“And here we are, the entrance to the treasure vaults underneath the Palace.” Bakuss announced as he and a few other guards began to unlock and open up the massive bronze doors separating us and the treasures that lie beyond them.

I was really getting a “Raiders of the lost Ark” feel in the way these underground passage halls were constructed and once again decorated.

With color this time of course instead of the samey samey sandy colored sandstone you see in the movie. All that is missing is some generic looking Nazi’s to suddenly jump up from the corners or ceilings demanding the contents of these treasures and the stage is set. Just give me a whip and play the Indiana Jones theme song in the background and I will happily fight my own people.

Because this treasure is MINE you bitches. I am going to dive in and swim in it like old Scrooge McDuck, that stingy bastard.

These thoughts were quickly halted though when the double bronze doors were finally and slowly pushed open by four struggling guards who should totally work out some more and giving us the first golden glimpses into the national treasure vaults of past histories and beyond.

“A large portion of it actually has been stayed untouched since the last Monkey King according to the records, mostly because back then the kingdom of old fractured back into the original 14 tribes which meant that most of the expenses were cut dramatically short as they all became independent once more.” I heard Bakuss talk in the background like the usual joy kill he sometimes is as I was more focused on the golden glare shining towards us.

Sorry but I just have to say this in my native tongue. “Meine augen waren entzückt”

“…that is not all, some of these relics even date back before the great…” Bakuss continued on his uninteresting lectured as I was still busy staring at the “Slaraffenland” in front of me.

“Ja, Ja, Ja that is all nice and good Bakuss old boy but I am seriously more focused at the scene itself rather than the history of it.” I proclaimed in wonder.

My legs suddenly began to have a mind of their own as I soon found myself moving forward without my conscious decent. Something that should be checked after all, if it wasn’t for the situation that this accrued at.

As soon as I entered the vault itself, was the moment where my vision finally cleared from all that golden halo I saw before. It got immediately replaced by the most eye opening scene I have ever witnessed.

I fell down to my knees and stretched out my arms in front of me in a begging or gifting gesture, all while still holding my never changing expression of wonder.

“This is the second most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life.” I proclaimed quietly with tears running down my eyes when a set of hoofs suddenly came up from behind me.

“Only the second? What was the first?” Susi curiously asked. Seriously, I have almost forgotten that she was still with me.

“Accidentally stumbling into a full girls changing room at my local high school pool.” I answered without even thinking as I was still dazed with the unimaginable riches in front of me.

“…uh what? I heard her reply.

“D cup my dear Susi, one of them had a natural D cup sized cleavages.”

For starters this underground vault was huge, thick and naturally carved out columns were stretching high up to the vault ceiling. Below the platform we were standing on is a sea of golden treasury goodness that would even make Smaug the dragon wake up from his slumber. Though if he did then I will just use the wonders of modern science and throw a huge bottle of chloroform at his scaly face instead of shooting a certain fantasy arrow that I don’t have.

Basically just do what that one guy did in the 2005 King Kong movie.

But anyway, it wasn’t as absolutely ridiculous as in the Hobbit movie but this was still a close second contender in my book. I have no idea how all of this MULAH got hoarded in here in the first place, but I would guess that one or even some of the previous humans before me must have been some serious money hoarders if they were able to pull this off. Or really good with economics and administrations who knows.

And yes I watched a lot of movies but to be honest, a lot of people did, even if it’s from a legit source or pirated.

But anyway, money in the foreseeable future shouldn’t be a problem for whatever ideas and project I have in mind. Unless I somehow screw this up and somehow spend this shit all on stuff I don’t really need. But since that there are no games or electronics I doubt that'll ever happen.

“Your highness are you…going to keep that post for a much longer period of time or…” Susi once again blabbered which wasn’t so bad because my knees were starting to go hurt a bit.

This is a solid stone floor I am kneeling on after all.

I stood up while dusting myself off, I was about to most likely do something stupid when I mentally decided to mimic old Scrooge McDucks way of starting his day to day morning when a new disturbance in the force prevented me from doing.

That disturbance uncovered itself as an exhausted looking mare servant rushed down the long hall we just came from.

Bakuss was the most confused of all of us before shaking his focus back online and addressing the newcomer with a demanding look.

“Wait a minute. Who the heck are you and who exactly let you in here in the first place? A palace servant should have no access to the underground vaults whatsoever. So how did you get in here?” He demanded which in turn made the servant look rather nervous besides her panting, and somewhat sheepish as well for some reason.

“Well…uhm.” She began in between breaths. “The guards who used to be stationed up above at the entrance suddenly ask me to hold their post so that they can go and urinate. I was very hesitant of course as I was still in a hurry to find anyone with authority. But after asking and them telling me that both a palace guard officer and the new king were down here I decided to take up their offer before they left and made my way down here instead. So that is what happened.” She explained which made Bakuss facehoof and Susi look bewildered.

