~Ugh. The boredom is unbearable.~
Another day gone and not much to show for it, just me sitting in my dorm bedroom waiting for an answer from any of the jobs I'd applied for.
If I were to earn my scholarship and hopefully have a bright future as my dad would always want, I'd have to get a decent job within the hour!
Sadly, my phone had just run out of battery and the day was almost over.
I decided to take a little break from the stressful situation and connect my dying phone to its charger. Seriously though, you would think that applying for the basic fast food restaurants would be easy. But apparently this incoming storm is interfering with my reception!
Catching my reflection in the mirror, I gave myself a once-over, especially to look presentable for future reference; at age eighteen, I was average in build, (comfortably average, mind you,) with messy black hair and emerald green eyes. My mixed heritage gave my complexion an exotic look. My father was of Irish lineage and my mother was of African descent.
I know for a fact that I wasn't the most handsome young male on campus, but upon entry, I noticed some girls watching me. And whenever I respectfully acknowledged their presence, they would giggle. I honestly hoped that was a good sign! I never have had much luck with girls, especially with me being a typical shy guy around a pretty face.
But with me in a tank top, I could see the insignia from the Lion Guard on my left shoulder. I had that drawn with a permanent marker a while back, and every few showers that I've taken haven't been kind to it.
A chuckle escaped my lips as I remembered when I first got it; when my little seven-year-old sister Tanya had gotten sick a few weeks back. I can recall it quite vividly; I let her draw that on me while she was lying on the doctor's bed, hospitalized with cancer, after asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. The only answer I could give her was someone brave and noble to protect the ones I love. When she had finished, the last words I heard from her before going to college were, "So you'll always remember that you are brave and noble, like Kion!"
After that, I haven't heard from my family since. My sister was basically the reason that I got hooked on cartoons, particularly The Lion Guard. To be honest, I enjoyed it. The songs were catchy, the story was intriguing, and it was always great to watch Kion use the Roar of the Elders against his adversaries! We did that so often that mom called it our special bonding time, because that was the only time I never argued with Tanya. Heck, sometimes she and I would actually sing along with the show. If we could remember all the words to them, that is!
One day, she tried to invite me to join her and our parents in binge-watching the My Little Pony series, something that she was really excited about. To that, I politely declined, saying I had homework or some other excuse not to watch it. Ha, I even held my own against the fabled sad puppy eyes. A win for me!
Of course, she understood. I wasn't comfortable with it and dropped it after asking three trillion times. Even singing some of their songs while bouncing around like her long-time favorite character from that show; Pinkie Pie. But eventually she decided to lay off for a while, so I was left to sit in my room and watch Goo Jit Zu shows and play Dragamonz with my friends online! Now those were fun times, however long those moments lasted.
But one thing led to another, and I got enrolled in a nearby college and was spirited away faster than I had imagined.
I had hoped that I would get a decent job nearby, so it would make things easier for me and my family. But, sadly, with a faulty phone, I received no response of any kind. My dad had recently been in a car accident that bruised some ribs and broke his left arm pretty badly, Tanya got diagnosed for lung cancer, and my mom is trying to pull extra shifts at the post office. All around, our whole family is facing difficult times.
So here I was, a poor excuse of a hero for my little sister, sitting in a semi‐empty room with the only other items besides my satchel of clothes and my electronic device; was a poster from the Avatar franchise. I still haven't gotten any updates for my applications. With a disparaging groan, I flopped down onto my bed. Waiting, hoping.
At least let there be something; an email, a text, even a call would be nice. I thought to myself.
A sudden ringing from my smartphone jolted me up as I snatched up the device, fumbling like an idiot with my blankets. "H.. Hello?" I said, brushing my black bangs out of my face.
"Is this Ace Pentagon that I am speaking to?" Spoke a voice I wasn't familiar with, who sounded quite grim to me.
"Yes..." I answered cautiously, furrowing my brows.
"Son, this is Dr Yore. I'm afraid I have terrible news. It concerns your family."
Sitting up straight I asked nervously, "What's going on, what happend?"
A sigh came from the other line before I heard his reply. "Your sister's condition has worsened overnight. She's hardly breathing right and doesn't have the strength to sit up in her bed anymore. I've already alerted your parents about the situation, and they are on their way here as we speak."
