Castle of the Royal Sisters, Equestria
1000 years earlier
The two royal sisters of the land of Equestria stand outside of their castle, surrounded by the forest known as the Everfree. The dawn was rising, as Princess Celestia and Luna stood before a tall, bipedal figure garbed in deep crimson. The sisters bow their heads slowly to the figure with soft grins.
"You have our deepest gratitude for helping stop this evil. We will never forget it." Princess Celestia said softly.
"Without thy help, Equestria... Nay, our world would have been lost to that foul beast..." Princess Luna added.
The figure said nothing, standing at attention, his hand resting on the pommel of his sheathed weapon, a sword.
"So, what will you do now?" Celestia asked.
The figure remained silent a bit longer, before looking at Celestia and answering.
"The darkness was purged from this realm, meaning I feel the doorway back to the Rift nearby. With my task here now complete, I can continue my search for my world." He replied.
The sisters nod in understand, though couldn't help but feel a bit saddened that their friend, their ally, and the hero that helped save their world, has to go.
"Mm..." Celestia murmured.
"Surely thou could stay a bit longer...? After that fierce battle, thou likely needs more rest from injuries thou sustained..." Luna frowned.
It was clear the princess of the night was more saddened than Celestia. The figure just chuckles.
"Heh. Fret not you two, even though I am going back down the river that flows through space and time, I can always come back. Having been in this world for some time... Well, it does feel like another home away from home. One day, I promise I will return to see how things are, but I really need to return to Gaia... I still have to see if my family is still around and if they are aware of my disappearance." He replied.
This did cheer up Luna a bit.
"And while I am gone... You better continue to train. Last thing I want is to see Her Highness rusty with a blade... After all, it is entertaining to see you try to close the gap between us, only for me to only move further." He laughed.
"HA! Then thou better be prepared for the next time we cross blades, sage. Thy will give thou a spar not like any other!" Luna declares.
Celestia simply giggles, shaking her head softly.
"So, I take it is good-bye then?" She asked.
The sage shakes his head.
"Not good-bye, just more of... 'see you later'." He replied.
He approaches the two, and wraps his arms around the necks of the alicorns and embraces them. The two were surprised by this, but gently placed each of their hooves around his back and return it.
"Good luck out there, my friend. I truly hope you will find your home..." The sun princess said gently.
"Never forget us... We look forward to the day thou returns." The younger moon princess added.
The sage could only smile, eyes closed with a feeling of content and ease.
"...Thank you, my dear friends." He said softly.
They let go of the hug, as the sage turns around before slowly walking forward toward the bridge. Without looking back, he raises his hand up in a wave as he continues forward.
The two sisters waved in return, a calm smile on them.
"Til we meet again... Crimson Sage Kurisu." Luna said softly.
Six months.
It has been over six months since that day for me.
Shortly after leaving the world that Equestria rested on, I was taken aback that after almost 15 years of wandering through what was known as the Interdimensional Rift; a nexus of sorts that leads to other worlds and dimensions...
I finally found my way home to Gaia, after so long, it felt like my journey was at an end.
I traveled to so many worlds, helped so many lives, allied with warriors blessed with light...
I often still don't know why fate swept me away on that fateful day... The day I left Gaia against my will through the Rift, and awakened to find a crystal.
A crystal blessed with a gentle light.
From that day forward, I was given the title as a Warrior of Light, and journeyed to find my way home, as well as to purge the darkness that would bring destruction and ruin to the world.
Even after all that, I was finally home...
I should've been happy.
I should've been relieved.
And yet...
Lindblum, Gaia - Industrial District
Six months later...
Kurisu stops writing in his small journal, as he sat at corner table in The Phoenix Pub. During the Battle of Lindblum, 17 years prior on January 25th, 1800, a large portion of Lindblum suffer heavy damage when Alexandria attempted to take over the continent's most powerful city and succeeded when the late Queen Brahne was able to summon the Eidolon known as Atomos, a large monster that was able to control the power of gravity and sucked a good portion of Lindblum up, leading to severe damage and loss of life, and allowing the Alexandria Forces into occupying the city after it was over.
The Industrial District, one of the city's four major districts, was completely destroyed from the attack. The pub Kurisu is in was in this district, then known as The Doom Pub and was also destroyed as a result. Shortly after the Second Battle of the Iifa Tree, several months later in March, Lindblum was back in control and repairs to the city began now that peace was restored.
It took little over nine to ten years to restore the Industrial District, and the bar was rebuilt and renamed 'The Phoenix', after the fiery Eidolon bird of rebirth. Since then, the place has seen a lot of business given the amount of workers that worked in this district, namely under the Regent of the City, Cid Fabool IX, as it was here when the steam-powered engine for airships was developed, eliminating the need to rely on the Mist to fly airships, given that the Mist, which cam from the Iifa Tree and was a catalyst for the large influx of monsters that roamed the lower parts of the continent.
Since then, all airships were converted to run with the steam-engine as the Mist was no longer existent, and even if it was, the engine proved to be superior in travel as now airships can move freely around the world, no longer tied to the Mist Continent as a result.
The sage sat there, and thought back when he managed to find his way back home six months ago. A lot has happened, however it was met with hurdles.
Upon coming home, Kurisu made way for his family's house located outside of the city in the countryside. It was because of this Kurisu, who was nine at the time, and his family were spared from the Battle of Lindblum and survived Atomos's attack. When arriving, he found that the house has since been abandoned, as if nobody has lived there in years, yet most of his family's belongings were still there, gathering dust.
When he went to the city to investigate his parent's whereabouts, it felt as if was stabbed in the heart when he learned that his parents were killed in an ambush from monsters while traveling around the Outer Continent around eight years prior, and that his younger sister, a girl named Sasha, was nowhere to be found and was written off as either abducted by the monster that attacked, or fled for safety when their parents fought to protect her.
Kurisu was devastated at the news, as he never got the chance to tell him what happened to him. No doubt his family figured he was faraway, someplace else in Gaia and was never able to write to them, despite the Mognet mail system being a reliable means of getting letters sent out worldwide, thanks to the moogles that operated Mognet.
He learned where his family was laid to rest, and went there to pay his respects. He prayed for their forgiveness for not being there to help then when they needed it most, given his circumstance of being pulled from the world entirely and into the Rift. After finding out where they were attacked, Kurisu needed to go search for Sasha, as there was a chance she could've survived and be living elsewhere.
Reaching the Outer Continent, he searched about the vicinity of where his family was attacked, eventually happening upon a strange, dead looking forest. Wandering around, he found he was going in circles as the grove was like a maze. That was until he stopped and saw some owls lead him down pathways that eventually lead to the entrance of the Black Mage Village, home to a group of sentient Black Mages that were once produced by Brahne as part of her forces to take over the Mist Continent, now have since made a small community to live among themselves.
When he arrived, he was 'greeted' by a small child. A young girl around ten to eleven years of age and sporting a Red Mage attire, but having a small pinkish hue to it. The child demanded to know why he was there and if he was a threat, but when Kurisu asked if he knew someone named Sasha was around here, and asked why the child looked very reminiscent of his younger sister.
The child was shocked when he knew her name, and it hit Kurisu in the face, figuratively, when the girl asked how she knew her mother. The girl was Sasha's daughter, Satomi and was taking the mantle as the village's guardian. He was happy, to know his sister had a child, and that the linage wouldn't die, but when asked where her mother was, she was solemn when he was told Sasha perished several years prior, protecting the village. Satomi was only a young babe at the time, but she was old enough to know what happened to her.
