Welcome To canine Crossroadsby Yosh-E-OChaptersChapter 1 - Seeking RefugeChapter 2 - Rooming With Little LarimarChapter 3 - Animal CrossingChapter 4 - Employment TacticsChapter 5 - Dark Light's New JobChapter 6 - New Home... For NowChapter 1 - Seeking RefugeThe warm Spring day had gradually become a frigid night as Dark Light came upon a small town. “Hopefully an Inn will still be open,” he thought aloud as the teal-colored baby dragon on his back shivered. The black-coated Pegasus folded his wings to help protect his newly-hatched charge. The hatchling still had the eggshell he had recently hatched from atop his head. However that was far from appropriate protection against the frosty nights of early Spring. “What if they question why I have a baby dragon?” worried the yellow-eyed teen. “The last thing I need to do is arouse suspicions.” SHING A dull, yellow aura came off a Unicorn horn that Dark Light had concealed. The magic spread to make his wings disappear before creating a magical blanket that swaddled the baby so only it’s head could be seen. “And about that…,” continued Dark Light to himself as he utilized his Unicorn magic to cast an illusion spell to make the small bundle look like a pony. The baby dragon simply cooed upon finding himself comfortably swaddled in Dark Light’s ethereal blanket. This blanket had once been what he conjured to create the Pegasus wings he formed to hide his identity as a Unicorn. However, being it was so dark out, he believed passing off as an Earth Pony and returning to being a Pegasus in the morning would go by quite easily. “Alright,” the cunning Unicorn said softly while heading towards the town. “Let’s go get you settled. You’ve had quite the big first day.” *** The Cozy Glow Inn was not too difficult to find. It was the only structure that still had its lights on. RING-A-DING-DING A Diamond Dog sat up at the front desk and glared towards the newcomers. “Need a room?” he asked. Dark Light nodded. “Not used to your kind being up so late in the evening,” the grey-furred canine continued. “You lost or something?” The black-coated pony nodded again. He was hopeful to get in without having the bundle on his back be suspected of being anything more than a traveler’s bag. The diamond dog groaned. “Not much of a talker,” he remarked. “I’ll make this easy on both of us. One room is 50 bits, or one pound of gemstones.” Dark Light had the bits and the gemstones. His travels had offered him opportunities to do small tasks to earn bits while adventuring in the outskirts of Equestria had yielded a number of noteworthy deposits of sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. “Well?” the dog snarled. “Money talks and dirt walks.” Dark Light scowled as he reached for a bag of bits and tossed it to the counter. “Hmm,” grinned the inn keeper as he counted each bit. “You’re not like most ponies.” “My room, please,” Dark Light stated plainly. There was a pause as the attendant counted each bit. “thirteen bit tip!” he howled with delight while reaching for a display that had keys hung upon it. “Got your room right here.” FLICK SHING CLACK The faux Earth Pony had no trouble catching the room key hurled towards him. “”Room 3A,” the dog stated while pocketing the additional thirteen bits. “Check out is at noon. If you want to keep the room you need only pay the nice fox before check out.” Dark Light nodded his head and turned towards the flight of stairs leading up to the upper floors. The diamond dog was too distracted by a small top he had placed upon the counter to even care to notice the bundle the faux Earth Pony supported upon his back. *** Dark Light sacrificed a majority of his blankets and pillows from the bed so that the newborn dragon had a cozy nest to peacefully sleep in. “Good thing diamond dogs aren’t known to really care much about anything else so long as they get what they want,” he stated as the teal-colored baby dragon blew tiny bubbles out from his snout. “It’s also interesting how that top half of your shell has decided to make itself a permanent part of your noggin.” The black-coated Unicorn used his magic to remove the eggshell from the young dragon’s head. However it did not budge. “Hmm,” he contemplated. “Maybe if I used just a bit more magic…?” PFEW Ethereal yellow light moved towards the slumbering dragon’s eggshell hat. However it would not budge from the hatchling’s head. “Fascinating…,” considered Dark Light. “Seems I’ll just have to sleep on this mystery for now.” The yellow-haired Unicorn climbed onto the mattress, pulled up the remaining bed sheet, and allowed himself to rest peacefully on a real bed for the first time in weeks. *** KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK WAAAHHH!!! Dark Light shot out of bed upon hearing the combination of pounding on his hotel room’s door and the wailing baby dragon. “Hey!” called a voice. “Is anyone in there?” BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM WAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAA!!! Dark Light was still half-asleep as he clumsily galloped to the door. BAM-BAM-BAM! CLICK-CLANG-CLICK “I’m coming in!” the voice on the other side cried as Dark Light reached for the door knob. PWOOM! “Oh!” the fox gasped upon feeling his forward progress halted. “Sorry,” Dark Light replied anxiously. “I’m not decent.” The fox was caught off guard by this statement. “Uh…,” he struggled. “Is the kid okay?” Dark Light’s mind started to put the entire situation together. “Yes!” he answered far more intensely than he had intended. “Ran out of diapers and need to get some quick before he gets a rash.” The fox tried to move his snout into the door, but Dark Light held firm. “Would it help if I brought some up?” he asked. “Please!” the yellow-haired stallion replied with far more bite than he had hoped. “You got it!” the fox replied. KA-THUNK! Dark Light felt himself lurch forward as the door slammed shut. “Phew,” he gasped as he took a moment to free his mind of the fear of being seen in his true form. “Too close.” WAA-AAA-AAAH! “Larimar…,” the young stallion sighed as he turned to where the baby dragon was fussing within the layers of blankets he had been swaddled in. “We’ve really got to work on this crying thing." Chapter 2 - Rooming With Little LarimarDark Light had plenty of time to cast his disguise spell so that he’d appear as a Pegasus instead of a Unicorn. He thought about making up a ruse for Larimar but the fox had come back before he could consider how to go about it. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK The faux Pegasus darted for the door as he carried Larimar in a bathroom towel on his back. “Thanks!” he exclaimed while opening the door. The fox held out a small pack of foal diapers. “Do you think these will do the trick?” he asked while surveying the room. Dark Light noticed the wandering eyes of the fox. “These will do fine,” he stated while taking the diapers with one hoof and placing a handful of bits into the paw of the fox with the other. “Umm…,” baffled the apron-clad canid. Dark Light’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry,” he said while quickly tossing more bits towards the worker’s paw. “Sir,” the employee tried to say. “I just want to know if you’ll be staying another night?” “Yes!” proclaimed the black-coated Pegasus while rushing the fox out. CA-CLUNK “Have a good day, sir!” the employee called from the other side of the door. *** Dark Light spent the next hour gathering blankets that Larimar had ‘used’ so he could take them to the wash room. “Good thing they had diapers here,” he remarked while looking at the gleeful hatchling as he played with his toes. “Though I’ll have to find some of my own, too, if I allow myself to fall asleep so deeply.” “Ungh…,” moaned Larimar as he rubbed his belly. “Uh! Uh! Uh!” Dark Light turned to face the baby dragon who had feather-like wings. “Oh!” he gasped. “You must be hungry?” Larimar started to fuss. “Argh!” groaned Dark Light. “Why I bothered to take you is beyond me.” The faux Pegasus felt a pang in his chest. “Oh,” he sighed. “The right thing to do. No creature should ever have their childhood ruined.” Dark Light stared intensely towards the flailing, baby dragon. “Even if that some creature is a pain in the flank,” he grumbled. *** The traveling fugitive from Canterlot knew he couldn’t stay in his hotel room forever. Things needed cleaned, food needed gathered, and supplies had to be acquired to support a traveling party of two. Fortunately, the fox from earlier had offered Dark Light to gather some things in town on his behalf. “You’re quite generous,” the fox stated. “So I don’t mind using my break to go through town to gather these items for you.” “I’m actually hoping to find work here,” added Dark Light. “Could you also bring me back a local newspaper?” The fox nodded. “We actually offer those to our guests for free,” he stated. “I’ll bring it up with those other items you’ve requested.” “And you’ll be discrete?” pursued the faux Pegasus. The fox nodded and smiled. “Of course,” he replied. “Though it’s really no big deal to gather a few things for a guest who wants to move into our little village.” “Thank you,” Dark Light added while gesturing for the employee to leave. “You know,” the fox stated. “We do have a daycare center in town now. Maybe you’d want to drop off your lil’ guy while you get yourself settled in?” Dark Light felt on the spot. He had a baby dragon. Dragons were definitely not seen with ponies and definitely not safe in a foal-filled daycare center. The fox picked up on Dark Light’s tension. “You’re the boss, sir,” he chimed. “Please let me know if you require anything else.” “I will,” the Pegasus replied while shutting the bedroom door. “Now to business.” *** Dark Light had become very skilled in the magical arts. Some from school, some from reading, and most through pure trial-and-error during his journey outside of Equestria. He had done some very terrible things back in Canterlot. These things were also severe enough to make him an extremely wanted pony who would face nothing short of the princesses’ harshest punishment if caught. “I’m starting to wonder if it was fortunate you and I found each other,” sighed Dark Light as the hungry dragon wailed to be fed. *** The fox returned far faster than Dark Light had expected. This was fortunate as he knew Larimar wouldn’t do well if not fed soon. The fox asked if Dark Light wanted his change but the fugitive Unicorn declined as it allowed him to bring in the order without bringing undue attention to the hatchling in his room. *** Once fed, Larimar calmed down and found himself ready for a nap. “You’re cute when not raising a ruckus,” remarked Dark Light as he tapped a hoof on the pastel-yellow colored belly of the baby dragon. “I have a feeling everything is going to work out for us.” *** That evening, with the aid of a pacifier he had magically fused some gem dust to, Dark Light and Larimar made their way to the Cozy Glow Inn’s laundry room. Nobody was up and anyone who walked by saw the colt foal illusion with the Pegasus stallion and opted to not bother the pair. Some well cast magic condensed the dirty linens and it didn’t take too long to get back to the room. Dark Light breathed deep. “Smell that, Larimar,” he grinned. “That’s the smell of clean.” “Gaba,” the tiny dragon replied as he squirmed and wiggled upon the stallion’s back. “Well,” the Unicorn shrugged. “At least what happens in your diapers stays in your diapers.” “Bleh,” Larimar gurgled in response. *** It was a long day but Dark Light felt very accomplished. Larimar was fast asleep, the room was sanitized, and he was able to eat some of the fresh fruits and vegetables he ordered the fox to grab. “Now to see what this town’s about,” he stated while opening up the newspaper. “Canine Crossroads, eh? This should be a nice spot to spend some time before getting back on the road again.” Chapter 3 - Animal CrossingAuthor's Note An open apology to anyone now wondering why there isn't a 'Crossover' tag with this story. Well, to be honest, "FiM Fiction" is a tad tricky to use with software designed to allow a person with zero eyesight to populate, respond, and create certain content. However I'm glad I can still post here despite having lost all my physical vision over two years ago. This is still a far more usable site than most and I hope it stays that way. Thanks for your understanding and support. Now back to the story. Chapter 3 - Animal Crossing Magic was a most useful tool. Especially for Dark Light who tended to have accidents if he fell asleep too deeply. “Ugh,” he groaned while waking up wet in a diaper he had enlarged from the pack he got for Larimar. “At least it spared the sheets.” Larimar was still asleep as the black-coated Unicorn moved about the room. “Though…,” he thought with a smile. “It is nice to actually get some real sleep for a change.” The baby dragon began to stir. “Looks like it’s time to be a responsible adult,” he shrugged. “At least it is under my terms instead of those who insisted on owning every aspect of my life back in Canterlot.” *** Dark Light went about changing, feeding, and cleaning Larimar as he thought on how life had been for him back in Canterlot. He wondered whether-or-not his parents even did what he was doing for the orphan dragon for him as a foal. Or, perhaps, their intent was always to make him into some grand vision that only performed what he was instructed to do over what he wanted to do. “Blurf!” belched the teal-colored hatchling as a spittle of purple fire emerged from his mouth. The sight of the dragon’s fire brought back memories of the day he committed the crime in which he was on the run from. It was a terrible day filled with so much anger, regret, sadness, and pain. To this day, Dark Light would have nightmares on a regular basis that, due to his own will, not even Princess Luna could save him from. “But…,” he further considered while looking at the purple-eyed dragon. “I’ve slep soundly for two nights…” WOO-WOO SPLASH The yellow-haired Unicorn allowed the soapy water to lap against his coat while taking in what he had just come to realize. “My nightmares…?” he considered. “Could it be…?” Larimar stopped his splashing while gazing into the Unicorn’s yellow eyes. “Da!” he babbled. “Da! Da!” Tears welled inside the Unicorn’s eyes as he took in a feeling he never thought he’d ever come