Rise Of The Dragon Lord

Chapter 4:

First Glimmer Of Hope

As we made our way towards the library, I decided to explain to Twilight my situation. She seemed to understand what I meant, even though I didn't understand most of it myself.

"Wow," Twilight squealed in delight. "I've heard stories of cross dimensional travel, but to actually meet somepony that's done it, is well . . . amazing!" As I had expected, Twilight easily understood what I was talking about. She didn't even press me for questions about my world. Although, I could tell that she had them. The look on her face was a dead give away.

"But I wonder who it was that brought you her," Twilight began to question.

"I kno. . .wait," I said, not sure if I had heard Twilight right. "Someone brought me here?!"

"Well yeah," Twilight said as she turned to face me. She seemed confused by my response. "I mean, yeah, I've heard that very, very rarely, a portal will scoop somepony up, but . . ." Twilight's sentence seemed to trail off.

"But what," Derpy asked as a look of worry spread over her face. She hadn't spoken since the train station and decided that now was a good time to get involved in the conversation.

"But those tend to lead into the void," Twilight said realizing that she trailed off. "Without somepony directing the flow of magic. . . a cross dimensional portal would lead towards nothing. So that means that somepony would have to have intentionally brought you to our dimension."

"But how is that even possible Twilight," Applejack asked as she looked up at me. I was now standing motionless, staring down at the ground. This was all too much for me to take, my mind was slowly beginning to shut down again.

"I don't know Applejack," Twilight said as she turned back to the door. "But there's bound to be a book that will help us figure it out."

"SURPRISE!!!"

As soon as Twilight opened the door, a large group of ponies shouted out to Twilight. Pinkie Pie, as expected, had set up a welcoming party for Twilight. I wanted to question how she was able to plan so many parties, but with how jumbled my brain was, I could do little but stare in confusion as the party began.

Luckily though, the party lasted about half an hour at most, as most of the ponies had been scooped up by Pinkie as they attempted merely to check out a book or see if Twilight had returned yet.

"Thanks for coming," Pinkie yelled as the last pony left through the door. She was disappointed that the party had been so short. But she was glad to know that it had still surprised Twilight.

During the party, I had enough time to collect my thoughts and regain what little composure I could muster. I didn't fully understand what was going on with my life. But I knew that I needed to keep my calm. Over reacting now would just make getting home impossible.

"That was a fun party," Fluttershy admitted as she walked over. Her,Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Derpy were the only one to have remained after the short party. "Not too long, not too loud, it was just right."

"Yeah, well," Pinkie responded, looking proud of herself. "Throwing party's three days in a row ain't as easy as you think." With that Pinkie began to clean up the little after party mess. "Although, I wish more ponies had come."

"Its ok Pinkie," Twilight said as she began to clean as well.

"I'd just hate to be a bother Twilight dear," Rarity said as she stood as far away from the mess as she could. "But what happened to cut your family visit so short? I mean, you were there for barely a day?"

"Its the strangest thing," Twilight said as she finished her part in cleaning. "A palace guard came with orders for Shining Armor to return to the castle.

"He was also instructed to give me this book." With that, Twilight levitated the book about the strange dragon out of her saddlebag and re-explained everything she had said back at the train station.

"He really does look like you," Rainbow Dash said, also noticing the similarities. "Do you think this dragon has something to do with Chris being here?"

"Maybe Rainbow Dash," Twilight said as she set the book down on a desk. She then turned her attention towards the shelves of books around her, looking for one in particular. "If I can get this translated, I may be able to learn more." With that, a smile spread on Twilight's face as she found the book she was looking for and levitated it over towards me.

"Languages of the Unknown: Reading The Past," I read out loud. Flipping through the pages, I noticed that it contained several sections dedicated to translating languages, I could only guess, were not commonly used.

"So with this, you should be able to read that book right," I asked. At first, Twilight did not answer as she was levitating several other books from around the library and setting them down on a nearby desk. Each book had a title related to the topic of different dimensions and alternate universes.

"Hopefully," Twilight said as she took the book she had given me with her magic. Calling me over towards the desk where she had set the books, I began to look them over.

Opening the very top one, I skimmed its pages. It seemed simple at first. It discussed the mathematical and scientific theory of the fourth dimension. "But how will these help me find a way home," I asked as I stared at the remaining books.

"Well, once you can understand enough about the links between dimensions and the universe," Twilight began to answer as she looked through her translation book. "You should be able to use magic and open a portal that can get you home."

"But I don't know how to do magic," I said, laughing at the thought. "Where I'm from, magic is performed through illusions and tricks of the mind. Actual magic isn't possible."

