Chapter 7

“Does the mutt have to sleep in here with us?” Trixie asked looking at Dane with annoyance “He smells terrible and I swear he’s been here for a day and a half and I’m already finding his fur on my cloak!” Trixie exclaimed, Twilight decided to do the smart thing and cast a cloak of silence around herself before putting out her magic lantern and closing her eyes.

“You know I’ve slept in the same room as some real bitches, but you make them look like a breath of fresh air.” Dane replied with a toothy grin as he curled up in front of the door, nothing was getting past him.

“Oh shut up mongrel, don’t you have fleas to scratch?” Trixie asked with venom.

“Don’t worry, I already shook them off all over your cloak.” Dane replied.

“You wouldn’t have dared!” Trixie replied angrily.

“Maybe, maybe not, I guess you’ll have to check.” Dane told her matter-of-factly eliciting a small growl of frustration from Trixie.

“I’ll have you neutered!” Trixie threatened.

“Mhm you just try.” Dane replied confidently.

“I’ll have Angeldust help; she loves it when things go snicker snack.” Trixie told him, Dane yawned.

“Sorry still not freighted, got anything interesting?” Dane asked her curiously. Trixie thought for a few seconds.

“I’ll tie you to a post and leave you without any food or water for a week.” Trixie told him, Dane just laughed.

“You may have a bit of trouble finding something that my claws can’t cut through.” Dane replied confidently.

“Hey doggie want a treat?” Trixie asked condescendingly.

“Sorry but you aren’t my type.” Dane replied. “Besides…what about my flees?” Trixie was about to respond when Twilight flicked the lamp back on.

“It is currently twelve o’clock at night, I don’t have any coffee. I can hear you through my cloak of silence spell, if you both don’t kindly cease your bickering then I will personally shove you both out the window along with a spell to make you the same weight as a solid block of steel, now go to bed!” Twilight told them angrily before turning the lamp off again.

“Mutt.” Trixie said quietly.

“Bitch.” Dane replied just as quietly.

“What was that?” Twilight asked, her voice was sweet but, it held a hint of menace.

“Nothing!” Dane and Trixie said simultaneously

“Good, that’s what I thought.” Twilight said before she buried her head in her pillow.

***

“Well you two look like you’re overjoyed to be in the same room.” Aqua said while looking up from her book. Trixie was shooting angry looks at the large dog; Dane smiled over at her and began cleaning his teeth with the tip of a claw.

“Yeah they kept me up all night.” Twilight said as she poured herself another glass of blessed coffee. “So when are we marching out?” Twilight asked Aqua.

“We don’t know yet, apparently Angeldust is at a briefing getting our orders.” Stardust said, she looked tired, but in a good way. Twilight envied her, but there was nopony that she really wanted to sleep with at the moment. Pinkie entered the room hopping with Dash behind her flying and yawing.

“Ugh I hate the military; they always make you get up so early!” Dash complained rubbing her eyes; Twilight looked over at the clock on the wall.

“Dash it’s ten, that’s more than late enough.” Twilight told her friend who shook her head.

“Not when you’re rooming with Pinkie she kept me up till midnight!” Dash replied with a slight glare at the pink pony who looked over and smiled.

“No offense Dash, but you sound like it was unexpected.” Twilight told her, Dash shrugged.

“Actually it kind of was; I haven’t slept with her before.” Dash replied Twilight’s mouth fell open.

“Not like that, geez Twi get your mind out of the sewer.” Dash told her with an annoyed smile, Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Sorry after you live here for a while everything can be taken as an innuendo.” Twilight replied with a shake of her head.

“I’ve noticed, anyways do you think you could find anyone who wouldn’t mind taking me out flying today?” Dash asked Twilight rubbed her chin in thought for a few seconds before nodding.

“Yeah I think Deadeye is free today, I’m sure she wouldn’t mind taking you for a flight.” Twilight replied with a smile.

“Thanks Twilight I haven’t really been in the air for a day and a half and I’m starting to get antsy.” Dash said flashing her friend a smile. “So what’s your schedule for the day?” Dash asked.

“Well right now we’re waiting for orders so everything depends on what those are, but if we aren’t marching out for a few days then I’ll probably take the opportunity to look at some of the earth magic spells in the library.” Twilight answered with a shrug.

“Twilight you’re such an egghead.” Dash said with a smile.