to know. This being love. *** Dark Light needed very little concentration to maintain his illusion of being a Pegasus. He had been doing it for months and was even being trained in the art of illusion prior to the incident that started his escape from Equestria. “Hope you don’t mind being a pony, Larimar,” remarked Dark Light as he looked back at the teal-colored foal who had a pastel-yellow mane and tale, tiny pale-green wings, and large purple eyes. “Bwa-puh,” the ponified dragon babbled while taking interest in his claw now appearing as a hoof. “Greetings!” a female voice called out. “Welcome to Canine Crossroads!” Dark Light flinched as a dog in a green skirt and vest came towards him with a big smile on her face. “I heard you may be looking for a job?” she pursued upon reaching the faux Pegasus. Dark Light gulped as he had wondered how this doggy with bells tied into her pony tail knew of him and what he had briefly mentioned in the hotel to the fox. “I’m sorry,” she sulked. “It’s just nice to see new creatures coming to our town.” “Oh…,” trailed the stallion. “Pffft,” Larimar raspberried while looking towards the shin tzu. “Ah!” she cooed. “What an adorable baby!” “Sorry,” Dark Light stated flatly. “Who are you?” “Oh!” the yellow dog blushed. “My name’s Isabelle. I’m the secretary to Mayor Yosh.” “Mayor Yosh?” pondered Dark Light aloud. “That name sounds familiar…” Isabelle giggled. “No surprise,” she beamed. “He has really helped to turn this town around.” “Interesting…,” continued the stallion. “How do you know me?” “Whoops!” she gasped. “TJ told me when he was running about yesterday about someone new who was a pony that had a foal who was looking for work here in our town.” Dark Light rolled his eyes. “I see…,” he trailed. “Are you still interested in a job?” she inquired with a pleading look in her eyes. “Mayor Yosh is trying to find some good creatures to get the town library and museum up and running.” The job options grabbed Dark Light’s attention enough to not notice that Larimar had slid off his back and landed on his padded bottom. “Uh, oh!” cooed Isabelle as she went to scoop up the fallen foal. “Someone is trying to make a get away.” Dark Light glared towards the yellow shih tzu. His mind wanted to zap her with a spell for having taken hold of Larimar. However he knew wiser than to draw such negative attention to himself. “Could you put him back on my back, please?” he asked as nicely as he possibly could. “Of course!” Isabelle chriped. “You may want one of those fancy foal harnesses if you plan to travel around with him. I also suppose a buggy, or stroller, would do.” “Noted,” he replied. “What about a job at the library?” Isabelle smiled. “Ah, yes!” she clapped. “We need someone who is really good with books to help sort out our growing collection of magical tomes!” “Magical tomes?” considered Dark Light. “Yes!” Isabelle chirped while nodding her head and causing her bells upon her head to jingle. “Ponies are known for understanding magic, right?” Dark Light shrugged. “I do have a background from my years of school as a colt,” he stated. Isabelle gestured merrily. “Then you’d be perfect!” she cheered. “We’re going to start a school here to help in the study of magical arts. Mayor Yosh wants to make education a top priority to help draw in all sorts of creatures to our town!” Dark Light was getting more-and-more curious about this ‘mayor’ the shih tzu kept speaking of. “Do I apply directly with the mayor?” he asked. Isabelle lowered her head. “I’m afraid not,” she replied. “He’s quite busy handling other matters. Fortunately he has given me the task of creating an employment center to help get this town moving forward at tip-top speed!” “And where is this ‘employment center’?” inquired the faux Pegasus. Isabelle offered a hand. “I’ll take you there!” she beamed. “Then I can show you and your foal around! You’re going to love it here!” Dark Light was a tad hesitant over how enthusiastic the shih tzu was to take him some place. However he felt it at least worth a shot to see whether-or-not it was a trap. If it was, he already knew the exact spell that would make what he did at Canterlot seem like a fireworks show in comparison. Chapter 4 - Employment TacticsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 5 - Dark Light's New JobThe next few days were spent between The Cozy Glow Inn and The Canine Crossroads Library For Higher Education. Dark Light’s knowledge of equine magic made him a must-hire creature who took quickly to getting things set up in the wing of the library assigned to him. “…Larimar is like me!” cheered a green dragon-duck hybrid with frosted eyes. “Perhaps you are another of ‘Celestia’s Chosen’?” Dark Light cringed as he looked down towards the mayor of the town. “No,” he said plainly. “I’m just a pony who happened upon a baby dragon while walking in the woods. Equestria isn’t even my home.” The small and pudgy mayor tightened his hold around Isabelle’s arm. “Toroth was found by a lost Pegasus in the Dragon Lands,” added Yosh. “Though I think Toroth is now back in the Dragon Lands and the Pegasus he actually helped save is working for the Cloudsdale Weather factory.” Larimar was now starting to walk and was toddling around the department Dark Light was tasked to research and maintain. “Interesting,” Dark Light replied. “So you were paired with Dawnbreak Horizon until you lost your sight and were summoned by Isabelle to come to Canine Crossroads,” The mayor nodded. “That’s right,” he said. “I was nervous at first but isabelle had faith in me and I feel we are doing a great job making this place great!” “You sure are, Mayor Yosh!” beamed the yellow shih tzu while nuzzling the dragon-duck’s cheek. “And you were also raised by Princess Celestia?” pursued the faux Pegasus. Yosh nodded. “Yep!” he quacked. “I was hatched about the same time as Princess Twilight Sparkle’s assistant, Spike.” “And you eat gems to maintain your magical abilities?” the inquisitive Pegasus asked. Another nod by Yosh. “Yep!” he beamed. “Though my abilities are different than Spike’s. Tacki has cool abilities, too!” Dark Light pretended to scan one of the tomes as he thought on his next question. “Do any of your other dragon buddies, or the princesses, ever come down this way?” he asked as best he could without showing how important the answer was to his future in canine Crossroads. Yosh sighed. “Not really,” he replied. “Tacki and Lucky Find are often at Las Pegasus making sure ponies aren’t cheating. Then Spike is, for the most part, either with Twilight or keeping up her castle. Toroth likes it in the Dragon Lands and tends to only come to other places when ham dinners are happening and, well, ponies don’t eat meat.” “What about Celestia and Luna?” continued Dark Light while skimming another book and putting it on a nearby pile. “Celestia tends to come only when we have a really special occasion,” the dragon-duck replied while putting his hand to his beak. “She’s real busy keeping up matters of state in Canterlot. Luna prefers to stay in Equestria as her job of keeping the Dream Realm safe for all Equestrians would be very difficult if she were to accidentally dabble in the dreams in which