After a few moments of silence, I could hear Twilight begin to laugh. She obviously thought that I had been joking about not knowing magic.

"Twi," Applejack said, cutting into Twilights laughing fit. "I don't think he's pulling the wool over your eyes for this one."

Looking at me with a confused stare, I merely stared back, feeling a bit annoyed. "I'm sorry," Twilight quickly said. "I mean, a world without magic? I can't even comprehend it. But now what do we do? I want to help you find a way home, but I also want to get the book translated."

"Well, if thats the case," Fluttershy said, gaining everyone's attention. "Why not have Chris translate the book while Twilight works on the whole dimension thing."

"Thats a great Idea Fluttershy," Twilight said with a smile. "This way, not only will the book be translated, but this is a great chance for me to learn about cross dimensional travel."

"That all depends on if I can even translate it," I quickly said. I was never any good at reading different languages, even with a dictionary.

"Don't worry," Twilight responded, brushing off my doubts. "I've got plenty of books to help with interpreting different languages, it should be easy."

"And what about us," Pinkie Pie asked, indicating the rest of them. They all wanted to help in whatever way they could. But even I knew that they wouldn't be able to do much besides helping to research. So Twilight said that it was ok for them all to leave and that she would handle it.

After some discussion, everyone decided to leave for the day. Even Derpy left, saying that she'd like to spend the rest of the day with Dinky. But, each of them promised to return later to see how things turned out.

"Ok," I sighed as I watched the last of the group leave the library. I really didn't want to sit around and translate some old book. But I was getting closer to going home, so it was ok.

"If you need help with finding anything, I'll be over here," Twilight told me as she and Spike walked over towards the desk of books.

"This is gonna be annoying," I whispered to myself as I began to work.

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"You think they figured anything out," Applejack asked Rainbow Dash. It was nearing sundown and everyone was making there way towards the library.

"Maybe they found out how to get Chris home," Pinkie Pie chirped, already planning an awesome going away party.

"Oh, I do hope he doesn't have to leave just yet," Rarity said, a little worried. "I was ever so hoping he would try on a few outfits that I'm making for him."

Just then the library came into view. Derpy and Dinky could be seen standing patiently outside the door. As everyone walked up, Derpy and Dinky both greeted them with a smile.

"How long have you been waiting," Fluttershy asked the two.

"About ten minutes," Derpy said with a smile. She didn't seemed to mind the wait. Although Dinky seemed to be losing interest and was staring off into space.

"Well, that don't sound right," Applejack said as she began knocking on the library door. After a minute, Applejack knocked again. When there still wasn't a reply, Applejack proceeded to open the door.

"Twi, you in here," Applejack asked as she peeked inside. What she saw caused her to chuckle.

Twilight was standing in front of one of the libraries desks, surrounded by large piles of books and papers. Spike was asleep on one of the piles that had fallen over. He was using several papers as a blanket.

"That's our egghead for ya," Rainbow Dash said as everyone began entering the room. Even as everyone made their way in, Twilight paid them no heed as she continued reading out of the book in front of her.

"Where's Chris," Derpy asked as she and Dinky walked in and looked around. It was at that point that everyone noticed that someone was missing.

"Chris should be in the back room," Twilight said as her gaze was still fixed on her book.

"What did I tell ya," Rainbow Dash said as she poked at Spike, hoping to wake him up. "Total egghead."

"I'll go get him," Fluttershy said as she headed towards the back room. The door was just under the stairway leading to Twilight's room. Twilight used it to store books that either weren't that popular or she wanted to read herself.

"Hello," Fluttershy called as she slowly opened the door. The room was larger than expected and was littered with books. A clear path could be seen in between the piles that lead to the back of the room. "Chris, are you back here," Fluttershy asked as she made her way in.

Once she made it through the small maze of books, she found a desk with several books, papers, and a lit lantern all set up by the back wall. But I was nowhere to be seen.

"Chris," Fluttershy called again as she began to get scared. The room was beginning to close in on her and she had begun to hyperventilate. She began calling out to everyone as the fear clouded her mind from the path out of the room.

"Anypony," she whispered as she backed up into a pile of books. Before she could even scream, the pile fell over and crashed to her side, closely followed by me.

Fluttershy stared down at my motionless body in fear. She couldn't tell if I was breathing or not. At first, she seemed to be taking things calmly. Then, she ran through several piles of books, screaming as she left the room.

"Fluttershy?! What's wrong," Twilight asked as Fluttershy burst out of the room. The general commotion had pulled her from her book and she now looked at the scared Fluttershy in worry.

"Chris! He! It? Not moving," Fluttershy began sputtering out. She was breathing hard and looked as if she were about to faint.