Kurisu was just struck another blow emotionally, realizing he lost not just his parents, but his little sister too, who was likely a young, mature woman and protector to the village of mages that resided here. Upon learning Kurisu was her uncle, her mother's older brother, she was shocked and thrilled to know she still had a family by blood out there. She explained that the group of mages here took her mother in when she was younger and raised her to be one of them and since lived in the village and over time, become the guardian of the village.
Kurisu was at least thankful that Sasha was kept safe over the years and had those to rely on when their parents were killed, but it still didn't help him that he wasn't there to help his sibling, who likely forgot about him as Satomi never knew she had an uncle. Kurisu did leave home when he was around 14 years old to go out into the world, and Sasha was still a young girl so it was possible she forgot about him overtime.
Vowing to make sure he does not fail again, Kurisu decided to stay in the village for the next couple months, namely to help train the young girl in becoming a better mage, given she was a Red Mage. He wanted to teach her all he knew, but wanted to be easy on the girl and not overflow her mind. He got to know the family that took care of Sasha, and Satomi, and was impressed a small village like this could get by over the years.
It was just a few weeks ago that Kurisu said he would be returning to Lindblum for the time being, promising his niece that he would come back in a few days. During that time, Kurisu was contemplating on what he could do now that he was home, and while he was alright for the idea of just taking it easy now, knowing he still had family, his mind goes back to the years he was gone from Gaia.
When it all began, he found himself in a void, with the clothes on his back, the sword at his side, and the small green crystal shard that he has around his neck now: a shard of the Wind Crystal. He then found himself in a new world, not unlike home, but it was still something new to him. It was here, the Sage's journey began with that prophecy:
The world lies shrouded in darkness.
The winds die...
The seas rage...
The earth decays...
But the people believe in a prophecy, patiently waiting for its fulfillment.
'When darkness veils the world, four Warriors of Light shall come.'
After a long journey four young warriors did at last appear...
...and in the hand each was holding a crystal.
He, along with three other warriors each had their own piece of a crystal, one that represented water, fire, and earth, while he carried one that represented wind. The moment he was tasked by that king to rescue his daughter, a princess named Sarah from a once respected knight of the kingdom, Garland, Kurisu's destiny was set.
As time went on, he would get stronger, gaining more wisdom, skill in combat, learn new forms of magic, and explore new worlds and meet new allies, each with a cause of their own. He would want to help them, in the hopes to help restore peace to their world, be there for his allies when they need it most.
And then there was Equestria...
Kurisu has often thought back on how things were doing since he left the land months ago, thinking about how Celestia and Luna are doing, if harmony is still in balance, and if the two sisters continue to maintain the lives of the ponies. He wouldn't lie and said he missed them, given how much he learned about the culture of ponies and how their magic works, and how it differs from his magic in terms of power and scope.
Sure, they were familiar with arcane magic, something that only the most skilled of unicorns or even the princesses themselves could do, but it is an ancient art, and not many ponies could use it, safe for the two princess's teacher, Starswirl the Bearded, however he disappeared along with a few other ponies that made up what was known as the Pillars of Olde Equestria, when they went to combat a pony corrupted by dark magic, known as the Pony of Shadows. After that, they vanished without a trace, and they couldn't be found since that day years prior.
It was a shame, he would've loved to meet the old unicorn and possibly gain more insight on magic.
Then, his mind flooded to the evil that nearly destroyed the world, the darkness that came from beyond, and even a foe he himself had troubles dealing with: Vexis.
It was thanks to Celestia and Luna that they were able to drive back the darkness with the help of the powerful relics the two princesses harnessed: the Elements of Harmony.
While the Elements themselves couldn't hurt the dark being, Kurisu became a catalyst for the creation of a new Element, taking the form of a sword of light: the Harmonia.
With the blade, and the Elements empowering it, the three were able to defeat the darkness, purging Vexis from existence. He would then set the blade to rest, feeling it would be safer there and to help keep the six Elements in check, uniting the six into one. That is the Element in which Kurisu represented: unification.
Unity.
Closing his eyes, his mind was made up. He closed the journal, putting it in one of his pockets as he pays for the drink and food he ordered and left the pub as he walks through the busy district of Lindblum.
It was time for the sage to return to Equestria. But first, he had to return to the Black Mage Village, and let Satomi know of his trip away from home, once more.
Author's Note
Hey all.
I know its been some time since I posted anything here, specially within GoL: Unity and how that basically has fallen into more or less a story driven limbo, as I tried to write out the second part of the Season 2 Premiere, but my writing muse fell stagnant over the months since the first part was written and posted.
My mind wandered to Crimson/Logan, and how my muse in the RP scene has been for him over on tumblr/Discord and thus I been wanting to focus a bit more on him. I was originally going to add side chapters between Unity to go back into depth with his character, but after a bit of time, I felt that doing a separate story would be the most fitting and the most logically as how he and Silver are different in personality.
So, I decided to do this 'gaiden' story as it is a separate continuity from in Unity, and basically be more focused on Crimson/Logan over Silver as I been having a strong muse for him, and how he would be for the flow of the story. Now, I'm gonna be honest, I have no idea when I plan on continuing Unity, as its been almost a year since I last posted a chapter and while I have part 2 written, some what, I just haven't had the drive to continue as I struggled to come up with more to the chapter, and then outside life been taking over so I haven't had any drive to write at all.
But I want to see if I can get back into it with this side-story, and then who knows...
I am still following the same formula as Unity, but its going to like be more streamlined as not many episodes will be involved here unlike Unity, I would only try to do episodes that Crimson/Logan would fit more in as he has his own thing going on, considering the amount of time that has passed since he left Equestria after Vexis' defeat, so we'll see how the calm and collective Sage from out of the world of Equestria thousand years later.
Hope you give this one a bit of a chance, as some of you seemed interested in it, which btw thanks for the favs for this story I really appreciate it.
Until next time.
Town Hall, Ponyville
Near dawn
Twilight Sparkle is many things: gifted, studious, intelligent, fond lover of all things written. But the one thing she lacks is being social with others. Everything felt like it happened in a flash for the unicorn as she looked up at the balcony, as shocked as the other ponies in the room, as the tall, regal black alicorn with a blue misty mane and tail, and cat-like eyes stands and looks down at the ponies.
One moment she was in Canterlot, her home, as she read a story involving two regal sisters that once ruled Equestria together in harmony, before the youngest refused to lower the moon to make way for the sun as she slowly grew more btter and jealous of her elder sister, becoming corrupt and turning into the figure known in legend as the Mare of the Moon, Nightmare Moon.
Next, she finds herself riding to Ponyville with her assistant, a young baby dragon named Spike, by being tasked by her mentor, Princess Celestia, in overseeing preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration, the thousandth one since the day Nightmare Moon was banished to the Moon by Celestia with the use of the Elements of Harmony, the very relics young Twilight mostly wishes to research and seek out after seeing the signs of Nightmare Moon's return on this night. Celestia received Twilight's letter about Nightmare Moon's return, and rather trying to prepare for the inevitable, the princess instead tasked her student to ensure preparations for the Celebration in Ponyville were in order, as well as trying to make some friends.
The thought of trying to make friends with any of the ponies in the town, from what she seen, seemed ridiculous and not as important as trying to prepare for Nightmare Moon, and to uncover the location of the Elements. Twilight already had to endure the meeting with five other ponies who were involved in the preparing for the Celebration, all whom Twilight considered crazy and awkward to be around.