Switching the phone to speaker, I went through my photo gallery of the times Tanya and I last hung out together. We spent an entire afternoon at a waterpark for a family vacation, having so much fun as a brother and sister could have.
She took mostly after our mother with her poofy hair in curls, a desire to cheer people up, and her unusually blue-colored eyes filled with innocence and joy. However, she also had dad's skin tone, hair color, and determination.
Just seeing her laughing with me in the photo brought tears to my eyes at the mere thought of losing her. She had so much to look forward to in life, and this tragedy had to come around and ruin her life. It was completely unfair! I was about to lose my best friend the world had ever given me. "How...How.." I choked up, fighting back the urge to sob aloud to a complete stranger. "How long does she have?"
"At best, thirty minutes tops. She says she wants to talk to you."
At that my heart leaped, then plummeted like a fallen stone. She must have known I wouldn't have been there on time to say goodbye, because surely if I had, I'd blaze a trail straight through anything in my path just to hug my sister one last time.
But even the thought of final goodbye's clenched at my heart, fiercely!
Gathering my courage, I asked for the docter to put Tanya on the line. Hoping that I wouldn't screw up our last chat.
"Hi Ace! How's the big fancy schoolhouse!" I heard her ask, even on her last legs she sounds so happy.
I couldn't help but smile at her cheerful voice. "Um, it could honestly be better, not enough free time to visit my best friend!" After that, I could hear her laugh a little, until a coughing fit took over.
"Yeah, ya big dope. You nearly missed your own birthday!" She called out accusingly. Boy, from the tone in her voice I can guess that she's crossing her arms in mock anger.
Indignantly, I rebuked, "Oh come on, T, I still showed up. Better late than never, am I right?" The only response I got from that was an angry huff of breath.
"Well, I guess I can let you off the hook, just this once." She said eventually. Making us both laugh light-heartidly. "Did you get my gift by any chance?"
Peering inside my satchel, I could see a portion of the present she got me still in its packaging. "Yes, I did. Mom gave it to me before I left. I still haven't opened it yet, but..." I said, leaving the last bit of the sentence to build up the dramatic suspense.
"Well, what are you waiting for? Open it already. OPEN IT!" I smirked just at the sound of her enthusiasm. Her laughter alone was just infectious.
Eagerly I snatched up the two-by-two present, narrating as I went to bring Tanya up to speed.
"Okay, I'm opening the box now. Bubble wrap, really?" If there was one thing that Tanya knew I disliked in this world, it was bubble wrap. Why? Because when I was four, I had gotten myself tangled up in that plastic mesh and had a panic attack!
Looking inside, I was met with quite the surprise indeed; the crystal Dax Dragamon and a supergoo Blazagon figure, both of which had special glowing effects that were really eye-catching.
"Wow," I said. "Now I don't need a nightlight anymore!"
"Did you like them?" Tanya asked knowingly. "I love them, sis. Coming from you, that really means something," I said, tears welling up.
"Aw, you big softie." Tanya taunted with a chuckle before coughing again. "Ace, listen." She said suddenly with some seriousness in her voice, imediatly catching my attention. "I there's something I've been meaning to talk to you about.
"I think we both know my show is being canceled as we speak." She sounded like she'd been prepared for this speech!
"Stop talking like that, young lady. We'll work up the money eventually. Just hang in there, sis, and keep fighting!"
With a flat tone her reply was, "To be honest, I was talking about 'My Little Pony'. But I'm glad you were thinking about me"
"Always and forever, T." I stated proudly. "However, I could do with a little less of that Winter Wrap-up song in the mornings!" I teased gently.
"Hey," Her voice came out more stern than he had ever heard from her. And more tired if anything. "Ace, just listen to me, okay?"
"Big brother, I don't want to leave you like this. You've been nothing but good to me for as long as I can remember. And I know better than most that you always put others first before yourself. As noble as you are, though, you are pretty dense..."
At that, I couldn't help but deadpan her blunt accusation. "Wow, T, ouch!" I said, a bit hurt.
"Promise me that you won't lose faith in what's important, no matter what happens!" Her voice was so compelling, I feared she had delved too deeply into the vampire fiction to learn their secrets. Nevertheless, she was quite convincing.