Another strike for the incompetency of the guards of this place. I guess a thousand years of just sitting on your ass all day tends to do that for someone military, but even this is just borderline ridiculous. Even towards my standards.

And my standards aren’t really impressive to begin with.

Did I just use the term facehoof? Ahh whatever.

“Bakuss?!” I called out. “Go take a HUGE sack of gold from one of the piles behind me and bring it back up.” I casually instructed.

“Why should I do that Sire?” He questioned with a raised brow.

“Simple, we are going to use that money to get the guard better training, better discipline, better equipment and if necessary better brains either through your kind’s Voodoo hoodoo or medical surgery. Whatever is available.” I answered.

He just nods before doing exactly what I ask him to do.

“Though I still believe that we are going to need more than just one sack.” He commented in which I scoffed.

“So then go take two, or three, or HECK go get your friends…” I stopped as I remembered WHO his friends really were before stealing a quick glance at the servant mare and giving myself and mental nod. “…On second thought, go get HER friends and take as many sacks of coin and colorful see through rocks as you can all possible carry. It’s not like we are short on funds or anything.” I announced by sweeping my arm dramatically at the sea of bling and glitter around us.

Bakuss, as predictable, seemed a bit hesitant. “But…but I can’t just do that. I am just your average guard officer, not even one of the high end captains or generals. I would have to get permission from the….” Bakuss began before I quickly stopped him with a raised hand.

“Then you have my utmost permission to do as you please, even more so you have full access to the treasury as a whole because I just know that you are NOT one of those characters who are corrupted and shit.” I call out.

“In fact as far as I know you are more than just you average run of the mill officer than you claim to be. You certainly have a lot more common sense in your zebra noggin compared to your shower buddies. So you’re all good.” I quickly added with a raised finger.

He of course looked a bit shocked at the level of freedom and trust I just so openly gave to him, but he managed to quickly shake it off before nodding and asking the servant next to him to help him pick up some cash from the closest pile.

And as good servant she simply complied. Though I might have the concern that she takes her dedication in her occupation a little bit too serious in certain areas.

I hope she is clean for whoever she is serving.

“So I would guess this is going to be your first plan then?” Susi began. “To bolster the guards to its original glory” She finished while looking up at me.

I just nod. “Well a safe populace is a happy populace I would say, that and giving them bread and water and whatever else a multi headed family needs in these lands. Maybe even adding a playground for the little ones.” I explained as both me and her watched Bakuss and unnamed individual number 58 do their thing.

And no I am NOT actually counting them all, I am just picking whatever random number that is going through my head at the moment and stick it at the end for some level of comedic effect.

What are the actual benefits to mentally remembering and counting them all anyway? There is none. It’s better to just ask what all of their names are and write them all down on a piece of paper. Because, let’s be honest here, I am never going to openly remember all of their names and faces anytime soon and I am certainly not going to bother trying to do so either.

There are more important aspects to focus on. Speaking of focus…

I turned my FOCUS back on the mare in question. “Hey what was the reason you came down here in the first place? You wanted to find and talk to someone with some level of authority right? Well you can’t go anymore higher in talkable authority figures than me, unless you are religious that is.” I ask her which in turn cause her expression to lighten up immediately as if she just remembered something important.

“Oh…uh…yes of course your Highness I totally forgot. “She started with self-realization before continuing. “I came down here to quickly inform you that the dragon egg you brought with you from those gryphon poachers a few days back has started to form the first few cracks on its surface. Not only that, but it has started to wiggle and move a bit as well.” She swiftly explained.

Now I have to admit, I was indeed a tad bit surprised to find out that the egg I so handsomely liberated from these hybrid wanna be bird lions was already close to hatching. Or in this case already hatching if I want to be more precise with my statement.

“Well I see…well that puts a damper on our plans.” I announced and resting my right hand under my chin to look thoughtful.

“A damper on our plans? Why is that?” Susi asked while tilting her head a bit, a thing I have quickly learned these equines seem to do a lot whenever seeming confused or left in the dark.

In fact, these equines do like to express their thoughts and emotions quite physically now that I reflect about it a bit more.

Worst poker players EVER, which is why I should challenge some of them in the future when I have the time.

“Well that simply.” I begin by holding my arms out dramatically. “Simply means I now have to choose to both stay and to continue gawking at the second most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Or I will have to bother carrying my ass back upstairs to be the first human of my generation to witness the wonder and miracles of life of a baby dragon. Quite a difficult choice if you ask me.” I explain before going Socrates once more.

Bakuss was about to say something when Susi so very professionally beat him to it. Good job Susi.