Now, her theory of the Mare of the Moon's return has come true, as the ancient alicorn from lore has made herself known to all of her 'subjects', and wishes to continue what she wanted to start centuries ago: bring about eternal night. Before anything can happen, namely the guards ponies trying to apprehend Nightmare Moon, she escapes out of the building and into the night, cackling wickedly, leaving the denizens of the town in shock and fear.
Twilight would return to the Golden Oaks Library, the place she would be staying while in town, and tries to find out any information about the Elements, before being confronted by the five ponies about what she knows about Nightmare Moon's return. After finding a guide on the Elements, mostly in thanks to Pinkie Pie, the six mares learn about the Elements of Harmony and the location where they are kept: the Everfree Forest.
Despite the protest she made about wanting to search alone for the Elements, the five ponies agree to join and help her find the Elements as to not let their new friend wander in the dangerous woods alone, much to her chagrin. Unbeknownst to them all, they weren't the only ones in the forest looking for the Elements of Harmony...
??? - Within the Everfree Forest
Ten minutes earlier.
Kurisu awakens as he finds himself in a familiar setting. He looks around, seeing a dim lit chamber that reached high above, with an old stained glass window above. Before him, a familiar blade rests in a pedestal.
"Hmm... Figured I appear back in here. Did leave here months ago, would make sense my only exit point would be the recent entry point from the Rift I left." Kurisu remarked.
He observed the blade, realizing something was off about it.
"...This is strange. I recall the blade being a bit more... Lustrous when I left it here. Where has the light gone?" He questioned.
He looks up at the window, as the moon's light shone through. Seemed like the chamber hasn't been visited in years, as dust caked the window.
"The Elements... Has something happened to them? Has something happened to...?"
It dawned on him, as he turns around and heads for the exit. Upon opening the doors, he found himself walking through what looked like a portal as everything around him grew bright white. As the light began to fade, he found himself in a cave, with crystals sticking out of the walls.
"Right, the only way to and from the chamber is... Right here."
The sage said to himself, as he turns around. There, he stood face to face with a large tree that appeared to be made of crystal, a large starburst was seen in the center of it with five spots that branched out around the center of the tree.
"...The Tree of Harmony... And it appears my suspicions were correct. The light from the tree is not as strong as it was."
The tree itself, while standing proudly in the spacious cave, appeared a lot more dimmer than how he remembered. It can only be a sign that the Tree's magic has grown weaker over time, meaning something happened to the Elements.
"I can't help but feel this to be an omen of some kind... I better ensure the Elements are safe, ensure Celestia and Luna are alright..." Kurisu nodded.
He was about to turn and leave, before he stopped and couldn't help but feel a presence with him. He looked around, not seeing anyone else in the cave. When he looked back at the tree, he saw it pulsating weakly.
"Wait... The Tree. Is it...?"
Before he could ask further, he started to hear a voice in his mind.
"...Blessed Warrior... Of the Light... My... Chosen... Bearer of... Unity...~" The voice said faintly.
"Huh...? Who are you... Are you the Tree...?" Kurisu asked, surprised.
"No time... The Stars... The Stars shall aid her... Escape." The voice continued.
"Her escape... Whose escape...? I don't understand." Kurisu shook his head.
"They are coming... Help them restore the light... Free her from... The darkness." The voice replied.
Before he could ask for more, the voice fades away, leaving him alone in silence, and confused.
"Free who from the darkness...?" Kurisu asked himself.
While pondering on this, he suddenly heard multiple voices coming from somewhere outside. Curious, he walks out of the cave and looks around, finding himself in a ravine, split between the rest of the Everfree Forest, and what he knows to be the castle that Celestia and Luna reside.
"Hmm?"
He sees six figures up near the bridge, which one side was hanging from the other side. He noticed a blue pegasus flying across the ravine to likely get the bridge back up to let the others cross, but then sees a lot of fog rolling in from that side, as the pegasus seemingly disappears in it. The other ponies looked to be calling out to the pony in question.
"Could those be the 'they' the voice was telling me about? Kurisu thought as he watched on.
Soon, the pegasus reappears as she gets the bridge back up and the other ponies, all seemingly cheered for her as they pressed on, with the fog disappearing. He couldn't help but feel a rather strong, ominous, feeling coming from the castle. He would then make his way up, namely to tail the ponies and see what was going on.
Upon reaching topside, he sees the castle and was shocked to see the state it was in.
"What? It looks as though the place has fell into disarray for years... No way the place would be left in this state over six months. This is strange..." He noted.
He quietly makes his way to the castle entrance, but sneaks over to one side of the entryway and watches from a nearby window, seeing the six ponies gathering around what looked like the centerpiece: five rounded stones with a familiar gemstones embedded in them, yet also appeared to be made of stone.
"Are those... The Elements? I sense no power from them... Could they be inert?" He thought.
He then hears the lavender mare begin speaking after the six brought the inert Elements down to her, after the blue pegasus asked where the sixth Element was.
"The book said: when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed." The mare recited.
"What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" The orange one asked.
"I'm not sure, but I have an idea. Stand back. I don't know what will happen." The lavender mare replied, as she gets up.
Her horn begins glowing as she focuses on the Elements.
"Come on now, y'all. She needs to concentrate." The orange mare said to her friends.
The other five all move away so the unicorn could focus on trying to release this spark. Kurisu watches on in intrigue.
"Hmm, might explain why there are only five of them, with the sixth needing to appear. There is something strong in this mare, a lot of potential in magic. Maybe she is the--"
"Twilight!" The girls collectively cry out.
"The Elements!" Twilight cried out.
Looking back, he notices a blue mist that surrounded the Elements as it starts spinning around, forming a tornado that was taking the Elements. Twilight then promptly jumps in it after them, causing the girls to rush back in, as they watch Twilight and the Elements be whisked away in a flash of light.
The five all begin talking over each other calling out for Twilight.
"Look!" The white mare yelled toward her friends.
They all see light shine out of another part of the castle, liking indicating where Twilight and the Elements disappeared too.
"Come on!" The orange mare yelled, as they all rush into the castle, heading to the upper part of that section of the place.
Kurisu would also head up, taking the outside path, as he climbed up the ruined structure, as he was familiar with the layout of the castle during his time here months prior, when it was occupied by the princesses. He reaches for one of the balconies and looks on from one of the windows, finds Twilight who appeared to be ready to engage a tall, black alicorn with a misty, ethereal mane and tail, standing on a small platform surrounded by the inert Elements.
His eyes widen when he got a better look at Nightmare Moon, seeing the cutie mark.
"It can't be..." He said softly to himself.
"You're kidding. You're kidding, right?" Nightmare Moon sarcastically asked.
He sees Twilight, appearing to take a stand at the alicorn. The sage had to admit, this girl was either brave, or a fool if she thinks she could take on Nightmare Moon, by herself.
Twilight than began charging at her, as Nightmare Moon did the same. Kurisu watched as Twilight teleports at the last second, causing Nightmare Moon to miss her completely and leaving the taller alicorn confused. She looks back as Twilight appeared on the platform around the Elements, and quickly tried to use her magic to find the 'spark' needed to bring the sixth Element.
"Just one spark... Come on, come on." She muttered.
Nightmare Moon appeared before Twilight, and was about to use her mane to smack Twilight away, but the moment Twilight's magic struck the Elements, Twilight was shot back as a spark jumped around the inert stones, causing Nightmare Moon to look on in horror, fearing that the unicorn managed to do it.
"No! NO!" She screamed.
Twilight gave a smirk, but it disappeared as the spark around the Elements fizzle out and saw nothing happened. She was confused, as Nightmare Moon slowly began to chuckle and full blown laughter.
"But... Where's the sixth Element?!" The mare yelled out in confusion.
