It was a few weeks until the conference came and Twilight was working as hard as possible to make it work at the Castle of the Two Sisters. She spent day and night fixing up the place so it wouldn’t fall apart on the guests. Preparing the rooms, menu, where the halls were going to be, seating, all down to the minute detail. Unfortunately it drained her to the point where she was almost falling asleep during the speech. Spike and his daughter were surprised that she managed to regain any composure at all. Gears was there as well but she did what Twilight could not. She was asleep in the front row not even hiding it. Once the Princess of Friendship was done with her speech and Spike feeling underutilized they left for their rooms. Moonlight Wisp was seething under her scales, the delegates had ignored her father in favor of the Princesses.

“They’re just jerks.” Gears spoke up yawning all the while. “They think that the Princesses are the ones who do everything and forget that there are people like your dad who help out.”

“He’s probably going to do everything to help and get no attention paid to him unless it is in Twilight’s name.” grumbled Moonlight her pupils turning to slits only to get hit in the face by a hammer. “Sorry, I don’t know what is wrong with me.”

“Dragons, they’re always angry. I mean DurgUa tolerates me in his forge but the moment some guard comes in that isn’t a II he loses his temper.” the grey gold filly mused as she sat down noticing that Twilight was already asleep. “You know if you want, anytime a noble insists that Spike’s opinion isn’t valid I could always throw a hammer into his or her face.”

“Thanks but I think that would make things worse.” grumbled the pale silver half breed watching as her father tucked the Princess of Friendship in. He talked with Cadence about keeping her asleep so the two fillies left the room. They walked around chatting looking at the small houses the ponies that were from Canterlot was staying. They were forced to take a few steps back and not have a lot of things they were used to at this point. The adults complained and the children complained even more. Moonlight Wisp noticed a lot of the looks she was getting and backed up. Gears turned around before figuring out what her problem was. She glared at the ponies before hurrying her back to the castle. Both sighing as they closed the doors behind him.

“Moonlight, can you talk to your father?” Cadence’s voice asked causing the half breed to look at her. “I want to make sure that the power he is using won’t go to his head.”

The half dragon growled at the princess her eyes glowing dangerously as she said. “He is not a baby anymore! If you can’t trust him to be responsible then maybe you should tell him he shouldn’t be Twilight’s assistant. Or maybe you should tell those dumb ponies that he had saved your empire twice!”

With that the filly walked out of the doors, Gears looked at Cadence saying. “You told that to his daughter.”

“I just don’t want the ponies to go after Twilight if anything messes up.” Cadence admitted before looking at the unicorn sighing. “Though I should have more faith in him and explain to the ponies that he has much authority as Twilight. That way he could make up for his mistakes.”

“Then do it, tell those dumb ponies that the assistant of Twilight Sparkle knows just as much as she does.” Gears told her and Cadence looked to the side. “It is the right thing to do, plus if they blame Spike and the Princess for everything that goes wrong in their lives I think Moonlight might try to eat them.”

“Do you think she can?” Cadence felt her stomach sink as Gears shook her head saying. “It’s more likely she's going to try and talk to him but the stares are going to get to her and she's going to bolt.”

The pink alicorn moved towards the door and opened it up seeing the halfbreed running through the streets. Sighing the Princess of Love looked at Gears who shrugged saying. “She was getting pretty jumpy earlier. It was either her running or attacking someone.”

“Should we go after her?” Cadence inquired and Gears shook her head answering. “No, Spike should go after her, she's his little girl. We are going to make sure that no pony wakes up Twilight and get them to solve their own problems for once.”

“One thing at a time.” chuckled the mare as they walked to Twilight’s room. They saw Spike giving advice to ponies at the front of a long line. Cadence looked at Gears before lifting the filly onto her back. Flying up she landed next to the purple dragon who looked confused at why they were there.

“Spike, you might need to go after your daughter.” the older mare explained and Spike was going to question why. “According to Gears she's been nervous around other ponies. Apparently she was very jumpy the last time they were out.”

“We can make sure that she won't be disturbed.” Gears told him before thinking. “I'm going to need a few suits of armor.”

Cadence and Spike both turned to look at the grey gold unicorn as she moved passed them shouting. “Don’t let them into the room Cadance!”

“Foals nowadays.” huffed one of the diplomats watching as she passed by. The growing dragon looked at the princess saying. “I’m going to catch up with Moonlight. Do you think you can handle this?”

“I’m sure.” the Princess of Love replied looking at the crowd her horn glowing as the door was encased by her aura. “They are not getting passed me.”

Twilight rolled over in her sleep restlessly, images of her time in Kirkwall rising up to meet her subconscious. Music began to play as she tried to escape the memories that were arising. Yet figures danced before her all masked in a ballroom that one could describe as exquisite.