“I think that it would be better if we go and observe the hatching ourselves. Dragon babies to tend to be pretty unpredictable depending on what species it is. So just to be safe we better go and keep an eye on things before someone reports a fire, injuries or whatever else.” Susi suggested which I have to give it to her does make some level of sense when you think about it.

I mean we ARE dealing with a dragon here, and that egg wasn’t particularly small either. Double the size of an ostrich egg to be precise. Hmmmm that would have made a pretty KICK ASS omelet if it wasn’t for the fact that its inhabitant was still alive and kicking.

Literally kicking at the moment. But besides that joke I do have to agree with Susi’s logic.

I acknowledge her with a nod. “You know what, you are right. ‘Die bestie musst erst mal unter kontrolle sein” before we do anything else. Let’s go meet the newest edition.” I declared as I began to make my way out of the vault with both my arm and index finger pointing the way before me and not bothering to wait for the others.

“Hey…hold up your Highness.” Susi called out as I heard her follow me.

“So wait, Am I still…”

“Yes you are, just go get her friends and get as much cash as you equine legs can carry. I have a date with and egg.” I interrupted Bakuss before finally disappearing from his sight.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(uncalled for and unnecessary 3rd person perspective)

“Oh what do we do, what do we do?” A zebra servant chanted, her nervousness and stress clearly shown in her expression and tone.

“I don't now know, it just won’t stop shaking and tilting left to right. I have dealt with normal zebra birth before but not a DRAGON one.” Another mare said as she was also on the verge of panic.

Especially when a new and much larger crack appeared on the egg's surface.

“This is not good. What are we supposed to do when it hatches? I mean, this is a DRAGON we are talking about here.” A third servant argued as she slowly began to hyperventilate when the word ‘dragon’ exited her mouth.

They have no idea that their pleas for help were finally answered, though if that help has any good amount of responsibility or even legally allowed to take care and watch over babies is highly debatable. Though what this individual does have that still makes him suitable for this task is the fact that he has a lot of common when it comes to kids. If you don’t add his lack of sanity or his unpredictability in any situation.

The doors to the royal chamber suddenly swing open, revealing both their savior and confuse-or.

“Do not fear, because your number one psychopathic Dragonborn is here. Or maybe Sheogorath, as I think his character fits me way better than the later one.” The Monkey King announced as he stood there with his trademark grin and a somewhat distant look in his eyes.

The mares just looked on with confusion at first before they realized who exactly was standing before them as they immediately dropped down in a bow.

Their king just waved them off. “No need to bend yourself over in front of me. I would save that for the studs you three secretly like if I were you.” He responded before moving towards the night table that housed the epileptic egg.

“So what seems to be the deal here? How long has this thing been protesting about its calcium prison?” The bipedal monarch ask as he leans forward towards it.

One of the maids got up to address his question. “I am not sure your Highness. Petala was the first who notice the egg shaking when she was cleaning your royal chambers. She just eventually came to us to ask us to keep an eye on it while she goes to look for anyone with any level of authority for help.” She explained as more and more cracks started to appear on the egg's surface in a rather alarming rate this time. Signaling that whatever was inside is only moments away in getting out in a free wide world.

The King just nods. “I see, well then since you three are already here you might as well go get some water and towels if my knowledge of birth is anything to go bye.” He suggested.

Another mare got up. “I can go do that your Highness. The indoor fountains are just at the end of this hall I can just….” She tried to say before she got interrupted by the sound of loud cracking and crunching filling the room.

Everyone’s attention immediately fell back on the egg. Cracks were now basically covering almost every surface as some gaps started to appear on some of the larger ones, giving everyone who looked close enough the first few glimpses of its inhabitant.

It looked red, with a mix of purple.

It was also the perfect moment when Susi suddenly came trotting into the room herself looking both exhausted and completely out of breath as she passed by the three servants.

“Why…did you run like that…your Highness? You should know that…your legs are far longer than mine…and that I have trouble keeping up because of….” Susara said in between breaths before she was quickly silenced by the glorious and very, VERY gentle king by clamping her muzzle shut with his fingers.

“Pssst, be quiet. We are in the process of witnessing the birth of an intimidating and very powerful….”He stopped as he first lay eyes on the mighty beast of nature as it finally broke through its calcium made prison.

He leaned forward raised with his left brow in both surprise and intrigued. Everybody within the room followed his example as they all stared at the presumed malice of nature.

“Susi?”

“Yes your highness.”

“Are you sure this is a dragon?” Alexander ask as he continued to stay hunched forward towards the newborn drake. Occasionally poking it on its red and purple scales.

“Well…uh yes…yes it is sire. Why do you ask?” Susara responded as she looked up at her King with a curious expression.

