbow a blue scarf with the Wonderbolts’ logo on it.  From what Rarity said, she was acquainted with the mare that designed the Wonderbolts uniform and acquired it from her; so if anything, this scarf can be consider official clothing of the group.  Spike and Twilight’s gift was an adventure book closely similar to the Daring-Do novels; Twilight figured Rainbow would enjoy this piece of literature as much.  Pinkie’s present was a box that contained another box that had a smaller box in it.  And in that last box was a set of CDs by the unicorn Vinyl Scratch; these CDs were entitled The Best of DJ Pon3, and from what I heard, this musician is very popular.  AJ's and Fluttershy’s gift so happened to be two tickets to see Rainbow’s favorite aerial group; I guess the Wonderbolts will be having a stunt show soon.  And lastly there is me and my present.

“Say, where is your gift, Inrei?”  AJ started up.

“Well my gift isn’t here, I should better say, it isn’t in this dimension.”  I began as a look of confusion swept over my friends.  I knelt down to Dash, put my hands on her sides, and looked her straight in the eyes.  “I’m going to take you to see your father.  Leon.”

Within my peripherals, I could see the others standing with their mouths agape, while Rainbow’s eyes had widen.

“You’re…You’re serious?”  She stuttered.

“Serious as a heart attack.”  I declared.

My cyan love instantly lunged forward after hearing my words, wrapped her hooves around me, and embraced me with all her might.  “Thank you so much, Inrei!”

“No problem.  We’ll leave whenever you’re ready.”  I said as I rubbed her back.  I can definitely tell this means a lot to her.  I’m glad.

After packing the remainder of the picnic and Rainbow’s gifts, Fluttershy agreed to take Dash’s presents back home while the two of us are in the human realm.

“Okay Rainbow, I need for you to clearly picture the place where you and Leon lived in your head.”  After a few seconds passed, we touched foreheads and I completely focused on my girlfriend’s thoughts.  I can see a small forest far away from most of civilization and a building with a lot of open land; one that would be perfect to retire to.  From Rainbow’s memories, I was able to trace the place’s location; I know where to go now amongst the dimensional planes.

I concentrated my powers and kept the area in mind as an azure flame encased Dash and I in a blue sphere.  A moment transpired and I could tell the two of us were no longer in Equestria; we were now being propelled into Leon’s world. After a few seconds, we came into the destination that was in my girlfriend’s mind.

The house before us was a two story, wooden home that was painted a deep red.  Situated with the dark brown shingles sat an old brick chimney.  The porch of this structure had one of those seats that hang from the ceiling and you can swing on it, and a single bay window next to the front door, that had a screen cover.  On the side of the house that Dash and I faced, there were three sliding windows; one on the first floor while the other two were on the second.  The vehicle that sat on the driveway was an old, navy blue Ford Ranger; well I can’t say it’s an old truck, especially since it looks mostly new and is probably more modern for this world and time.  And the open area was so expansive, I couldn’t see another home; perfect space for Rainbow to have free range in movement and to hide her from others if need be.

“This is it!”  Rainbow cried and tried flying over before I pulled her back.

“Hold on for a quick second.  We have to be sure Leon still lives here first.”

I had Dash stay behind me a few feet, while I made my way up to the door and rapped my hand against it three times.  The door opened and revealed an old gentleman somewhere in his late fifties.  He had very short, salt and pepper hair, and a slight scruff for facial hair.  The man was dressed in a plaid button down, dress shirt and tan dress pants.  Despite a few wrinkles, the human before me had a slight build, which showed he kept himself somewhat healthy in his age.  As I stood there, he studied me with walnut brown eyes.

“Can I help you?”  His voice was somewhat deep, but slightly weakened in tone from age.

“Perhaps you can, my name is Inrei Ikumatse and I was wondering, is your name Leon?”  I began.

He confirmed it.

“There is someone who wants to see you.”  I turned to Rainbow and signaled for here to step forward.  Both their eyes grew to the sizes of dinner plates as they stared at each other.  Leon looked like he was on the verge of tears, while Dash had one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen.

“D-Dashie?”  Leon muttered in absolute shock.

“Dad!”  Rainbow jumped forward and caught her father in her hooves.

In response to that, Leon also wrapped his arms around her as joyful tears fell from his eyes.  “I can’t believe it’s really you.  I’ve missed you so much Dashie!”

“I’ve missed you too.”  Rainbow announced back.

The two of them pulled back two minutes later; Leon was the first to begin.

“How is it possible?”  Leon smiled past his wet face.

His daughter turned to me and simply said, “Him.”

Leon shortly after looked at me again, and then granted us permission to enter his home.  Passed the doorway, there were four paths.  The right path led straight into the area that I made out to be the kitchen since I could see at least a sink and dishwasher as I passed by.  The forward path had both a corridor that led to a closed off area by a door, and the stairs that led up to the second floor.  And finally was the left path; the living room.  This area had a brick fireplace on the far side of the room, while five feet away from the hearth sat a cushioned couch and a leather chair.  Facing the two seats was a thirty-six inch, flat screen, plasma television.  And lastly, in between the TV and the couch sat a small, auburn brown coffee table.

As Leon positioned the leather chair to be parallel with the couch, Rainbow had her gaze staring up at the mantle. The three of us took our seats, but even sitting down; Dash still had her sights on that one spot.

