Spike's Destiny
by Ekhidna
First published
When destiny sits before you, telling you what the future will be like, what will you choose?
Dragons are truly marvelous creatures from dragons to drakes to wyrms, all so different yet so magnificent, all share the same bounds and the same outcome, except one.
After reading an old book Celestia is left with mixed feelings about the little dragon she came to love as her own son and what the future would be like for him, for her, for his friends, for Equestria, for all of Equis.
*Tags may change as the story rolls on, right now it will stay as Sad and Dark*
Prologue
Spike’s Destiny
Prologue
“Dear Princess Celestia,
How are you doing lately? Good, I hope. After all, an invasion and the return of the Crystal Empire are pretty important and kind of a big deal. Anyways, I wrote you this letter to inform you that I have found it—FINALLY!
After almost twenty years of searching, I've finally found the ruins you told me about. It was kind of funny how I stumbled upon it, actually.
There I was, having a nice dinner with King Gazle of the Cervadis Empire. One thing led to another; we talked, we laughed, I told him some of my stories while he told me some old legend of his kingdom. It was a good time, all in all.
But then, right after I was going to excuse myself for the night, he told me of an old myth about how Cervadis was created. I'm sure you know that one, but not his version; I assure you, princess! The popular legend says Cervadis was built by the early residents of Saddle Arabia. King Gazle told me that was a lie, and that the kingdom was founded by dragons! DRAGONS, can you believe it? I almost squealed with excitement. Come to think of it, I think I actually did. That would explain that odd look he gave me. Mmmm... anyway!
He told me that right in the borders between Camelu and the lost world, there was a long forgotten valley, and within, rested the last remains of those dragons who built the Cervadis Empire! He said it was just a myth, and that neither the valleys nor the ruins had been found so far. But you know me, so I decided to investigate. After all, that was my best chance in years to actually find it.
The next day, I gathered everything I needed to begin my journey. It took me two weeks, three brushes of death, four minor injuries, one tooth, and all of my wits to find the entrance to the valley. The entrance was on a little island in the middle of the lake, in the deepest part of a cave that was at the very core of the mountain UNDER the desert! Oddly, there were no riddles, traps, enigmas, or anything of that sort. Seems like those dragons didn't like the classics.
Moving on, I noticed old statues of dragons—of many kinds, if I was right (and, of course, I was, mind you)—all forgotten and torn by time. It seemed like these ruins are over six thousand years old. After a long walk, I finally reached the valley, which was illuminated by some strange rocks on the ceiling. Taking one for analysis, it became dust as soon as I so much as touched it. All I can say is that they absorb the solar energy from the desert above the mountain. Somehow, it managed to give this valley the strength it needs to exist. But enough of the science stuff.
I walked and hovered all over the place. It was big enough to mistake it for the Everfree Forest. Right in the dead center of the place, I found the ruins of an old castle. Right at the entrance was the face of a dragon like no other. I felt like it was looking at my very soul, even though it was just a door. I opened the surprisingly well-conditioned door and began to wander around the insides of the ruins.
Again, no traps or anything like that, not even a snake (I hate those things; always a favorite for old ruins, somehow). I roamed the castle for what felt like days, searching room after room, until I reached the library. It was completely empty, except for one book, resting on a marble pedestal. Curious, excited, and silently praying, I approached the book. It was large for a normal pony—but only slightly so for an Alicorn, I suppose. Once observing the book, it was then that I cried. For the first time in many years, I cried out in happiness. This was it. I had found it! I finally found--
“The book of the Dovah,” Celestia whispered, reading the letter for the umpteenth time. She sat in the emptiness of her royal chambers. After nineteen years of pain for both her and her explorer, she had finally found it.
Nearly two decades ago, the unexpected had occurred, an event that not even she could have predicted. Her faithful adventurer could finally come back home, after promising to not stop searching until she either found it, or death claimed her.
It took nineteen long, hard, painful years, but she had, at last, discovered the book that could answer her questions; questions that had been eating her for nearly four hundred years.
Ever since the day she encountered the cryptic egg, deep inside that cave near the old castle of the Everfree Forest, it had been her duty and responsibility to watch out for that egg. She kept an eye for it, waiting until it hatched, or the rightful owners came to claim it. Neither was fulfilled for three hundred and ninety seven years.
Celestia's initial shock gradually passed, memories left to the back of her mind, and her happiness was raising. It formed a hassle-free smile on her face. Elated due to the best news she had gotten in a long time, she decided to finish her letter.
“—The Book of Dovah!
This is a victory for both of us, Princess! We must celebrate once I return to Canterlot. I'll be arriving to Equestria with “the precious cargo” in about a week after you receive this letter, hopefully.
Going off topic now; how's my little sister? Doing well at the castle, and not destroying anything, I hope. From what you told me last time, it seems like Ditzy befriended Princess Luna. I'm happy for both of them. Well, I must go now. The mail-camel is almost here, and this cannot wait any longer. Happy week, and wish me luck, Princess.
Equestria's Number One Archaeologist,
Daring Derpina Doo
P.S. Tell my sis I'll bring her the muffins she asked me for last time.”
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to The Grimm Reaper for proofreading this, thank you!.
And now a very BIG SPECIAL thank you to Miss Dark Angel for editing it, THANK YOU!.
Memories of faithful days
Chapter One Memories of Faithful Days
Part 1
*clang* *clang* *clang*
Celestia's golden shoes were busy echoing inside her throne every time it made contact with the floor; a clear sign Celestia was impatient. The room was empty except for her; no royal guards, no papers to sign, no snobbish, arrogant, pesky nobles whining, almost demanding, for this and that and to fix their problems. She was having none of it today, and was only concerned to wait. For every second that passed, however, the more exasperated she grew, and with very valid reasons.
Daring was arriving today, any minute, with the mythic Book of the Dovah. She had waited for almost four hundred years for this moment; she could wait a few more hours to claim her prize.
*clang**clang**clang*
“... I should have sent a platoon for her.” Celestia sighed in defeat. She knew that would have the book brought to her faster, but it wasn't proper. No, she needed to wait like she had for so long. That, and all the fuss that would be created, seeing a living, 'fictional' character arrive in a royal chariot, escorted by several guards, wouldn't be worth it.
*clang**clang**clang**clang*
“Look at me. Here I am, waiting little a little foal over a new toy. I must look really pathetic.”
“Now, now, Tia, that's not true. You look rather amusing and funny, if I must admit,” the voice of a certain Draconequus
echoed into the room, just before its owner popped into existence beside Celestia. The figure stopped her in her pacing.
“Although seeing you so impatient over a silly book reminds me more of how Twilight would act!”
“Discord, this is not the time for your foolishness. I'm waiting for a very important friend of mine,” she countered, too bothered with Discord to deal with his games.
“HA! You're terrible, Celestia.” A snap of a finger later, Discord was sitting right in front of her. “You say that, but you only care for the book she is bringing with her. What a terrible friend you are, nothing like my dear friend, Fluttershy; such a sweetheart.” Another snap, and an X-ray picture appeared on his lion paw. “You have such a cold heart inside.”
“Discord, please, I'm not in the mood for this right now. This is very important to me,” she argued a bit roughly. If she was hurt by his words, she didn't show it.
“Now, this is really unique to see. Celestia, the eternal pain in the flank, not angered at me for speaking the truth? This must be really important to you, then, and I should congratulate you, also. You have my curiosity.” His tail formed two fingers, clicked together, and a little robot appeared between them. The robot's unmoving 'eye' looked at Discord for some seconds.
“Oops, not that curiosity.” It was gone with another snap. “So, Tia, are you going to tell your dear, old friend, Discord, why this book is so important to you or not?”
“What makes you think I'm going to tell you something like that?”
“OH, you wound me, Celestia! And here, I thought we were finally friends!” Discord started to laugh while floating over the immobile Princess. Seeing her not even glower at him, though, made him stop. “Whoa, not even a glare?” He disappeared, then reappeared at Celestia's right.
“C'mon, Tia, tell me what's going on.”
“...”
“Please?”
“.....”
“PWEEAAASEEEEE??” he shouted, making the saddest puppy eyes he could muster.
“... You... wouldn't understand.”
“And why in the world would you say that?”
“It's not about me. At least, not entirely, but to some... pony very dear to me—and no, it's not my faithful student, my niece, or my sister.” Celestia looked to her right in time to see Discord's mouth open, only to shut. “I will tell you, but only if you tell me everything you know about dragons.”
“Dragons? Ha! Now I get it; this is about the purple pet liza—”
“His name is Spike, Discord!”
The angriest glare Discord had ever seen fell upon him, and Discord actually felt the heart of the sun trying to burn him down. Just for a moment, he honestly feared Celestia.
“Alright, alright, I was only kidding! Jeez,” Discord stepped a little away from Celestia, just in case, “why did that anger you so much? It's not the first time I called him that in front of you, and you never got mad before.”
“I DID get angry. I just didn't let it out.”
“I'm even more curious now! I just have to know!” A brief silence followed his excited outburst before continuing, “I don't really know much, actually. Even though I'm a Draconequus, I don't know much about dragons aside from what you already know: their society and some of their their cycles, but nothing really.”
Celestia just hummed in acknowledgment, and another moment of silence passed.
“But now that I think about it... around twenty-five thousand years ago, there was a war between the dragons. I was but a mere child back then, and the Draconequus were more... abundant. My powers back then were weak and limited, so I was always hiding.
“That war eventually got out of control.” Discord shifted his position and took one of his eyes out. It expanded, and many images of lands burning, dragon corpses laying in debris, and devastation of many other races and creatures was shown. “It expanded to the entire Equis, and it lasted two thousand years.”
Celestia was listening to every word Discord said, paying careful attention and not wanting to miss anything.
“At the end of the war, the dragons lost their civilization, their culture, and almost all of their wisdom. Their homeland transformed, from a beautiful land that horded great wonders, to what we now call “The Lost World,” a barren wasteland where nothing can grow or live anymore.” Discord took his eyes again and placed it back where it belonged.
“What caused the war?” Celestia asked in a neutral voice.
“I don't know. When I was born, the war had already started, and we were at the borders of the conflict.”
A minute of absolute quiet took place. Celestia thought about this new information, something not even her old friend, Sabarius, had told her about in the past.
Discord, on the other, was getting bored. “... Soooooooo.”
A heavy sigh escaped her mouth before speaking. “Spike... is very dear to me. Only I and Spike himself know this. If I tell you this, you must promise me, as a friend, that you will NOT talk to anypony about this. Promise?”
“Ugh, gag! Must I really? … Oh, fine, then! But if it's such secrecy, why tell me?”
“Because you told me something I did not know about dragons. It was a deal, and I also need to tell somepony about this.”
“You know, it's kind of scary, seeing you so serious and direct about something, Tia. I think I like the Princess Celestia version better.” Another snap of his talons, and some popcorn before him. “I'm ready whenever you are, Tia.”
Celestia closed her eyes and took a big breath, sighing loudly. “After Spike was hatched, and Twilight left the school, I took him with me to the palace and... branded him as my son.”
“.... What?”
“Spike is my son, Discord?”
“... Really?”
“Yes. That's why he can send me letters, and I to where he is. Spike spent his first hours with me, and saw me as his mother, creating a special bond between us.” Celestia looked at Discord, who was, to her utter surprise, looking serious.
“Okay, don't tell me more.”
“What? But I thought you wanted to know?” Her face changed to one of shock.
“And I do, but I will wait. Something tells me you're going to tell Twilight and her friends about this, anyways.” He stood up and stretched a bit. “Well, until that time comes, I'll leave you alone, waiting again. See you later, Tia.” He was gone with another crack of his fingers.
Alone again, in the peace and silence of her throne room, time seemed to stop. Nothing moved, and there was no sound, except for a slight *clang*.
-----------------------------------------------------------*********************************
Year 588 A.N.M.B (After Nightmare Moon’s Banishment)
Celestia was walking through the ruins of an old castle, in the heart of the Everfree Forest. In the castle of the Royal Pony sisters, the Elements of Harmony were intact and safe, as always. It was dark out and late. The Winter Moon Celebration had just finished ten minutes before she came here, as she always did every year. This this, though, Celestia's sorrow was too great, and her pain too deep, to stop her tears this time.
Oh, how foolish she had been, ignoring her sister like that! Only focusing on herself, while Luna was consumed by the demonic Nightmare Moon, night by night, until it was too late for her to do anything about it, she had made a horrid mistake. She could only send her beloved, corrupted sister to the moon, chaining her there for a thousand years for a mistake she made.
Celestia couldn't stand it. She simply couldn't hold it in anymore; not this time, at least. Hot tears came rolling down her magenta eyes like a never-ending river in desperate need to be subdued. She fell to the cold, stone floor and cried for hours. Nothing bothered her, and nopony came to comfort her.
When she had finally cried herself out of tears, she decided it was time to leave and return to Canterlot. She was about to take flight, but instead began walking; there was no hurry, after all, since dawn was a few hours away. Celestia started to walk away from the ruins, crossing the bridge, when all of a sudden, it snapped and fell.
She fell for about twenty meters until her wings halted her descent. She scolded herself, as she rose back onto the road, for being so careless. Then her eyes caught something.
The entrance of a cave, almost halfway down the cliff, caught her attention. That was strange; after all, she knew that wasn't there before, never in the years she came as a child or the previous years she came back. She flew closer to it, noticing something really peculiar.
At the borders of the entrance were some strange runes. There shined blueish-gray light “Moon Powder,” a powerful magic powder that hid gates and doors under an illusion that could only be revealed during... the Winter full moon. That very night.
Wasting no time, and letting curiosity take the best of her, she entered the cave. It was big enough for her to fit nicely, at least. She lit up her horn, creating light to advance deeper into the cave. After trekking five minutes, she found it.
An egg. A dragon egg resting on a nest made of something she did not recognize. It was not her first time seeing a dragon egg. After all, hatching dragon eggs was a test for the most gifted unicorn foals, and a great way to keep peace with the Dragon lands. They received hatchlings that would otherwise die, and Equestria was off limits for dragon hunting, hoarding grounds.
