I awoke once again from the nightmare. This time, I managed to not wake up screaming and spewing fire. As it was approaching sunrise, I went ahead and got up, and made breakfast for three. I figured that Dowsy was going to be home for a bit, though there was the nagging thought of why he hadn’t let us know that he was coming home. I know it had to be more than ‘I have a marefriend now…’ Maybe it was for school. Last I heard, all he had left to go was his doctoral thesis.

Speaking of Dowsy, I watched him as he slowly entered the kitchen, and poured himself a cup of coffee. I had to stifle a giggle, as his blue and white striped mane was a complete mess, and his tan fur was matted every which way. He was never a morning pony, and, for some reason, it only got worse the older he got. After taking a sip of his coffee and sighing contentedly, he sat down at the table. I quickly placed a plate of eggs and hay bacon in front of him.

“So…” I slyly asked as I sat down. My mom, a unicorn like Dowsy, whose red mane and light pink fur was beginning to grey, probably from stress, walked in, grabbed her own plate of food that I had previously made for her, and took her place as I continued. “What brings you home? Besides you know what...”

“I’m here to do research on the Everfree Forest, for my doctoral thesis.” Dowsy stated simply, as he glared at me.

“What!?” Mom yelled in shock and horror. It was clear to me exactly what was going on in her head. Her only son going into the Everfree! Of all the things her son could say, it had to be that!

“What kind of research?” I asked, ignoring the overreaction of my mom.

Unlike my mom, I was not as concerned about Dowsy. If anyone could figure out the Everfree, it was him. I learned really fast to never try and play hide and seek with him. His talent to find magic signatures of ponies, spells, or ley lines made it so that he always knew where I was, no matter how much, or how well, I cheated. That was how he was able to hatch me, because he could see exactly how to break the shell of magic that protected my egg. Or something like that… I never could understand him when he explained it to me, so he eventually gave up and simplified it to that.

“Ley lines of the Everfree, more specifically how and why it causes leyonic interference with pony magic.”

“Honey, are you sure?” Mom asked. Clearly she hoped she could persuade him to find something else for his thesis, something a bit safer. Like how that ancient ruined city on Canterhorn Mountain managed to remain on the mountain, and not fall into the valley below? “The Everfree is not very safe. Over the years, a lot of ponies have entered that forest and never returned. Between the beasts that inhabit it, and the tales of how the forest seems to be alive and actively expels those who enter...”

“That why I want to do this, Mom. If I can find out more on how the Everfree functions, I can hopefully prevent others from needlessly dying…”

Dowsy continued on with Mom trying to rebut his arguments. During that, I became increasingly uncomfortable. All this talk about the dangerous Everfree and beasts only reminded me of the insults that were whispered or yelled at me. ‘A beast like her should go back to the Everfree...’ or ‘She was so dangerous that even the Everfree rejected her…’ I didn’t need a reminder of that, and most certainly not after a second night of the nightmare in a row.

“I’m going out for a walk.” I growled angrily, pushing myself away from the table and stomping towards the door.

“Ruby! Wait, I…” Elegant Prose was cut off by the slamming door.

“Mom,” Magic Dowser sighed, “let her go. She’s the only one of her kind here, and the townsponies don’t know what to make of her, and thus tend to avoid her… I think all this talk of beasts and the Everfree has only reminded her of that.”

Elegant Prose sagged. She knew about the opinions of some of the townsponies concerning Ruby. It was already not all that good when she was a hatchling, but then, when the day came that she became a whelp, and accidentally burned Magic Dowser… They moved to a cottage a short distance from town, just to get them to settle down... Sadly, Ruby was never the same after that. “I worry about her…”

“So do I, Mom, so do I…”

I walked around for a while, until I decided to go to the spot that always helped me clear my head. The crystal tree castle. Something about leaning against crystal was soothing. The heavenly smell, the cool feeling of it on my back... I would hug it, but I don’t need to add crazy to the list of reasons ponies avoid me. Though I guess that could be an improvement… or worse, it may make them think I’m rabid, and increase the chances I will one day get chased out of town… oh who am I kidding…? It’s going to happen one day, no matter what I do…

“Gah!” I jumped with a start when a very old pegasus suddenly appeared right in front of me. “You scared me…” It was rare that someone managed to creep up on me like that, but I must have been too lost in my thoughts to notice, or maybe it was the fact that he smells faintly like crystal.

As I got my heart rate down, I got a good look at the pegasus that startled me. His fur was a faded tan, and his mane was a very light grey, with sections that were pure white, expected for a pony his age. The emblem on his flank was a scroll with a compass inside it. So this is what the ‘Crazy Stallion of Castle Town’ looks like.

The ‘crazy’ old stallion never bothered me before, why now? The way he was staring me down was beginning to creep me out. “Look, if you want me to go, I’ll go. I don’t want any trouble.” I muttered as I backed away.

“You. Come in, inside. Yes, inside…” He spoke in a raspy, stilted voice. Yeah, crazy is definitely right. “Quickly… Mustn't let them see… inside…safe inside… come...”