"Alright, alright, sheesh. Since when did you get to be so demanding?" I relented with more tears sliding down my cheeks.
"Since I knew that you can be a real stubborn mule when you don't realize it!" Tanya stated with a cough.
Her cough eventually took a turn for the worst and she sounded like she couldn't breathe. My good-natured attitude was immediately replaced with concern. "Tanya! Tanya! Are you okay?!" I nearly shouted, my voice choking up.
"She's exhausted herself I'm afraid," The docter's voice spoke up. "Her condition is worsening by the second, we'll see what we can do for her in the E.R!"
Letting out a sigh, I thanked the doctor for his offer and hung up the phone. Plopping myself back on the bed, I just stared up at my ceiling in utter hopelessness.
Clutching the Blazagon figure in one hand and the crystal Dax in the other, I brought them both to my line of vision, contemplating as I could literally see right through them.
"Sometimes," I thought aloud, "I wonder what she even sees in me; always praising me up to be some hero, and yet I can't even help save my own sister's life!" Dragging my hands across my face in frustration.
Just wish that life would be as simple as the cartoons; like whenever someone comes down with a serious illness, all it takes is a spirited individual to retrieve a rare and specific antidote!
But I know for a fact that even if I could go out and search for such a cure, it would be too late either way. Especially since there is hardly even a measurable way to eliminate cancer, without having a costly issue that is!
What did she mean though, me being dense? I mean, sure, I focused so much on my schooling to help my family over hanging out with others. But what could she be talking about? Really? Shaking those thoughts from my conscience, I sat back up, gathered my satchel and a few essentials, and decided to head out.
I figured that since I wouldn't make it in time for a proper goodbye, then I should at least be there to pay my respects.
I could tell immediately that the weather was turning nasty, which would only delay me a few seconds from the hospital. Dark clouds were gathering in the south, and the wind was relentlessly trying to push me away from my destination.
"Whoa," I exclaimed, "Since when was it hurricane season? There wasn't any warning on..." I suddenly remembered that my phone was on vibrate and nearly dead. "Dagnabbit..."
Shoving my hands into my coat pockets, which surprizingly still held those figurines, and tried to trudge through the heavy gales of wind with an irritated growl.
As I continued on my way, a few things caught my eye: different families hurrying to their homes before the full force of the storm hit. Parents and children of all ages gathered together, storm-proofing their properties, covering their cars and trucks with tarps.
I remember when Tanya used to be absolutely terrified of thunderstorms. This hurricane would really shatter her confidence. I thought to myself with a sad smile.
It finally struck me like an electric shock that I would never see my little sister again. This crushing realization made me pause from my brooding. I was suddenly filled with a growing sense of heartache that almost drained me of any emotion left.
No more random balloons interrupting me at breakfast, no more trying to persuade me to sing along to silly songs, no more begging me to watch emasculating shows with her.
As much as Tanya had been an annoying pest to me for quite some time, she was still my dearest little sister, and losing her felt like it would quite literally destroy me.
Although, feeling sorry for myself wasn't going to get me anywhere. Least of all off to the hospital. So with determination boiling in my gut and the wind in my face, I pressed on for the moment that would break my heart!
That is until I felt the phone vibrating in my pants pocket. Acting quickly, I pulled out my device to answer. "Yes?"
"Ace Pentagon, I would like to borrow a moment of your time," came a strangely distorted voice from the speaker. Although it sounded like whoever was there had an air of authority about them, he didn't sound like a typical head of department kind of guy. He sounded like someone worth listening to.
Of course, I'd probably be more interested if I didn't have rough winds blowing in my face.
"My associates and I have a proposition for you." he continued, with firmness in his tone.
"Look, sir, I'm in the middle of a freaking storm right now, and I kind of have to be somewhere important right now. But if I could call you back later, I would really appreciate it." I said, trying to be as respectful as a guy can be while he's trying to weather a hurricane while trying to go see his dying little sibling in the afternoon!
"We understand what your going through, young man. It is honorable to wish to see your sister again, your parent's have explained to us about the situation!" spoke someone else, with a deep barratone voice but no less authorative.