The shape and colors, however, she had never seen before. It had almost the same shape as a chicken egg, and it was lavender colored with deep purple dots all over it. Looking around to make sure the egg was alone, Celestia took it with her magic, knowing it would be an empty, dead egg.
To her surprise, she felt a spark inside the egg. “It's still alive!”
Wasting no more time, a bright flash of light illuminated the dark, wet, colt cave, and a second later, darkness was again welcomed in it.
Inside the chambers of the palace, Celestia lay on her bed with the strange dragon egg by her side, giving it the warmth from her body. “Do not worry, little dragon. Until you hatch, or your father comes to retrieve you, I will protect you from harm.” She then gave the egg a little kiss, and then fell asleep.
---------------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
Year 985 A.N.M.B; 3 days after the Summer Sun Celebration.
Celestia was NOT happy—scratch that, she was furious—but how she felt right now was betrayed by her calm walking and serious expression. She was walking to her private school, in order to stop the entry test herself, if needed.
“I'm going to reopen the dungeons, just so I can throw that arrogant, self-centered Magic Flare in there. How DARE he take MY egg, without permission! Not even I could hatch it. Why did I even name him head Mage of MY school, anyway?”
Celestia stopped just in time to hear a tremendous explosion in the skies. Looking up, she saw a humongous rainbow in the sky.
“A Sonic Rainboom?!”
It was followed by the biggest and most inpony amount of raw, magical power she had ever felt, even more than what Starswift had. To top it all off, a giant dragon appeared out of nowhere INSIDE her school! But there was something familiar about the dragon... dragon... HER EGG!
----------------------------------------------------************************************
Same day, Four hours later
A little, baby dragon was sleeping peacefully over Celestia's bed, all the while sucking a bit of her mane at the same time.
“He is just so cute.” Celestia made a small *squee* when she smiled, looking at the dragon. Her baby dragon—her baby.
Of course, it was a double prize for her. She had, at last, found the Element of Magic, and so her plans for Luna's return took march again. She was rather impressed, however, at the raw power the filly, Twilight Sparkle, had displayed. Only the Elements of Harmony, more precisely, the Element of Magic, and probably Discord, had enough power to match this egg if she couldn't have done it in the past.
A soft yawn caught her attention, and she saw the big, green, beautiful and playful eyes of her baby dragon looking at her curiously. Celestia leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss on his forehead, earning some light laughter on his part.
“Now, little one, what should be your name?”
Her baby paid no attention, and instead laughed a little more, while grabbing and touching Celestia's muzzle with his soft and tender claws.
“I think I should call you Nimrod.” The dragon looked at her but did nothing else. “You don't like it? Oh, well. What about Erebus?” The baby only blinked. “Timon? Nestor? Radian?” No response, aside from blinking and blank stares into Celestia's eyes. “Maybe you will like... Spike?”
The baby dragon seemed to approve it by laughing a little. “Oh, so you like Spike, huh?”
Spike just made some gurgles and sucked Celestia's mane.
“As you wish, then. Your name shall be Spike Solaris, my son... my little, perfect baby.”
Celestia nuzzled her new child, kissed him again, and then sang a lullaby for him to sleep again. It was a good day.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------********************************
“Excuse me, your Majesty?” a royal guard called to her, waking her from her trance of memories.
“Yes, Phalanx?” she said, looking softly at her guard.
“Your guest has arrived.”
Chapter 1 Part 1 End
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the delay, Part 2 will come soon.
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
Special Thanks to Miss Dark Angel for her amazing editing!
Shall Never be Forgotten
Chapter 1: Shall Never be Forgotten
Part 2
*Canterlot Traveling-Balloon Port*
It was barely past noon, and the sun was shining in all its glory, giving its bright, warm rays to every living thing that welcomed it. But her concern was for, and only for, the arrival of her book. Her clicking shoes were all that resonated in the courtroom of the white castle. She waited patiently, her pacing never-ending.
Meanwhile, below the sun yet above the ground, between and below the clouds, which gave a fresh and cool shadow, flying ships and balloons of all sizes and forms were flying, landing, loading, or unloading their cargo.
It was a common sight for the mast majority of those who worked or lived near one of the jewels of Canterlot: the Balloon port. Travelers of many different Reigns, Empires, Kingdoms, and Republics from all around Equis landed there daily. Be it for business or pleasure, it made no difference; the port was important.
Each day, the port received up to a hundred Ship-Balloons, mostly supplies that Equestria imported from other nations, exporting just as many, or more, of their own goods to the nations that needed them. Some others brought important figures, ranging from diplomats to merchants. And of course, many tourists occupied the balloons; the most common of those were Griffons, Zebras, Cervadians, Natives from Saddle Arabia, Minotaurs, and Donkeys. It was a big surprise to see a balloon from a nation that rarely visited Equestria, like Camelu, land a Balloon propeller*(1) on the port.
“Dear travelers, we have arrived to the Canterlot Port. Please remain in your seats until the doors are open,” a grave, masculine voice with a noticeable foreign accent spoke to his passengers. “We hope you enjoyed your travel, and hope to be honored again by choosing the Camelu Balloon Lines in the future. Have a nice day.”
As the pilot said this, the doors began opening slowly, letting the impatient passengers see the ports and begin to walk down the ship.
Zebras, Cervadians, and mostly Camels walked down and went down to retrieve their luggage. Almost every passenger was out when a khaki colored Pegasus with raspberry pink eyes, wearing an explorer pith helmet and vest, stepped out and gave a loud yawn. She proceeded out to stretch her four legs, neck, and wings.
After Daring's stretching session, she inhaled deeply and let out a happy sigh. “There's no air like home air.” Daring Do trotted to get her things. She pulled out a single object only; a simple suitcase, though two times the size of a normal one. She held the suitcase in her mouth and trotted towards the exit of the port; she couldn't fly that well with the extra weight, after all.
Minutes passed, and soon enough, she arrived at the main street of Canterlot. However, something was... off.
At first, she didn't give it any thought and decided to ignore it. But the strange looks of many of the ponies, and some non-ponies, around her, started to bother her. Then a young unicorn stallion with a blue coat approached her.
“Hey! That's a wicked Daring Do costume you got there. You look exactly like her!” the stallion said. He checked every part of her body; not because he was a pervert, but it looked as if he was searching for a flaw on her. “Incredible! You even tore your vest down a bit to give the image of a real treasure hunter.”
"Treasure hunter?" Daring thought. Years of danger and looking for clues taught her to remain stealthy until the first information burst out. It just made things easier.
So unmoving, aside from her eyes following the rambling unicorn, she let him continue. “It—it's fantastic! You score a twelve out of ten for this amazing costume. But... is there a convention today? I didn't know there was one today, or at least I think... or is there?”
Around them, many more bystanders began to form a circle around them, talking and approving her “costume” as the unicorn pondered in deep deliberation.
Putting her suitcase on the ground, Daring Do finally asked, “Uh, er, excuse me... ?”
“Oh, where are my manners? My name is Exact Angle,” he said, smiling.
“Exact Angle, can you please tell me what you mean by 'costume'?”
“Well, by your costume, of course, I mean you look like Daring Do from the Daring Do book series!”
“Book series?!” Daring Do practically shouted.
“Why, yes!” a Pegasus filly said, walking up to her. “The Daring Do series is the coolest and best selling series ever! Well, second bestselling, if you count that abomination of “Dusk Shine Saga.”*(2)
Everypony shuddered at the mention of the book series that-shall-not-be-read. “You don't know about it?” the filly continued.
“No.”
A loud gasp of collective, disbelief and terror was heard.
“But you're wearing Daring Do's treasure hunter outfit. Look!” The little Pegasus practically shoved a book into Daring's face.
She read the cover aloud. “Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone.” Opening the book, she gaped in disbelief at a random page. She saw an image of herself, trapped in a sand tomb, while Ahuizotl laughed from above. Oh! She remembered that one quest very clearly; her injured wing, the vicious jungle, the idol, the traps, the feline henchcats of Ahuizotl, and of course, Ahuizotl himself. The question was, though, how did these... readers get a hold of that story? She had only told her sis—
“Excuse me, but who is the author of the book?”
“Well, we don't know his real name, and he's never even shown up to a single convention, some day because he likes to be anonymous. We don't even know if 'he' is really a 'he' or not,” the unicorn said. “But the initials of his name are at the end of the book.”
Before the unicorn had even finished his sentence, Daring was looking at the last page of the book, and she only read the initials. “D.D.D.P.L.S.” Any trace of anger was soon lifted away, replaced with both joy and sadness (mostly joy, though). "Oh... sis", she thought, looking at the simple initials.
All of her 'fans' began to talk between themselves.
“So, are you going to a convention?”
“I don't think there was one scheduled for this month.”
“Maybe she's just a big fan?”
“She didn't even know about the books! How can she?”
“Do you think I would look good in that outfit?”
“DUDE! That's for fillies!”
“I'm Daring Doo,” said Daring.
“Oh, that would explain why you look like her.”
“Yeah! I mean, it was obvious from the start. She is the... real... Daring... Do,” the blue unicorn said.
Silence roared with all its sight, and even soul around Daring stared at her with gaping mouths—and beaks, in the griffon's case. Finally, a donkey spoke. “Y-y-y-you a-are th-th-the re-real.... ?”
“Yes, I'm Daring Doo.” She decided to entertain her new found fans and posed for them, putting her chest out in high pride. She smiled widely, keeping her eyes closed as she pulled her head up to the skies.
…
Every single pony, zebra, griffon, and fan of the Daring Do series experienced an event that was known by a few chosen ones. That event is, of course, the fangasm.
.----------------------------------------------------------------------------******************************
“A-and then, they LITERALLY fell to the floor. Some w-were even foaming at the mouth and choking on it! Hahahaha!” Daring was laughing very hard, crying a little and trying to pick herself up from the royal dinner room floor.
“What a sight that must have been.” Celestia was having a good laugh herself as Daring told her about what happened upon her arrival. It had been a while since she had laughed like this, and it felt good.
“S-so—haha--so after that, *snicker* some more fans ran to me, while a few others stood up. They kept asking me for autographs and asking me questions of all sorts. That's why I am so late, Princess.”
“Oh, don't let that bother you, my faithful archaeologist. I'm the one who must apologize. I was very impatient to get the book, but a... friend of mine made me see that I was being a terribly friend because of that, and he was right.” Celestia bowed her head in front of Daring, showing respect. “Can you please forgive me, my friend?” Celestia looked up, an apologetic look in her eyes, to a semi-stunned Daring.
“W-why, of course, Princess, but there's no need for it. You had every right to be anxious to get your book after such a long time wanting it.”
“That's no excuse to ignore a long time friend over a book. I have waited for many years, so I can wait a few more hours. I must greet you properly, first.” Celestia smiled at Daring.
Daring returned the smile. For a while, they remained like that, until Daring Do broke the ice. “So, how is Derpy doing? Good, I hope. And why didn't you tell me about this book series earlier?”
“Oh, yes! She is adorable! Clumsy, I'll admit, but she always tries hard to do her best, and she's been such a wonderful friend to my sister, Luna. I think they spend most of their time together playing something called “video-games” just imported from the Moose Republic. They are quite popular nowadays. As for the book series, well, I must admit, I just wanted it to be a surprise. I even planned to send a royal escort for your arrival, but it wouldn't have been as amusing and would be too much trouble, anyway,” Celestia finished. She took another sip of her chamomile tea nonchalantly.
“Oh, ha-ha, Princess. Very funny,” Daring sarcastically sad. “But why did Derpy move into the castle, Princess? She must have a lot of bit.”
“What do you mean by 'a lot of bits'?”
“She's the author of my books. Remember the initials D.D.D.P.L.S? It means Ditzy Derpy Doo Proud Little Sister. I'm certain of it.” A warm smile spread across her shout, as well as on Celestia's.
“Mmhmm. I didn't know she was the author, but she doesn't have any bits that I know of. You will have to ask her when she and Luna return from their convention in Last Pegasus, I'm afraid.” The Princess took another sip of tea. “I also want to congratulate you, and thank you for all those beautiful and marvelous relics you have recovered for Equestria or their fitting nation. Thanks to you, our relationship with many countries has improved enormously over these past five years.”
“All in a day's work, your highness. After all, as I always say, 'Another day, another dungeon.” Daring chuckled at her own joke, while Celestia simply giggled.
The next few hours were spent talking, laughing, and swapping stories. Celestia was overwhelmed with surprise when Daring told her about the changeling empire and its state. Originally, Shining and herself thought the changelings came from the badlands, a rocky desert far, far away to the north. In reality, the Changeling empire was beyond that, in a land called, by the changelings, as “The Black Land.” The ground was black, and the only thing that grew there were mushrooms that glowed in the dark.
Daring had met with the changelings in her time there, or at least, what remained of them. The sights of how things were made her cry. Corpses every now and then, young, old, marelings, infants, even broken eggs surrounded her.
One changeling was still alive when she arrived to the ruins of what once was a big Hive-Castle. It begged for 'love.' It screamed in horribly pain every few seconds, screaming to the heavens and to her to give him some love, any kind or amount of love. The changeling cried hollow, yellow years, and the pain of hunger became bigger. He didn't want to die like that. He bellowed at her again to save him, and his fellow changelings from their curse of that horrid hunger. She held him close to her, trying to help the fragile and weak changeling.
With what little life the changeling had left, he barely told Daring that changelings had lost the ability to 'give' love to other changelings, and were forced to either steal it or starve to death. Before he could say more, his body began to convulse harshly. He cried out, and to Daring's horror, the already black carapace of the changeling became even darker, his wings turned gray, his eyes yellow, and suddenly, it stopped. The changeling had died, the look of horror and untold pain still visible on his face.
Daring couldn't take it anymore and stopped her tale. This was only one of many incidents she had no desire to tell the Princess or her sister about in her letters, and this was an exception of every telling of them at all.