Twilight looked around at the ballroom before her, the night sky lit only by the stars and the moon. Figures twirled beneath her as she began to descend the stairs almost gliding as she did so. She stopped halfway through as the announcer spoke. “Princess Twilight Sparkle of Equestria.”

She moved forward as she moved past the vanishing figures who had turned to watch her. The Princess of Friendship paused in front of the ledge where a blonde woman in a mask stood. Curtseying the woman spoke in a heavy yet delicate accented voice. “I welcome you Princess Twilight. I hope that you are enjoying the wonders of Halamshiral.”

“It is a sight to behold your majesty.” Twilight answered standing straight as the guests whispered around her. “I do hope that foul winds do not blow.”

The woman laughed saying. “You are quite a dear, your teacher has taught you well. It is a shame that she could not join us.”

“She sends her deepest apologies, an urgent matter in our courts has arisen.” the sapphire maned mare replied before giving a sly smile. “Though she does wish that you will be able to attend her gala if all things go well tonight.”

“Let us hope.” answered the Empress before nodding her head. “I would love to converse more with you but alas I have other guests.”

“Until next we speak.” Twilight replied giving another courtesy before heading up the steps to her left. She walked down the walkway watching the arriving guests recognizing one of them slightly. A hand rested on her shoulder gripping tightly as to prevent her from turning around.

“Not now, save me a dance Princess.” the voice told her, it was familiar but without the ability to look at the stranger she couldn’t be sure. The hand slipped down and she turned to look only to see a crowd of people gathering. Slipping through the crowd to find the stranger she soon found herself almost bumping into a blond noble. He apologized though his gaze seemed to linger as she moved away. Her shoes clicked against the stone ground as she managed to get outdoors. Taking a deep breath she turned to look at the crowd now moving away from the railings. Shaking her head she moved back into the crowd hoping to make some important connections. In the back of her mind she wondered who the owner of the voice belonged to. On the way through she passed by an elf wearing a hat and she turned to watch him disappearing through the crowd towards the vestibule.

Spike moved as fast as he could through the trees of the forest hoping that he would be able to locate his daughter. She did have a headstart and he should have realized that the people of Canterlot wouldn’t have the same reaction that those who live in Ponyville would towards a hybrid. ‘I’m just hoping I can talk some sense into her.’ he thought as he sped up wishing there was a better way to track her.

Moonlight Wisp walked through the streets of Ponyville her head lowered. ‘You didn’t have to run like that. They weren’t even saying anything, what did it matter to you about the stares?’ she bertated herself as she stared up at the castle. Frowning she moved to open the doors only to pause when she heard the sound of metal being hammered. Tilting her head to the side the young filly followed it down a large flight of stares. Heat washed over her as she descended until she came to a large cavern where a huge black dragon was. Thick black scaled glistened in the firelight as the being hammered away watching the metal shape with four glowing red eyes.

“If you are not here to help then leave.” he spoke not even turning to look at her. “I am busy.”

“Just wondering what all the noise was.” she answered turning to leave only to stop when he spoke again. “Ponies shouldn’t be able to hear when I’m working, they had complained so I put up a spell.”

“It was faint but I heard it.” her response caused the dragon to turn and look at her in confusion as she shrank back at his size. He frowned as he moved to get a better look at her saying. “A half dragon, how interesting. I never knew that this was possible.”

“I’m just a byproduct of a spell.” Moonlight retorted defensively looking to the side. “I don’t know if ponies and dragons can have children together.”

“It might be possible, who knows. Our species do not seem to get along.” the dragon shook his head before resuming his work with thunderous noise. He watched her from the corner of his eyes as he began to use a deep red magic to continue for him as he turned around.

“Tell me, why are you still here? You could have left when you first shrank away, yet you didn’t.” questioned the dark dragon as he settled down in front of her. Moonlight glanced to the side saying. “I...I don’t want to back out there. The world is….”

“Dark, scary, dangerous.” replied the older dragon with a chuckle and her head craned upwards to look at him. “I was like that once, I who was one of the most powerful dragons. ThraxMaugh, now I am DurgUa, the Fallen Dragon, enemy of those who remember me.”

“Sounds like you’re a little bit bitter.” the pale silver hybrid told him as she sat down. “I’ve got some time before dad figures out where I am. So tell me, ThraxMaugh, what were the dragons like before you were corrupted.”

DurgUa’s eyes narrowed at the use of his name, smirking he began to tell the tales of before the curse. Memories he had clung to while he was sealed, he was never going to tell Aurora but they were mainly of the family.