No answer was given, as Nightmare Moon just continued laughing as she reared up and slammed her hooves down to the floor, the force was enough to cause the inert Elements to shatter into pieces. Twilight looks on with shock and fear, as the last hope to stop Nightmare Moon, was just destroyed before her.
"You little foal! Thinking you could defeat me?" Nightmare Moon questioned.
"Now you will never see your princess, or your sun! The night will last forever!" She laughed as her mane begins
To rise into the air, spiraling around, as if a hurricane was about to be formed.
Twilight could only sit there, looking crushed and hopeless.
She continued, but was interrupted by a sudden burst of... Flame? Flame that just exploded out of the ground, causing Nightmare Moon to hope back and shield herself, and causing Twilight to jump back in shock and surprise.
"What?! Who dares...?!" Nightmare Moon called out.
From above, Kurisu appeared in the air as he held out the Mace of Zeus, before floating gently down to the ground, standing between Twilight and Nightmare Moon.
The sage moved his head a bit, as if to look back at Twilight.
"It's going to be alright." He said calmly.
He then looks at Nightmare Moon.
"...Luna. What have you become? Have you let the darkness take you?" He calmly said.
Nightmare Moon suddenly felt something in the pit of her heart, as she looked at the human. She had a look of confusion, shock, and... For a split second, regret and sadness. But then, her expression became a bit of anger.
"I-It can not be... You've... You've come back. After all this time, you finally returned!" The alicorn glared.
"I leave for six months... six months, and what do I come back to? You have let the darkness overtake you, shattered the Elements of Harmony, and want to bring about night for eternity...?" Kurisu asked, not raising his voice, but there was a hint of disappointment.
Twilight just looked at the figure, just confused. Who was this creature, and how did he know Nightmare Moon? There were a lot of questions stewing in her mind now. And, did he call Nightmare Moon, 'Luna'?
"You think I became this way in six months...?" Nightmare Moon spat.
"You really are a fool then! It's been over thousand years, centuries of having been banished to the very cosmic body I raised and lower away from the world, a thousand years of being alone with nothing but my hatred and jealousy toward Celestia and ponies that enjoyed her sunlight, and slept and feared my wonderful night!" She yelled.
Thousand years... Kurisu was surprised, has it really been that long since he left in the perspective of Luna and Celestia? He cursed himself, not thinking about how drastic time flowed between here and his dimension. No wonder this place was in ruins.
"Had I known this was how events would play out after leaving all those years ago for you... I could've come back and done something to keep you from straying from the path you went down... That is the one thing I know that hasn't changed about you after all this time, it's your stubbornness." The sage calls her out on.
The alicorn would just frown and growl. He then slowly draws his blade out.
"No, just gonna have to try to give you a reality check, in the form of a swift kick in the ass. I am deeply sorry for what has happened to you, but your actions here can't go without consequence, so I will have to try to save you the only other way I know..." He points his blade at her.
"Time to see... If being locked away for a millennia on the moon has made you at all rusty." He smirked under the face cover.
He knew that if there was one thing that shows the old Luna being in Nightmare Moon, it is the alicorn's desire to best him. Even now, the alicorn just begins to chuckle and start laughing manically as she brings out what looked like corrupted versions of the blade she once wielded before turning.
"You underestimate my power now, Sage! Tonight is the night that not only did I bring out my goal of eternal night... But to also beat you down and show that I surpassed you, my eternal rival!!" She grinned widely, as she bear her fangs.
"...Bring it." The sage said.
And with that, the two leaped at each other. The fight was on.
Castle of the Royal Sisters - Equestria
1100 years ago
Kurisu was standing a ways from the young Princess of the Night, with the eldest simply watching from the sidelines from her throne.
He had a content look on his face, though it was hard to tell if he was smiling or not considering his face was partially covered by a face cover. His hand slowly rested on the grip of his sword that was sheathed, his calm brown eyes gazing over at the alicorn.
"...You sure you want to do this, Princess? I warn you: I won't go easy on you just because you are royalty." He said in a calm tone.
Luna just stood with strong confidence from across the individual. She was wearing her armor, obsidian black with a crescent moon etched on the center of her 'breastplate' and helmet that allowed her lustrous blue mane that sparkled like the night sky out. She was levitating her sword, a light blue blade with two dark blue wings and a crescent moon on the hilt, matching her coat color.
"We are certain, good Sage. Tis would be a squander if we did not test thou mettle with the blade, and see if thou has what it takes to last against thee." Luna replied.
Celestia, simply sipping tea on her throne, watching the two.
"Lulu, remember he is our guest. I am just as interested to see how he fares against an alicorn, and see if you..." Celestia stops as she tries to think of the word Crimson said he was when he arrived a several weeks prior.
"Human. I am a human, Princess." He said with a chuckle.
She smiled and nods.
"Thank you dear, to see what you humans are capable of, so try not to destroy the place, dear sister. I know how you get when it comes to sparring." She finished with a sip.
Luna rolls her eyes.
"Do not worry thyself, Tia. We won't hurt our guest too badly, although thou better not hold back against me." The lunar princess emphasized by pointing her blade at Kurisu.
He closed his eyes, as he slowly draws out his his blade from its scabbard.
The sisters could sense strong magic radiating from the sword. The type of enchantment on it was something they couldn't figure out, which only made Luna more anxious, and Celestia interested.
"This is just a sparring match, and not a battle to the death. Believe me, I rather not have the conscience of killing a princess of this land by accident looming over me. So, just to be safe on both parties..."
He pulls out one of his rods that were tied to his back, the Wizard's Rod, and walks over to Luna, who just eyes the rod he has as he raises it up into the air.
"Wall." He muttered quietly.
The rod's orb glowed brightly as the two opponents were surrounded by two different colored barriers, one blue and one green.
"What spells have thou cast on us?" Luna asked.
"A potent protection spell known as Wall. It brings up two barriers around the target that generates that gives Protect and Shell, which halves any damage taken from physical and magic attacks respectively. At least we won't be worse for wear if we do go all out, but even then it will hurt a bit." He explained.
Celestia listened, as she bring up a parchment and begun to write down some notes in regards to the protection spell Kurisu cast on himself and Luna. She was curious to see if he would use anymore of his spells during this little match, smiling at the thought. She was also thankful that he was kind enough to give themselves a bit of extra protection from hits they are surely going to sustain.
"We thank thee for looking out for our well-being, good Sage. However, it does not change how this match shall end!" Luna declares proudly.
He just grinned under his face cover. He then breathes in deeply, bringing out the Enhancer up to his face and closes his eyes, exhaling. He opens his eyes, before twirling the blade to his side as he got into his ready position.
"Shall we begin, Princess?" He asked.
"Have at thee!" Luna replied.
The two rush at each other, the young sage looking rather calm and collected as he brings his sword up. Luna does the same, focused on her opponent, as the two meet head on and blades clash, echoing through the room.
Castle of the Royal Sisters - Equestria
Present Time
Both blades, Kurisu's Enhancer, and Nightmare Moon's blade clashed as the metal sparked off one another, the alicorn waving the blade around with her magic in finesse and speed that Kurisu only matched as the two locked eyes on one another, all the while Twilight was sitting there dumbfounded by what she was witnessing.
"Hahahaha! We haven't had this much of a thrilling match in such a long time! You clearly haven't lost your touch, Sage..." Nightmare complemented.
The sage didn't say a word, as the two continue clashing, so much so they end up teleporting all over the room, with Twilight trying to keep up, and process this.
They then land a ways from each other as they stared down. Kurisu waves his blade up, as it shined briefly.
"Come light!" He commanded.