I sighed, and, against my better judgement, I followed the twitchy and paranoid pegasus inside the castle. The pegasus looked around one last time, before slamming the door, thus leaving me to probably be killed… I think that nightmare is effecting me in ways I haven’t perceived… or maybe it's because no one really wants me around… and he was the only one with the ‘courage’ to end me.

He sighed, before he calmly walked past me. “Come, Ruby, we have some things to discuss…”

“Wait. You. I. But... Wah!!?” Brain malfunction, please restart.

The crazy stallion wasn’t crazy, and he knew my name!? Okay, am I dreaming or something? His reputation was almost as bad as mine, if not worse, depending on who you talked to. The stallion seemed to be amused by this, as he chuckled. This, of course, snapped me out of my shock.

“You're the only dragon in Castle Town, much less all of the Equus Nation. It's kind of hard to not be known.” He shrugged before he continued down the hall

“Oh yeah…” I dumbly responded as I followed and admired the architecture. I knew that halls could have high ceilings, but damn, it still strained my neck just to look at the ceiling in the entrance grand hall. “I knew that… but why the crazy act?”

“Oh, that’s it…” The crazy-not-crazy stallion smirked back at me. “Well, I like my privacy, and I do have artifacts from my days of exploration that, in the wrong hooves, whether evil or ignorant… would not be... ‘good.’”

“Yeah, I guess that is an effective way to keep ponies away from dangerous artifacts...” I said absentmindedly. I can think of at least two ponies in town that fell into the latter category. I’m surprised that they have not attempted to get dragon-capturing emblems, or dragon-killing emblems, or anything dragon related yet...

As the pony led me further into the castle, I made it a point to keep looking around. This had the advantage of helping me remember the way out, if I would have to make a hasty retreat, while also taking in the castle, which was quite beautiful, and smelled tasty. I could feel my mouth watering. Note to self: go gem hunting when I’m done here.

Soon, we were climbing the stairs, stopping a few times for the pony to rest. Thankfully, we left them at the second floor. I don’t really want to go all the way up, and I doubt the pony could make it all the way to the very top.

As we walked along the second floor hallway, I couldn't help but gawk. He wasn’t kidding when he said that he had a large collection. Old maps, vases, musty scrolls and tomes, as well as jewelry lined the hall, and at least one room had its door open enough for me to see inside. I did note, as we walked, an old map that had a spot south of the Everfree marked as ‘Here be Dragons’ to be quite interesting, and strangely familiar…

Why would this seem so familiar? Now that I think about it, the pony, oddly enough, reminded me of somepony long ago, but who, I haven’t a clue...

“I couldn't help but overhear your mutterings about being a dragon in the midst of ponies...” The pony explained as he walked over to a chest, opened it, and began to dig around. “I have something that may be able to help you… If I can just find it.”

Okay, I get that he was an explorer, but what could he possibly have that could help me? A pretty vase? A mummy? I mean really? All I really want is to be accepted, or, at least, not looked at in fear. To understand what I am as a dragon, and hopefully in a way that is the opposite of that dream...

“Damn it! Where is that fucking piece of shit!? It had better not think it was fucking funny to leave now of all times!”

I had to sidestep, as numerous sextants of various sizes and types started flying by me. I knew he said he was explorer, but really? How many sextants does somepony need? For that matter, why would I even need one of those things? You know, I think maybe my earlier reassessment may have been wrong.

“Sorry about the language…” The old pony suddenly stopped digging in the chest to apologize to me about something that, quite frankly, I don’t give a shit about. “I picked up the habit from a good friend of mine… he could impress any old salty with his ‘eloquent’ use of curses… and he tended to use them alot…”

“I’m a twenty-three year old fire breathing sharp-toothed dragon that is considered at best, a pet, and at worst, a foul dangerous beast from the depths of Tartarus that needs to be put down… No one cares for my feelings anyway...” I waved it off, even though I was starting to cry. “So bad language is nothing for me…”

“Hey! Hey, don’t cry, and don’t be ashamed of who and what you are…” I could hear the pegasus’ joints creak as he slowly stood on his back legs, wiping my tears with his wings, his forelegs on each of my shoulders. “I know that there are a lot more people that care about you then you realize.”

Yeah, right… I thought, as I was not really in the mood to argue.

“Ah! So that’s where the pain in the ass compass went to.” The pegasus exclaimed as he got off of me. He went to the mantle and grabbed what looked like a very simple brass pocket watch. Must have been one of those that snaps open.

“This may seem like a simple but broken compass, but it’s not.” He handed me the compass. And true to his word, unless I got really mixed up as he led me through the castle, the compass seemed to be pointing in the wrong direction. “You see, this compass helps those in need to find the answer they seek. It’s enchanted to only point to where you are most needed to go.”

“Why are you giving me this?” I asked, not really sure what to make of it. I wasn’t being ungrateful, but I still did not see why he would give me something like an enchanted compass that would help you find things you need.

“Ruby, I’m old.” The stallion smirked. “The Pasturelands will soon be calling me home. I would love it to help someone to seek out the past. For the answers you seek, Ruby, are buried there.”