“I am, but here being an egghead keeps you alive.” Twilight said with a shrug. Dash looked at her for a minute before she shrugged and grabbed a muffin.

“I’m here!” Angeldust cried as she hopped into the room, her face was stretched into the slightly maniacal grin that Twilight had come to associate with news of deployment.

“So how long till we move out?” Blaze asked the golden unicorn who turned to face him.

“We leave for the diamond dog fortress Daemonis Regni in two days.” Angeldust said with a slight giggle. “I like the name of that place; it’s so reassuring and safe sounding!”

“Is she joking?” Dane asked looking at the grinning golden unicorn skeptically.

“Hard to tell, she’s like that.” Stardust said with a sigh while she looked at her partner smiling slightly. Spike entered the room and looked around for a few seconds before shaking his head and heading for the kitchen attached to the dining room with a frown and an angry growl.

“What’s got your dragon angry?” Aqua asked half looking up from her demonic text.

“I don’t know-” Twilight was interrupted by Spike’s voice.

“No, No, No! that is not how you make breakfast! Who could possibly thought that it was a good idea to only serve muffins? I mean you’re all soldiers you should know better, muffins do not contain nearly enough of the things that a good soldier needs to fight well. Get out!” Spike yelled at the soldiers manning the kitchen who can out running with the fiery purple dragon chasing them holding a wooden ladle high. “And don’t come back till you learn to cook something besides muffins!” Spike called after their retreating forms.

“Spike what are you doing?” Twilight asked the dragon who suddenly blushed.

“Sorry Twilight, I’ve been cooking for you for so long that I’ve become kind of protective of what you eat.” Spike said nervously twiddling his fingers.

“Well we have been eating muffins for years, so I’m up for a little change in meals let’s see what you can do.” Aqua told him, the dragon nodded and went back into the kitchen, fifteen minutes later he returned with a giant plate stacked with omelets.

“Try these.” Spike said setting the plate on the table; Twilight levitated one over with her magic and cut into it with her knife unleashing a small puff of steam. Then she confidently cut herself a piece and popped it into her mouth.

“They’re amazing Spike!” Twilight said hastily cutting another piece. Despite already having eaten the others all followed Twilight’s example and the room was filled with the satisfied sounds of eating ponies. Dane, who was already on his third omelet looked over at Spike and gave him a toothy grin.

“I haven’t had eggs this god in years, how’d you do it?” The mastiff asked Spike.

“I’ve been cooking for Twilight for a long time.” Spike replied with a shrug he went back into the kitchen and returned a few seconds later munching on a diamond.

“Oh by the way Twilight the Empress wanted to see you and your dragon whenever you were available.” Angeldust said as she powered through another omelet, she was almost keeping up with Dane who was on his fifth.

“Did she say why?” Twilight asked.

“Nope, but if I had to guess I’d say it’s something plot relevant.” Angeldust replied oddly.

“Thanks I’ll take your word for it.” Twilight replied “Come on Spike let’s go see what the Empress wants. They walked in companionable silence for several minutes till they arrived at the door to the Empress’s room. Twilight knocked twice on the door which was immediately opened by a mare who looked incredibly like Octavia. Her cutie mark however was a pair of knives crossed over a cello instead of the normal treble clef.

“The Empress is waiting for you in her office it’s the door on the right, ignore my partner.” The mare said in a refined voice, Twilight nodded and walked towards door on the left with Spike following on her heels. Another mare who looked like Vinyl Scratch opened the door when Twilight knocked, suddenly birdlike shrieks of joy assaulted Twilight’s ears. Rocketing towards Spike was a familiar looking phoenix.

“Peewee what are you doing here?” Spike asked the bird who alighted on his shoulder and began to nuzzle Spike’s cheek affectionately. The bird had grown a lot since Spike had rescued him from the other dragons and was now around the size of Philomena, although he boasted a much larger set of talons and his beak was curved to a sharper point.

“He came with a letter from my dear sister.” Cosmosmia told him from where she sat behind her desk.

“But I thought sending beings through was dangerous isn’t it?” Twilight asked uncertainly.

“Well yes, but he’s a phoenix. If what I understand is correct once they bond to a master they’re extremely hard to displace, apparently he was able to travel with the letter through my mail spell. Please don’t ask me how, Faust only knows and I haven’t heard from my mother in a few millennia.” Cosmosmia said with a shrug. Spike was delighted to have his companion back; he’d bonded deeply with the phoenix during several camping trips through the tamer parts of Everfree.