Celestia finally realized the changelings were not, in fact, evil, but desperate. Insanely desperate. To escape more deaths so horrible as that, she made a note to herself to try and contact the changelings, to speak to them. Maybe, just maybe, a solution could be achieved.
“My precious explorer, you just gave me reason to enter peace talk with the changelings, if I find them. But tell me why you didn't tell me this sooner?”
“I thought there weren't any more changelings, and the one I found was probably just, you know, delusional with pain. I've seen that many times during my travels, and his pain was far greater than anything I had ever seen. Also, the news of the changeling invasion didn't reach me until six months later. I was in Amazonica at the time. Also, the word 'invasion' screams 'Hey, we are the bad guys, and we will take your land and mares. Mwahahaa.' So I thought they were evil, and after what you told me about the invasion, Princess, I think they were really desperate, even to a point of avoiding diplomacy.”
“Yes, I think so, too, now. I also wanted to ask you, Daring, is that an engagement ring in your left wing?” Celestia asked, changing the subject to a more pleasant one.
“Oh, this?” She extended her wing to show the ring properly. “Hehe, yes, it is.” Daring blushed a little, closing her eyes, embarrassed.
“I must know who your husband is, my little pony, or are you part of a herd? Please, do tell.” Celestia actually leaned in a little, almost demanding for an answer in silence. She even blinked adorably a couple of times.
“Well, he is my husband. Besides, I'm not really into herds. Our 'relationship' is kind of hard right now, though. He needs permission to become a citizen of Equestria, you see. He is rather... peculiar.”
“Peculiar?”
“Let's just say he really comes in handy.” Daring blushed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------***********************
Celestia’s Chambers 1:00 A.M.
Celestia sat in front of her bed, the Book of the Dovah resting over it. When Daring gave her the look, it was locked in a little chest barely bigger than the book itself. Soon after nuzzling her, and wishing her a goodnight, she teleported to her room and uncovered the book.
The front image took her breath away. The words “Book of the Dovah” were written in bold, golden letters above the image of four dragons, one from each corner of the image, all bowing to a fifth dragon, who was standing with its wings open. It was magnificent.
Celestia hesitated for a second before enveloping the book in her yellow, magical aura. She brought it nearer to her, and she felt something deep and powerful inside the book. She couldn't exactly say what it was, but it was there. Before she opened it, she was reluctant again, many memories making their way to her.
------------------------------------------------------------------------*********************************
Year 590 A.N.M.B.
Celestia was panting harshly, sweat running down her face and neck. A lavender dragon egg with deep purple spots sat in a hay nest in front of her, laughing at and taunting her, almost mocking her efforts to hatch it.
“Th-this cannot be! I used the same amount of magic to make the sun rise and go down for one hundred years this time!” Celestia was really angry, frustrated, and worried now. Angry because she had failed to hatch the egg, frustrated since this was her fifth attempt, and worried due to the egg not even moving from its spot. No wonder why every single one of the new unicorn students were unable to hatch the egg.
“It doesn't make any sense. No dragon egg should possess such resistance, or even suck away the magic like it was nothing.” She sat and pondered, trying to think of a solution to this problem.
There were only two possible solutions. Either go to the dragon lands and speak with her father's old friend, Sabarius, for some answers, or the egg could only be hatched by a more powerful magic. Sadly for her, after the banishment of Luna, the Elements of Harmony neglected her.
A brilliant plan formed inside her head. She had been working for centuries now to forge a legend or a tale about her dispute with her possessed sister, and seemingly succeeded. But how could she fight Nightmare Moon without the Elements? Simple, of course; she knew the Elements would manifest themselves again, in the future. She just needed to find them all, and more specifically, the Element of Magic, to free her sister, and her egg could be hatched!
“My egg?” she whispered. “Well, since no dragon has come yet to reclaim you, I guess you are my egg, now.” She smiled at the unmoving egg. “Come now, we must go to see an old friend of my father and mine.” She took the egg with her magic and walked towards the exit of her chambers.
Celestia ignored it back then, but that night, the first two of her many questions was created. What kind of dragon dwelled inside the egg? And more importantly, could she come to love this egg and the dragon inside it? In time, both answers would be achieved; of that, she was sure.
----------------------------------------------------------------****************************************
Year 590 A.N.M.B. *Dragon Lands*
Celestia watched the land below her. It was hot. The mountains were big and numerous with countless holes where dragons lived, mostly, with their hoards. Magma pools and rivers rested between the mountains, and in the distance, the biggest mountain of them all stood proudly. It contained statues of dragons and a big entrance, the expansion big enough to fit all of Canterlot in it. She was glad she came alone, for none of her guards could withstand this harsh environment for long.
Many dragons saw the princess, but did nothing to stop her. Some even stopped flying to let her continue her way without troubles. Once she was at the entrance, a yellow dragon stopped her.
“Halt!” the deep voice of the dragon echoed in the entrance. “Who goes there, and what is thy business?”
“It is I, Princess Celestia, ruler of the Equestria Empire. I humbly seek an audience with his high command chancellor, Sabarius.” The royal Canterlot voice reverberated even more than the dragon's voice.
“Very well. I shall inform my lord of your presence. Await my return here, princess.” The dragon turned back and began to walk away.
Meanwhile, Celestia waited patiently, making sure the egg was secured on her back. The egg was inside a small chest, enchanted to protect it, and what was inside, against any form of harm from the outside. Even with it, she was taking no chances
Several minutes passed, until the yellow dragon returned alongside a bigger, green dragon. It had an orange underbelly, and a set of horns rested on his head. Deep, purple eyes observed Celestia closely, and a scar ran across his chest, protruded by another dragon a long time ago.
“Princess Celestia, it is my pleasure to see you again. Please, come with me, and we will discuss the motives of your visit to my dorm.” The big dragon made a slight bow, all the while holding a neutral expression.
“I would be most pleased, chancellor Sabarius.” Celestia followed the dragon, flying behind him to catch up.
The interior of the mountain was as she remembered. A hollow cave, mountains of gold that reached the ceiling, and jewels, fabrics, and many more objects laid on the floor. This was the personal hoard of the dragon king, and it was Sabrarius's job to protect it. He was, after all, one of the few noble dragons left alive.
After some turns, they arrived to his dorm. The biggest curtain she had ever seen adorned the entrance to his cave, and inside it, there was a stack of pillows where the dragon slept. Many paintings, books, and statues of many different races decorated the walls.
“Now, then, Celly, what brought you here? Do you require more eggs? Is there a rampaging dragon loose in Equestria again? Or has it something to do with the package of your back?”
“You send me enough eggs each year, I assure you. Equestria is safe as of now, but yes, the package is what brought me here.” Celestia rose the chest with her magic, and carefully put it on the ground. She opened it, revealing the egg.
“... What is that?” Sabarius asked, closing the distance between himself and Celestia so he could see the egg properly. “A dragon's egg, of course.” The dragon carefully took the egg with two of his claws and let it rest on his palm. “Of what kind, I'm not sure, but it's definitely a dragon's egg. I don't remember sending this one to you, Celly, where did you find it?”
Celestia told Sabarius of how she had come to find the egg, as well as her attempts to hatch it, in vain, and how much magic she had used in each of her tries.
“Enough for one hundred years, and it still would not hatch?” Sabarius asked, surprised.
“Yes, and that's not the worst part. The egg was actually sucking, or eating my magic, and still it didn't hatch. It didn't even move an inch.”
“I will not lie to you, Celly. I'm old and wise. I've seen plenty of dragons and dragon eggs, from all kinds, types, colors, and sizes, but I have never seen an egg like this in my entire life, not even when I joined your father, Aurora, on his crusade, to stop the dragon rebellion ten thousand years ago. Let me remind you that I was only two hundred years old at that time. You weren't even born yet.” He looked at the egg with a mist of concern and fear in his eyes.
“I can feel something inside it, but I cannot see what. It's twisted inside, so it's difficult for me to feel its kind. I have never felt something like this. It's almost as if what lies inside this egg doesn't want me to see it. It's really strange, and I'm also... afraid of it.”
“Afraid? You, Sabarius, afraid of an egg? For whatever reason could you be afraid of MY egg?” Celestia asked a bit more roughly than she had intended to.
“Because I can feel something dark, something heavy, deep inside this egg, yet at the same time, something very light, and full of life. Forgive me for saying this, but whatever lies inside this egg is truly a monster. Of good or evil, I am unsure,” Sabarius said, returning the egg to its chest. “I'm afraid I cannot help you anymore, Celly. Your egg is a mystery to me.”
“If you can't help me, then no other dragon can. You are the wisest of them all. After all, you are Sabarius the Sage, the light of the dragons.” Celestia closed the chest and levitated it onto her back again.
“You flatter me, Celestia, but I guess you are right. I'm the wisest dragon ALIVE, so I cannot help you with this task of yours. But I can tell you, that around the world are many ruins. Some even have dragon treasures inside them, if the tales are true, including our greatest lost treasure, “The Book of the Dovah,” a sacred book to dragons that has everything there is to know about dragons inside its pages. From our old lifestyles, beliefs, lifespan, growth, whatever you can imagine, that book holds it.”
“And the book lies inside a ruin somewhere in the world?”
“I'm afraid so, Celestia. You will have to return to search for it, if you want to know what is inside that egg.”
“Are you certain of this, Sabarius?”
“About the ruins, then yes. I'm not entirely sure about the book, however. It is an old legend. I'm not even sure if it's real or not, but if it is, then everything there is to know about dragons, that book holds the answer.”
“Thank you, my friend. Your aid has been indeed helpful.”
“Anytime you need me, just come, and I will gladly help you, Celly.”
Celestia took flight and began to leave Sabarius's cave. “If you do find the book, will you give it to us, as soon as you don't need it anymore?” Sabarius asked, looking at Celestia with almost pleading eyes.
“Of course, but only after I'm done with it.”
“Sounds fair. Yabla Grathun, Celestia.”
“Grathun Yabla, Sabarius.”
As Celestia left the mountain and the dragon lands, another question bloomed. How powerful was the dragon inside this egg, when even the powerful and all mighty Sabarius so openly admitted to fear? She gulped and looked back to the chest on her back. Just for a second, she became worried and asked herself, “Am I making the right decision?”
Again, only time would tell her.
----------------------------------------------------**************************************
Year 623 A.N.M.B Two days after the Equestria-Griffonia war ended
Celestia sat on her throne in all her shining glory. She looked down at the griffon general, Mardoclaws, a traitor of the griffon empire, the same griffon that had manipulated his king in order to declare way to Equestria. He had one simple reason: he hated ponies and considered them inferior, a race that had to be eradicated.
The way lasted for three years, and in that time, Equestria lost two of their major cities, Buckingham and New Hoofington, alongside countless farm fields and more than twelve thousand ponies, mostly civilians.
The griffons lost half of their territory, almost all of their hunting/harming grounds, and forty thousand lives—warriors mostly, since the griffons are a warrior race by nature. The griffon king, Sharp Wings, had died during the war, killed by the high magician, General Infinity Sparkle, during one of the last battles of the way. Soon after, Queen Golden Beak discovered the general's treason. He had manipulated every bit of information, including some sort of peace treatment or talk, even going as far as to put anti-magic wards around the griffon capital castle so that nopony could teleport inside it.
After capturing him, the queen and the princess soon joined for a peace talk. Celestia agreed to return the griffons their territory, in exchange for the payment to rebuild their two lost cities, and to deal with the traitor herself for all the death, pain, and suffering innocent ponies and griffons dealt with. The queen agreed with no objections.
Celestia was gazing at the ex-general, now branded traitor, Mardoclaws. No hate, no pain, no mercy, no pity, nothing; just a follow look. For his part, Mardoclaws was glaring daggers at her.
“You bitch,” he said with all the hate he could muster to her. “Come on, do your worst. I ain't afraid of your so called powers. I know the truth; you don't control the sun nor the moon. They move by themselves. You're nothing, and so is this puny, weak, and disgraceful race, relying on your lies just to survive, you fucking slut!”
Celestia said nothing.
“Say something.” Silence. “Say something.” She continued her silent streak. “Speak, you worthless charlatan! I DEMAND YOU SAY SOMETHING!”
Still, Celestia remained quiet, nor did the guards near her, although they were more than willing to kill the griffon for insulting their princess. “RELEASE ME, SO I CAN KILL YOUR 'IMMORTAL,' SCUM!” he yelled at the nearest guard, but got no response. He looked back to Celestia. “I will destroy everything you hold dear! You don't deserve to live, not even to exist. I will kill you, and your sorry excuse of a race will—”
In a flash of green light, an egg Celestia knew far too well appeared above Mardoclaws and unceremoniously landed on his head, cutting him off. Everypony was stunned by the sudden manifestation as the egg landed on the ground with a soft thud.
Mardoclaw arose and, still stunned, he smiled. “And I shall start, BY CRUSHING THIS EGG!” His claws, put together, formed a hammer. He jumped as high as he could, and then brought down his hammer claw upon the egg.
Celestia forgot she could use magic, forgot she could move, forgot she commanded the sun, and she even forget her name. At that moment, all she could recall was one single word.
“NOOO!” She shot up from her throne.
Time seemed to go in slow motion. Mardoclaw's claw-hammer descended upon her egg, the one that she had personally tended and cared for, to the point of singing lullabies to it when she was feeling sad or extremely happy. The egg she had slowly learned to slow and nurture was now at the verge of being—
CRAAAAACKKKKK
“AAAAAARRRRGGGHH!” The ex-general screamed in agonizing pain once his claw-hammer made contact with the egg's exterior, an exterior harder than anything he had made contact with before. It broke his bones completely.
As Mardoclaws screeched and cried in pain, Celestia approached him. The moment her shadow was above him, he glanced up and saw death itself staring down at him. Celestia's mane and tail were like a violent inferno, swirling around itself, and her eyes were like the bright light of the sun.
“We only wanted to hear thou motives.”