As he does, several orange visages of his blade appeared behind him as they tilt forward and immediately home in on Nightmare Moon, whom managed to dodge most of them, and block the remaining ones.
"You are not the only one that can do that." The alicorn smirked.
Several runes appeared around the alicorn, as her blade glowed a deep blue aura. The runes shined as several ghostly blades resembling hers began shooting out at a rapid pace toward the sage.
In responses, Kurisu begins dashing across the place, as the ghostly blades chase after him, as he takes cover behind a pillar, the blades stab through the stone.
He then whips out the mace of Zeus as he starts casting several fire balls, in the form of Fira, that fly toward the alicorn. Seeing them, she swipes the balls of flame with her blade, managing to dispel them.
Using this chance, Kurisu warps from his spot and reappears as he rushes at Nightmare with his blade up. He then waves his hand across it, as it glowed a red with heat.
He leaps at her, which makes the alicorn block the blow, but the moment the blades connect, the Enhancer then unleashes the Firaga spell that was spell bound to it and caused a large fiery explosion, sending Nightmare Moon flying back into the way.
Despite receiving some burns, she rushes from her spot, glaring at her target. She was about to strike, but suddenly gets blown upward by a sudden gust of wind.
Kurisu casts Aerora, which unleashed a moderately sized, green funnel of wind, that sent Nightmare into the air.
"Gravity." Kurisu mutters.
Before she could react, a dark ball of heavy gravity appeared above Nightmare and sends her crashing into the ground, as the ball disappears.
Kurisu points his blade at her as he stands over her.
"Give up?" He asked.
The alicorn just growls as swipes her blade at him, causing him to parry her blow, causing him to counter as he strikes a part of her armor, making a clean incision on the already charred gear.
"...Well that is one thing that remains consistent with you: your stubbornness to yield when I have the upper hand." Kurisu said coolly.
"Heheheh, you say that... But it appears you are blind to see that is going to change." Nightmare replied, giving a smirk.
Kurisu raises a brow, when something beneath him sparks.
"Oh dammit-- gah!"
Kurisu gets trapped in place by a trap spell, that shocked him into place.
"...If there is one thing I can give you credit for... It's that you know how to surprise your foe... Urk!" He winced.
Nightmare Moon proceeds to chuckle as she walks past him, while keeping her blade focused on him as it points at him.
"We have to admit, you certainly know how to keep us on our hooves, Sage. So much like in the past... Days we sparred, and do what we can to surpass the warrior blessed by the light..." She gloats.
"You are strong, however this night has shown that even a being such as yourself can not hope to stop what we can accomplish! I failed in stopping Celestia centuries ago, having been sealed away on the very body I control, because of those blasted Elements of Harmony..."
She said, now her attention turned back on Twilight and the shattered remains of the Elements.
"And now, they are no more! The magic that resided in those relics are gone, and have been ever since Celestia used them on us, and without her or the sun, we can finally begin our eternal rule over Equestria as the night shall come forth, forever more!" She laughed evilly.
Kurisu continues getting shocked. Normally this wouldn't bother him, considering he had a rather strong resistance to magic, but here Nightmare Moon is just pumping a lot into him with her magic. He knew he couldn't focus while this was happening, and any attempt to move just made him receive stronger surges of magic.
"Why not join us, Sage? Tis would be a shame to let your strength and potential go to waste... After all, we are old friends are we not?" Nightmare asked, resting the tip of her mane on his chin.
Old friends... Friendship. He wondered for a moment.
"..A-and if I refuse to join you?" He asked.
The alicorn didn't say anything, aside amping up the trap spell, causing him to grunt in pain, doing what he can to take it. When it stops again, he is then greeted with several visages of her blade point all around him.
"...Tch, figures... Do away with one of your strongest opposition..." He chuckled.
Nightmare then turned to look at him, raising a brow.
"...What? What do you mean by one of our strongest forms of opposition?" She asked.
"It got me thinking a bit... Now, yeah you did shatter the Elements into pieces, possibly shattering any hope of the ponies here before I came back... But one has to ask and wonder: could the Elements of Harmony truly be destroyed? I mean... You and Celestia both wielded that power in the past, you seen how powerful it was... When you were banished to the Moon... Wonder why they were likely at their strongest back in the past...? The powers of harmony are fueled by one thing that can be near impossible to break if it is strong enough."
He looks deep into Nightmare Moon's eyes.
"...You, me... Celestia... In the brief time I came to this world, we shared a strong bond, one that I still hold in high regard... Even after all this time. Of all the places I been too and the allies met and bonded with... You and Celestia were the strongest I had... And even now, even with the darkness taking over you... You're still my friend, and I know deep inside your heart, you hold regret and remorse for your actions." He explained slowly.
For a brief moment, he was sure he saw a glint of what looked like Luna inside there, and he saw sadness and remorse... However, Nightmare just shakes it off as she scoffs.
"Pfft, your sentimental values fall on deaf ears, Sage... You have no idea of the years of torment and pain we had to suffer. Friendship is nothing more than farce, a sham!" She said venomously.
The statement, however, seems to resonate with Twilight, as at that moment, she could hear the girls coming up the stairwell behind her calling for her out of worry and concern. It clicked, as her eyes sparkled in realization.
"He's right..." Twilight said softly.
Nightmare Moon then turns her head toward her, glaring.
"What did you say, foal?"
Twilight then stands up, suddenly feeling a bit more confident.
"I said, he is right! The Elements couldn't be destroyed just like that! Because the Elements of Harmony are right here!" Twilight stands up, and declares as the others finally come into the room and stand around Twilight.
They looked confused, seeing Nightmare Moon and the strange creature in red stuck in a trap. What have they missed while trying to find their way up to the room?
Twilight then looks to each of the ponies that came with her, listing off each of their represented element as the shards began to glow and circle around them.
Nightmare Moon was now feeling anxious, but remained defiant as she glared at the six ponies.
"The spirits of these five ponies got us through every challenge you threw at us!" Twilight said as she points her hoof to Nightmare Moon.
"...Must've been one hell of a challenge you gave them then..." Kurisu muttered.
Nightmare Moon ignores him.
"You still do not have the sixth Element! The spark didn't work!!" She stamped her hoof down, causing the ground to crack.
Twilight shook her head, while remaining confident.
"But it did! A different kind of spark!"
Twilight looks to the girls.
"I felt it the very moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, to see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside me when I realized that you all... Are my friends!"
A bright light shines out, causing Nightmare Moon to shield her eyes with a wing, and thus losing focus on the spell that kept Kurisu trapped, as he is able to use Dispel and remove the spell completely. The light reveals to be another orb, this time with a starburst shaped carved into it and begins to float down above Twilight's head.
"You see, Nightmare Moon, when those Elements are ignited by the... The spark, that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth element: the element of... magic!"
The six ponies began to float up into the air, as the shards surrounding the five ponies combined and become a necklace with a gemstone of each of their cutie marks: Fluttershy a pink butterfly, Rainbow Dash a red thunderbolt, Pinkie a cyan colored balloon, Rarity a purple diamond, and Applejack an orange apple.
The Element of Magic then transforms into a crown that rests on Twilight's head, which has a gemstone of a pink starburst.
Nightmare Moon, however, was not going to take this sitting down.
"No... No! NOOOO! WE SHALL NOT STAND FOR THIS!!!" She screamed.
Making one last ditch effort, she begins charging her horn as the dark aura around her radiates around her, causing the earth to shake.
The six ponies were floating there as an easy target, even while the light around them shines.
"BEGONE!!! Nightmare Moon screams as a large beam of dark magic shoots out of her horn.