“So Peewee how’d you do it?” Spike asked the bird who looked at him with one golden eye and blinked before going back to his nuzzling.

“Little bastard scared the hell out of when he came through, it’s not every day that a blazing ball of squawking fire bursts into existence in your boss’s office. I probably would have killed him if it wasn’t for the Empress.” The Vinyl look alike said offhandedly.

“Thank you for not…” Spike said the white unicorn shrugged.

“Anytime, just please don’t make a habit of it.”

“Disk would you show them out please? I have work to finish before we march out in two days.” Cosmosmia asked her guard politely.

“Didn’t you mention a letter from Celestia?” Twilight asked before she could be led out the door.

“Oh that. The letter was just an explanation of who the phoenix belonged to.” Cosmosmia said with a shrug, Twilight nodded and followed Disk out of the room. Twilight and Spike made their way back to the dining area with Peewee seated staunchly on Spike’s shoulder giving the dragon’s cheek an occasional nuzzle. The scene when they walked back into the room was almost the same as when they left, except for the fact that Dane and Trixie were arguing again and the others appeared to be placing bets on who would win.

“Shouldn’t you be off humping something’s leg?” Trixie asked venomously.

“I’d ask you to volunteer, but I have standards.” Dane replied with a large grin.

“Standards, what standards yesterday you admitted to eating almost anything?” Trixie asked him with a victorious smile.

“Yeah I do, and do you know what that includes?” Dane asked with a wide smile.

“I have no idea but I’m sure it’s disgusting!” Trixie shot back.

“Well at least one of the items on the menu are blue and annoying.” Dane replied his smile growing larger as Trixie’s drew large in shock.

“You eat meat?” Trixie asked her voice was suddenly more fearful then disgusted.

“Yeah but now that you mention it I prefer bacon so you’d make a fine meal.” Dane said showing off his teeth.

“Oooh burn!” Pinkie said bouncing in her seat.

“Wait what’s bacon?” Trixie asked uncertainly.

“It’s pig meat.” Pinkie informed her frankly.

“You called me a pig!” Trixie yelled at Dane who shrugged nonchalantly.

“You just have such a pigly demeanor, I mean you’re so fat, and your brain can’t be much brighter.” Dane said with a shrug.

“Well at least I’m not a son of a bitch bastard!” Trixie yelled at him, Dane smiled at her.

“Yep and I know it, sorry darling you’ll have to try again.” His voice was cool and his smile had changed into a smirk. Trixie was stuttering with rage and her left eye was twitching dangerously.

“Why you, why you, why you-” Trixie stuttered.

“What’s that darling I didn’t hear you?” Dane asked cutting her off.

“You’re a no dishonorable turncoat who abandoned his race!” Trixie yelled at him, unlike the rest of her insults this one didn’t just bounce off. Dane’s eyes narrowed and a low growl escaped his lips.

“I’m giving you one chance to take that back, one chance which is more then I give most people who insult my honor.” Dane said menacingly, Trixie who believed she’d struck a nerve kept on the pressure.

“Oh what’s wrong doggie, I though dogs were known for being loyal?” Trixie asked condescendingly. Dane growled and rose to his feet; apparently Trixie had forgotten how tall he was because she shrunk visibly.

“One more chance, take back what you said or I’m going to be doing some redecorating and I’m leaning towards red and blue.” Dane said taking a step closer to the blue mare who had regained her courage after the initial shock of seeing the dog towering over her had passed.

“Come and get me you traitor.” Trixie baited. Dane howled and jumped towards the blue unicorn, when his claws were an inch away from Trixie’s face he was suddenly suspended in a glowing purple aura.

“Can’t I leave you two alone for ten minutes?” Twilight asked in exasperation.

“She insulted my honor, and in all fairness I gave her far more chances then I give most.” Dane said turning his head in to address Twilight. “Now will you put me down because as much as I enjoy being suspended in midair it gets old fast?” Dane asked Twilight “And put me down gently none of that landing in a cloud of dust bull shit.” Dane added quickly.

“Only once you two apologize to each other.” Twilight said calmly “And that goes for you to Trixie.” Twilight said turning to her partner who sighed.

“Fine, I’m sorry for insulting your honor, mutt.” Trixie said.

“And I’m sorry for comparing you to a fat delicious animal, bitch.” Dane replied.