Oh, by the Gods... her voice was horrible! Every trace of the loving and caring ruler was gone, and now a voice made of multiple vocals resonated across the throne room, full of anger and hate. Even her own guards were trembling!
“And to return thee to your country, so thou could face proper judgment, but thou sins are far too great for our mercy!” Her horn lit up, and Mardoclaws could feel something inside him. "Thou hath performed acts beyond redemption. For all the lives you took, for all the living beings that suffered under the war thou caused out of utter hatred and nonsense, we, Celestia Solaris, sentence you to death!”
Her horn's light was growing brighter by the second. Mardoclaws could say nothing, and between the pain in his claws and the fear towards Celestia, he could do nothing.
Celestia leaned in close enough to whisper in his right ear, so only he could hear now. “And for trying to kill my egg—MY baby—I will allow you to discover whether or not I control the sun.”
A bright flash of light later, Celestia was back to her normal form, panting a little. Mardoclaws was no longer in the room. Only the guards stood there, immobile and in disbelief at the fact that their merciful monarch had personally slain a war criminal.
Celesia took her egg with her wings and hugged in tenderly, crying from the fear of almost losing it.
“Mardoclaws was sent to exile, to the Lost World. Understood, captain?” she asked her captain as she walked away, never turning her head towards him.
“Y-y-yes, of course, your majesty!” The twelve guards that witnessed the event that day were not threaten, nor ordered, to remain silent about it. No, they made a personal oath to never speak or it again, or tell anything about it to anypony. And say nothing, they did.
Despite all of her fear, and the fact she killed a griffon, a criminal, a monster, even, did not mater to her right now. All she could think of was how her egg could do the thing it did, on its own free will. Even though dragon eggs are indeed hard, why was it so hard, when the strike was strong enough to shatter their armor?
Celesia walked towards her chambers, never letting go of her egg.
-----------------------------------------------------------***********************************
Year 985 A.N.M.B 5 days after the Summer Sun Celebration
“And of course, I will fund your entire expedition and the supplies you may need during your travels. Any questions?”
Daring Derpina Doo, a freshly new, expelled archaeologist, with a degree on exploration and trap difusing, was stunned beyond belief. Here she was, standing before Princess Celestia herself. Just an hour earlier, she had received a summoning to the castle by a royal guard cadet named Shining Armor. Looking back now, she was more nervous back then than she was now.
She took a deep breath to compose herself. “Ju-just one, your majesty. Why me? I was expelled from the university a week ago, and I swear it wasn't my fault! I just don't know what went wrong! I only added some potassium to the the—”
“Yes, I know of the accident. I still can't believe you blew up the entire lab.” Celestia chuckled at that. Just remembering the faces of the headmaster and the cleaning staff made her laugh. “But to answer your question, you have something I haven't seen in almost a century, and that, my little pony, is passion.”
“Passion, princess?”
“Yes. You seek adventure and thrill. You seek to solve mysteries, and to find great treasures—but not for yourself, but for the entire world to admire. That's why I chose you. Are you willing to travel the world and seek the artifact I need you to find?”
“Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! This for real, right? No joke?!” Daring was practically dancing in her spot at this moment.
“As real as the sun.” She smiled at her warmly.
“Where do I sign? When do I leave? What do I need?!” This and many more questions followed in chaotic disorder.
“You will leave in a week from now. Your first destination will be Zebrica. There, you will meet chancellor Zezer, who will tell you all you need to know, and give you everything you'll need to begin your journey, as well as the books of myths and legends about ancient ruins I gave him to translate. Your journey will end when you have found the artifact, or when you decide to quit the job.”
Daring stopped grinning like a mad pony and turned dead serious. “I will never quit, princess. Even if it takes me all my life, I will search for it. I'll only stop this search if I find it or die. This, I avow to you, and I give my world that every artifact I'll uncover will be sent here to the royal museum, and where it seems more fitting.” Daring bowed her head in loyalty and promise.
“And now you just confirmed that I made the right decision. Go, my little pony, and say good-bye to your loved ones, spend as much time as you can with them. And thank you for accepting this quest.”
With that, Daring flew out at top speed towards her home.
Celestia was smiling at her display, and hoped everything went alright. She prayed for Daring's future success. “Phalanx.”
“Yes, your majesty?”
“I will retire to my chambers for the rest of the day. Inform the front guard of this, please.”
“Of course, your majesty? Any special motive?”
“Just tell them there is a more important matter I must attend to.”
“By your command.” The royal guard bowed and then left.
The moment Phalanx closed the royal throne doors, Celestia teleported to her chambers. She found a little purple ball with green spikes roll around her bed, sucking his tail.
“Aww! You are just so cute. Come here, you!” Celestia grabbed Spike by his sides, lifting him up.
His tiny arms let go of his tail, and a bit of drool rolled down from his smiling mouth. His big eyes focused only on Celestia's face.
“Mommy missed you so much, my cute, little Spikey.”
Spike just laughed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------********************************
More memories came and went, striking more questions or making others the more demanded to be answered.
Celestia opened her eyes, this time filled with determination. She had to know why her little Spike was so special, why he was the way he was, and furthermore, she needed to know what the future would be like for him. She took a deep breath, and opened the book.
---“The Book of the Dovah”----
Chapter 1, part 2 end.
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to The Grimm Reaper, Bennet001 and his friend Cole for proofreading!
Miss Dark Angel for her amazing editing skills!
(1) A Big ballon ship, five time bigger than the ship on Sweet and Elite
(2) Sorry didnt had the heart to write the real name of that abomination and to ruin our beloved Twilight's name
A Little Dragon
Chapter 2: A Little Dragon
He was sleeping so well. Sleeping was his second favorite activity, right after eating. He loved sleeping for a simple reason: he loved dreaming. He loved dreaming of Rarity, of adventures, of what he could become in the future, about anything, really.
Most of all, he loved it because, in his dreamland, he could go back to his mother, Princess Celestia. He could remember her lullabies when he was scared, her kisses when he got hurt, her laughter when he did something funny, her scolding when he did something bad, her unconditional love for him. Just about everything from his past life was a moment with his mother, one way or another. All that stopped when his mother assigned a mission of great importance upon his small self, and even though he didn't want to be away from her, he accepted. This was his mother's request, and he would fulfill it.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------************************
Year 993 A.N.M.B *Canterlot*
Celestia was sitting on her throne, reading, signing or rejecting new laws or treaties in utter dullness. Spike was at her side, just watching her scan through paper after paper. After what seemed like hours, she finally finished.
“Spike,” she called without looking at him.
“Yes, princess?”
“We are alone, my son.”
“Sorry, mommy, but it's hard to tell when we're alone or not.” Spike snuggled against her left foreleg as he said, “What's wrong?”
“There is something I must ask you to do for me.”
“Of course, mommy! Tell me. I'll do anything for you!” He jumped to his feet with a shining smile on his face.
“I need you to live with Twilight from now on.”
Spike's smiling face turned to one of shock. Small tears formed in his eyes, and his voice broke. “B-b-but w-why?” He choked a breath as hot tears started to fall from his eyes. “D-don't you l-love me any—”
He was cut off as the tall alicorn turned and snuggled against him, faster than he could react. He could feel his mother's tears running down his scales. It took him a second to hug her around her neck as much as he could, given his small size, crying as he did. It lasted for several minutes until Celestia broke the hug, and he was able to see her face and her magenta eyes, now red from crying.
“Of course not, my child. *sniff* This is h-hard for me, as well. I don't want you to be apart from me.” She kissed Spike on the forehead, “but I need you to be my link to her. It's the only way I could think of. I love you so much, my little Spike-y. Never forget that.”
“I-I'm sorry, mommy.” His hung his head, then hugged her again. “I love you, too.”
The two remained like that for some time, until Spike told his mother he accepted. He knew Twilight would play an important part in the future, as well as most of his mother's plans for her. As the two of them walked to Twilight's study, she told him everything he had to know and do. He was already trained to assist and helped Twilight in several occasions, and in some rare days, his own mother.
He already knew about Nightmare Moon and swore to his mother not to say a word to Twilight or anypony else; she had to discover the answers herself. It was true he was their link, since he could send scrolls and anything else to Celestia, and vice verse. It was not only prudent, but also helpful. He would still see her from time to time, and even spend some time with her on some significant occasions.
Arriving at the door of Twilight's study, the both of them shared one last, longing hug. Spike readied himself to begin his new role as Twilight's full time assistant and his new mission, one that echoed in his mind repeatedly.
“Protect Twilight.”
---------------------------------------------------------------------*******************************
Day 0 P.L.R (Princess Luna Return)
Spike was so glad everything turned out alright. Of course, he trusted his mother and her decisions, but he was also afraid that something might have gone wrong. Fortunately, it didn't, and everything turned out fine; with a bump here and there, but in the end, the moment he saw Twilight, he had ran to hug her, happy to see her safe and sound.
But he also cursed himself. He was so useless, having fallen asleep when he should have went with Twilight and the rest of the ponies when they marched off to the Everfree Forest. Still a baby dragon, though, meant he could not fight or even stay up late. If Spike was a big, strong, and fierce dragon, he could protect his mother, Twilight, and all of his newfound friends from anything. Yet he was still a little, weak, immature, baby dragon.
"One day, one day, I'll be strong enough to protect you from anything. Just you wait, I'll be strong enough to do anything you need me to do, mommy", Spike swore to himself as the mega party began to roll.
--------------------------------------------------------**************************************
6th month P.L.R
She had called him for “Royal Business.” Yes, being a Princess of Equestria and Goddess of the sun sure can let one do pretty much whatever you wanted. That includes calling down for Royal Business when, in reality, she just wanted to spend some time with her baby dragon.
The moment Spike saw his mother waiting for him in her room, he ran to her. He hugged her as tight as he could. Nothing was said, for no words needed to be spoken. A simple hug expressed just how much they had missed one another, the simple hug of a mother and son, a simple “I missed you.”
-------------------------------------------------------******************************************
Year 1 P.L.R
”MOM, you have to come quick. Twilight lost it—for REAL this time! She went crazy since she had no friendship reports for you this week. She even think you'll send her back to Magic Kindergarten. I think she even used the “want-it, need-it” spell on her old doll, Smarty Pants, to create some sort of problem to solve. HURRY!”
What a great guardian he was. He could have stopped Twilight before things got so out of claw, but he just shrugged like it was just another one of her tantrums about her studies. He had to call his mother to fix something that never should have happened; if only he had done his role as Twilight's guardian. What pure shame.
He thought his jealousy episode had taught him something. He also thought that not even his mother would want him around after seeing just how much “better” Owlowiscious did his job. He had been and deeply apologetic for even thinking that. Now here he was, setting aflame the letter with the message of yet another great mistake he made.
Luckily for Spike, things turned out better than expected, but still, he felt really bad about it.
----------------------------------------------------------------************************************
Year 1 P.L.R *Canterlot, after Heart's Warming Eve*
Spike had never felt so good before. He had really enjoyed his role as narrator of the play. Everypony paid attention to every word he said, and the emotions he felt at the end of the play, closing with the Heart's Warming song, was overwhelming. That paled in comparison to the joy he felt when he found himself alone with his mother.
“Did I do a good job for the play, mommy?” Spike asked her, hugging her snout.
“Yes, Spike. You were wonderful,” Celestia answered, proud and happy to see her little Spike-y perform such a wonderful role made her smile. She wouldn't tell anypony, but even though she loved every part of the play, her favorite parts were when her son did his part.
That night they slept together for the first time in more than one year.
------------------------ ---------------------------------------------**************************************
Year 1 P.L.R *Ponyville, 4 days after the Dragon incident*
Shame and fear were all Spike felt the following days of his greed-induced phase. Everything turned out fine, everything was back to normal, but he knew better. He wasn't a fool, and he certainly wasn't stupid, even if many believed he was.
He always knew he was different and wasn't ignorant to the hateful words and glaring eyes ponies and many other creatures gave him back in Canterlot. He was the only dragon, the only one that was registered citizen of Equestria. Still, that hadn't changed the fact that most hated and feared dragons.
Tales and real stories about what some dragons did to other species horrified him. Ponies and griffons would be eaten alive or burned to a crisp in seconds, cities destroyed and many killed by being torn apart, stomped, smashed, or cut in half; whatever were dragon's favorite way to kill, it seemed. So it was only natural to hate the one dragon that was living in Canterlot, walking joyfully down the road and humming a random song without a care in the world, while his kind killed and destroyed other species just for fun.
He was but a baby dragon. He had done no wrong to them, yet they still despised him just for being a dragon. Spike was small, pudgy, and to an extent, fragile, but he was going to grow into a big, pony-eating, city-destroying dragon, or so many thought.
Living in Canterlot was sometimes really hard for Spike. The undeserved detest and the heated glares were enough on some occasions to drive him to tears or have him fall into the embrace of his mother. Even when he made some friends, like pony Joe, Twilight, Shining Armor, even Phalanx, Princess Celestia's personal bodyguard, and many members of the Canterlot Elite, including many famous ponies like Hoity Toity, it was too much to handle sometimes.
Moving to Ponyville was a blessing for him. Everypony liked him, and nopony gave him harsh glares. They all accepted him for who he was, didn't put him aside because he was a dragon. But now, everything was even worse than back in Canterlot.
There was some spite for him, and only two or three ponies actually show glowers at him. The whispers behind his back and the general opinion of him pointed to not hate, but something far worse: fear.
Everypony feared him. Sure, they waved at him, and even smiled at him, but the look in their eyes told him everything. They were now afraid of him—even his best friends, Snips and Snails.
Almost everypony in Ponyville were afraid of him, and he didn't judge them. After turning into a monster, a greed driven dragon, he feared himself, too. If it weren't for Rarity, he could have remained that thing forever, and even in that moment, his mother's love for him prevailed. She only sent a group of three Wonderbolts to stop him, rather than an entire royal guard platoon to take him down, or even worse, Celestia herself. He had been lucky to turn back when he did, not wanting to think of what he could have done if he hadn't.