My suspicion rose a bit at two separate people with strange voices asking me to work for them. Something just didn't sit well with my stomach, especially how they knew about Tanya's condition. "Alright, just who the heck are you guys? Do you work for the hospital? Because if not, I have the right to call the police for invasion of privacy!"
"Believe us, Mr. Pentagon. What we are about to explain is of the utmost importance! Your sister's life, and many other lives depend on it."
The third voice was just like the first two, although it had a gravelly edge to it. But the way they "explained" only seemed to leave me more confused than before.
"What do you mean?" I asked nervously. "My sister has lung cancer. It's not contagious through physical contact, is it?"
"I'm afraid it's not that simple, son. What she has is an unnatural virus that is deteriorating every cell in her body. And when your parents arrive, they might also be infected!"
My heart nearly gave out just hearing something like that, it sounded so outlandish and terrifying at the same time. An unkown virus? How in the world did she even come across such a thing?
"However," said the first voice, snapping me from my inner turmoil, "we might have a solution that could save your whole family before it gets worse."
As I felt the tug of hope within my chest at the plausible news, I realized something, or more specifically, remembered a very vital hint made by these guys. "Hang on a second," I said in distaste, "what are you trying to pull? Some kind of sick joke involving an innocent child to your twisted sense of humor?" I all but shouted at the company.
"Ace, we are not your enemies, nor did we do anything to your sister," said the second voice in a compassionate tone tinged with sympathy. "If anything, we only wish to help her. But to ease your suspicions of us, yes, we would like something in return for our services to Tanya!"
I honestly knew that there was more to what these guys were letting on, but they seemed sincere, like this was something very important! "How do I know that you're not trying to play me for a fool? Who are you, anyway?" I demanded. Yeah, probably not my finest approach, but I was still hesitant to accept their offer!
"We are allies that you can rely on, young Pentagon, for like you, we hold the interests of our friends and family in high regard." Stated the third speaker.
"However, what your sister is going through is very serious. If you help us and accept our offer, than your sister shall be cured."
"Yeah?" I said skeptically, "and if I refuse?" "Then we will still heal her if that is what you wish, but sadly, it won't last forever." Said the first in what I can only describe as regret coming from him.
I was so conflicted at the moment; these complete strangers were offering a chance at Tanya's recovery, but the only cost would be servitude to doing who knows what. However, these guys... these gentlemen, were willing to still help ease her suffering. Even if it's a little bit.
But my conscious couldn't deal with the fact that they didn't sound like a criminal organization, but more like a council of respectable individuals. Turning them down would seem kind of rude if they only wanted to help, and, a job is a job after all; even when it comes to you in this manner.
The wind blew harder around me as I came to a conclusion, leaves and newspapers fluttered through the air on heavy currents.
Well, what have I got to lose? I thought to myself. "I accept, but please, do what you can for Tanya. She means the world to me!" I proclaimed.
"It is done, and I assure you that she feels the same way about you, young guardian..." The voice faded out, as if vanishing into thin air.
"Wait... what?" I muttered in confusion. Until I got a text from mom saying that Tanya was relieved of the illness, surprisingly. Apparently someone was able to give her an antidote to help fight the infection! However, she still needed her rest at the moment so he couldn't speak with her. But just the thought of her making it out of this alone was enough to brighten my day!
That is until the storm turned wrathful; boughts of lightning flashed across the sky, rain pelted me from above, and the wind howled with a furious vengence!
It felt like I was being funneled into a tornado or something. When I opened my eyes, I soon wished that I hadn't; an honest-to-god twister was manifesting around my feet, throwing debris everywhere in the process. I almost got hit by a mailbox for crying out loud!
Then the most horrifying thing happened: within moments of me ironically having just gotten out of a bad time, the wind became strong enough to levitate me into its disastrous force!
Scrambling for purchase, I fought against my impending doom, reaching for anything stable enough to keep me secure to the ground. But each time my fingers snagged something sturdily fixed to the street, it would slip out of my grasp faster than a last-minute thought!
"Gosh-darn-dang it!" I exclaimed when I cut my hand on a rusty hubcap, leaving an unusually shaped cut that looked like a disfigured heart. I then released the manliest scream any normal guy would make when being sucked into a wild tornado.
Let me tell you something; when people like myself dream of flying, we usually picture ourselves having at least a decent amount of control, not this stomach-churning nightmare!