“As you can see Dashie, the house has changed slightly since you were last here.  That was all Princess Celestia’s doing, but the Princess did keep her promise and left that little memorandum of ours.”  Leon hesitantly began.  “Inrei was it?  Tell me, how and why you brought Rainbow back here.”

“Well, my reasoning was because it was Rainbow’s birthday and I wanted to do something special for her.  So I simply teleported us here.”  I answered, but it seemed to only confuse the man.

“Let me reintroduce Inrei a little better, that’ll hopefully help you understand a bit more.  Dad, Inrei here is my boyfriend.”  Rainbow jumped in.

“Your boyfriend?”  Leon examined me once again.  “Is he actually a unicorn?”

“Actually, Inrei is a leviathan.”  The mare answered.

“A leviathan?  I know I haven’t seen the show in a long time, but I’m pretty sure leviathans don’t posses such abilities of transformation and teleportation.  Unless the writers decided to add that in.”  Leon continued.

Show?  Writers?  He’s probably just referring to a documentary he and Dash use to watch while she still lived with him.

“Well to clarify this, my true form is a leviathan.  What I am actually is a deity.”  I informed.

“You’re a god!?”  He blurted out in shock.

“That’s correct.”  I calmly acknowledged.

“Wow, my little girl is dating a god…Say Dashie, could you go and retrieve our photo album?  It’s in the room that formally belonged to you.”

“Sure Dad.”

As Dash left for the upstairs, Leon started up again.  “So how did you meet Rainbow?”

I can’t just say that it was coincidence or I simply saw her one day.  I won’t lie to my girlfriend’s father; I just can’t.  I want Leon to at least understand the situation his daughter is in.  “Well…It was immediately after a battle with the one who created me.  I was critically injured from the confrontation and might have been as good as dead, but then Rainbow and her friends rescued me; your daughter being the most persistence in seeing my safety.  After that, Rainbow and I got to know each other more and spent time together.  I didn’t see her as a pegasus or a simple pony, but as a person.  Eventually I fell in love with her as she did with me.”

“Tell me this, why were you fighting with the god who created you?”

I had a feeling he was going to catch onto that section the most.  “Well, I’m the God of Dusk, better known as the God of Chaos.  I was born from the removal of the darker emotions of the God of Dawn, Reiku; you could say that Reiku is my father in a way.  As the years gone by, that violent past is no longer me anymore.  Even though I’ve changed from what I once was and attempted at being human, Reiku has tried to right his wrong of bringing me to life by killing me, because he still believes that I will revert to my former chaotic life.  However, I’m hoping to end this fruitless war by having Reiku’s apprentice talk some sense into him.  That way I can finally have a peaceful life with Rainbow and the rest of our friends.”

“Hmm…What makes you so sure that you aren’t already human?”

“What do you mean?”

“Humans are known to make mistakes; it’s what makes them who and what they are, and it makes them even more human when they learn from their mistakes to further better themselves.  You’re also being the bigger man by ending this strife through none violent means, instead of beating your opponent into submission.  And it’s fairly obvious that what you are doing isn’t just for you, but for the ones care about; you love them and want to see them happy.  You’ve further proven that today with your birthday gift to Rainbow.  You can’t attempt to be human, when you have already proven that you are one.”

Wow…I don’t know what to say to these words other than, “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.  So what are your future plans with my little Dashie?”  Leon asked.

“Well, I’m hoping to make her more than just my girlfriend.  I want to marry her.”

“We may have just met, but Inrei, as long as you care for my little girl and make her happy, you have my blessings.”  Leon extended out of his right hand to me.  I extended mine and shook it.

A few minute later, Rainbow returned with a thick book that had a worn cover and a slightly wrinkled spine; it’s apparent that this book has been used a lot.  Dash then set the photo album down on the coffee table and opened up its contents.  Past the photos of a young boy who I can only assume was Leon when he was a child, we came to the part containing Leon and Rainbow together; a father and his daughter.  The very first item we came across was a letter written by Rainbow to Leon; it was her good bye letter from when Celestia and the others came to take her back to Equestria.  I read through it momentarily and could feel the amount of love Dash held for her father just from the message she wrote.  After that, the three of us continued through this book of memories; it had many pictures of their happy times.  Her first bath, the moment of her first words, her first drawing, a preened feather, ticket stubs of races they went to, the cake the two of them baked for her past birthdays, and so much more joyous moments.  For old time’s sake, Rainbow and Leon decided that the three of us should bake a cake.  It came out slightly burnt, but that didn’t matter, we still ate it and it tasted decent.

Eventually night came, and Dash and I decided to sleep over at Leon’s.  Since Leon never planned for such a situation to happen, he didn’t have a guest’s room set up.  So my girlfriend and I were allowed the couch and were given an extra blanket and pillow.

Rainbow laid on top of me and stared down at me with her cyan blue face and brilliant rose eyes.  “Thank you for doing this, Inrei.”  She said.

I held her hoof in my hand as I stared back.  “No problem.”

I leaned forward to kiss her on her cheek, but Rainbow nuzzled her mouth in my way and pressed her lips against mine.  Once we separated, Dash nestled her head against my chest and continued to stare into my eyes as I still stared into hers.

“Happy birthday Rainbow.”