Gears travelled through the halls of the castle as fast as she could go, her blue eyes wandering. ‘How far do I have to?’ she thought until spotting a pale silver light in front of her. It bounced for a moment before leading her down a hall. Shrugging the small filly moved after it as fast as she could. For a moment a sinking feeling in her stomach gave her pause. Yet she moved passed it and continued to follow it until she came to a hall of very scary looking suits of armor. Blinking she moved forward as she began to examine every inch of the armor. Nodding her head in satisfaction she began her work on two suits. She was hoping that nothing bad was happening with Cadence. It would mean more trouble for her when she gets back.

“I am sorry but Princess Twilight isn’t available to help you.” Cadence said as the nobles began to complain. One comment caught her attention and angered her. “Princess Celestia always has time to talk instead of standing there and looking pretty. It doesn’t matter what Princess Twilight is doing we need her help with a friendship problem.”

The crowd began to yell in agreement and the Princess of Love slammed her hooves into the ground shouting in her Royal voice. “ENOUGH!”

The ponies went silent as the pink alicorn decided to continue. “Princess Twilight set up this convention for you to gather and learn from each other. She has not had any rest and is recovering from long and sleepless nights. For this moment do not see her as a Princess but as a pony. Would you like it if ponies kept coming to you for advice while you are trying to sleep?”

The ponies began to talk amongst themselves and some began to leave. Some of the more stubborn diplomats stayed much to her annoyance. ‘This is going to take a bit.’ she thought as the next round of arguments were thrown at her.

Twilight watched the dancers below her carefully as a man walked up to her and offered to dance. Taking a deep breath she accepted knowing to decline would have been rude. She was swept onto the ballroom floor as they began to twirl. The conversation was to be expected, trade relations with Equestria and she felt almost bored. Then the figures began to change, the male in front of her morphed into a blonde haired male with a black cat mask made from raven feathers. Strawberry blond hair surrounded it as they began to dance once again.

“I am surprised you even showed up.” she spoke trying to keep the venom out of her voice. “How did you get in?”

“Varric.” answered the strangers as they began to dance, the image of the ballroom beginning to fade. “I have come to warn you.”

“About what?” this caught Twilight’s attention as the music continued for some reason. “My people are busy with a war at the moment.”

“It is about the one you call Sombra.” Anders told her as he took her hand and led her away. “He is not the one you should focus on.”

“He is attacking us Anders, do you think that we should stop?” the mulberry mare snapped trying to pull her hand away only to find she couldn’t.

“Twilight, I have spent a lifetime here, I know what is happening.” replied the mage as he stopped in front of a mirror. “The one you should watch out for is Abyssia, the Corrupted Dragon. She wishes to be free of her prison and now the only thing she needs are the Princesses of your realm. Her one wish is to bring ruin to your world just as her master tried to bring ruin to his.”

His presence began to fade as Twilight turned around as a dark force erupted from the mirror as a black dragon with six red eyes appeared behind her. The young princess turned around at let out a gasp backing away as fast as she could. The dragon looked down at her and began to laugh moving in closer hissing. “An alicorn princess, not one of the false but a chosen. How lucky am I?”

“There were four of us. QuirinSurpMiir, myself, UntryrUryte, and AuthaLothar, all created at the sametime. We were all different as Discord did not like order, each of us having our own strengths and weaknesses.” explained the now black dragon tapping his claws against the ground. “We all varied in size and shape, UntryrUryte being the smallest and wisest out of all of us as I was the tallest and most powerful. Quirin… he had courage despite his smaller stature he made sure that all laws and codes we made were just and fair.”

“What about AuthaLothtar?” asked Moonlight earning a pained look from the dragon before he continued his story. “AuthaLothtar could only be described as the youngest, eager to find out her place in the world. She would get in much trouble having energy to spare as she tried out new things. Discord got bored with the fact that we had all started out the same age so he created young dragons and even wyrmlings to keep us busy. We all raised the small ones with Codes of Honor, wisdom, how to fight, to be powerful dragons. We had no flaws, no darkness in us like the ponies. That all changed when the corruption started, when AuthaLothtar… no back then she wasn’t AuthaLothtar, she never had such a cursed name. She was merely ZundaeIngeir, Laughing Heart, my sisters.”

DurgUa’s claws dug into the ground as he began to remember. “She began to have dark dreams and it scared her causing her to go to us. She begged for answers, what her purpose was, she wanted to know so much and it crushed her when even we didn’t know. She withdrew from us after that, spending her time delving into her dreams and the void that was calling her. Untryr was worried as was I. Yet when QuirinSurpMiir found the ponies our attention turned away to teach these defenseless creatures. In that one moment she took the chance and grasped at the power handed to her. When I realized what had happened I went to stop her and in my haste I forewent Untryr’s protection and was corrupted. My red scales turned to black and my mind was twisted. Therefore I became the first servant of AuthaLothar, The Void Mother. The battles I fought with my siblings began to destroy this world and just before I was sealed away I came to my senses. I had killed my brother and was sealed by my sister.”