are watched by other overseers.” Dark Light liked this bit of news about Luna. Maybe he could let his guard down at night since it was unlikely she’d come across him here in canine Crossroads? Or, to be safe, he could make a magical Dream Catcher that would act as a mild guard to save himself from using so much of his own magic at night to cast mental protection spells. “Where did you say you were from again?” winked Isabelle towards Dark Light. Dark Light had himself prepared for this question. “The outskirts of Fillydelphia,” he confidently replied. “I wanted to be a part of the local weather team but things just didn’t work out.” “Was it your wings?” pursued Isabelle. The faux Pegasus also was ready for this. “Birth condition,” he shrugged. “My wings work but not well enough to do cloud busting, or any job that would be directly involved in weather control.” “And that’s why you became a researcher?” inquired Yosh. “You saw an opportunity where life tried to take away what made you special?” Dark Light nodded. “Exactly!” he exclaimed. “Seems we have a bit in common, huh?” Larimar’s toddling and tumbling eventually brought him behind Yosh. PAT-PAT-PAT “Dipper!” Larimar cried. “Dipper!” Yosh blushed as Isabelle tried to comfort him. “Oh…,” Dark Light said nervously as he gestured for the little dragon to come back to his side. “I had no idea.” Yosh fidgeted his fingers. “Yeah…,” he sighed. “Kind of a side-effect of being a hybrid dragon.” “But we’re working on it!” perked isabelle while patting Yosh on the back. “You’re getting there.” Yosh closed his non-working eyes as he tried to feel less flustered. Isabelle knew a change of subject was in order. “How did you find Larimar?” she asked. “Was it while you explored outside our town?” Dark Light recalled how Isabelle had saw him while Larimar was under a disguise spell in the past. Since learning of all the dragons who were with ponies, and how Larimar came to reject the ruse spell, it became easier to just let him be himself. “Yes,” he replied simply as he snuggled the hatchling. “Found the guy while doing some research on the nearby flora and fauna.” “Does he have any special powers?” inquired Yosh. Dark light chuckled. “Does making messes and loud noises count?” he joked. Isabelle laughed. “Reminds me of my brother, Digby,” she chuckled. “He’d always hide my hair ties in the backyard.” DING-DING-TING-DING “Oh!” Isabelle gasped while shaking her head enough to make the bells tied into it ring. “We’ve got an appointment to see how the new campgrounds are doing, Mr. Mayor!” Yosh nodded as he ensured his hold around the shih tzu’s arm. “Keep up the good work, Dark Light!” quacked Yosh. “I know you will definitely be an asset to this town!” “IF you need anything, please come by Town Hall and ask!” added Isabelle. “Bee-bee!” Larimar waved as his little green wings fluttered enough to tickle Dark Light’s chest. The faux Pegasus ensured the room was clear of any onlookers before using his magic to pick up and quickly sort all the books that were meant for him to go through. “Whee!” squeeled the teal-colored dragon as he was plopped upon the black-coated pony’s back. “We got some most useful information,” he said. “Let’s use some extra time to get back to Tom Nook about getting further assistance in building our home outside of town.” “Wakoon!” gleed Larimar. “Wakoon!” Dark Light smiled. “Cheapskate,” he singsonged under his breath. “Swindler.” Chapter 6 - New Home... For NowMore time passed as Dark Light and Larimar transitioned from living at The Cozy Glow Inn to their new home just outside of town. This home was designed around a large tree to offer not only extra support but also the ability to build multiple levels that assured Dark Light a clear view of the forest’s edge along with all of Canine Crossroads. “Da-dee-Do!” cheered Larimar as he scampered towards Dark Light. “Well,” the faux Pegasus said as he used his magic to lift the pale-yellow bellied dragon on to his back. “Tom Nook is a crook but his builders certainly do a top-notch job.” “Wacoon!” cooed Larimar as he flapped his feathery mint-green colored wings. Dark Light chuckeld to himself. “That’s right,” he said. “Wacoon.” *** As more time passed, Mayor Yosh and Isabelle had managed to bring a lot of new residents and tourism into Canine Crossroads. This was aided even further by the defeat of The Storm King and ponies, along with other creatures, feeling free to go beyond their borders in search of opportunity and adventure. Larimar had grown quite a bit and, at present, was as tall as Mayor Yosh. He was beginning to talk more but still required protection from making messes where he shouldn’t be. Fortunately, Larimar’s growth and need for larger diapers worked in Dark Light’s favor as he now had what he needed to not have his own share of accidents in his sleep. *** The growing crowds of creatures into Canine Crossroads worked in Dark Light’s favor. In particular the number of ponies who decided to move into the area to take on the needs of the growing city. Word of Dark Light’s dragon did get out. However it never resulted in a mandatory summons by Princess Celestia as Canine Crossroads was beyond the borders of Equestria. Princess Luna also stayed away as her duties in Equestria’s Dream Realm required her to, except for very rare occasions, stay within the nation’s borders. Princess Cadence popped in from time-to-time. However it was mostly for short vacations where her attention was primarily on Flurry Heart and her husband, Shining Armor. Princess Twilight Sparkle came by but often got too excited over Dark Light’s research to ever really ask questions about his personal life. She would ask more about Larimar, but he’s often out with her dragon assistant, Spike, as he pals around with his hatch-brother, Yosh. Twilight was also distracted by how she had been tasked to assist Canine Crossroads in instituting it’s own ‘School Of Friendship’. So what time she wasn’t at the school was spent meeting with instructors, drafting lesson plan outlines, and looking for specific books in the library that Dark Light would be as helpful as necessary without drawing too much attention to himself. *** “Well, Larimar,” smiled Dark Light as he washed the eggshell hat wearing dragon. “Looks like we’ve got a pretty good thing going on here.” “Uh-huh!” the teal-colored hatchling chirped whiile smacking his claws down into the water. “Good Da-Dee-Do-Da-Da!” “I agree,” chuckled Dark Light as he allowed the water that spilled over him to just glide down his black coat and yellow mane. “I think we can safely call Canine Crossroads home.” “Wee-hee!” gleed Larimar while taking off his eggshell hatand tossing it merrily into the air. This revealed the phoenix feather atop his head in which was glowing a brilliant shade of vermillion-orange. Dark Light caught the shell with his magic and passed it back over to Larimar who promptly used it as a bucket to scoop and pour water out of the tub. “Gah!” cringed the faux Pegasus as the little dragon’s feathery wings flapped as he giggled uncontrollably. Dark Light shrugged. “Oh, Larimar,” he smiled. “It’s good to have a home and you as a friend.”. Author's Note Thanks for reading! This story was to help my friend, Jordan Olson, to build ideas for when he writes the true tale of Dark Light and/or larimar.