“That’s as good as I’m going to get isn’t it?” Twilight asked with a sigh before she released Dane who walked calmly back to his seat.

“Spike why is there a phoenix sitting on your shoulder?” Blaze asked, now that there was no fighting going on his gaze had immediately zeroed in on the firebird.

“Oh this is Peewee my phoenix.” Spike answered. “Say hi to everyone Peewee.” Spike told the bird who cried a hunting shriek.

“Kid I love you.” Blaze said walking towards the firebird who looked at him with interest as he pulled out another of his glass jars. “Peewee if it wouldn’t be too much trouble would you mind if I took a little of your fire and pit it into this jar?” Blaze asked the phoenix who looked at him sideways for a few seconds before bursting into flame. A stream of red light suddenly shot out of Blaze’s horn and captured a small amount of the flames and carried it gently back to the jar. Peewee returned to his normal form looking none the worse for wear and gazed at the little bit of flame curiously. “This is going to be so awesome when I combine it with your flame Spike!” Blaze said walking swiftly out of the room laughing to himself a little madly.

“Well it’s nice to see that he has something to do.” Aqua said before turning back to her book.

“So Twilight you mentioned that you thought Deadeye would take me flying.” Dash told Twilight turning to face her purple friend.

“Yeah are you ready now?” Twilight asked Dash.

“Twilight I was born for the air.” Dash replied with a smile.

“Alright follow me I should be able to find her pretty quickly, she’s usually practicing her shots in the practice yard.” Twilight told Dash as she rose to her hooves and headed out of the room. Pinkie looked around at the other ponies in the room for a few minutes before throwing confetti on Aqua and doing a back flip out of the room. Aqua blew the confetti off her nose before she went back to her book.

Twilight led Dash out to the training yard where they found Deadeye conveniently practicing her archery. The grey mare looked up when she noticed Twilight approaching and smiled.

“Hey Twilight what’s up?” Deadeye asked her once Twilight got closer.

“Hey Deadeye, would you mind taking Dash here flying?” Twilight asked the pegasus who looked at Dash and smiled.

“Only if she can keep up.” Deadeye replied with a smile, Dash immediately jumped in the air and hovered in front of Deadeye.

“I’m Rainbow Dash the fastest flyer in Equestria; I can take anything you’ve got!” Dash told her confidently, Deadeye smiled a smirk before she jumped into the air and launched herself skyward. Dash followed just as quickly. Twilight wandered off towards the library shaking her head at the pegasi antics.

“I thought you said you were fast!” Deadeye called from in front of Dash, Dash growled to herself and unleashed another level of her speed. She went shooting past Deadeye who laughed and immediately passed her again flying backwards and upside down. “You’re going to have to do better than that.” Deadeye called mockingly.

“Did you think I was trying?” Dash asked the other pegasus as she closed the gap with ease.

“I’d hoped you weren’t actually.” Deadeye said coasting on an updraft next to Dash with a lazy smile on her face. “So Dash what’s your story?” Deadeye asked with interest as the two of them flew among the clouds
“Not much to tell really, I’m Twilight’s friend from another dimension who’s trapped here.” Dash said simply with a shrug. Deadeye chuckled dryly.

“So modest, and here I thought you were the fastest flyer in Equestria.” Deadeye said with a grin.

“I am the fastest flyer in Equestria.” Dash said proudly.

“Then you must have a longer story.” Deadeye said with a slight grin.

“Fine I’ll tell you…”

***

“And that’s how Equestria was made!” Pinkie exclaimed ending her tale of danger mystery and excitement. Her audience was giving her skeptical looks. “What you don’t believe me?” Pinkie asked her companions in a hurt voice.

“It’s not that we don’t believe you Pinkie, it’s that that story made absolutely no sense.” Aqua said gently.

“What didn’t make sense about it?” Pinkie asked in confusion. “I told it to the exact way that I saw it.”

“Are you implying that you were around when Equestria was made?” Trixie asked Pinkie skeptically.

“No of course not, that’d be crazy; I watched it on a laptop!” Pinkie replied with a grin.

“And that is? Wait never mind I don’t want to know.” Trixie said with a shrug.

“I enjoyed the part where those four turtles stopped the alien mutant robot monster!” Angeldust said excitedly.

“But what happened to the pony who blew up the ring, is he just floating around in space?” Blaze asked.