Kurisu, however, wasn't going to let that slide. He then teleports in front of the beam, as he uses Shell and raised a magical barrier up to protect the ponies. However, considering how weakened he was from the trap, still being a bit of pain, and having low mana as he tries to use it to keep the barrier up, it is starting to crack a bit.
"C-Come on... Luna...! Open your eyes... I know you're in there... Please, my friend... Find your way back to the light!!" He yells.
The barrier cracks even more as starts to feel more drained, trying to keep it together.
Nightmare Moon was just not going to let up, her eyes glowing white and bearing her fangs.
"BEGONE!!!!" She screams.
However, as she does, something flashes before here, causing her to momentarily drop her guard. And then it gets more frequent.
"W-what?! I-impossible!" She cursed.
For a moment, Kurisu was certain he heard a scared, yet familiar voice.
"Make this stop... Please help us...!"
"Luna...? Is that you? Luna...!" Kurisu called out.
All the while, the small crystal shard that hung around Kurisu's neck glowed a pale light, as the light essences sparkles out and toward the bearers of the Elements.
The rainbow beam from the Elements finally stream upward as it moves down,.combined with the power of light within the crystal, shoots out past Kurisu, through his barrier, and collides into Nightmare Moon's magical beam which begins to push rather rapidly.
The alicorn regained herself briefly, but upon seeing the Rainbow of Light heading toward her, she was now fearing for herself now.
"NOOOOOOOO!!!!!" She screamed in fear.
A column of light erupted from the castle that could be seen from miles, lighting up the sky briefly. Soon it disappears and all falls silent.
The six ponies on the ground, and Nightmare Moon, or rather a smaller blue alicorn laying unconscious with pieces of armor scattered around.
Kurisu was collapsed onto the floor. It didn't take long for him to stir as he groans, sitting up slowly, still feeling exhausted from having his mana drained from keeping his Shell barrier up. He looks around, seeing the six mares on the ground, likely exhausted themselves with using the Elements, that they now possessed on them.
He then looks over, seeing the familiar blue alicorn away from them, knocked out.
Slowly, he makes his way over to Luna, as he falls onto one knee and reaches for her.
"L-Luna...? Luna, wake up... It's alright... Now." Kurisu said softly.
He chuckled to himself, before fall back onto the floor again, letting darkness take him.
Shortly after, the girls begin to stir awake, as they check to see if all was alright.
"Ugh... My head." Rainbow Dash muttered as she got up.
"Everypony okay?" Applejack ask, looking at the girls, tiredly.
"Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity cheerfully yelled out.
The girls look at her, and notice her tail was now back to its original size and length. She waves it around giddily.
"Oh Rarity... It's so lovely." Fluttershy said with a smile.
"Oh I know! I shall never part with it again!" Rarity replied, as she nuzzled her tail.
"No. I mean your necklace. It looks just like your cutie mark." Fluttershy pointed to the necklace.
Rarity looked at her Element of Generosity and her cutie mark, and grinned brightly before looking at Fluttershy.
"Ooh. So does yours!" Rarity points out.
She looks at her Element of Kindness and smiled brightly, as the girls looked at their Elements, all excited and finding them awesome. Twilight looks up at her crown, which housed the Element of Magic, and smiled brightly.
"Gee, Twilight! I thought you were just spoutin' a lot of hooey, but I reckon we really do represent the elements of friendship." Applejack said, as the girls began to gather along Twilight.
"Indeed you do." A motherly voice echoed through the room.
As they all looked out the window and witnessed the sun rising after the long night, a bright glow getting closer to where they were and flashed as it gently touches down, and reveals a large white alicorn, with a multicolored mane waving, sparkling gently, and her wings spread open. She gave a bright grin.
The ponies all bowed down in her presence as Twilight, excited, goes up to her.
"Princess Celestia!" Twilight greeted.
"Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it." Celestia replied.
She would lower her head down, as she nuzzles the smaller unicorn.
Twilight then looks at princess with a confused look.
"But... You told me it was all an old pony tale."
Celestia simply chuckles.
"I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart."
The ponies in the back slowly stood up, as Twilight smiled softly and looked to her new friends. Celestia then looks over to where the smaller blue alicorn, but upon seeing the figure in red also laying there unconscious, she placed her hoof over her chest.
"So it is true... I knew I recongized that strong magical presence from anywhere... For now, rest my old friend." She thought.
"...Princess Luna!" Celestia calls out.
Upon hearing Celestia, she would stir awake almost immediately and look up at Celestia in shock.
"It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister..." She said softly, laying down before Luna.
"Sister?" Twilight and Rainbow Dash quietly asked.
"...Will you accept my friendship?" Celestia asked.
The room went silent as they awaited for Luna's answer, though the tension is broke when Pinkie Pie fell down after leaning too far forward.
Luna would start sobbing as she buries her head into Celestia.
"I-I'm so sorry...! I've missed you so much... Big sister..." Luna weeped.
She looked up at her elder sister in tears, to which Celestia couldn't hold it in any longer as she too felt tears of joy stream down her face, as she rests her head on Luna, nuzzling her.
"I've missed you, too..." Celestia replied, sobbing.
The six ponies just watched, as they too were touched by the reunion to the point of shedding tears as well, Pinkie just flat out bawling her eyes out.
The two princesses continued to embrace, before hearing a faint groan from the sage, who laid there. He stirs a bit, as he opened his eyes wearily, looking at the sisters.
"...Celestia... Luna... Hey there." He greeted with a tired chuckle.
The sister look down at him, with Luna looking concerned.
"Crimson Sage Kurisu... It has been so long old friend..." Celestia greeted in return.
Luna laid her hoof on his head.
"Kurisu... I am so sorry for putting you through all that. Believe me, deep down I didn't want to attempt to put an end to your life... But Nightmare Moon's influence was dominant than mine." She said, meekly.
He would simply raise his hand up toward Luna, before stroking her head gently.
"I knew you were still in there... You found your way back to the light. I'm glad."
Luna just smile, before Kurisu rests his hand back down.
"Kurisu dear... Are you going to be alright?" Celestia asked.
He simply gives a thumbs up.
"I just... Need to nap for a bit... I just need to let my mana recover and I'll be right as rain then..."
He then closed his eyes as he passed back out again.
The sisters would just giggled softly.
"Still the same, even after all these years..." Celestia remarked.
"...He hasn't aged as much when he left all those years ago." Luna added.
Celestia nodded. Twilight then approached the sisters.
"Um... Princess Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"I know my faithful student. You and your friends are likely wondering who this creature is, and how is it that my sister and I know him..." Celestia replied.
She then stands up.
"However, there is always time for that later. For now, shall we all return to Ponyville and greet everypony the new day, and to welcome Princess Luna back to us?" Celestia asked.
The girls look at each other, and nodded, just glad to be finally heading home. It was that moment Pinkie gasped.
"You know what this calls for?" The pink mare asked.
"A party!" She answered cheerfully.
??? - Unknown Location
Kurisu lays there in the endless void of black. Having exhausted himself to sleep as he is suspended in the void. All was silent, until he started to hear a faint voice echo through the darkness.
"Dearest warrior of the light... Blessed bearer of unity. You have done well today..."
Kurisu, while not awake, appeared to be aware as his own voice echoes out.
"...I was only doing what I had to do to help bring Luna back to the light. Really, I just stalled for time so the young unicorn and her friend would be the ones to restore Luna back to herself."
"Regardless, you protected them when the Nightmare made her last attempt to strike them down. You do live to your title as a guardian... Young Sage." The voice replied.