He straightened himself and looked down at Susara. “Because it’s too ADORABLE to be monster of fire and war like how I originally imagined it to be.” He gestured towards the little red, orange and purple bundle of scaly joy.

Speaking of joy, the aforementioned dragon somehow found the entire spectacle really funny as it started to giggle.

The little drake simply sat there in the middle of its eggy remains with its big puffy cheeks, oversized baby eyes and stubby little tail as it gazed up towards the mentally challenged monarch with the most coma inducing expression a baby can ever do.

The dreaded puppy dog look of doom.

“LOOK AT IT!!” The king announced while grabbing Susara off the ground with his left arm and holding her against his side. “The future terror of our neighbors is nothing more than the cutest little baby lizard I have ever seen in my life, which says a lot for someone who grew up watching cartoons in his youth and still continued doing so in his young adult years.” He announced out at random before clutching his chest with his free hand.

“Huff* huff* huff* Level two…LEVEL TWO DIABETES!! He posed dramatically with two fingers.”I hope you guys have some good pharmacy going on here because I am certainly going to be needed ALL of it If I am seriously going to keep it as my own.” He declared dramatically which in turn made the little baby dragon giggle in joy at his silliness.

“Awwwwwww.” All three servants chanted at the same time.

Something Alex mostly ignored as his focus went back to Susara dangling right next to him.

“Very expensive Susi, it is very expensive. That is, if this place has any medical insurance or not.” He continued to babble on.

Susi on the other hand (because Alex was using the other to get his point across) was just as confused about her monarch’s antics as she usually is before just shaking her head and getting her mind back to the issue at hand.

Hoof or claw or whatever.

“How about we focus more in finding out what gender this baby has before jumping to anymore conclusions about possible health problems?” She suggested which in turn caught Alexander’s attention.

He had a look of realization. “Ah yes, yeah I forgot about that. That IS a very important problem that needs to be solved and determined as quickly as possible. I mean…we don’t want to suddenly buy it the wrong clothes and toys now do we?” He casually answered before comically dropping Susara from his grasp by just...letting go of her and focusing back at the little baby bundle.

Susara yelps as she hits the ground before giving the focus diverted monarch a bit of a sore look. Alexander decided to just wing it and gently picks the babbling baby up with both of his hands to have a better feel and look at the creature.

It was still surprising to him in just how light the little thing was despite its size and looks, but then again it is still just a baby so weight shouldn’t really be that much of an issue.

A smile swiftly formed on his face. “Es ist eine Uschi,” He declared which got everyone’s attention.

“Uh…a what?” Susara ask, a question that everyone within the room shared.

“It means it’s a girl.” Alex casually answered while not diverting his attention from the baby drake in his hands who at this point started to play ‘the motorboat’.

Susara tilter her head. “Really, how did you figure that out? I haven’t seen you CHECK its gender.” She asks.

“Simply.” Alex declared as he switched his gaze down towards Susara. “She has EYELASHES.” He declared while showing the baby off to everyone before holding it out in front of him again. “Cartoon logic dictates that individuals with eyelashes are always recognized as females in that world. And since this world does look cartoonish in nature and the fact that you and every other mare or female I have come across, so far, does have prominent looking eyelashes. I it just makes sense to assume that this dragon baby here is actually a dragoness. So no more of that IT nonsense this my friends is a she through and through.” He finished in which the newly duped dragoness began to giggle happily while trying to reach out with its stubby little arms to try and touch Alexander’s smiling face.

Susara smiled. “Well in that case it’s good to know that we finally know what gender it even though I have no idea what a…cartoon is.” She said with a bit of confusion in the end.

“But on the other note she does seem to have taken quite a liking towards you already. Maybe having a dragon in the city might not be such a bad idea after all.” She added happily, a statement in which alexander can only agree upon.

“Indeed but still one question still reminds.” He said while looking thoughtful.

“What kind of question?” Susara asked.

“Easy.” He declared before once again presenting the newly born infant to everyone in the room.” Who of you lovely ladies has the time and honor to babysit this new infant for me?” He announced which in turn caused everyone to look up at him with questionable looks on their muzzles.

Alex crooked an eyebrow. “What? I am the king here remember. You all know very well that I have a lot of work and responsibilities on my hands, especially now and in the upcoming future. I obviously won’t have a lot of time to look after this thing while doing all the kingly stuff that everybody wants me to do.” He explained before holding the infant against his side with one arm.

“Plus I am not very good with kids anyway. My attention span is too short for that.” He quickly added.

One of the servants got pushed forward by the other two.

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the long wait, you can blame games like Civilization 6 and Stellaris Utopia for that.

But anyway, as some of you can tell I updated the cover art with the new Dragoness that everybody wanted, and to add to that a proper character sketch of her as well.