“The biggest plot hole was the ending; I mean it didn’t even make any sense compared to what you were telling us.” Trixie added.

“I want to know whether the pony in the duster ended up dying alone!” Angeldust said turning to Pinkie who shrugged.

“Remind me again why they thought that it would be a good idea to go inside that giant worm?” Trixie asked trying to understand what the pink pony had told them.

“Pinkie are you sure that’s how it happened?” Aqua asked the pink pony who nodded rapidly.

“Yep it’s all true.” Pinkie confirmed with a wide smile the others looked at her before shrugging.

“You have one strange mind Pinkie.” Trixie told the pink pony who nodded happily.

“Only as odd as everyone else’s.” Pinkie told them with a wide grin.

***

“So Dane if you’re going to be my body guard I need to know more about you.” Twilight told the mastiff who had found her reading in the library.

“Well there isn’t much to tell really…” Dane began.

“Bullshit.” Twilight said with a snort. “You storm a fortress by yourself to assassinate a god empress for the greater good of your people consequences be damned. You then find out that circumstances aren’t as dire as you thought they were and decide that your life actually is worth something to you and join up with the enemy without really pausing to think about it. Then you freak out at Trixie when she insults your honor and have to be magically restrained to keep from killing her or die trying to. You somehow expect me to believe that there isn’t an incredible life story leading up to this that’s shaped you into a witty honor loving killer?” Twilight asked the mastiff incredulously.

“Well when you put it like that…” The mastiff began. “I grew up with my parents on a small farm; they were eventually killed by a group of bandits. I was sent off to live in an orphanage where I was bullied immensely for being a mastiff. Once I got older I moved out of the orphanage and was taken in by a league of assassins who thought I would make a good member. I fought with them for a long time before striking out on my own as a mercenary and took contracts till I eventually heard about your Empress’s plans for genocide and decided to put a stop to it. Two of those things were lies, but I won’t tell you which.” Dane told Twilight as he finished his abbreviated life’s story.

“Can’t you give me more?” Twilight asked looking at the dog in slight annoyance.

“Nope can’t say that I can.” Dane replied with a toothy grin causing Twilight to sigh in irritation before she turned back to one of the books in front of her while Dane leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Despite the relaxed look on his face Twilight could tell that he was paying close attention to his surroundings. Twilight decided to test her theory she picked up a light book in her magic and tossed it towards his head. Before the book came anywhere close he casually brought up a paw and caught it, his eyes were still shut. “Really?” He asked Twilight sarcastically.

“Yep.” Twilight replied with a grin stretching across her face, Dane smiled slightly before returning his face to its relaxed position. The two of them spent several hours in companionable silence before it was interrupted by a loud argument with the Head Librarian.

“…don’t care if he’s been living in a tree all his life, I’m still not letting a bird who’s capable of spontaneously combusting into my library!” The Head Librarian told Spike who was trying to enter the room while Peewee sat on his shoulder. The Head Librarian was a middle-aged orange unicorn mare. She had the kind of look that every Head Librarian has, a narrow face with her mane pulled back into a small knot along with the kind of eyes that can pierce your soul, although the similarities ended when you noticed the glowing mace that rode one of her hips.

“Oh come on he’s been my research assistant since I rescued him and he’s never once set a book on fire, well there was that one time when he was sick, but that’s beside the point!” Spike protested, the Head Librarian stared down at him trapping Spike like a predatory hawk.

“Young man I’ll have you know that this library is one of the most well sought after places of books on the continent and I’ll not be having a phoenix set it’s talons anywhere near any of my books!” The Head Librarian told Spike severely. Twilight sighed and got up from where she sat and headed off to intervene, Dane followed her slouching somewhat to make himself less imposing.

“What seems to be the trouble Ma’am?” Twilight asked the Head Librarian. The Head Librarian swiveled to see Twilight and the diamond dog standing behind her and let out an annoyed huff.

“This dragon seeks to bring a phoenix into my library and I simply will not allow it, not only do the cause fires and destroy books but they also leave their droppings everywhere!” The Head Librarian told Twilight while gesturing at Peewee who looked offended at the idea.

“Ma’am I assure you this dragon and his phoenix have been living in my library for years, my library which happens to be made out of the inside of a tree.” Twilight told the Head Librarian who squinted at Twilight.

“Be that as it may I still do not trust this bird inside my library.” The Head Librarian told Twilight levelly.