There was a brief pause, before Kurisu 'spoke' again.
"Tell me... Are you who I think you are? Are you... The spirit of the Tree?" He asked.
The voice didn't reply right away, however a speck of light appeared within the darkness as it hovered toward the human.
"I see... To think the very thing that brought the Elements to existence would have a consciousness." He remarked.
"The Elements have been restored, thanks to the new Bearers that have been chosen. They will surely continue to help bring peace to Equestria as the days go by... Their friendship and bond are special. One day, there maybe a time where I need their aid... For now, they will just continue to live their normal lives like any other pony.~" The voice chuckled.
"And... What about me? I know I bear the mark of unity, but would I really be needed? Would there be a time that the Seventh Element would be needed...? Kurisu pressed.
"Maybe. Maybe not. The future is uncertain, however, should a threat that scopes that of the Ancient Evil that was defeated by you and the Princesses appear, your strength would likely be needed. For now... You shouldn't have anything to worry. The ponies of Equestria have gotten by in the thousand years Celestia has ruled alone, and it will likely continue even now with Luna back... The voice replied.
"As long as another Vexis doesn't come here... I will live with that. There is a lot I want to see in Equestria, given how long I been gone. So much has changed since the brief period I was here six months ago from my perspective...
He continues.
"I have a lot of catching up to do with the Princesses, that is for sure." He chuckles.
"Well, you will awaken soon. Perhaps as time goes on... We will communicate again one day. For now, continue to help the ponies of this world should the need arise." The voice said, as it began to fade.
"Good luck to you future endeavors...~"
With that, the light fades and Kurisu is once again alone in darkness. However, he can faintly hear a lot of different voices from somewhere in the void.
"...Perhaps voices from outside. This is going to be quite a time here."
Kurisu chuckles, as he begins to open his eyes, as the void starts to brighten into white.
Ponyville - Equestria
Meanwhile, ponies were gathering around outside the town square as residents all come and greet Princess Celestia and the new day. Many were surprised to see Luna there as well, but all of them greeted the young royal sister, even fillies placed a wreath around Luna, whom at first looked at it in confusion, but then looks up with a soft grin. She was just glad to be finally home.
As for the girls, Twilight embraces Spike, after coming out of the crowd and welcoming her and the others back to town, having succeeded in stopping Nightmare Moon and finding the Elements of Harmony. Ponies begin celebrating the new day in earnest, while Twilight watches her friends all mingle with the other ponies with a bit of a saddened look. Celestia then walks over to her student and comforts her.
"Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" She asked with a comforting grin.
"That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them..." Twilight replied sadly.
Her friend notice this and come over to her, who all looked a bit sadden about the news as well.
It was then, Celestia just nods as she looks to Spike.
"Spike, take a note, please."
Without warning, Spike pulls out a parchment and a quill and began to write as Celestia spoke.
"I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville."
Everyone around Twilight all cheered at the news, as her friend slide up to her and crowd around her, as excited as Twilight was feeling.
"Oh thank you, Princess Celestia! I'll study even harder than before!"
The ponies then all cheer more at the news, happy to receive a new resident and friend to Ponyville. Meanwhile, Kurisu begins to stir as his eyes flicker open. Luna, who was standing from the side seeing Twilight and her friends celebrate along with the other ponies, looks down at the human.
"Dear Sage, you have awoken."
The human rubs his eyes as he sits up slowly, yawning a bit.
"Mmm... Yep. Up now. Really needed that power nap. Still a bit drained, but I should be fine for now."
Luna smiled and nodded.
"Wonderful... It truly is wonderful to see you come back after all this time..."
"Well, I had you and your sister on my mind for sometime, and felt that I needed to come back to see how things were... Just didn't anticipate the fact time flowed faster after I left... I guess a lot of things changed for us both." He noted as he stood up, dusting himself off.
The alicorn nods.
"Verily... It is going to take time for me... To adjust back with my subjects. My sister said that she will continue with ruling until I settle back in, and feel that I came able to continue with my royal duties, as well as being able to lower and raise the moon again... Something she had been doing the past thousand years in my stead, along with raising and lowering the sun..."
She frowns.
"I've hurt her so much emotionally and physically... My own stubbornness and jealousy toward her is something I am going to have to live with from now on... But, the fact we have missed each other and even while I was Nightmare Moon, I still harbored regret and sadness in my actions, but the Nightmare... She was too much for me. I gave into that dark power, and nearly killed my sister of my own foolishness..."
Kurisu simply listened, letting Luna getting some of the pent up anger she has had for herself out. Only thing the sage can do for the night princess was be there and listen. He places a hand on her back.
"What's done is done. There is no going back and changing the past. The best we can do is move forward and try to make life better for ourselves. The pain will still be there, yes, but you don't have to go through it alone, Lu."
He pulls down his face cover, first time since he arrived back here, and the first time Luna sees his face after so long. He gives her a gentle grin.
"I'll be there for when you need it, and Tia will also be there to help you, and... I'm certain those six ponies that helped bring you back... They'll more than likely be there for you as well. So for now, just enjoy living in the now."
Luna listened, as she smiled and leans to give the sage a soft embrace, to which he returns.
"Kurisu... Thank you." She said softly.
"Think nothing of it, Princess." He chuckled.
He then pulls his cover back up, as Celestia walks over to the two.
"I see you have recovered a bit, Kurisu. How do you feel?" She asked.
"Like a million gil." He waves it off, grinning.
She chuckles, as does Luna.
"Well, I would like to be the first to say welcome back to Equestria, dear Sage. I feel we have a lot to catch up on, since the day you left."
Kurisu crosses arms and nodded.
"That we do... A lot stuff to tell. Seeing as I am back, and given how much has changed, it gives me time to do what I been doing for the past 18 years now: see what is out there in the world. Now that I have established a link between home and here, time should be able to sync back and flow normally, so should I need to leave to return back home, I can without worry of time accelerating. The Rift is funny like that." He states with a shrug.
"We both look forward to hearing more. But first, I feel I should properly introduce you to somepony whom is rather eager to meet you." Celestia giggled.
As she says this, Twilight and her friends come over to the three, the former approaching Kurisu as she looks up at him.
"Um... Hello there." Twilight greeted.
Kurisu simply nods, tipping the brim of his hat.
"Greetings. You are Celestia's faithful student I take it?" He asked.
Grinning, Twilight nods.
"Yes, my name is Twilight Sparkle. And I am one of Princess Celestia's most studious student in magic, and now... Study into friendship." She giggled.
"Hmm..."
Kurisu kneels down and raises his hand up to her head and holds it there, as he closes his eyes. Twilight just looks at him perplexed.
"Err... What are you doing?" She asked.
"...I see. You do possess rather considerable amount of magical prowess. Strong potential. See why Celestia has taken you in as her student... And you representing the Element of Magic." Kurisu replied, rubbing his chin in interest.
Twilight blinks, as she blushed at the notion.
"O-oh... Hehehehe, thanks." She said with a bashful tone.
The others would then go and introduce themselves, looking at the human just as curiously as Twilight, never seeing anything like him before.
"Howdy there, name's Applejack!" The orange mare greeted.
Kurisu shakes her hoof, giving her a strong grip and shake.
"Heh, you have quite the grip there, sugarcube."
"Thank you. Years of traveling gotten me a bit stronger, though I can tell you are a lot stronger than most earth ponies."
Applejack chuckles.
"Much obliged, partner."
It was then the blue mare with a rainbow mane and tail fly up to him.
"Sup, name's Rainbow Dash! Fastest flyer in all of Ponyville and Equestria!" She grinned.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. Can certainly tell you are full of vigor and spirit."