That night, Spike cried until he fell asleep, with nopony to console him and nopony to talk to. For the very first time in his life, Spike felt alone.
---------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
Year 2 P.L.R *Canterlot Wedding*
“She's a Changeling! She takes the form of somepony you love, and gets power by feeding on your love for them,” Cadence announced, following by Chyrsalis's unveiling light show.
“Right you are, princess! And as Queen of the Changelings, it is my...”
As Chrysalis began her monologue, Spike backed off a little, hoping to get to his mother. Everypony was watching and listening to Chrysalis too intently to pay him or anypony else any kind of attention. Spike felt something behind and turned around to find to mother.
“Spike.” Her voice was gentle, but filled with authority. “No matter what happens, don't interfere.”
“But mo-”
“Please, Spike. I don't want you to get harmed. Even if I get hurt, don't do anything harsh. Stay safe, please, promise me.”
“I... but... I-I promise.”
“That's my boy.”
Spike kept his promise. He didn't do anything and didn't leave Cadence's side. He even watched his mother be defeated by Chrysalis, but he knew she was holding back for her subjects' safety. Her true powers could have destroyed half of the castle in a blink of an eye.
He knew this, but even after all ended well, Chrysalis and her minions defeated, he felt something stir inside him. He had felt hate before, and there were many things he didn't like, but after seeing his mother collapse on the floor, defeated, and then hearing the Changeling Queen brag about it, he felt desire to hurt her, to cause her pain, to kill her for injuring his mother.
He didn't give in, for he had promised his mother to do nothing. Though not wanting to disappoint her again, he couldn't shake off a strange feeling and the little whisper in the back of his head calling to him, telling him what he ought to have done.
"Spike... KILL”
---------------------------------------------------------------------*************************************
Twilight was laying on her bed, relaxing her muscles after her flying session with Rainbow Dash. After her coronation four months ago and becoming princess of—well, she didn't know exactly what yet, but she was a Princess now—Rainbow had insisted to teach her on how to fly. She did well... except for those accursed landings.
How was I supposed to know walls were that hard? she thought, waking up from her little nap. Then, aloud, she pondered, “After becoming an Alicorn, I feel so full of energy, and my powers are stronger now, at least five times as strong. Is this how the Princesses feel all the time?”
It was true, having the endurance of an earth pony, the flight and agility of a Pegasus, and the magical powers of several powerful unicorns was overwhelming, even for her. She had to admit, she felt so powerful that she had considered never sleeping again so she could read as much as she desired. Speaking of sleep...
“Spike, time to wake up.” Silence was all that responded. “Spike?”
Twilight stepped out of her bed to wake up her number one assistance. She found him sleeping in his basket peacefully, so peacefully that he wasn't even snoring. He looked absolutely adorable.
Twilight loved Spike very much. He was her best friend, and the only company she had at one point in her life, excluding her brother and Cadence. He was always ready to help her with anything she needed, encourage her if she was feeling down and defend her if necessary, one time he even threw a pony who was bullying her several hooves away with a simple push and the look on his eyes and his words made her see that not only Shining was her only friend. She had always considered him family, or at least close to family. After Princess Celestia placed him as her assistant, they have shared a lot of moments together, let it be happy and sad, for victory and defeat, with laughter and tears, and they even shared baths and the same bed at some points.
Spike was the sweetest and most generous dragon she had ever met. It enraged her to the very core every time she recalled all those nasty things and all the spite most ponies in Canterlot gave him without any real reason. Now, after his greed incident, and finding out most dragons were horrible, it made things even worse for him and those around him. Knowing little to nothing about dragons shocked her.
“And I dare call myself his best friend, when I don't know anything about dragons at all.” Outside what she had learned from Spike himself, she hardly knew anything. Even her drakonophobic friend, Fluttershy, knew more about them than her and Spike. Ever since his quest of self discovery, the questions he had asked himself had managed to stick in her mind, because they were true.
What was he? Simple; he was a dragon.
Where had he come from? Simple again; he had come from an egg.
Who was he supposed to be? He was Spike.
“Uggh! This doesn't make any sense,” Twilight told herself, all while looking at him sleeping. “He's a dragon, but what kind? What is his strength, and why has no dragon ambassador or any dragon actually come for him yet?” Her frown deepened.
“He's Spike... but what about him? His nature, power, strength? That's what I want to know! I mean, it's not like his origins are a secret or something... secret.”
Realization hit her. She remembered something she completely bypassed as nothing important.
Spike, wake up, wake up, wake up! It’s Winter Wrap Up day!
Huh? … Mommy?
Winter Wrap Up!
Hpmh, you're not MOMMY.
Twilight stood there, her wings unfolded and her eyes open to their limit. “How-how could I ignore something like that? Spike never called anypony mommy before. At least, nopony I know of. Who could his 'mommy' be, though? It's obviously not me or mom. Maybe his caretaker. But who's his caretaker?” Question upon question assaulted her. If Spike had somepony to call his mother, why hadn't he told her about her?
It was obvious now, so obvious it made her feel stupid not thinking about it before. “Spike's origin and maybe Spike himself is a secret. The only pony who could keep a secret that big is... Princess Celestia.”
Before she could ask herself more questions, Spike began to stir and suddenly burped out a letter. He fell back to sleep. Twilight took the letter and began to read it:
Dear Princess Twilight,
You, the Elements of Harmony, and Spike the dragon are hereby summoned to Canterlot for royal business of great importance. A set of three carriages will arrive in two hours. Be ready.
Yours truly,
Princess Celestia.
“Well, I guess I better tell the girls about this.” She walked to the door as she saw Spike sleeping. “I don't know why, but I feel like things are about to change between us. All of us.”
Twilight closed the door, letting Spike sleep some more. She didn't notice, however, the weak, purple glow of his scales shining in the dark.
-------------------------------------------------------------********************************
“I missed you so much, big sister!” Derpy said as she tried to crush her big sister's back in a monster bear hug.
“Derpy, stop! Thy sister is turning blue.” A worried Luna was trying to free Daring from certain death with little success.
“Oops.” Derpy released her, making Daring and Luna tumble back. Luna mumbled something as Daring gasped for air. “My bad...”
“It's *gasp* alright, sis.” Daring coughed. “I missed you, too.” She proceeded to hug her sister back, though with much less enthusiasm.
“We—I mean, I can't believe you really are the real Miss Daring. Don't get me wrong, I believed your sister's word, but all those adventures seemed to be...”
“Unreal? Yeah, I get that a lot all around,” Daring said as the hug ended. “My very profile was blanked in order to do my job, Princess.”
“We—I understand that, but all those adventures from your books are much fun to read. I'm a personal fan of them, I must admit,” the Princess of the Night said, smiling at Daring. “Can we get your autograph, please?” The smile turned into a *squee*.
“Why, of course, Princess. I would be honored, and that reminds me.” She turned to Derpy. “Why didn't you tell me you were making books out of my letters and adventures, Derpy?”
“Surprise?” Derpy smiled.
“Also, Princess Celestia told me you live here because you don't have bits of your own. If you're the author, and seeing my books are so popular, you should be drowning in bits.” She sat on her haunches, waiting for an answer.
“I donate almost everything I have to charity. I only keep enough to live happily with my daughter.”
“DAUGHTER!?” Daring shouted in surprise. “You didn't tell me I had a niece already!”
“Thou must forgive her. It was a bad relationship, but she is married to a very nice stallion now.”
“MARRIED, too?”
“Indeed, his name is Time Turning, though he likes to be called simple as The Doctor,” Luna explained while Daring tried to pull her jaw from the floor. “Also, Derpy doesn't live here in the castle. She now lives in Canterlot near here, in fact, and she comes to pay me visits every day. I adore her little Dinky. She's such a sweetheart.” Luna almost squealed, thinking of how cute that little filly was. “She just began classes at my sister's school for gifted unicorns, you see.”
Daring was still trying to get her jaw from the floor, all the while looking between her sister, who was blushing/smiling, and Luna.
“O... kay... didn't see that one coming. Can't say I'm mad, BUT you must introduce me to my niece! I... I feel old now.” Then something came to her. “Wait a minute. How come nopony suspected you were my sister, or at least think I was a real and not fictional character? My name is Daring Derpina Doo and your name is Ditzy Derpina Doo!” she asked, pointing a hoof at her sister with questioning eyes.
“After I married, I changed my name. I'm now Ditzy Derpy Whooves. My husband's name is Time Turner Whooves, you see.”
Both Luna and Daring just stared at her, smiling childlike with blushing faces. “I see.”
A sudden knock at the door made them all jump a little in surprise. The door opened, revealing Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.
“Auntie Luna, auntie Celestia is calling for us. We must meet her at the Observatory tower at once. She says something is really important—you, too, Miss Daring and Miss Derpy.”
"The book", Daring thought.
“Of course, my niece. Tell my sister I—we shall be on our way.” Cadence closed the door. “So... the time has come.” Luna got up, followed by the Doo sisters. “Come, my friends. We must attend to my sister's call,” she said, beginning to walk towards the doors.
“Woohoo!” Derpy exclaimed, excited about the situation.
“Of course, Princess,” Daring said, following Luna and her sister. What could Princess Celestia possibly want to share with us. Just what the hay did she find inside that book?
The doors of Princess Luna's chambers opened. Said Princess stepped out, two Pegasi mares behind her, all three of them on their way to Celestia's meeting call. The doors shut behind them.
Chapter 2 End
Author's Notes:
Thanks to all those who read my fic!
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
Special thanks to Miss Dark Angel for editing!
for the images im using I thank Derpibooru XD
The Book of The Dovah
Chapter 3 The Book of the Dovah
*Dragon Lands*
He was angry and furious most of the time since their encounter with the little whelp and the ponies who had humiliated him and his friends during the dragon migration. Luckily, his father did not find out as to what he did, and neither he nor Boiler or Matchfire told anydragon about their humiliation, until now.
Garble wanted revenge, or at least, some sort of reprisal against the purple hatchling more than anything. So here he was now, before his father, second in command of the Fire born clan, ready to tell him everything he knew.
“What do you want this time, Garble? I hope you aren't asking for more gems for your hoard,” a big, red dragon almost identical to Garble, though far larger than him.
“No, father.” Garble bowed. “It has to do with some... events during the Great Migration.” He hated speaking so formally like this, but he had to. His father hated the way he normally spoke around his friends.
“You will address me correctly, son,” the deep voice of the dragon echoed inside his cave, which was illuminated by a series of torches.
“I ask for your forgiveness, commander Deathglare.” Garble bowed once more. From what he could see, his father was pleased.
“Very well. Tell me, of what 'events' do you speak of? Surely, it must be related to your idiocy and your ability to bring shame to your family and clan, seeing it took you almost a year to come to me, is it not?” Deathglare asked in a nonchalant tone.
“... Yes, fa-commander Deathglare.” Garble got up to look at his father directly. “But it wasn't my fault. It was the fault of a damn pony hatched th-”
“GARBLE!” His voice made the entire cave shake for a moment. “How many times have I told you to respect the pony hatched dragons? We are thankful to the ponies and their rules for their aid in hatching our eggs!” Deathglare took a deep breath before continuing in a calmer tone. “They hatch two thirds of our annual eggs. We are in debt to the ponies for that. Remember, you are lucky to be dragon hatched, Garble. Don't ever forget that, you imbecilic hatchling.” A moment followed his scolding. “Now, tell me what happened.”
Garble was always afraid of his father, who was powerful and commanded in great respect within the four dragon races. Deathglare was a great warrior, and in his youth, he fought against the tyrannical reign of Valtach, the previous dragon king. At the same time, however, Garble respected him for that, and wanted nothing more than to be like him someday. He could never understand why he was so protective and respectful of such weak species like the ponies.
“O-Of course, Commander Deathglare.” Garble took a moment to collect his thoughts and to stop his shaking. “You see, me and my friends were having some fun practicing rites and exercising our way of life.”
“Play King of the hoard and laving diving and such?” Deathglare watched his son bow a bit cowardly.
“Y-yes, commander. All of a sudden, a little, purple hatchling came from the side of the mountain and asked if he could join us. We challenged him to prove he was a real dragon, and he tried so hard to do so. He did everything we asked him to.”
A simple raised claw from his father signaled Garble to stop talking. “Are you telling me... you let a mere, baby hatchling join you and your idiotic friends in your games?” When Garble nodded in response, he continued, “My son... your stupidity knows no limits. He could have died, you idiot! Haven't I told you baby hatchlings are still developing their natural resistances and strengths at such young ages?” Deathglare's voice was strong and filled with anger, but at the same time, with shame and concern.
“B-but he was super strong, dad!” Garble said, forgetting his respect. “H-he even managed to push me away from the top of the hoard, and he was just fine after his belly-flopped-lava dive. He was even playing in it like it was nothing!”
“That's impossible, Garble. How old was he?” Deathglare asked, now a bit curious about this dragon.
“I didn't ask him, but he seemed to be fifteen or sixteen years old, commander.”
Deathglare said nothing, looking for a trace of a lie in his son. ‘that’s impossible, no baby hatchling should be able to……….’ “Garble, tell me what happened next.”
“We ate some gems and then phoenix hunting.” He stopped, looking at his father, but saw no sign to stop. “He refused to crush an egg. W-we were about to beat him up when three ponies disguised as a dragon came to us. He claimed they were his family and... they defeated us.”
“Hmm. Anything else in particular about the baby hatchling?” Deathglare asked seriously, curious about these ponies and why the baby dragon called them family.
“Y-yeah, he was able to talk really well, like a teenager hatchling can, or even better I think. He had no wings or sprouts on his back. He ate gems like they were candy, and he also received a letter from a Namby-Pamby pony princess.”