“What if I cast an antiflame spell on him?” Twilight asked the Head Librarian thought about it for a few seconds before nodding.

“That will be acceptable, just make sure he doesn’t do his business on any of the books, desks, chair, or floors.” The librarian told Twilight before turning away to scold a group of soldiers who were reading a mythical anatomy book and laughing boisterously.

“By Celestia what a bitch!” Spike said quietly once the Head Librarian was out of range.

“I’d be careful how loud you said that kid, that mace looks pretty strong.” Dane said as said mace rebounded off of one of the soldier’s shoulders sending him crashing to the floor.

“Duly noted.” Spike replied.

“This is the last time that I let you bring your filthy porn into these halls, get out!” The Head Librarian yelled at them, the startled soldiers began to run off but one wasn’t as fortunate as the rest and ended up unconscious on the library floor with his friend. “Ruffians!” The Head Librarian said to herself before returning to her desk in the middle of the library.

“So Spike what brings you and Peewee to the library?” Twilight asked her assistant.

“I’m hoping to learn some of this place’s history and specifically what kind of dragons they have here.” Spike replied with a shrug.

“Hmm… history and dragonology are in that direction if I remember correctly.” Twilight told Spike gesturing towards the back of the library.

“You would know that off the top of your head wouldn’t you?” Spike asked shaking his head with a tiny grin.

“You know me Spike, head full of books.” Twilight replied returning the grin.

“See you later Twilight, I’ll be back at the kitchen in time to make you guys dinner.” Twilight said before he waved and wandered off into the back of the library.

***

As they drifted into the back of the library Peewee let out a soft indignant huff from where he sat on Spike’s shoulder. “Yeah buddy I know, don’t let the librarian lady get to you. I know that you love books almost as much as Twilight.” Spike told his phoenix who let out a small whistle and flexed his impressive talons in anticipation of flipping through all the knowledge around him. The other librarians who were working in the library looked up whenever they saw the dragon and his feathered friend but apparently if he’d made it past the Head Librarian they assumed that they meant no harm to the tomes under their supervision. Spike and Peewee walked for ten minutes before asking for directions from a slightly bored librarian who told them exactly how to get to the section of the library that they were looking for.

The imperial history wing was section was cut off from the rest of the library by a wall. In the center of that wall was a large iron door with a steel knob. Two immense alicorn statues stood guard over the door, one who looked exactly like Empress Cosmosmia, the other was slightly smaller with a orange body, her mane was pure white and stars speckled across it. “That must be the Empress’s sister who was killed, Twilight old me a little about it last night.” Spike told Peewee who nodded and ruffled his feathers slightly.

Spike opened the door slowly and was surprised when no audible screech announced him to whoever was inside. He stepped into the room and was immediately glad that he he’d picked to study imperial history. The room somehow managed to have a skylight from which poured bright sunlight despite being in the middle of a fortress, although his gut told him that it was most likely bespelled as opposed to natural.

The room itself was elegant, the ceiling was supported by four white columns that were inscribed with softly glowing blue runes, and the floor was covered by a large mosaic of a beautiful green plain that seemed to stretch on for miles in all directions. The bookshelves were made of dark mahogany that allowed them to seem to melt into the white walls, the books themselves looked for the most part ancient but there wasn’t a hint of dust to be found anywhere in the room and although the covers were worn none of them looked to be in bad condition.

“Who are you?” Asked a voice from above one of the bookshelves Spike, Spike jumped at the sudden voice and looked towards its origin.

To his surprise he found himself looking into the intelligent reptilian eyes of another dragon. No wait, once Spike got over his shock of its sudden appearance he noticed that the creature wasn’t another dragon at all in fact it was a type of lizard or gecko. The lizard was taller than Spike but it was much skinnier and was currently lounging on top of one of the bookshelves, its body was a grassy green color while its eyes were yellow with black irises.

“So who are you?” The lizard asked its voice calm but it held a tinny hint of malice that Spike wouldn’t have expected from a creature who looked so unintimidating.

“I’m Spike and this is Peewee, we’re here to do a little research on imperial history.” Spike told the lizard polity. The lizard scratched his chin and looked over Spike and the phoenix appraisingly for a few seconds before nodding to himself.
“Excellent, it’s been a while since I had any company; history seems to have fallen out of favor among the troops recently which I find slightly…disturbing.” The lizard told Spike as he climbed down the side of the bookshelf on sticky pads that extended from his fingers.