"What's with all the yelling," I groaned as I walked out of the back room. The only response I got was a strange look from Fluttershy, followed by her fainting. "Was it something I said," I asked as I walked over towards the group.

"Just Fluttershy being Fluttershy," Pinkie Pie chuckled. "So, how did the translating go?"

"Well you see," I began, wiping the sleep from my eyes. "You see, the translation thing. . . its. . . well. . ."

"What about you Twi," Applejack asked, noticing my hesitation.

"I've been researching as much as I can," Twilight began, indicating all the books she had been reading. "But this whole cross-dimensional thing seems more complicated than I originally thought." With that, she levitated a few pieces of paper over towards me and everyone else. Each were full of highly detailed notes and equations that I could only guess, involved the topic of different dimensions.

"But don't worry," Twilight reassured me. "I'll figure this all out in no time. So? What did you translate so far?"

"Yeah, about that," I began as I pushed the papers aside. At first, I didn't want to say it, but as I looked at everyone, I caved. "I actually can't fully translate it."

"Why not," Rarity asked first. "It can't be that hard. I mean, doesn't Twilight have the books needed for it."

"Well," I said as I ran into the back room and grabbed several books and papers. "At first, I thought it would be easy because of all the different translations the translation book had." With that, I placed the book about the dragon and the translation book down.

"But why not," Twilight asked as she herself began looking over what I had. She quickly realized the problem.

"What the problem Twi," Applejack asked as she walked up to the now confused Twilight. She looked down at my notes as well, but quickly became confused herself.

"Oh, Me to," Pinkie Pie chirped as she joined in on looking at my notes. Although, she kept smiling.

"What in the name of Celestia is going on," Rainbow Dash asked me as she stared at her friends.

"Its not written in a different language," I began as I flipped through the books pages.

"What do you mean by that," Twilight asked as she looked at me. My answer seemed to confuse everyone.

I then explained what I found out. The writing was done using the alphabet of what seemed to be two different languages, while at the same time, was written using a completely different dialect.

"What," Applejack said, looking confused.

"Just about every other word is written using a different languages letter alphabet, yet each word that I could decipher, was written in plain english, or equestrian as you know it.

"The main problem I had was that while I figured out one language that was used, the other wasn't in any of the books." From there , I stopped flipping through pages and landed on the section of the one language I could figure out.

The title read The Ancient Tongue: Word of the Unicorn. It was a entire section dedicated to the translation of the old language of the unicorns. The language itself was very complicated, but the book explained enough for me to at least figure out what each letter of its language meant in plain english.

"So, you're saying that half is written using the olden language of the unicorns," Twilight asked in confusion. "I mean, that language hasn't been used in almost eight hundred years? Could this book be that old?"

"If that's the case Twilight," Rarity said as she stepped towards the books. "The Princess must of had it stored professionally. I mean, just look at it. It looks almost new"

"Well," Twilight said with a smile. "Princess Celestia must have something to decipher the rest. I'll just add it into the letter I was going to send her."

"You learned a lesson on friendship without us," Pinkie Pie said in shock.

"Thats not it," Twilight said with a reassuring smile. "I just need her help with this whole cross dimension thing." From there, Twilight began to explain what she learned from her research. Although, no one understood a single word she said.

"She couldn't figure out exactly what happened in the first place to send Chris here," Spike said as he explained things in a easyer way to understand.

"What," Applejack questioned.

"It's mostly because of what Chris said earlier about magic not being possible in his world," Twilight said, trying not to sound too overly smart. "I'm trying to understand how a magic portal could even open in a world without magic in the first place, because I'm going to have to re duplicate it in his world. Like a doorway of sorts."

"Oh," Fluttershy said as her nerves calmed down fully. Although, It was obvious that everyone didn't really understand what she meant. Even I only understood about half of it. "Well, I'm sure the Princess will know how to help."

"Exactly," Twilight chimed. "Spike?"

"Already done," Spike said confidently as he held up the letter. After giving it a once over, Twilight had Spike send it with his magic flames. From there, Twilight began asking her friends what they had all done throughout the day. At first, I was going to stay and listen, but I didn't really care what they had done.

"Where are you going," Derpy asked.

"Just going out to look at the stars," I said with a smile.

"Oh, wait for me," Derpy said as she began to make her way towards the door.

"Actually Derpy," Twilight said, stopping Derpy in her tracks. "I need to talk to you about something."

"Ok," Derpy hastently said as she turned back around. "Dinky, why don't you wait outside with Chris." Replying with a smile, Dinky rushed over towards the door and walked out into the cool night with me.

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"So how was your day Dinky," I asked as we took a seat in the grass. We were just a few yards from the library and a perfect view of the stars could be seen. Even animated, the stars looked amazing.