Chapter 1 - Seeking RefugeThe warm Spring day had gradually become a frigid night as Dark Light came upon a small town. “Hopefully an Inn will still be open,” he thought aloud as the teal-colored baby dragon on his back shivered. The black-coated Pegasus folded his wings to help protect his newly-hatched charge. The hatchling still had the eggshell he had recently hatched from atop his head. However that was far from appropriate protection against the frosty nights of early Spring. “What if they question why I have a baby dragon?” worried the yellow-eyed teen. “The last thing I need to do is arouse suspicions.” SHING A dull, yellow aura came off a Unicorn horn that Dark Light had concealed. The magic spread to make his wings disappear before creating a magical blanket that swaddled the baby so only it’s head could be seen. “And about that…,” continued Dark Light to himself as he utilized his Unicorn magic to cast an illusion spell to make the small bundle look like a pony. The baby dragon simply cooed upon finding himself comfortably swaddled in Dark Light’s ethereal blanket. This blanket had once been what he conjured to create the Pegasus wings he formed to hide his identity as a Unicorn. However, being it was so dark out, he believed passing off as an Earth Pony and returning to being a Pegasus in the morning would go by quite easily. “Alright,” the cunning Unicorn said softly while heading towards the town. “Let’s go get you settled. You’ve had quite the big first day.” *** The Cozy Glow Inn was not too difficult to find. It was the only structure that still had its lights on. RING-A-DING-DING A Diamond Dog sat up at the front desk and glared towards the newcomers. “Need a room?” he asked. Dark Light nodded. “Not used to your kind being up so late in the evening,” the grey-furred canine continued. “You lost or something?” The black-coated pony nodded again. He was hopeful to get in without having the bundle on his back be suspected of being anything more than a traveler’s bag. The diamond dog groaned. “Not much of a talker,” he remarked. “I’ll make this easy on both of us. One room is 50 bits, or one pound of gemstones.” Dark Light had the bits and the gemstones. His travels had offered him opportunities to do small tasks to earn bits while adventuring in the outskirts of Equestria had yielded a number of noteworthy deposits of sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. “Well?” the dog snarled. “Money talks and dirt walks.” Dark Light scowled as he reached for a bag of bits and tossed it to the counter. “Hmm,” grinned the inn keeper as he counted each bit. “You’re not like most ponies.” “My room, please,” Dark Light stated plainly. There was a pause as the attendant counted each bit. “thirteen bit tip!” he howled with delight while reaching for a display that had keys hung upon it. “Got your room right here.” FLICK SHING CLACK The faux Earth Pony had no trouble catching the room key hurled towards him. “”Room 3A,” the dog stated while pocketing the additional thirteen bits. “Check out is at noon. If you want to keep the room you need only pay the nice fox before check out.” Dark Light nodded his head and turned towards the flight of stairs leading up to the upper floors. The diamond dog was too distracted by a small top he had placed upon the counter to even care to notice the bundle the faux Earth Pony supported upon his back. *** Dark Light sacrificed a majority of his blankets and pillows from the bed so that the newborn dragon had a cozy nest to peacefully sleep in. “Good thing diamond dogs aren’t known to really care much about anything else so long as they get what they want,” he stated as the teal-colored baby dragon blew tiny bubbles out from his snout. “It’s also interesting how that top half of your shell has decided to make itself a permanent part of your noggin.” The black-coated Unicorn used his magic to remove the eggshell from the young dragon’s head. However it did not budge. “Hmm,” he contemplated. “Maybe if I used just a bit more magic…?” PFEW Ethereal yellow light moved towards the slumbering dragon’s eggshell hat. However it would not budge from the hatchling’s head. “Fascinating…,” considered Dark Light. “Seems I’ll just have to sleep on this mystery for now.” The yellow-haired Unicorn climbed onto the mattress, pulled up the remaining bed sheet, and allowed himself to rest peacefully on a real bed for the first time in weeks. *** KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK WAAAHHH!!! Dark Light shot out of bed upon hearing the combination of pounding on his hotel room’s door and the wailing baby dragon. “Hey!” called a voice. “Is anyone in there?” BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM WAAAA-HAAAA-HAAAA!!! Dark Light was still half-asleep as he clumsily galloped to the door. BAM-BAM-BAM! CLICK-CLANG-CLICK “I’m coming in!” the voice on the other side cried as Dark Light reached for the door knob. PWOOM! “Oh!” the fox gasped upon feeling his forward progress halted. “Sorry,” Dark Light replied anxiously. “I’m not decent.” The fox was caught off guard by this statement. “Uh…,” he struggled. “Is the kid okay?” Dark Light’s mind started to put the entire situation together. “Yes!” he answered far more intensely than he had intended. “Ran out of diapers and need to get some quick before he gets a rash.” The fox tried to move his snout into the door, but Dark Light held firm. “Would it help if I brought some up?” he asked. “Please!” the yellow-haired stallion replied with far more bite than he had hoped. “You got it!” the fox replied. KA-THUNK! Dark Light felt himself lurch forward as the door slammed shut. “Phew,” he gasped as he took a moment to free his mind of the fear of being seen in his true form. “Too close.” WAA-AAA-AAAH! “Larimar…,” the young stallion sighed as he turned to where the baby dragon was fussing within the layers of blankets he had been swaddled in. “We’ve really got to work on this crying thing."
Chapter 2 - Rooming With Little LarimarDark Light had plenty of time to cast his disguise spell so that he’d appear as a Pegasus instead of a Unicorn. He thought about making up a ruse for Larimar but the fox had come back before he could consider how to go about it. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK The faux Pegasus darted for the door as he carried Larimar in a bathroom towel on his back. “Thanks!” he exclaimed while opening the door. The fox held out a small pack of foal diapers. “Do you think these will do the trick?” he asked while surveying the room. Dark Light noticed the wandering eyes of the fox. “These will do fine,” he stated while taking the diapers with one hoof and placing a handful of bits into the paw of the fox with the other. “Umm…,” baffled the apron-clad canid. Dark Light’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry,” he said while quickly tossing more bits towards the worker’s paw. “Sir,” the employee tried to say. “I just want to know if you’ll be staying another night?” “Yes!” proclaimed the black-coated Pegasus while rushing the fox out. CA-CLUNK “Have a good day, sir!” the employee called from the other side of the door. *** Dark Light spent the next hour gathering blankets that Larimar had ‘used’ so he could take them to the wash room. “Good thing they had diapers here,” he remarked while looking at the gleeful hatchling as he played with his toes. “Though I’ll have to find some of my own, too, if I allow myself to fall asleep so deeply.” “Ungh…,” moaned Larimar as he rubbed his belly. “Uh! Uh! Uh!” Dark Light turned to face the baby dragon who had feather-like wings. “Oh!” he gasped. “You must be hungry?” Larimar started to fuss. “Argh!” groaned Dark Light. “Why I bothered to take you is beyond me.” The faux Pegasus felt a pang in his chest. “Oh,” he sighed. “The right thing to do. No creature should ever have their childhood ruined.” Dark Light stared intensely towards the flailing, baby dragon. “Even if that some creature is a pain in the flank,” he grumbled. *** The traveling fugitive from Canterlot knew he couldn’t stay in his hotel room forever. Things needed cleaned, food needed gathered, and supplies had to be acquired to support a traveling party of two. Fortunately, the fox from earlier had offered Dark Light to gather some things in town on his behalf. “You’re quite generous,” the fox stated. “So I don’t mind using my break to go through town to gather these items for you.” “I’m actually hoping to find work here,” added Dark Light. “Could you also bring me back a local newspaper?” The fox nodded. “We actually offer those to our guests for free,” he stated. “I’ll bring it up with those other items you’ve requested.” “And you’ll be discrete?” pursued the faux Pegasus. The fox nodded and smiled. “Of course,” he replied. “Though it’s really no big deal to gather a few things for a guest who wants to move into our little village.” “Thank you,” Dark Light added while gesturing for the employee to leave. “You know,” the fox stated. “We do have a daycare center in town now. Maybe you’d want to drop off your lil’ guy while you get yourself settled in?” Dark Light felt on the spot. He had a baby dragon. Dragons were definitely not seen with ponies and definitely not safe in a foal-filled daycare center. The fox picked up on Dark Light’s tension. “You’re the boss, sir,” he chimed. “Please let me know if you require anything else.” “I will,” the Pegasus replied while shutting the bedroom door. “Now to business.” *** Dark Light had become very skilled in the magical arts. Some from school, some from reading, and most through pure trial-and-error during his journey outside of Equestria. He had done some very terrible things back in Canterlot. These things were also severe enough to make him an extremely wanted pony who would face nothing short of the princesses’ harshest punishment if caught. “I’m starting to wonder if it was fortunate you and I found each other,” sighed Dark Light as the hungry dragon wailed to be fed. *** The fox returned far faster than Dark Light had expected. This was fortunate as he knew Larimar wouldn’t do well if not fed soon. The fox asked if Dark Light wanted his change but the fugitive Unicorn declined as it allowed him to bring in the order without bringing undue attention to the hatchling in his room. *** Once fed, Larimar calmed down and found himself ready for a nap. “You’re cute when not raising a ruckus,” remarked Dark Light as he tapped a hoof on the pastel-yellow colored belly of the baby dragon. “I have a feeling everything is going to work out for us.” *** That evening, with the aid of a pacifier he had magically fused some gem dust to, Dark Light and Larimar made their way to the Cozy Glow Inn’s laundry room. Nobody was up and anyone who walked by saw the colt foal illusion with the Pegasus stallion and opted to not bother the pair. Some well cast magic condensed the dirty linens and it didn’t take too long to get back to the room. Dark Light breathed deep. “Smell that, Larimar,” he grinned. “That’s the smell of clean.” “Gaba,” the tiny dragon replied as he squirmed and wiggled upon the stallion’s back. “Well,” the Unicorn shrugged. “At least what happens in your diapers stays in your diapers.” “Bleh,” Larimar gurgled in response. *** It was a long day but Dark Light felt very accomplished. Larimar was fast asleep, the room was sanitized, and he was able to eat some of the fresh fruits and vegetables he ordered the fox to grab. “Now to see what this town’s about,” he stated while opening up the newspaper. “Canine Crossroads, eh? This should be a nice spot to spend some time before getting back on the road again.”
Chapter 3 - Animal CrossingAuthor's Note An open apology to anyone now wondering why there isn't a 'Crossover' tag with this story. Well, to be honest, "FiM Fiction" is a tad tricky to use with software designed to allow a person with zero eyesight to populate, respond, and create certain content. However I'm glad I can still post here despite having lost all my physical vision over two years ago. This is still a far more usable site than most and I hope it stays that way. Thanks for your understanding and support. Now back to the story. Chapter 3 - Animal Crossing Magic was a most useful tool. Especially for Dark Light who tended to have accidents if he fell asleep too deeply. “Ugh,” he groaned while waking up wet in a diaper he had enlarged from the pack he got for Larimar. “At least it spared the sheets.” Larimar was still asleep as the black-coated Unicorn moved about the room. “Though…,” he thought with a smile. “It is nice to actually get some real sleep for a change.” The baby dragon began to stir. “Looks like it’s time to be a responsible adult,” he shrugged. “At least it is under my terms instead of those who insisted on owning every aspect of my life back in Canterlot.” *** Dark Light went about changing, feeding, and cleaning Larimar as he thought on how life had been for him back in Canterlot. He wondered whether-or-not his parents even did what he was doing for the orphan dragon for him as a foal. Or, perhaps, their intent was always to make him into some grand vision that only performed what he was instructed to do over what he wanted to do. “Blurf!” belched the teal-colored hatchling as a spittle of purple fire emerged from his mouth. The sight of the dragon’s fire brought back memories of the day he committed the crime in which he was on the run from. It was a terrible day filled with so much anger, regret, sadness, and pain. To this day, Dark Light would have nightmares on a regular basis that, due to his own will, not even Princess Luna could save him from. “But…,” he further considered while looking at the purple-eyed dragon. “I’ve slep soundly for two nights…” WOO-WOO SPLASH The yellow-haired Unicorn allowed the soapy water to lap against his coat while taking in what he had just come to realize. “My nightmares…?” he considered. “Could it be…?” Larimar stopped his splashing while gazing into the Unicorn’s yellow eyes. “Da!” he babbled. “Da! Da!” Tears welled inside the Unicorn’s eyes as he took in a feeling he never thought he’d ever come to know. This being love. *** Dark Light needed very little concentration to maintain his illusion of being a Pegasus. He had been doing