“So what should I call you mister lizard?” Spike asked, the lizard chuckled softly as it stood up on its hind legs and began to lead Spike down the shelves.

“Salamander actually, fire salamander to be precise.” The Salamander said before blowing out a small blue flame at a shelf, the flame dissipated harmlessly against the targeted shelf. “As for a name, call me Verns.” Verns told Spike who nodded.

“I’ve heard of fire salamanders, but aren’t you supposed to a hulking deadly brute?” Spike asked hoping not to offend his host who simply let out another small chuckle.[

“There are many subspecies of salamanders Spike, my cousins are all quite hulking, and I’m certainly deadly.” Verns replied with a little smile. “So Spike what part of imperial history would you like to know about? Although with you being a dragon I’m surprised you don’t know all of it at this point, or has dragon education changed lately?” Verns asked and Spike could’ve sworn he heard something smug in the question.

“I’m from another dimension so I couldn’t tell you anything.” Spike replied with a shrug.

“Ah that explains a great deal to me, such as why you have a phoenix ridding on your shoulder.” Verns said.

“What’s odd about that?” Spike asked Verns who chuckled again.

“Well here dragons see them as pests, back to the topic at hand what part of imperial history do you want to look into?” Verns asked changing topic.

“Well anything I guess, I’ve only been here around two days and I want to understand just who and what Twilight singed away her soul to.” Spike replied.

“Smart boy, the empire has been going strong for quite a few millennia now thanks to the immortal Empress who led ponykind out of the proverbial caves.” Verns began but before he could go any farther Spike interrupted him.

“Weren’t there two of them?” Spike asked already knowing the answer but wanting to see what the salamander’s reaction would be. To Spike’s surprise Verns wiped a small tear from his eye.

“Yes and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss her. Stella was an amazing individual, not many are born with a mind like her’s. She was so creative, Stella didn’t have her sister’s strength but she made up with coming up with new ways for things to work.” Verns said sadly clearly lost in the past.

“Wait you knew her?” Spike asked in confusion.

“Yes, salamanders live forever and I was her closest companion, in fact one of the reasons why I live here is because I’ve lived through most of the events in these pages and frankly I’m a better historian then any found along these shelves.” Verns said proudly Peewee flew over to the salamander who offered the phoenix a place to land and began to stroke the bird’s neck. “Do you happen to be aware that both you and your bird will also be alive forever unless killed?” Verns asked Spike who nodded.

“Yeah, I’ve known for a while now and I’ve pretty much resigned myself to it, I’ll make my time with my friends last while they’re here and when they’re gone…well I’ll find something productive to do.” Spike replied solemnly.

“If you want my advice I suggest finding something that you’re passionate about, passionate to the point that it won’t ever be boring and devote yourself to it. It’ll keep you sane and eventually you’ll find something that you’ve never seen before.” Verns sounded nostalgic. “You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve gone through these tomes and found things that even I missed, and once I do I always get a rush out of it.” Verns told Spike who nodded, Spike still hadn’t decided what he’d devote himself to but he knew of the idea. “Spike I’m sure you came here looking for history, but would you mind humoring an old salamander by telling him the history of your own realm?” Verns asked Spike.

“I don’t mind at all, let’s see…”

***

“So would you mind showing me one of these Rainbooms?” Deadeye asked Dash as they lounged on a pair of clouds.

“Na, sorry but it tends to startle people too much and I don’t feel like being shot out of the sky.” Dash replied Deadeye nodded.

“Good point, look we’d better head back, maybe tomorrow I can show you how to use some weapons.” Deadeye told Dash.

“Sure I’d love to!” Dash replied with a wide grin.

“Easy killer, I said show you how to use, not rake you into battle.” Deadeye replied with a smirk.

***

“Goodnight everyone, and if I hear one argument I will throw you out the window…” Twilight told the room before she fell into blissful sleep; it had been a good day.

AN
This chapter was essentially character building and other small things of the like, anyways next chapter we get introduced to the other armies and their Commanders along with General Archangel and then it’s off to war! Anyways questions, comments, and concerns are always welcome. Oh yeah I almost forgot, I finally got a prereader and once he gets back from visiting Paris he’ll be editing the old chapters so any mistakes should be fixed eventually.

Next Chapter: chapter 8 Estimated time remaining: 3 Hours, 15 Minutes