Deathglare was about to shout as his son for his insolence but the previous line confused him, ‘Received a letter? There is no magic capable of doing that except for the mother-egg connection………… did Princess Celestia keep one egg for herself? If so why didn’t she tell us about it?’ Deathglare was deep in his thoughts trying to find an answer to this strange situation ‘If by any chance Princess Celestia does have this baby hatchling under her command and he sees her as his mother then………wait, he is too young to be even breathing fire like that and with no wings or sprouts? He couldn’t be a Drake and he couldn’t be a Wyrm either, Sea Serpent is out of the question but he is too…..strange to be one of us and eating gems like candy sweets at his age? Just what in the name of tartarus is that dragon then, some sort of experiment?’ Deathglare continued to rant inside his head until he got up and started to move out of his cave.
“Garble, you may retire. This information you brought me is indeed unique and more valuable than your reckless and imbecilic actions. I'm going to see the Dragon King and discuss this.”
Without another word, Deathglare began to fly towards the east.
Garble smiled evilly. He was going to get his revenge after all!
That, or he was going to be royally fucked.
---------------------------------------------------------------*******************************
*Dragon Lands, Dragon King Mountain*
“And that's what I know, my king.”
Deathglare bowed before his king, a massive red dragon almost twice as big as him, with scales so fine and so thick, it almost looked like he was wearing an impenetrable armor. His snout was smooth and defined, like that of polished glass. Those yellow eyes were full of power, authority and nobility, and his claws were sharp and deadly, enough to even cut diamonds like a blowtorch through paper. The Dragon King Euphrinos was really something to behold.
“Deathglare, are you absolutely sure about this?” His voice was soft yet masculine, almost like a male version of Princess Celestia's. Deathglare nodded. “It is troublesome, to say the least. A dragon under control of the ponies is not what worries me, but this particular baby hatchling is what disturbs me. I have never heard of something even close to that—not me, not my father, that traitorous Valtach. Not even my grandfather Erebain or Sabarius the Sage knew about a dragon like the one you speak of, Deathglare.”
“But I assure you, my king, it is true. My son, Garble, is an idiot, but he is no liar.”
“I shall consult this with Sabarius personally, Deathglare. You may go.” Deathglare bowed once more and then turned to leave when Euphrinos said, “Oh, and Deathglare?”
He turned around to look at his king. “Do try to treat your hatchling with more love. He might even surprise you if you do.” A small smile appeared on his lips.
“Of course, my king, I shall try.” With that said, Deathglare turned back and departed.
King Euphrinos's smile fell into a serious expression the moment Deathglare left. He was in deep thought when another dragon smaller than him with green eyes approached him.
“Why do you trust Sabarius so much, uncle? He is an old fool who follows dead rites and insignificant alliances.”
“You shall talk of him with the respect that he deserves, Eukrarius. Your mother would be ashamed if she heard you talk like that of her brother, you uncle.” Euphrinos looked sternly at his nephew.
“He is no family of mine; he left my mother to die all those years ago, and for what? To help Princess Celestia on her quest to gather the Elements of Harmony so she could save HER nation?”
Euphrinos's gaze hardened more, and his voice became harsh and strong as he answered, “Sabarius knew that if he didn't, the whole world would die. One side would succumb to eternal cold and darkness, the other side to eternal heat and light. Only he knew where the Elements were, nephew. He sacrificed his own sister in order to save not only our home or Equestria, but to save the entire Equis. Why can't you understand that? His pain is greater than yours.”
“I don't care, uncle. Because of him, my mother died at the claws of those rebel dragons. I was lucky enough to escape with my own life,” Eukrarius said, almost glaring at the king.
“You truly inherited my brother's stubbornness, Eukrarius.” Euphrinos let out a sigh. “Even so, you must understand that there is no wiser dragon alive than him. He is not only one of the few honor bred dragons in our history, but he knows many secrets, and many rulers from different kingdoms trust him and ask for guidance. Aside from me, he is the last honor bred dragon alive, and you fully well know he is stronger than me.” A moment of silence followed his pause only for him to continue, “You may think he is old, and that his honor is bound by old traditions and alliances. It may be true, but we owe our survival to the Alicorn face. They sacrificed everything they had—their kingdom, their land, their homes, even themselves—to help us. Don't you dare forget that, Eukrarius, and if Celestia is truly keeping a baby hatchling behind our backs, then I want to hear the reasons behind it.” Euphrinos walked towards the end of his mountain, his nephew following behind him.
“We are different from my traitorous father, nephew.” Once outside the mountain, Euphrinos spread his wings. “We don't want to control everything and desultory everything that stands in our way. We want to live in peace and harmony, like the ponies do.”
Finishing their talk, Euphrinos took flight, leaving Eukrarius on the ground, alone with his thoughts.
‘No uncle,’ he thought ‘Dragons are superior, once you see this is true we will finish what grandfather started once and for all,’ Eukrarius smiled and reentered the mountain.
----------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
*Canterlot Palace, Chariot port*
Three carriages landed with a soft thud on the port platform. One pegasi guard from each carriage walked to the doors and almost simultaneously opened them. From the first carriage, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy stepped out. In the second one, Twilight and Applejack got out, with Rainbow Dash flying out of it, and from the third, Spike.
After hearing their friend about the news, they all followed Twilight instantly. Applejack was working on her apple trees as usual; luckily, she had started extra early, so that bad, she let Big Mac handle the rest. Rainbow Dash was by far the most content with the news, even more so than Rarity. It was a good excuse to skip protocol and archive duty, a treasure more valuable than her precious naps. Rarity was giddy about this and miraculously only packed five suitcases for the occasion. Fluttershy accepted gladly, as well, wanting to see Discord again, leaving Angel in charge of everything. To no one's surprise, Pinkie was already waiting for them outside the library.
Twilight went inside to wake up Spike, only to find him already closing the windows of the library. He had read the letter ten minutes earlier, after he woke up. With the library closed, they waited only a couple of minutes before seeing the three carriages in the distance.
“Ahh, feels so good to stretch out my wings after being cramped inside that thing for nearly two hours,” Rainbow sighed, doing a trick or who at the same time.
“I have to agree with you, darling. My back was starting to hurt,” Rarity said, massaging her back. “They could at least provide a lady with softer seats.”
“I enjoyed the ride... most of it. I think... I really like the scenery,” said Fluttershy softly. Like Rainbow Dash, she started to stretch her wings every now and then.
“Ah'm just glad we finally got to land. Ah don't really like flyin',” Applejack told them, looking a little green. Balloon rides are fine, but chariots or carriages? No, ma'am, she likes to feel the ground beneath her hooves.
“Wee! I wonder if the Princesses are calling us for a secret party! Or maybe a birthday party!” Pinkie Pie gasped loudly. “Maybe one of them is getting married... I WANT WEDDING CAKE!” The pink call of hyperactivity known as Pinkie bounced from one place to another, grabbing random guards and asking them incoherent questions. The guards did not answer or moved until Spike came close to Twilight.
“Princess, Twilight, Elements of Harmony, and Spike the dragon, please follow me. The Princesses are waiting for you inside the Librarium,” a Pegasus guard said, one Twilight and Spike knew well.
“Certainly, Phalanx. Girls, we need to go now,” said Twilight.
All of them followed her in silence. They passed the gates leading inside the castle. When they shut behind them, Twilight turned to the guard. “Now that we are alone, what in the hay is going on, Phalanx?” she shouted, startling the girls and Spike.
“I can't say anything, Twilight. I don't know anything.”
“Oh, please, Phalanx. Do you really want me to believe you know absolutely nothing about what's going on? The personal bodyguard of Princess Celestia doesn't know anything about her plans? You personally went to Ponyville to retrieve us!”
“Twi, please chill out. What's wrong?” Rainbow asked behind her.
“Everything is wrong, Rainbow! The mysterious letter, the urgent gathering, the carriages and Phalanx himself!” She took a deep breath, also while doing the exercise Cadence taught her to keep calm. “Don't you think it's strange that they send carriages and not chariots?” she asked in a calmer tone.
“Why should it be strange, Twi? Ah reckon the Princesses just want to see us right away.”
“That's just it, Applejack! Every time we are summoned, they never send carriages or chariots to pick us up. We always come by ourselves. Not even when Discord was freed the first time, did the Princess send any form of transportation.”
“And your point is, darling?” Rarity asked, lifting an eyebrow.
“Simple. If Princess Celestia wanted to see us like she normally does, she wouldn't have sent anything to pick us up. Chariots, I understand, but carriages? They only use those when something big happens, and they try to protect those inside them. Am I right, Phalanx?”
Phalanx looked at Twilight with an emotionless expression before turning his gaze to the side. “... Please, Twilight. I can't tell you anything because I really, really don't know anything. The only thing I know is that the Princess is impatient to see you. She would have gone herself if it weren't for the fact she called a summoning for not only you but your brother, Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, Miss Doo and Discord, as well. I really wish I could tell you more about it, but I can't.”
Twilight let out a little sigh. “Alright. Thanks for the information, Phalanx.”
With that, they began to walk calmly again. They murmured and speculated things between themselves, expect for Spike. He was worried as to why his mother called him and his friends like that. She never did things so out of the blue. This meant business; he was sure of it.
Rainbow Dash was hovering over them and approached Phalanx. “I thought you guard guys never spoke. What's up with that? Is the pay good, anyways?” she asked, smiling at him.
“I like my job, and I do enjoy my role playing, but I hate the silence oath. I like my voice. And yes, the pay is good; around seven hundred bits per month,” Phalanx answered, not even looking at her and not smiling.
“Seriously!? That's almost three times what I earn! You guys get to wear cool armor, and you get paid that much? Where can I join?”
“Do remember we barely move or have any kind of action besides routine patrols.”
“Ooooon second thought, I think I'm fine as head weather manager.” Dash landed and stood at Applejack's side, who was snickering slightly at her.
A good five minutes passed in silence. Feeling a bit talkative, Spike walked up to Phalanx. “So, hey, umm, how are things going around here lately?”
“Same old, same good, Spike. Glad to see you again after all this time, buddy.” Phalanx gave him a weak smile.
‘HE SMILED??’ Twilight shouted inside her head for she had never seen “The never moving lips” get angry or smile before.
Spike returned the smile, but more cheerful. “Glad to see you haven't changed, pal.” Both of them brohoofed. “So tell me; what's new in Canterlot. Last time I heard a new bad just formed, and it was getting pretty popular.”
“Yes, they call themselves Bows N' Roses. You will not believe who the lead singer is, or the guitarist.” Phalanx used his right wing to get a paper out of the confinement of his armor and gave it to Spike.
“Is that... and is he? They actually did it, Phalanx?” Spike gave the guard a surprised look.
“Who, who?” Pinkie questioned, suddenly beside him. “I love meeting new bands that make cool music! That way, my parties can be even more super-duper extra fun!”
“They are some friends I made when I was living here at the castle, Pinkie. They were guards, too, but they always wanted to form a band. I never thought they would actually do it. This one here,” Spike said, pointing to the lead guitarist with a limp, blond mane, “is Axe Rose, and he,” Spike now pointed to the guitarist with a messy mane and sunglasses, “is Soul Hoovesdon.”
“Oooh, they look like fun! Are they good at partying?”
“If I remember correctly, then yes, Miss Pinkie. They are good at partying.” Pinkie just shouted a happy 'WOOHOO!' “What put them in the spotlight is their new song called 'Sweet Foal of Mine.' It's great; you should listen to it, Spike,” said Phalanx.
“Oh, I will! Any other news?”
“Now that I remember, 'Princess' is going to give a charity concert next week.”
“PRINCESS?!” four voices yelled out, as if in sync.
“You're a fan of Princess, too, Fluttershy?” Spike asked her.
“Oh, my yes. Their songs are lovely and so full of meaning. My favorite is Neighiam Rhapsody,” Fluttershy said, rather excited.
“I must admit, I would most likely faint if Coldie Mercury entered my store and asked moi for an outfit. I'm surprised that you like their music, though, Rainbow.”
“Hey, what's that supposed to mean, Rarity? I'm surprised that you like it, considering you, as a LADY,” Rainbow made a pose Rarity often used whenever she called herself “a lady of perfection.” “would like Rock music. Beside, you faint almost every time a celebrity goes to your ship.”
“I am a lady, Rainbow darling. A lady must enjoy and love beauty and grace. Princess has it,” Rarity replied, ignoring Dash's last comment.
“Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm totally going to that concert. I always wanted to go to a Princess concert, but you know, saving Equestra always gets in the way!” Pinkie said, frowning and puffing.
“Can I go, Twilight? Please, please, please? I promise not to eat ice cream on your bed again!”
“So it really was you all along! I had to buy new sheets!” Twilight's wings snapped open angrily.
Suddenly, the trip to the Observatory tower and the Librarium became filled with conversation, dares, bets and discussions between the seven guests. Phalanx, on the other hoof, only asked himself, “What have I done?” and let out a sigh.
----------- ----------------------------------------------***************************************
*Librarium*
Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, the Doo sisters and Princess Celestia were waiting in the Librarium for the rest of their guests of this summon. This room was one of the biggest in the castle, only reserved for important and private events, usually military plans or discussion of new treaties.
In the middle of the room was a round table that could change size with a simple spell to fit the occasion. Right now, there were fourteen seats surrounding the table, six of them occupied by the present members. They heard a knock at the door, and they knew their guests had arrived.
Princess Celestia stood up and walked to the doors. She opened them, revealing Phalanx, the Elements of Harmony and her son. They were talking between themselves but stopped and bowed at the sight of her.
“Come in, my little ponies. Phalanx, I'm going to soundproof the room. Nopony is allowed to enter this room under any circumstances. Am I clear?”
“As you command, your highness.”
The doors closed, and Celestia's horn lit up to set up the soundproof spell. After finishing, she looked to one of the guests.
“Princess Twilight, it's so good to see you again,” she said, smiling and nuzzling her student and now fellow Princess. “It's good to see you all again,” she added to every other pony that just arrived.
She saw Spike looking at her expectantly. The Princess just smiled and winked at him. Spike opened his eyes in realization, and a smile spread over his mouth.
“Please, my little ponies, take a seat. There is much we have to discuss.”