“I guess legend verus history is wrong. It said you were hit by AuthaLothtar’s attack before she was sealed away. According to a book that dad and I read in Aurora’s library.” the hybrid revealed and the large dragon looked startled. “Was she sealed before you or were you sealed together?”

“She was sealed first, after she had struck me we fled into the mountains. The spirits and the ponies gave chase hoping to revert us to normal. Autha knew what they were planning so she sent me to carry on her work while she fought them. She thought that if one of us remained the corruption would spread faster. It didn’t, when she was sealed away the connection she had over my mind was severed and I went on a rampage. Instead of corruption I rained destruction down upon the world.”

“And finished.” Gears said taking a few steps back from the suits of armor that was now looking around. “Come on, I need you to do something for me.”

The statues nodded their head as they began to follow the small filly. She led them through the castle to the stairs leading to Twilight’s room. There were still a massive amount of ponies surrounding Cadence. All were now arguing over what a Princess’s duty was.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. HEY MOVE OR I WILL MAKE YOU!” she shouted to the delegates in the back who looked at her about to retort before spotting what was behind her. They quickly moved out of the way as she moved forward with her metal guardians behind her. More of the delegates heard the noise and moved trying to steer clear of the mechanical creatures. Once she reached the top she commanded the armor to move in front of the door.

“Stay.” she told them before handing an amulet to Cadence saying. “Here, they are in your care now. If they give you much time you can order them to aid you. Just be really specific on your orders, they are metal and don’t get that ponies are squishy creatures.”

“Thank you.” Cadence said before looking at the fleeing ponies as she put the amulet around her neck. “What do you call them?”

“I haven’t thought of it just yet.” the filly shrugged before moving away. “I’m going to take a nap, there must someplace that isn’t overrun with diplomats.”

Cadence watched the filly walk away humming under her breath. She smiled before looking at the two suits of armor saying. “If any pony wants to talk just knock, gently, on the door twice.”

The pink alicorn unlocked the door before walking in shutting it behind her.

Twilight ran through the darkness as the dragon gave chase to her. She had been afraid of DurgUa, but whatever this thing was terrified her. Claws reached for her stretching across the endless darkness as a deep voice spoke. “Soon all will see that the throne of the Maker will no longer be empty.”

The youngest alicorn did not pause as the claws closed all around her. Her eyes shut tight tiring to block out the images she was seeing. That was when the creature that had grabbed her let out a screech as she began to sink into what felt like water. Eyes snapped open as the mulberry alicorn looked down seeing a swirling pool of magical energy rising from below her. A crystal rose from the depths a pony trapped inside. Reaching out a hoof Twilight tried to help the pony, but all that she heard was a thousand screams.

Spike managed to trace Moonlight back to Ponyville and had nearly lost her if it wasn't for the sound of a deep voice. He followed it to the forge that Discord had made for DurgUa and found him talking to Moonlight. There was no irritation in his voice like there normally was with the noble ponies. Leaning against the wall of the cave he listened to his history ad the history of all dragons. The book he had read had gotten somethings wrong and he figured Aurora had probably known that. She had told him that it didn't matter if the books were right or wrong she would still collect them. ‘There is so much she didn't tell me.’ he thought thinking back. ‘But there is so much that I didn't ask.’

“I do believe that you father has come to collect you.” DurgUa spoke and Spike moved forward seeing the hybrid jump. Her head turned and noticed him as the corrupted dragon took him in with his red eyes. Spike walked towards his daughter saying. “I heard from Gears and Cadance that you took off.”

“Sorry dad.” Moonlight mumbled her clawed feet scraping against the ground. “I was scared… every pony stared at me when I was walking.”

Spike shook his head moving next to her and sitting down replying. “I know, Gears told me that as well. How long have you two been hanging out?”

“A day after I got back, I kind of ran into her.” Spike chuckled when he heard the response yet his gaze was drawn to the dragon in front of his daughter. DurgUa watched him before moving away saying. “Do not worry yourself about this. These are events that happened long ago.”

Spike looked startled for a moment before placing a hand on the black scaled dragon causing him to turn his head a bit. Taking a deep breath the purple dragon told him. “They may have happened a long time ago but the pain you felt from then is still fresh. We can help you heal.”

“I do not believe that anything you can do to help.” chuckled the corrupted dragon looking to the side. “Thank you for the offer.”

“Just because you don’t believe it doesn’t mean it isn’t possible.” Spike said before turning to leave. “You need to have a little more faith in us.”

The young dragon left with his daughter behind him, DurgUa laughed before saying quietly. “It seems like your task is not done yet, brother.”

Twilight’s eyes snapped open as she sat up quickly trying to shake the dream from her head. Her hooves shook as she got out of bed swaying a little.

Author's Notes:

I do not own MLP. Please comment and/or review. Updated with a pun in the title.