So, is this how I'm going to die, thrown around like a used rag? I thought to myself in fear. My tears became part of the rain as my life flashed before my eyes, and even I could tell that aside from being a good son and brother, I was a pretty lousy person in general; no friends, no career, my life was getting nowhere. Especially where I had to put away my time to assist others who needed help in their lives!
I wish I could have just one more chance to be happy again. I reminisced in despair at my failure as a human being.
But before anything worse happened, I heard a chorus of otherworldly voices chanting an incantation in various languages until it finally settled on English, singing;
With fire, my heart burns bright.
With earth, my body's might.
With water, my mind is alright.
With metal, my will to fight.
With air, our spirits alight!!!
After hearing that, I felt a sudden change in the wind, swirling around more steadily until I saw an intense bright light shining down upon me.
I was then immediately filled with an overpowering sense of calmness, as if I was being embraced by the light itself. Gone were the worries of the flying debris, the storm, my injury, even my sister's illness! All worry itself had evaporated within a span of seconds.
I'm not sure if I was hallucinating or not, but the clouds themselves seemed to come to life with the faces of all manner of creatures; from horses and deer, to dragons and fish. Even the occasional lion leapt through my line of sight with a roar!
Then, all of the cloud creatures converged on me in a gentler whirlwind. The light in front of me became brighter by the nanosecond.
The last thing I heard before blacking out completely was a kind, fatherly voice that set my heart at ease; "Rest now, chosen one, you and your family will be safe from now on..."
In another world, far outside any human's imagination, stood a proud white and golden castle on the side of a mountain, gleaming like a well-polished gemstone.
Within its city walls, a creature of immense power and wisdom strolled through the castle gardens; alabaster fur and feathers covered the regal figure while a mane and tail made of ethereal light flowed like the aurora borealis. Golden regalia adorned the four legs, collar, and forehead of the being. A pair of gentle yet powerful swan-like wings settled gently across its back, and a three-foot horn protruded from the head above amethyst-colored eyes.
This royally garbed creature known as an alicorn, Princess Celestia, was the well-renowned leader of a land called Equestria; a planet populated primarily by ponies and fueled by magic. Where fantasy in our world is reality in this one, from creatures to magic spells!
As she leisurely strolled through the royal gardens to take a break from the constant dealings with the upper-class residents of Canterlot, listening to the birds singing their tunes on this peaceful day, she couldn't help but feel quite lonely at times.
After banishing her sister what felt like eons ago, and just recently losing her personal student to unsavory means, she had been left without close company for nearly a decade. And with the summer sun celebration coming soon, another lifetime seemed to pass by for the immortal alicorn.
But there was a time she could remember once in her history, that she and her sister ruled along with a few special indivduals who served as a type of elite guard. But due to some unfortunate situations, including a certain crystal, that caused for them to be seperated for eternity.
Never in Equestria had there been a more couragous group of creatuers with the insight, and heart that has come through for this country.
As she contimplaited on her past, Celestia could feel a slight change in the wind. Like, dangerously so.
In fact, the sky itself seemed to get darker by the second. Even the clouds began to circle overhead, bolts of lightning flashed as a cloud cone formed into a reversal tornado! The princess herself was getting concerned at the changing weather, it certainly wasn't scheduled, that's for sure.
But before she could chalk it up as a possible attack, a certain singing chorus seemed to put her worries to rest.
Come with me, I'll take you now~!
To a place that you fear, for no reason why~!
Your heart has turned away from me~!
And I will make you understand~!
Suddenly, blue stardust accumulated within the whirlwind, adding a magic spark to the spectacular view.
Everything will become clear to you~!
When you see things through another's eyes~!
Everything will become clear to you~!
Whatever's meant for you, you will find~!
A bursting spectrum of color changed the appearance of the phenomanon; cloud formations in the forms of ferocious beasts roared as the wind intensified, a blaze of light forming in the center and gradually descending to the ground.
Come with me, I'll take you there~!
To a place where you'll see~!
Everything you need to be the one you need to be~!
And all those things that you feared~!
Will disappear from you in time~!
Momentarilly blinded, she couldn't see what was going on within the whirlwind. But eventually, the rythemic song started to end with a chanting that seemed to reverberate all around her!