it for months and was even being trained in the art of illusion prior to the incident that started his escape from Equestria. “Hope you don’t mind being a pony, Larimar,” remarked Dark Light as he looked back at the teal-colored foal who had a pastel-yellow mane and tale, tiny pale-green wings, and large purple eyes. “Bwa-puh,” the ponified dragon babbled while taking interest in his claw now appearing as a hoof. “Greetings!” a female voice called out. “Welcome to Canine Crossroads!” Dark Light flinched as a dog in a green skirt and vest came towards him with a big smile on her face. “I heard you may be looking for a job?” she pursued upon reaching the faux Pegasus. Dark Light gulped as he had wondered how this doggy with bells tied into her pony tail knew of him and what he had briefly mentioned in the hotel to the fox. “I’m sorry,” she sulked. “It’s just nice to see new creatures coming to our town.” “Oh…,” trailed the stallion. “Pffft,” Larimar raspberried while looking towards the shin tzu. “Ah!” she cooed. “What an adorable baby!” “Sorry,” Dark Light stated flatly. “Who are you?” “Oh!” the yellow dog blushed. “My name’s Isabelle. I’m the secretary to Mayor Yosh.” “Mayor Yosh?” pondered Dark Light aloud. “That name sounds familiar…” Isabelle giggled. “No surprise,” she beamed. “He has really helped to turn this town around.” “Interesting…,” continued the stallion. “How do you know me?” “Whoops!” she gasped. “TJ told me when he was running about yesterday about someone new who was a pony that had a foal who was looking for work here in our town.” Dark Light rolled his eyes. “I see…,” he trailed. “Are you still interested in a job?” she inquired with a pleading look in her eyes. “Mayor Yosh is trying to find some good creatures to get the town library and museum up and running.” The job options grabbed Dark Light’s attention enough to not notice that Larimar had slid off his back and landed on his padded bottom. “Uh, oh!” cooed Isabelle as she went to scoop up the fallen foal. “Someone is trying to make a get away.” Dark Light glared towards the yellow shih tzu. His mind wanted to zap her with a spell for having taken hold of Larimar. However he knew wiser than to draw such negative attention to himself. “Could you put him back on my back, please?” he asked as nicely as he possibly could. “Of course!” Isabelle chriped. “You may want one of those fancy foal harnesses if you plan to travel around with him. I also suppose a buggy, or stroller, would do.” “Noted,” he replied. “What about a job at the library?” Isabelle smiled. “Ah, yes!” she clapped. “We need someone who is really good with books to help sort out our growing collection of magical tomes!” “Magical tomes?” considered Dark Light. “Yes!” Isabelle chirped while nodding her head and causing her bells upon her head to jingle. “Ponies are known for understanding magic, right?” Dark Light shrugged. “I do have a background from my years of school as a colt,” he stated. Isabelle gestured merrily. “Then you’d be perfect!” she cheered. “We’re going to start a school here to help in the study of magical arts. Mayor Yosh wants to make education a top priority to help draw in all sorts of creatures to our town!” Dark Light was getting more-and-more curious about this ‘mayor’ the shih tzu kept speaking of. “Do I apply directly with the mayor?” he asked. Isabelle lowered her head. “I’m afraid not,” she replied. “He’s quite busy handling other matters. Fortunately he has given me the task of creating an employment center to help get this town moving forward at tip-top speed!” “And where is this ‘employment center’?” inquired the faux Pegasus. Isabelle offered a hand. “I’ll take you there!” she beamed. “Then I can show you and your foal around! You’re going to love it here!” Dark Light was a tad hesitant over how enthusiastic the shih tzu was to take him some place. However he felt it at least worth a shot to see whether-or-not it was a trap. If it was, he already knew the exact spell that would make what he did at Canterlot seem like a fireworks show in comparison.
Chapter 4 - Employment TacticsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 5 - Dark Light's New JobThe next few days were spent between The Cozy Glow Inn and The Canine Crossroads Library For Higher Education. Dark Light’s knowledge of equine magic made him a must-hire creature who took quickly to getting things set up in the wing of the library assigned to him. “…Larimar is like me!” cheered a green dragon-duck hybrid with frosted eyes. “Perhaps you are another of ‘Celestia’s Chosen’?” Dark Light cringed as he looked down towards the mayor of the town. “No,” he said plainly. “I’m just a pony who happened upon a baby dragon while walking in the woods. Equestria isn’t even my home.” The small and pudgy mayor tightened his hold around Isabelle’s arm. “Toroth was found by a lost Pegasus in the Dragon Lands,” added Yosh. “Though I think Toroth is now back in the Dragon Lands and the Pegasus he actually helped save is working for the Cloudsdale Weather factory.” Larimar was now starting to walk and was toddling around the department Dark Light was tasked to research and maintain. “Interesting,” Dark Light replied. “So you were paired with Dawnbreak Horizon until you lost your sight and were summoned by Isabelle to come to Canine Crossroads,” The mayor nodded. “That’s right,” he said. “I was nervous at first but isabelle had faith in me and I feel we are doing a great job making this place great!” “You sure are, Mayor Yosh!” beamed the yellow shih tzu while nuzzling the dragon-duck’s cheek. “And you were also raised by Princess Celestia?” pursued the faux Pegasus. Yosh nodded. “Yep!” he quacked. “I was hatched about the same time as Princess Twilight Sparkle’s assistant, Spike.” “And you eat gems to maintain your magical abilities?” the inquisitive Pegasus asked. Another nod by Yosh. “Yep!” he beamed. “Though my abilities are different than Spike’s. Tacki has cool abilities, too!” Dark Light pretended to scan one of the tomes as he thought on his next question. “Do any of your other dragon buddies, or the princesses, ever come down this way?” he asked as best he could without showing how important the answer was to his future in canine Crossroads. Yosh sighed. “Not really,” he replied. “Tacki and Lucky Find are often at Las Pegasus making sure ponies aren’t cheating. Then Spike is, for the most part, either with Twilight or keeping up her castle. Toroth likes it in the Dragon Lands and tends to only come to other places when ham dinners are happening and, well, ponies don’t eat meat.” “What about Celestia and Luna?” continued Dark Light while skimming another book and putting it on a nearby pile. “Celestia tends to come only when we have a really special occasion,” the dragon-duck replied while putting his hand to his beak. “She’s real busy keeping up matters of state in Canterlot. Luna prefers to stay in Equestria as her job of keeping the Dream Realm safe for all Equestrians would be very difficult if she were to accidentally dabble in the dreams in which are watched by other overseers.” Dark Light liked this bit of news about Luna. Maybe he could let his guard down at night since it was