"Ha ha ha, yep I know. I'm just that awesome of a pony." Rainbow said, waving with a hoof.
He chuckles, but is then surprised by Pinkie Pie who leaps up to him.
"HI!! I'M PINKIE PIE!! DO YOU LIKE PARTIES, HUH? DO YA, DO YA, DO YA?! I SURE DO, BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU, STRANGE CREATURE FROM ANOTHER WORLD?!" She asked grinning widely.
Kurisu can tell this one was... Energetic. Not only that... Something rather enigmatic about her, but couldn't place his hand on it. Wait, how did she know he was...?
"Now now Pinkie darling, give him a bit of space. Don't overwhelm him." Rarity said, moving up to calm Pinkie down.
"Oh, soooorrrrry!~" Pinkie said in a sing-song voice.
Rarity rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
"Forgive Pinkie, darling. She is like this when new ponies come to town, and how she greets them." She giggled.
"Anyway, I'm Rarity. And I just have to say, your attire... Is just absolutely marvelous!~ The deep shade of crimson, the small gold embroidery, your hat... They just look exquisite on you!"
Kurisu takes his hat off, showing his spiky, pale blond hair underneath, as he rest the hat and bows his head down.
"Ah, thank you my dear. I can see you are a mare who has a passion for fashion." He compliments.
Rarity simply blushed and giggles.
"My, you are quite a gentlecolt... But you would be right dear, fashion is my pride and passion, and I would certainly not mind being able to fashion clothing for your stature.~"
"Heh, we'll see."
Kurisu puts his back on, as Fluttershy walks up to her, looking at him curiously.
"Yes? Something you like?" Kurisu asked.
Fluttershy squeaked, hiding her face, blushing a bit.
"O-oh... N-no, I-I mean y-yes... I-I mean..." She stammered.
Rarity just gives Fluttershy a comforting pat.
"There there dear. Forgive the dear, she is a rather timid pony, but she is the sweetest pony in Ponyville." Rarity assured.
"It's alright. No need to timid dear. What's your name?" Kurisu asked, kneeling down to her level.
"O-oh... Um... My name is... F-Fluttershy..." She mumbled.
"Fluttershy? Well, you do live up to your name." The sage chuckles.
"Anyway, is there something you wanted to know, my dear?" He asked.
Fluttershy calmed a bit.
"O-oh um, well I was wondering but... What are you exactly...? I seen and taken care of a lot of animals, but I never seen a creature like you before."
"Well, I am merely a human." Kurisu replied.
"...Hooman? I never heard of that species before..." Fluttershy replied.
"Well, I'd imagine. Do you have monkeys in Equestria?" Kurisu asked.
"Oh! I know what a monkey is, but they are very rarely seen around these parts of Equestria... I've read they are often found in regions outside of Equestria. It would be wonderful to see a monkey." Fluttershy smiled.
"Well, to put it into perspective, humans are basically related to monkeys in a way. Well, more related to apes, just no fur on our bodies, aside from hair on the head and some place."
Twilight, had a parchment out and was listing this stuff down out of interest. Fluttershy was surprised.
"Amazing...~ Um, if it is too much trouble, but could I see your teeth?" Fluttershy asked.
Kurisu shrugs, as he lowers his face cover, as they see his face which made yellow mare intrigued. They noticed the faint scar on his cheek, but don't ask about it. Kurisu opens his mouth, as Fluttershy looks at them.
"Oh, you are an omnivore aren't you?" Fluttershy asked.
"Yep. We consume both meat and plant matter as we gain nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals to help grow. Granted, there are those that are strictly consume vegetables and fruit and no meat and some dairy. I basically consume what I need to survive out there. And no, I never taken a bite of pony meat so I won't eat any of you."
They all sighed in relief upon hearing that. Regardless, Fluttershy was just thrilled to meet a creature like him.
"Oh, thank you for showing me. It gives me a better understanding of you species a bit more." She said with a soft grin.
"Think nothing of it. I can see you value the life of an animal, and that is noble of you dear."
The mare just brightens up a bit more upon hearing that. She would want to learn a bit more about humans at some point. Lastly, he is greeted by the small, purple baby dragon that walks up to him, holding his claw out.
"Hi there! I'm Spike!"
Kurisu shakes his claw.
"Nice to meet you Spike. Always nice to run into dragons that are friendly."
"Oh? You met other dragons before?" Spike asked, now interested.
"Oh yeah, I've came across a lot of dragons in my travels, granted some where... Not as friendly as others. By that, they saw me as more or less as a meal and of course, I have to react accordingly."
"...Oh." Spike seemed to pale at the thought of that.
"But, as I said, I met friendly dragons before. Some being really powerful, and often help us out when we are in need." Kurisu explained.
"Woah..." The drake said in awe.
"I wonder if other dragons are like me." Spike questioned.
Kurisu raised his brow.
"Oh, Spike wasn't born among other dragons. I actually hatched him from his egg when I was a filly, and it was part of my entrance exam to join Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns back home in Canterlot. He's been my number one assistant ever since." Twilight smiled proudly.
Spike just giggled.
"The best number one assistant there is!"
Kurisu chuckles.
"Well, it is certainly wonderful to meet you all. As you introduced yourselves to me, I shall do the same."
He stands up as he rests his hand on his chest.
"My name is Kurisu Himura. I am a Crimson Sage from the world known as Gaia, and an old friend of Celestia and Luna from way back then."
The group just listen in awe.
"Wow... You mean you are as old as the Princesses?" Twilight asked.
"Oh not exactly. I'm really 28 years old." Kurisu states nonchalantly.
There was a moment of silence, before Twilight blurts out in confusion.
"WHA--?!"
After mingling a bit more, the Princesses felt it was time to return to Canterlot, as Celestia needed to continue her royal duties, as well as help settle Luna in and proceed to help her readjust to modern Equestrian culture. Kurisu explains he is returning with Celestia and Luna, much to Twilight's dismay as she still had so many questions about Kurisu, namely about his magic and how he is able to harness that sort of power.
"Do not fret, Twilight. I know you wish to learn more about me, but I will likely drop back into town in the coming weeks. I been wanting to get out and explore Equestria, see what is out there. Besides, I have a lot of catching up to do with Celestia and Luna." Kurisu explained.
Twilight frowned, but knowing the Princesses were likely wanting to see their old friend for so long, she nods.
"Okay. I'll hold you to that though. I want to know everything."
Kurisu just nods.
"And I will provide. Until then, you enjoy your new life here with your new friends. I won't lie and say I look forward to seeing any reports you send Princess her way, about the lessons in friendship."
With that, the Princesses and Sage bid the inhabitants of Ponyville farewell, as they all cheered and waved good-bye to them, the girls especially.
While en route back to Canterlot, via carriage, Kurisu was staring out at the mountain where he could see the castle.
"Have to hand it to you, Tia. You sure know how to pick them. Never seen a girl that keen in learning so much about magic and my world before." Kurisu mused.
Celestia giggled.
"Twilight is one of my most cherished pupils that I have had the pleasure of mentor over. Prior to this, she was more or less head deep in her studies and didn't seem to care much for friendship in general. I am glad that she has seen the road that friendship offers, and look forward to seeing what she will learn as time will tell."
Kurisu nods.
"Going to have to tell me how you came across her. Sure it is one hell of a story to tell."
The sun princess laughed.
"Oh, I am sure you will enjoy it, but not as much as wanting to learn more after you finally found your world after so long."
Kurisu grunts in agreement, as he watches the city of Canterlot come closer. This has certainly been some reunion.