"Same as any other," she replied as she took a seat on the ground and looked up. As I sat next to her, I could see that something seemed to be bothering her. But it wasn't my place to pry so I just continued to look up at the stars.

"Can I ask you something," Dinky asked as I continued to look up at the sky. I was trying to see if I could make out any constellations.

"Sure," I replied, not fully listening. I was sure that the stars were slowly moving. But I couldn't be sure.

"What do you think of my sister?"

"What," I asked, not sure if I had heard her right. After she repeated her question, I couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny," Dinky asked. She seemed confused by my reaction.

"Oh, sorry," I began as I collected myself. "Nothings funny. Derpy's a good person, and I'm glad that I met her. Why?"

"Well its just," she replied looking a little shocked. "You don't find her weird or anything?"

"Dinky? What do you mean," I asked. I was starting to get confused and her hesitation wasn't helping me to understand what she was talking about.

"Its just that," she said, only to hesitate again. "You're the first guy to spend so much time around my sister." From there, Dinky explained how Derpy had a problem with causing guys to keep their distance. "Every time she tries to spend time with a stallion, she ends up doing something weird and they always run away."

"And you're worried that she won't find someone to be with," I said thinking I understood what she meant. But Dinky's stern glare told me that I was wrong.

"Thats not the problem," she snapped. "Its that whenever she isn't working, and I'm not a school, she spends all her time with me."

"And what's so bad about that," I said with a laugh.

"Its just," Dinky said, yet again hesitating to answer. "I kinda wish that she would find a stallion to spend her time with other than me," Dinky said with a sigh.

"Glad to see you care for your sister as much as she cares for you," I said with a smile. It was obvious that Dinky wanted the best for her sister, even though she didn't want to admit it. "Want me to try and help solve that problem?"

"What," Dinky asked. She seemed confused and was trying to understand what I had said.

"I'll help you find Derpy a special somepony. ok," I said looking down at her. "If anything, it should atleast give me something to do while I wait for Twilight to finish her research."

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"Are you sure about that Twi," Applejack asked Twilight as concern filled her eyes.

"You know I'm not Applejack," Twilight said, giving a concerned look at Derpy. While everyone else had looks of worry and concern, Derpy seemed on the verge of collapse.

"Don't worry Derpy," Rainbow Dash said, trying to ease Derpy's worry. "I'm sure we can figure out what to do before it happens."

"Thats not what I'm worried about," Derpy said as she regained some of her strength.

"What do you mean by," Fluttershy tried to ask, only to be interrupted by me and Dinky re-entering the library.

"What's going on in here," I asked as we walked in. I had gotten bored with looking at the stares and decided to just go back into the library.

"Sis, are you ok," Dinky asked Derpy as she noticed her worried face. At first, it looked like she was about to say something, but as her gaze shifted towards me, she fell completely silent.

"So who died," I chuckled as I looked at everyone's faces.

"No one died silly," Pinkie Pie chirped. "I mean, there was a dragon attack on Canterlot but. . ."

"PINKIE!!!!!"

"Woah," I said in surprise. "A dragon attack on Canterlot? Wonder what caused that? When did it happen?" At first, nobody said anything as they looked at me. Their looks of worry, was now replaced with confusion. "Was it something I said," I asked after several moments of silence.

"Aren't you worried about what ponies will think when they hear about that," Rainbow Dash said. "I mean, it hasn't reached Ponyville yet. But when it does, they may get worried."

"Really," I began, confused by Rainbow Dash's response. "Why should I care what others think of me due to someone elses actions. Heck, didn't you learn about this or something in a lesson or whatever on friendship?"

"Thats not why," Pinkie Pie began to respond, only to be hushed by everyone else. I decided to shrug it off. Pinkie Pie was probably just going to make a irrelevant comment again anyways.

"You know what," Twilight said, gaining my attention. "Its getting late, and everyone has things to do tomorrow. So, why don't we call it a night and. . ."

"But what about Celestia's reply," I interrupted. "I mean, doesn't she answer right away or as soon as possible?"

"Yes," Twilight said angrily. "But even the Princess has to sleep, so she may not be able to answer until tomorrow."

"Oh. . ." I said, a little embarrassed. I couldn't believe that I had just been scolded by Twilight.

"Well," Applejack said with a yawn. "If thats all, I think I'm gonna head home and hit the hay. Night y'all." From there, everyone began to leave the library. But as each of them left, I couldn't help but notice their worried expressions as they left.

"See you tomorrow Twilight," I said as I began following Derpy and Dinky out of the library.

"I hope so," Twilight whispered to herself as she closed the library door.