The Prime Elements

Matthias awoke under a large oak tree with ribbons and glowing lanterns hanging from the branches. It was still night, but he didn't mind. A short distance away, he saw a big lake that appeared to stretch for miles. And the full moon that was hung high in the heavens, made the water shimmer as the ripples and small waves glided across the surface. Stars dotted the sky, making the world around Matthias even more enjoyable.

"Only in my dreams have I ever seen such places." Matthias said to himself, sitting up and resting himself against the thick trunk.

"Do they also involve someone special?" A voice asked, making the half-demon crack a smile.

"Always. And I miss her whenever I wake up."

From behind the tree, a young woman appeared and sat next to Matthias. She had long light brown hair and green eyes. Her posture and clothing showed that she was either from a wealthy family or royalty. And, to Matthias, nothing in the entire universe looked more beautiful.

"Good evening, my beautiful angel." Matthias said, wrapping his arms around her.

"And to you as well, my strong demon." She replied, letting herself be pulled closer and kissing him.

They held the kiss for only a moment, but nothing couldn't have been better.

"How are you, Katrina?" Matthias whispered, breaking the kiss and looking into her eyes.

"I'm just glad that you're still keeping me in your thoughts." Katrina replied, smiling.

There were many things Matthias kept secret. But, ever since he met Princess Katrina, all his secrets and emotions were shared with her and only her. When she brought him that water, Matthias felt something in him, like a fire that had just been started. And, after they had become friends, they were always happy to talk to each other, but never around other people. Perhaps, that's why they could get along so well and fall in love.

"I missed you." Matthias said, brushing her hair behind her ear and gently resting his hand on her cheek.

"So have I, love." Katrina answered, taking his hand and holding it, "So have I."

They held each other for a moment as they looked across the shimmering water.

"Would you like to go for a swim?" Matthias asked, grinning and raising an eyebrow, "The water looks very refreshing and it would be a waste not to."

"Are you just saying that, so you can see me without my dress?" Katrina asked, turning her head and smirking at him, "Or, are you trying to be romantic?"

"Maybe both. But, then again, that's not such a bad thing."

They laughed at that for a moment, before getting to their feet. But, as Matthias pulled his stitched shirt off of him, he saw sky blue fabric sail towards him and drape over his head. He knew what it was and he knew who it belonged to, making him smile.

Splash, splosh!

As he removed the dress that had been thrown at him, he heard the sound of someone dart into the water.

"You were right." Katrina said, her body submerged and head above the surface, "The water feels fantastic."

"I'm rarely wrong," Matthias replied, stepping closer to the waters edge, still wearing his pants, "when it comes to things I enjoy."

Matthias was just about to set foot in the water, when he looked down and saw his reflection looking back at him. However, instead of seeing what he looked like on the outside, he saw a creature with ram horns, sharp tusks that rose from his lower lip, flaming eyes, and pointed ears. After a moment of staring, Matthias lifted his gaze back to Katrina, but then he noticed something happening a short distance behind her.

"Katrina!" Matthias exclaimed, stepping into the water as fast as he could, "Get out of the water! Now!"

"What's wrong?" She asked, unaware of the movement of water behind her.

"Water elemental!"

Without hesitation, Matthias dove into the water and started to swim as hard as he could towards her. Unfortunately, the living body of water pulled her further away as it formed. Then Matthias felt something grab onto his leg and pull him under the surface. This caused him to look down, that's when he saw the devilish figure pulling him further and further down. Once they reached the bottom, the creature landed on his feet, before throwing Matthias against the sandy floor.

"Who are you?" Matthias thought, forcing himself upright and floating in place.

"Who do you think I am?" The creature asked as they stared at each other far below the surface of the water, as if it heard Matthias' thought.

Before Matthias could react or respond, the creature threw a hard right punch, striking Matthias and sending him a short distance through the water.

"I am you, Matthias." He said, approaching the warrior again and giving another punch, "I'm the one that lives within your mind and soul. I'm the half of you that you wish you weren't. And, I'm sick of watching you make us look weak."

"I'm trying to bring balance and peace!" Matthias mentally argued, blocking another hit, "I am many things. But, a monster isn't one of them. Even if others see me as such, I refuse to be brought down by what others think of me!"

"Look at you. Your human half is weak hearted, soft, emotional, and easy to break. Yet, you have power they could never understand. But, you still choose to be the slave the humans want you to be. And, not to mention, you've fallen for the daughter of a king that is too cowardly to join his men in battle."

Before long, Matthias was pinned under his inner monster and that's when the creature reached around his back and retrieved a sharp knife.

"I'll be the one they bow to!" The creature said, raising the blade high above him, ready to strike, "And weaklings aren't welcome in my kingdom."

Suddenly, the blade came down fast and the next thing Matthias saw, before the blade could touch him, was a glowing dark blue figure and everything went black.

Matthias awoke with such a start, he jumped out of his bed and took a battle stance, ready to defend himself from anything that might harm him. But, he soon realized that he was alone in his little room as the sun peaked over the horizon.

"What the hell?" Matthias murmured to himself, sitting back down on the sheets and holding his forehead.

Bang, bang, bang!

He barely had time to make sense of the strange dream, before there was a loud banging on his door.

"Get up!" A voice commanded, who Matthias recognized as Killian's voice, "And make yourself as presentable as possible. We're meeting the high princess in a few minutes!"

"I'll be out in a moment." Matthias replied, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Quickly, Matthias dressed himself in his damaged armor and hooded cloak, before leaving the room. It didn't take long for him to find the throne room again, but he was somewhat surprised when he entered.

Standing next to Twilight was a large white alicorn with a sun on her flank. She wore gold barding with purple and blue jewels on it, had a flowing multi coloured mane and tail, as well as a regal voice. She also had the appearance of someone who would be very wise.

"Hello, Matthias." A voice said, causing the half-demon to snap his head and look.

"Good morning." He replied, seeing Starlight standing next to him.

They were soon joined by Killian and Spike, who entered the throne room and approached the two alicorns. Then they saw the little dragon speak a couple words before pointing back at Matthias and Killian.

"Please, come in." Twilight said, walking around the round table, "We have others arriving shortly, but we can start with the introductions first."

"Of course, Twilight." Killian said, stepping into the room and taking a knee, "Greetings, your highness. My name is Killian, commander of the tenth legion of the Vandlgradian army."

"And I am Matthias." The half-demon said, taking a knee next to Killian, "I'm a half-demon serving under Killian's command."

"Welcome." The white alicorn said, bowing her head, "I am Princess Celestia, high ruler of Equestria."