Why do old ponies have to talk in riddles? But I’m at my rope’s end, and have nothing to lose… I could have Magic Dowser look to see what, if any, spell is enchanted into the compass. I didn’t know the guy, and I was sure as hell that he only knew me from spying on me from one of the balconies. Yeah, I give up, he’s crazy... Though, for the moment at least, I’ll play along. Unless he offers me cupcakes, then I’m out of here.

“Thanks…” I think...

“Come, now, I’ll escort you out… the castle can be a maze, to those not familiar with it.”

I collapsed a bit against the door as I struggled not to break down. The visit from Ruby had taken an emotional toll on me, and I was surprised that I managed to not fall apart and tell Ruby the truth… that I was her grandfather, that her egg was given to me to be hatched and raised... But I knew this path was one that she needed to take without me. It would only confuse her more if I didn’t let her find it on her own. Well, not alone. I highly doubt Magic Dower would allow her to go on her own. Those two, with one exception, were practically inseparable...

That reminded me of something I needed to do. I should contact Spike, to let him know to expect her arrival in a few weeks’ time… maybe sooner… After all, they have the answers she is looking for. I just hope that, when the truth is revealed, she doesn’t reject it outright, push them away, or push her pony family away, either, for that matter.

I stopped by a nearby window, feeling not yet ready to do what I needed to do. I watched as Ruby walked slowly back home. Judging by her loopy walking, she had to be deep in troubled thought. Hopefully, she will take what I said to heart, and pay attention to that Compass. No idea why it stayed around this long, but I’m glad it did; with any luck, she will have an easier time in the Untamed Wilds than I did. I shuddered at the memories, or maybe it was from the chill of of the castle. Damn it, getting old is no walk in the park, with the joints that ache...

I took in a deep breath, as Ruby disappeared from view. It was time to contact the clan, no more delays. They would need to know about this. They are her family, after all.

I walked down the grand hall, and into the former Council of Friendship chambers. Inside were seven thrones, six with a cutiemark, or emblem, emblazoned on them: three apples, three ballons, three gems, three butterflies, a tricolor lightening bolt, and finally a starburst, with five stars surrounding it. My destination was the throne next the last one. This one didn’t have an emblem, but, imbedded in it, was metal shaped in a geometric design. I touched the center of it, the part that looked like a spring that one would find in one of those uncomfortable box spring mattresses that rich non-pegasi sometimes use. The metal started to pulsate with a visible aura.

I sat down on the throne with the rainbow lightning bolt and waited. Hopefully, it wouldn't take too long. I don’t usually keep this part of the castle warm. I’m too old to try and keep the whole castle warm, so I just keep a few rooms up in the private sections of the castle, on the second floor, warm.

I really hope I can get Spike, and not Dragon FireWyrm, as I can not understand wyrm… I probably won’t, as he rarely, if ever, answers my call. I could possibly get Scorpion, but he would have only barely gotten up for the ‘day.’

Suddenly, the crystal throne room disappeared, being replaced by a circular white room with a raised bench along one side, like the type one might see in a courtroom. There, in the center of the room, was the dragon I wanted to speak with: Spike.

“What is it, History Seeker?” Spike yawned hard after he greeted me, his tail twitching in mild irritation. His black diamond-studded bowtie was a bit askew. It appeared that I must have woken him up. If the yawn, tie, and irritated expression weren’t big enough clues, I could see black marks on the side of his snout; ink, no doubt from drooling on a book. Most likely his journal, as the rest of his books would have protection spells against drool.

“Spike, you look like I woke you after falling asleep while reading a good book.” I smirked as I pointed out the ink on his face.

“Ha, ha, very funny.” Spike rolled his eyes as he wiped the rest of the ink away. “Except, one, it’s my library and my books, and two, I can nap whenever I want. Being Firstclaw does have some sweet perks…”

“That might have been true,” Twilight interjected entering the Hourglass Council chambers, and thus, the image, “but he kind of fell asleep from getting the city ready for the Migration... and, for the record, Spike drooled on my checklist…”

I started laughing, but soon, I could feel my chest and lungs tensing up, and I began to cough. The coughing evolved into hacking and wheezing and, for a moment, I thought I would pass out. Spike and Twilight instinctively tried to help, but, as they were merely magic images with no real substance, they just passed right through me.

After a few tense moments, the coughing fit faded, and I was able to breathe again, although I felt quite weak afterwards. I wiped the drool that had formed, and noted that it had a slight pink tinge to it. Figures. I grumbled as I put on the special breathing mask that I had been given for when this happened.

“Your cough is worse than ever! What did the doctors say?” Spike looked at me with worry, and a bit of sadness, as well. I knew he knew this was coming, but I don’t think he was ready to watch a friend slowly fade away… I don’t think anyone really ever is… I wasn’t with Belle Flower...

I removed the mask temporarily, so I could be understood. “If I’m lucky, shortly after Ruby arrives…”

Author's Notes:

Same as before those in the know Spoiler tag please... you know who you are...