unlikely she’d come across him here in canine Crossroads? Or, to be safe, he could make a magical Dream Catcher that would act as a mild guard to save himself from using so much of his own magic at night to cast mental protection spells. “Where did you say you were from again?” winked Isabelle towards Dark Light. Dark Light had himself prepared for this question. “The outskirts of Fillydelphia,” he confidently replied. “I wanted to be a part of the local weather team but things just didn’t work out.” “Was it your wings?” pursued Isabelle. The faux Pegasus also was ready for this. “Birth condition,” he shrugged. “My wings work but not well enough to do cloud busting, or any job that would be directly involved in weather control.” “And that’s why you became a researcher?” inquired Yosh. “You saw an opportunity where life tried to take away what made you special?” Dark Light nodded. “Exactly!” he exclaimed. “Seems we have a bit in common, huh?” Larimar’s toddling and tumbling eventually brought him behind Yosh. PAT-PAT-PAT “Dipper!” Larimar cried. “Dipper!” Yosh blushed as Isabelle tried to comfort him. “Oh…,” Dark Light said nervously as he gestured for the little dragon to come back to his side. “I had no idea.” Yosh fidgeted his fingers. “Yeah…,” he sighed. “Kind of a side-effect of being a hybrid dragon.” “But we’re working on it!” perked isabelle while patting Yosh on the back. “You’re getting there.” Yosh closed his non-working eyes as he tried to feel less flustered. Isabelle knew a change of subject was in order. “How did you find Larimar?” she asked. “Was it while you explored outside our town?” Dark Light recalled how Isabelle had saw him while Larimar was under a disguise spell in the past. Since learning of all the dragons who were with ponies, and how Larimar came to reject the ruse spell, it became easier to just let him be himself. “Yes,” he replied simply as he snuggled the hatchling. “Found the guy while doing some research on the nearby flora and fauna.” “Does he have any special powers?” inquired Yosh. Dark light chuckled. “Does making messes and loud noises count?” he joked. Isabelle laughed. “Reminds me of my brother, Digby,” she chuckled. “He’d always hide my hair ties in the backyard.” DING-DING-TING-DING “Oh!” Isabelle gasped while shaking her head enough to make the bells tied into it ring. “We’ve got an appointment to see how the new campgrounds are doing, Mr. Mayor!” Yosh nodded as he ensured his hold around the shih tzu’s arm. “Keep up the good work, Dark Light!” quacked Yosh. “I know you will definitely be an asset to this town!” “IF you need anything, please come by Town Hall and ask!” added Isabelle. “Bee-bee!” Larimar waved as his little green wings fluttered enough to tickle Dark Light’s chest. The faux Pegasus ensured the room was clear of any onlookers before using his magic to pick up and quickly sort all the books that were meant for him to go through. “Whee!” squeeled the teal-colored dragon as he was plopped upon the black-coated pony’s back. “We got some most useful information,” he said. “Let’s use some extra time to get back to Tom Nook about getting further assistance in building our home outside of town.” “Wakoon!” gleed Larimar. “Wakoon!” Dark Light smiled. “Cheapskate,” he singsonged under his breath. “Swindler.”
Chapter 6 - New Home... For NowMore time passed as Dark Light and Larimar transitioned from living at The Cozy Glow Inn to their new home just outside of town. This home was designed around a large tree to offer not only extra support but also the ability to build multiple levels that assured Dark Light a clear view of the forest’s edge along with all of Canine Crossroads. “Da-dee-Do!” cheered Larimar as he scampered towards Dark Light. “Well,” the faux Pegasus said as he used his magic to lift the pale-yellow bellied dragon on to his back. “Tom Nook is a crook but his builders certainly do a top-notch job.” “Wacoon!” cooed Larimar as he flapped his feathery mint-green colored wings. Dark Light chuckeld to himself. “That’s right,” he said. “Wacoon.” *** As more time passed, Mayor Yosh and Isabelle had managed to bring a lot of new residents and tourism into Canine Crossroads. This was aided even further by the defeat of The Storm King and ponies, along with other creatures, feeling free to go beyond their borders in search of opportunity and adventure. Larimar had grown quite a bit and, at present, was as tall as Mayor Yosh. He was beginning to talk more but still required protection from making messes where he shouldn’t be. Fortunately, Larimar’s growth and need for larger diapers worked in Dark Light’s favor as he now had what he needed to not have his own share of accidents in his sleep. *** The growing crowds of creatures into Canine Crossroads worked in Dark Light’s favor. In particular the number of ponies who decided to move into the area to take on the needs of the growing city. Word of Dark Light’s dragon did get out. However it never resulted in a mandatory summons by Princess Celestia as Canine Crossroads was beyond the borders of Equestria. Princess Luna also stayed away as her duties in Equestria’s Dream Realm required her to, except for very rare occasions, stay within the nation’s borders. Princess Cadence popped in from time-to-time. However it was mostly for short vacations where her attention was primarily on Flurry Heart and her husband, Shining Armor. Princess Twilight Sparkle came by but often got too excited over Dark Light’s research to ever really ask questions about his personal life. She would ask more about Larimar, but he’s often out with her dragon assistant, Spike, as he pals around with his hatch-brother, Yosh. Twilight was also distracted by how she had been tasked to assist Canine Crossroads in instituting it’s own ‘School Of Friendship’. So what time she wasn’t at the school was spent meeting with instructors, drafting lesson plan outlines, and looking for specific books in the library that Dark Light would be as helpful as necessary without drawing too much attention to himself. *** “Well, Larimar,” smiled Dark Light as he washed the eggshell hat wearing dragon. “Looks like we’ve got a pretty good thing going on here.” “Uh-huh!” the teal-colored hatchling chirped whiile smacking his claws down into the water. “Good Da-Dee-Do-Da-Da!” “I agree,” chuckled Dark Light as he allowed the water that spilled over him to just glide down his black coat and yellow mane. “I think we can safely call Canine Crossroads home.” “Wee-hee!” gleed Larimar while taking off his eggshell hatand tossing it merrily into the air. This revealed the phoenix feather atop his head in which was glowing a brilliant shade of vermillion-orange. Dark Light caught the shell with his magic and passed it back over to Larimar who promptly used it as a bucket to scoop and pour water out of the tub. “Gah!” cringed the faux Pegasus as the little dragon’s feathery wings flapped as he giggled uncontrollably. Dark Light shrugged. “Oh, Larimar,” he smiled. “It’s good to have a home and you as a friend.”. Author's Note Thanks for reading! This story was to help my friend, Jordan Olson, to build ideas for when he writes the true tale of Dark Light and/or larimar.