All the Elements took a seat, and Twilight went to greet her brother and sister in law. Rainbow Dash, however, upon seeing Daring, looked at her, her jaw almost hit the floor. Twilight finished greeting her family and then noticed Rainbow looking at Daring, who was just sitting there, smiling at them. Twilight thought it was a good idea to copy Rainbow Dash's reaction.
“Whoa, nelly, this may take some time, yer' highness,” Applejack said.
----------------------------------------------------------------*******************************
*Dragon Lands, Sabarius the sage mountain”
Every dragon in the Dragon Lands was graced with a glimpse of their might and powerful king flying above them right to the home of another great dragon. Euphrinos rarely leaves his mountain, for he was very busy, but when got out, he always loved greeting his subjects. This time, however, he could not. He needed to ask Sabarius for advice.
He was greeted by Sabarius's guard and instantly guided to the dragon's chamber. He ordered the guard to leave them alone, and to let no dragon disturb them. The dragon guard bowed and leaved. Sabarius was reading some scrolls and didn't notice his king walk to his side.
“Anything interesting?” Euphrinos said, smirking.
Sabarius jumped a little in surprise and gave a little fearful scream. “Gwaaahh—oh... my king, you startled me,” he said, now looking at his chuckling king. “I'm glad to see I'm still useful to you, my king.”
“Hahaha!” Euphrinos's laughs echoed in the mountain. It had been so long since he actually laughed! “Y-you should have seen your face. It was priceless, haha.” He snickered.
“Indeed, your highness. Have you come to laugh or talk with me?”
“Don't be like that, my friend. I needed to relieve some stress.” He took a few seconds to regain his composure. “I have come, in fact, to talk to you about a rather interesting dragon.”
“Celestia's baby hatchling, is it not?” Sabarius said, looking at his king.
“So it's true, then. Why didn't you tell me about it?”
“She asked me to keep it a secret and also to keep an eye on him. I'm actually surprised it took so much time for word to reach you. Tell me, my mind, what do you know about the hatchling?”
“I will tell you, but please, let's skip the formal talk. I should be the one showing respect; not the other way around, old friend.” Euphrinos smiled at Sabarius, and he only returned the smile.
Euphrinos told Sabarius about everything commander Deathglare told him without skipping any detail. To his surprise, Sabarius was unaware of most of what he told the dragon. Sabarius revealed what he knew to the dragon king, of the hatchling's intelligence, his ability to breath fire the moment he was born, the resistance to ice, his age and of course, his encounter with Celestia over four centuries ago. To say he was skeptical was an understatement.
“Enough for one hundred years, and still it didn't hatch, you say? I really don't know if I should believe you or laugh, Sabarius. Are you absolutely certain that all you have told me is true?”
“She personally told me, and I trust Celly with my life.”
“Mmm. This dragon troubles me, Sabarius.” Sabarius crooked an eyebrow. “I have never heard of a dragon with his capacities before. Not even the drakes mature or are born with such potent resistances.”
“There is also one more thing, Euphrinos.”
“Do tell,” he said curiously.
“When Celly came to me that day, I felt something inside the egg. I'm going to be honest with you...” Sabarius turned around and shut his eyes, remembering his feelings that day. “I was scared of it.”
“Scared of it? What do you mean by that?”
“Exactly that; I was scared of it. The moment I tried to see inside of it, whatever was inside, rejected me. I even used my clairvoyance, and it still did not accept my advances. I could feel the darkness inside of it, but at the same time, the light.” Sabarius turned around again, his eyes still closed. “I have never felt something so potent in all of my life before or after that.”
“So the creature is a spawn of darkness and evil?”
“No. I don't know how to explain it, but as far as I can comprehend, I can assure you he is not a Tartarus spawned monster, nor is he a divine beast of any sort. All I can say is that that baby hatchling, whose name is Spike Solaris, is a monster.” Sabarius finally opened his eyes, looking straight into Euphrinos, who was actually looking a bit nervous.
“What... do you suggest we do, Sabarius?” Euphrinos asked, putting his claw under his chin to think of an answer himself. “Should we interfere?”
“Truthfully? Let Celly handle it.” Euphrinos stared at him. “It seems that she has everything under control.”
“I don't like this idea, Sabarius. What if things get out of control? What if he becomes a bloodthirsty monster? If he truly is as powerful as you speculate, then we could have another Valtach on our claws-”
“But if he becomes an honor breed, then we'll have another companion and maybe the most powerful dragon alive. The decision is yours, my king. Whatever your decision is, I shall follow it.”
Silence reigned inside the cave for several minutes. Euphrinos walked around it from one side to the other, thinking what would be the best decision to make. All the while, Sabarius watched him closely. After almost five minutes, Euphrinos stopped and turned to the other dragon.
“Very well. I shall follow your advice, my friend. We shall let Celestia handle this, but if things start to get out of her capable hooves, then we will intercede.”
“By your command.” Both of them stood up, looking at each other. “So... aren't you getting back to your mountain now?”
“Are you crazy, Sabarius? It's been almost fifty years since I had a good break. I didn't say how long I was going to take.” Euphrinos smiled, and it was greeted back with one from Sabarius.
“Very well. So Rocky Flames, Ice Momentum, or Lava Pits? I also have a large delivery of a pony drink named 'Extra Hard Cider.' Sounds quite delicious,” he said as he opened a vault full of enormous bottles of drinks and two giant cups made of diamond.
“Bring it all!” called out Euphrinos. Sabarius grabbed the bottles and put them on his dining table. “Time to remember good old days, my friend!”
“Absolutely!” Sabarius cheered. “It's been far too long since we've last shared a drink, my dear old friend.” Sabarius grabbed the Lava Pits labeled bottle and filled the cups with a red, shiny substance. “So tell me, Euphrinos, how is my dear nephew doing?” He offered his friend a cup, which he gladly accepted.
“Stubborn as always and still hating you with every fiber of his being.” The two of them clanked their cups together and began to drink.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------**********************************
*Canterlot Observatory Tower, Librarium*
After two major fangasms, reviving Rainbow twice, an explanation lasting twenty minutes, and what seemed to be the longest rant in history, Daring finally agreed to sign ALL of Rainbow and Twilight’s books and to personally tell them of her adventures. Daring also admitted Rainbow was an awesome lookalike, a comment that made the cyan Pegasus shine with happiness. The meeting was ready to begin.
“Umm, Princess Celestia, if I may ask; where is Discord? Shouldn't he be here, too? Of course, you don't have to answer... if you don't want to, that's okay.” Fluttershy tried to hide behind her mane, and at the same time, she heard a soft yawn behind her. “Discord, is that you?” she asked, looking around her and gaining the stares of everypony in the room.
“Uhhhaaaa, what a nice place to nap,” the voice of the Draconequus echoed in the room, but there was no sign of him. “I say, I always wanted to nap in your soft mane, my dear Fluttershy.” A mini Discord struggled his way out of Fluttershy's mane, right below her left ear. He stretched his arms and back. “It was about time you decided to start this.”
He flashed, and a second later, he was in his seat, on either side of Fluttershy and Twilight.
“DISCORD!” Three voices shouted happily at the same time before their owners tackled the master of chaos onto the floor.
“Ow! Haha, girls, please! Hahaha, not there, Pinkie! Please stop thi—that's against the rules, Derpy! … I'm happy to see you, too, but—oooh, that feelsh nissshhe, Fluttershhhgg.” His tongue lolled out as Pinkie, Derpy, and Fluttershy's combo defeated him. They were his best friends, and he was always happy to see them.
“For goodness sake!” He snapped his fingers, and he was free from the hug-tickle-massage barrage his friends gave him. “You cheated and tackled me before I could even react... I am so proud of you girls!” he said, making paper out of thin air to wipe his proud tears. He then ate the paper.
An aura of yellow magic appeared from him and the three mares, and a second later, they were teleported to their respected seats.
“Hum, party pooper. No cake for you,” Discord replied, looking at Celestia unamused.
Celestia let out a soft sigh, and finally the meeting could commence. “Thank you all for coming today on such short notice.” Everyone in the room looked at her, wanting to hear the reason behind her actions, except for Discord, of course, who looked quite bored. “While I know many of you have questions about this urgent meeting and what could have caused this. I assure you, though, it is not a threat against Equestria, nor a conflict of any source.” With that said, everyone in the room expect Discord and Spike gave a relieved sigh. “The reason I have called you here today is for a personal issue I must deal with as well as a confession. Spike, could you come here for a second?”
“Sure!” he replied, getting up from his seat to walk to Celestia's side. Once there, he was about to ask her what she needed, but her smile told him to stay quiet.
Her right wing unfolded and tenderly went around Spike, picking him up. “I have waited so long for this moment,” she said, grabbing him with her forelegs. Her eyes began to water as she felt him in front of her. His eyes teared up as well, a small smile growing on his face.
The rest of the room was looking expectantly at the two of them, wondering what they were going and what Celestia was saying. Even Discord was curious, even if he already knew.
“This day, I can finally stop acting,” Celestia continued. Some tears started to fall down her eyes. “I can finally call you what you are to me.” Spike began to mumble things as tears fell down his face. In a swift movement, Celestia hugged him with all the love a mother could give a son, Spike gladly hugging her back. “I'm so sorry... I-I missed you so much, my son,” she sniffled, letting tears flow freely for all the pain it caused her to hide Spike from the public eye. All that acting from both her and him, to make him act in front of everypony like he was a mere servant, to hide the affections she should have shown him naturally and not behind closed doors—all the pain that it caused both of them was finally over. She could finally hug, kiss and love her son freely.
“I-it’s okay, mommy,” he said, hugging and clinging, as hard as his little arms let him, around his mother’s neck. “It’s *sniff* okay.” He soothed his mother while Celestia kept asking him for forgiveness, saying over and over a muffled, “I'm sorry.”
The rest in the room didn’t said anything. All they could do was watch the lovely display before them. Many of them were also crying due to the sheer emotion that radiated from the two hugging creatures.
For around five minutes, both Celestia and Spike did nothing more than hug each other in silence. Only a couple of sobs or muffle cries could be heard from either of them. Finally, however, the hug ended.
Regaining her composure, Celestia put her son right in the seat on her right. Cadence and Shining moved one seat to let Spike sit next to his mother.
“I—I guess everypony has questions about this.” Some nodded. “Well, before we continue with my confession, is there something anypony wishes to ask?”
“Just one, Princess: why?” Twilight asked in a low tone.
“Why, my faithful student? It’s quite simple. I had, and still have, many enemies inside this very castle.” The Elements and Derpy gasped. “Many of you believe all my little ponies love me or are happy under our rule, and for the most part, it is true. However, there are some ambitious ponies who want to take me down, because they see me as a tyrant, and they feel they should be in charge, or worse, that it is their ‘divine’ right to be the rightful rulers of Equestria, its inhabitants and its riches. Now, imagine what those ponies would have done if I had a son? Somepony vulnerable that could be used to get to my weak point?”
Silence met her, until Daring asked, “So... so, that’s why you never truly build any kind of relationship with anypony who is—”
“Incapable of protecting themselves? You are quite right, Daring. As much as I would like, I can’t protect everypony precious to me all the time. Imagine that, just for a second, I lose sight of that precious somepony. What could my enemies do to him or her?” Daring shuddered in response. “It may seem cruel and selfish, but I can’t risk hurting somepony or someone because of my faults. Tell me; would you hurt a little filly with the position of my personal student, knowing there is an entire platoon of guards always near protecting her?”
Shining smiled proudly, while at the same time, nodded approvingly. Daring just moved her head from side to side. Celestia’s right wing extended to embrace Spike softly. “Now tell me; would you hurt a simple servant, who is just useful in their eyes to send and receive messages, to hurt the ruler who could easily replace him?” Discord chuckled, and everypony else in the room understood what she meant. “Exactly.”
“So that’s why you made Spike my personal assistant, Princess?”
“Not quite, Twi,” Spike said. “I agreed to be your assistant because I was your personal link to Prin—I mean, my mom.”
“Th—then... our time together, the games, the jobs, all those nights and all we shared… It was all a lie?” she asked, looking sad.
“NO! No, it wasn’t. Well, at first it was, Twi, but then I felt so good with you and Shining and your parents. I really, really like being your assistant! Please believe me,” he asked with sad puppy eyes.
“Of course I believe you, Spike. It's just that... it’s a lot to take in…” she said, smiling weakly at her assistant.
“Sorry fer interruptin', but if Spike is yer son, yer highness, then does that make him, I dunno, a prince or somethin’?” At Applejack's statement, all eyes turned to the little dragon, who just blushed.
Celestia giggled. “Why yes, Applejack. His complete name and title is Prince Spike Solaris of Equestria.”
With that said, Rarity became pale and started to mumble incoherently. A hint of sadness and regret could be seen in her eyes.
“Pardon me, Princess,” Shining said, “but there is something I don’t understand. Now don’t get me wrong, I adore the little guy. Prince or not, you’re still my little brother,” he said, smirking for a second at Spike, but returning his gaze to Celestia. “He's a dragon, so why did you keep him? Aren’t all baby dragons returned to the Dragon Lands after we hatch them?”
“My son, can you please tell us what the colors of your egg were?”
“A purple egg with green dots, mom.”
“That is not true.”
Spike looked at his mother, surprised. “This is another part of my confession I must make, and I must ask for your forgiveness, my son, but I know where you came from.” Spike opened his mouth, and so did Rainbow, Rarity and Twilight. “I found you in a small cave, over a shrine a little over four hundred years ago.”
“B-but that’s impossible!” Fluttershy nearly shouted. “Ohhh… sorry... go on. Don’t pay me any attention.”
“Whoa whoa whoa, why is that impossible, Fluttershy? Aren’t dragons supposed to live for thousands of years? So why not their eggs?”
"Oh goodness, Rainbow. It's just that... I sort of know that dragon eggs... they don’t survive more than one year if they aren’t hatched. But if I'm wrong then… I didn’t…*meep*” Fluttershy squeaked. She tried to disappear under the table. Spike was looking at his mother, really confused.