Everything will become clear to you~!
When you see things through another's eyes~!
Everything will become clear to you~!
Whatever's meant for you, you will find~!
Before her eyes was a figure that seemed to be without a complete form, like it was a spirit without a vessel. Certain parts could be identifiable, but not perfectly there; paws, antlers, scaly wings, even the skin kept shifting between different types that belonged to unknown creatures.
Originally she feared it was a Draconequus like Discord, lord of chaos, but looking back down at the poor soul almost at her hooves made her realize that if it was, it would have enough magic to take care of itself immediately. But that wasn't the case here.
It was as if a piece was missing from the puzzle, to put it mildly. She wasn't sure how she knew that much, but it felt right to assume such a notion.
Cautiously approaching the prone soul, Celestia could literally feel the immense magic reserves from this newcomer, almost like sitting next to a geyser waiting to burst.
But underneath all the power held inside, she could sense the intentions in the heart; it thrummed with honor amidst a sea of good-natured humor, determination blazed with the mellow breeze of empathy, impulsiveness brewed underneath all that, but if she were to guess correctly, all young males could be impulsive at times.
Yes, she could tell for sure it was definitly a stallion. Whatever he was.
Just as she was about to attempt comunication with the anomaly, an incantation of sorts seemed to eminate from the radiating magic;
With fire, my heart burns bright.
With earth, my body's might.
With water, my mind is alright.
With metal, my will to fight.
With air, our spirits alight!!!
Hearing such words not only reminded her of a certain group of guardians in Equestrian history, but also seemed to fill her with the inspiration she needed to know how to help: magic transfusion!
Such a spell, however, was so critically uncommon that it was preferably used among relatives by blood, but it seems as if desperate times call for desperate measures.
Charging up her horn with a golden-hued aura, she started imbuing the soul with some of her own mana, giving more definition to the unshaped mass of light.
After nearly draining herself of her own reserves, something began to take place: four-hooved legs materialized, a barrel-shaped body next, and it finally ended with a muzzle and single, crooked horn.
Then, lying before her in the windswept ground was a young unicorn foal no more than a few years old. It was covered head to hoof in dark teal fur, with a black mane and tail featuring neon green highlights.
The near unfathomable magic of the alicorn had created a living, breathing vessel for this wayward soul, and now she had practically given it untold potential!
Huh, Starswirl would've chewed my ear off if he learned that I had helped create an artificial body. The princess thought to herself tiredly.
A stirring from the dirt pulled her from her musings, focusing on the poor foal in front of her. Careful not to startle him, she approached slowly while taking off her regalia.
The little colt tried to sit up in his foggy state, managing to get only his fore-hooves under him, and breathing calmly.
His eyes fluttered open to reveal chocolate brown irises as the massive mare stood within whispering distance of the teal pony.
Once the newcomer looked her way, he practically froze. His eyes widened as he looked up at the alabaster princess. He began to tremble a bit, as if he feared her, but she guessed again when he looked at himself from muzzle to tail. Celestia could also see that he was without a cutie mark, but was nearly old enough to discover it soon.
"You must have journeyed a great distance to get her, young one." She stated, not unkindly but cautiously still.
As she lay down next to him, she could see that he was trying his hardest to fight back the tears that threatened to burst forth. She could tell better than most these days that those were tears of regret. He must have done something terrible enough that he couldn't keep his emotions in check.
Feeling sympathy for the unintentional intruder, she scooped the young foal with her feathered wing and brought him to her chest for a hug. And like a switch, the floodwaters came as he released his pent-up grief, crying on her shoulder and burying himself deeper into her embrace.
"Hush. It's alright, child. You are safe." She said reassuringly, humming a little to calm the distraught colt.
It took a while, but once he was breathing normally and became more relaxed, she ended the hug slowly but kept a hoof on him to provide comfort.
When she saw his eyes again, they still trembled a bit, but he actually managed a small smile of gratitude toward her kindness. But she could tell that he was still hurting inside.
"Feeling better?" Celestia asked her new companion, gently rubbing his back with a caring smile. He nodded. "Do you have a name, little fallen star?"
With a resigned sigh, he answered in almost a whisper, "A.. A.. Ace... Ace Pentagon," before collapsing in exhaustion.