“You are right, Fluttershy. Normally a dragon’s egg that doesn’t hatch becomes dull and transforms into a hollow rock, but then I found your egg, Spike,” she said, looking at her bemused child. “I thought that would be the case. The moment I picked you up with my magic, I felt life inside it—you.” She nuzzled him for a second. “I tried to hatch you like any normal dragon egg, but you didn’t hatch. Then I tried to do it myself and failed.”
Luna and Cadence gasped at that revelation. “But my sister, if what you say is true, then how is my newly found nephew here with us right now?”
“Because I lacked the strength to do it. So I decided to wait, and each year, the foal that enrolled in my school with the highest score and power could try to hatch the egg. Only-”
“The Element of Magic could hatch him,” Twilight finished for her. “It was a test to find… me.”
“Not at all, my faithful student.” Twilight looked at her, puzzled. “Discovering you was, for the lack of a better term, an accident.” Twilight's groan at this made Celestia laugh. “And a fortunate one, too. I finally gained my son and my most trusted and faithful student” Twilight blushed slightly at that.
“If I may Princess. What does all that have to do with my Spikey-Wikey’s egg colors?”
“Oh about that. The true colors of his egg are lavender with deep purple dots, the most unique colors I have seen on a dragon’s egg. Do you remember the shape of the egg. my faithful student?”
“Yes, I think. It looked like a chicken’s egg and was very smooth, well sort of. I don’t remember it too well. Why, Princess?”
“The form of a chicken’s egg and it looked smooth? But dragon eggs are almost completely round and their surface is either rocky or sharp as sandpaper” Shining thought.
“Have you seen another dragon’s egg after that?”
“Actually... no.”
“That’s because I didn’t want you to focus any attention on anything outside your studies, my faithful student. You see, dragon eggs tend to have two colors, which define what colors the dragon inside will have. Spike has green spikes, but his egg didn't had any green on it,” Celestia said, turning to Spike. “I ask you, my son, can you please forgive this old, foolish mare for her selfish actions?” She lowered her head to be at his eye level.
“I'm a little upset that you didn’t tell me anything until now,” he said, crossing his arms. “But I know that everything you do is for a reason, mom. I love you, and nothing is going to change that.” He gave his mother a kiss on her left cheek and a joyful smile.
“Ugh, GAG,” Discord said, putting his eagle claw all the way up his throat. “Can you hurry up? All this mushy stuff is making me sick!” Everypony present glared at Discord. “Uhmm, pretty please?”
“Very well. Now we shall discuss why have you come.” Celestia lit up her horn, making the room darken. Only a ray of light in the center of the table remained.
A black box fell from the ceiling, slowly surrounded in her magic aura. Moments later, it landed on the table with a soft thud. “For many years, I have wondered why Spike was and is so special, so unique amongst dragons. He has developed many of their natural skills, strengths and resistances faster than any other dragon I’ve seen before. Many of you may not know this, but baby dragons can’t talk until they reach eight years old. Spike began when he was six months old,” Celestia informed them. Discord gave Spike a genuinely surprised look. “Also, Spike is even stronger than an earth pony, and his stamina equals it. Twilight, have you never asked yourself why is he able to carry up to twelve or more thick heavy books with his size?”
All of the Elements realized it was true. He often lifted heavy objects without much effort, and he could really take up a beating and be fine after it.
“Since the day I found him in that cave, I have asked myself many questions about him and why is he so unique. Nearly two decades ago, I sent my now close friend, Daring, on a mission to find what’s inside this box.” Celestia opened the box, showing everypony a black book—twice the size of Star Swirl the Bearded book—with golden letters saying ‘Book of The Dovah.' The image was of four dragons, one from each corner of the image, bowing to a fifth dragon that was standing with its wings open. “This is a sacred, forgotten relic of all dragons. It is said that all you could possibly known about dragons lies inside it. I have already seen its insides and the secrets it holds.” She levitated the book in front of everypony slowly. “What my son is, where he come from, what caused him to be there, all is answered inside this book.” She put the book on top of the table, roughly making everypony gasp and lean closer to see it. Then she opened it in the first page. “And I cannot read it.”
Everypony in the room saw, in the center of the page, there was a message written on strange glyphs:
“What the hay is that suppose to mean?” Rainbow exclaimed. “I can’t understand a single thing it says.”
“But what about the rest of the book, auntie Celestia?” Cadence asked.
“It’s blank. It’s under a very powerful cloaking spell of some sort.”
“I have seen this glyphs before.” All eyes turned to Discord, except for Spike, who was looking at the book. “They belong to the ancient tongue of the dragons. The universal language that all creatures on Equis now speak was born from it. I can’t read it either; such a shame.” He grinned. “BUT I can transform it!” He snapped his fingers.
Nothing happened.
“What the--?” Snap. Nothing. “You have got to be….” Discord frowned, then snapped. Nothing. “OH COME ON!!” *SNAP* *SNAP**SNAP**SNAP* And yet nothing happened to the book.
Discord's face was hard to read with his mouth open in disbelief, looking between the book and his fingers. Either he was annoyed beyond reason or couldn’t process that his magic, the most powerful magic on Equis only matched by the Elements of Harmony themselves, did nothing to the book.
“Thou magic is ineffective against the book, Discord,” Luna said, gazing at him skeptically,. Everypony was so busy looking at Discord’s expression to pay any kind of attention to the moment Spike grabbed the book.
“I… I think I can read it.”
All turned to see Spike now, except for Discord, who was still in trance. “I mean, I don’t know how or why, but I somehow feel that I know what it says”
“Spikey. Do you think you can read it now?” she asked him sweetly.
“I can try, I guess. Let’s see… Hoeerr, no… fuuuooorgh… no, no that. It doesn’t make sense that way, either.”
For several minutes, Spike sat on top of the table, trying to decipher the glyphs. Discord came out of his shock a few minutes after Spike began with his work. While they waited, almost everypony began to talk, all but Celestia, who was looking at her son proudly. Who would have guess that he was going to end up as the very key of all her questions?
Suddenly, Spike jumped and shouted, “ I GOT IT!”
Conversations died, and all the attention was focused on Spike again, making him a bit nervous.
“Well, kid, what are you waiting for, a written permission? Go on, read it!” Daring called to him, making him even more tense.
“Take all the time you need,” Celestia whispered next to his ear.
He grinned. “Okay, here I go, it says:
Here I am. Your heir calls
The forgotten one claims this book
I call upon you, mother of us
Answer my call, clear my doubts
Tell the forgotten story, let me learn from it
And regain what once was ours."
After finishing, nothing seemed to happen. Spike, as well as everypony else, was about to sigh when the book began to glow. An explosion of several kinds of colors began to spin around the room. A mighty roar echoed through the room, making everypony coil due to the pain it had caused to their ears. Suddenly, everything turned black.
“… Discord,” Luna and Celestia said at the same time in a nonchalant tone.
“I swear to me, I'm not doing anything.”
A light purple light began to shine over Spike’s body, giving all in the room enough light to see each other.
“I didn’t know you could do that, Spike.”
“Neither did I, Dash.”
The unicorns and alicorns in the room used their magic to create enough light to see their surroundings. They weren’t in the Librarium anymore. The round table that was between them was gone, and outside their light, only darkness existed. Minutes passed, but nopony wanted to move. The most they did was close their distance into a small circle, keeping Derpy, Spike and Fluttershy near the center.
“I don’t like what’s going on,” Daring said, expecting an attack at any moment.
“Sister, what is the meaning of this?” Luna said, acting similarly to Daring.
“I don’t know Luna. Everypony be ready for anything.”
Everypony made an affirmative by saying yes, grunting or simply humming in acknowledgment. A full minute passed, and still nothing changed. Everybody was looking around keenly for any sign of movement or sounds.
Then a small whisper of a sound could be heard; a tune of a lyre or harp, followed by what sounded like a chant or chorus of some sort. And in a distance, there was the sound of something walking steadily towards them.
Spike was not scared. He wanted to stay in front and help his friends and family, but his mother pushed him behind her, protecting him. All seemed to be worried and even afraid, but he wasn’t. He was actually really calm, and for some odd reason, this seemed to be just so natural to him. The moment the sounds and the chorus began, he perked up and climbed his mother, trying to figure out where those sounds were coming from.
The sounds became louder and clearer, letting everypony hear that the sound was, in fact, a song of some sort that also began to calm them. It was soft and soothing, reflecting tranquility. The walking steps also became bigger, and they were approaching Celestia. The chant grew a little more, until it was impossible to tell where it came from, and the clear steps could be heard. They were clawed steps, the kind of most dragons when they walked in a bipedal stance and their claws hit the ground.
A light made of orange, gold, blue, green and purple began to glow in front of Celestia. As the claw steps grew closer, the light also grew and became shinier. Slowly the glow was forming some sort of creature—or dragon to be precise.
It was tall, at least two times the size of Discord. Smaller forms made of green, blue, orange and red lights surrounded the dragon light-form in front of the group, who by this point were looking at the figure, dumbfounded.
The light figure slowly began to take a more refined appearance, and at the same time, the glow from Spike’s scales grew more potent. At long last, the being before them revealed itself; the being was not a dragon, but a dragoness.
She stood there, unmoving, with her eyes closed. Her green-blue ‘hair’ moved by itself just like Celestia’s did. Four wings behind her opened in display, and she was wearing a golden armor on her chest, forearms and knees. The other beings, who were miniature dragons made of light, danced around her in perfect harmony.
With great care, after a minute or two of just staring at the immobile creature, Celestia stepped forward. “E-excuse me. Can you understand us?” she asked the dragoness. There was a feeling about this dragoness that she couldn’t quite place; nothing familiar, just a strange sensation of peace and tranquility.
The eyes of the dragoness opened in an instant, revealing a deep purple light staring at all who were present at the same time. “I do now,” she said with a voice so calm, so peaceful and so motherly, even Celestia's softest voice would sound harsh and brutal in comparison.
“At last, you have found the book, young one,” she said gently. “I thank you, sisters and brother, for protecting this young one’s life and existence.” She bowed before the alicorns and the draconequus.
“Errrm, excuse me, have we met before? Because I can assure you, I would never forget something as shiny as you. Kinda hard to forget someone who almost blinded us with that light show of yours,” Discord said.
“DISCORD!” Everybody scolded him.
“What? Everypony thought it, too.”
“… I see. How much time has passed since Echidna was defeated?” the dragoness asked.
“Excuse us, but who are you referring to? We are afraid we doth know who this ‘Echidna’ is,” Luna answered.
“So it was true,” she said to no one in particular, but a heavy sadness could be heard in her voice. “Tell me, sister, where did you found the book?” She turned to Celestia.
“It wasn’t me who found it, but it was founded in an ancient ruins buried deep into the desert itself, hidden from all common eyes.”
“Cervadrian.”
“Pardon me?”
“Cervadrian, dear sister. It is the name of the temple ruins you just mentioned. So, at least eighteen thousand years have passed, perhaps more. Do any of you know when the great Dragon War ended?”
“Around twenty three thousand years ago, if I remember correctly. Why? And while you are at it, just who are you?” Discord said.
“So much time has passed, and you are old enough to know of the Dragon War, brother, yet you don’t know who I am?” Discord just blinked at her “Then allow me to introduce myself. My name is Waldarys, the Queen of all Dragons. What is your name, dear sister?” she asked Celestia.
“HEY!” A young voice called over Celestia’s back. “Why are you calling my mom your sister? She doesn’t even know you!” Spikes jumped off her back and looked up at the dragoness.
“Your mother?” she asked. Then she saw the glow Spike was radiating and looked into his eyes, then at Celestia's. “So it’s true. You share the link of fire in your souls.” She was silence before dropping to one knee to look at Spike more closely. “Young one, have you seen anymore of your kind?”
“Yeah, but they were jerks.”
“I did not meant other dragons, young one. I meant others from your own kind.”
“M-my own kind? But I'm just another dragon. I do cool stuff, and I'm not a jerk like the others, but—”
Waldarys grabbed Spike so suddenly that he couldn’t even scream or event react. She held him in front of her, looking at his very soul. Just then, a beam of yellow light went through her stomach. She looked down and saw a very angry Celestia.
“Put. My. Son. Down. Now” Celestia's eyes were shining white, her horn flared in yellow for another attack. Everypony around her was looking at her surprised at her sharp reaction.
“Do not worry, my sister.” She put Spike on the ground slowly, and her face turned sad and sour. “I do not plan nor want to harm this young one.”
“H-how did that not harm you?” Twilight asked her.
“It is simple dear sis—No, you are not a true born Alicorn, are you?”
“How did you—?”
“Then it is worse than I thought.” She looked at Luna. “Dear sister, please tell me how many of our brothers and sisters are still protecting life?”
“… We must apologize again, noble Waldarys. We do not know what you speak of, but there are only three alicorns in the world—four now, since Twilight Sparkle's ascension to alicorn form.”
“And you, dear brother. How many draconequus are left to protect the balance?”
“Balance? What balance? I'm Discord, the god of chaos! Balance is not exactly my thing, you know, ‘dear sister’, and I'm the only draconequus left.”
“I see… Dear sister.” She looked over to Celestia, who was no longer glaring daggers at her. “How many kinds of dragons do you know of?”
“The four kinds: Dragons, Drakes, Wyrms and Sea Serpents.” A silent tear of light fell from Waldarys's eyes to the ground, turning into little explosion once they hit it. “What's wrong... sister?”
Waldarys looked down at Spike, who was watching her with great concern. She smiled sadly at Spike before speaking. “Oh, little young one, I'm so, so sorry. Such loneliness you must have endured.” A quiet sob followed her before she continued. “Even in death, you managed to almost fulfill your goal, Echidna. Now this young one must face life on his own,” she said to herself, anger clearly shown in her voice. “Young one… you are not just ‘another dragon’ as you say. You are the last of your kind… our kind. You... are truly the last of the Gemstone Dragons.”
“WHAT???” Spike shouted surprised “G-gemstone dragon??”
“Gemstone Dragons, the leaders of all the dragons. We are different, unique from the other kinds of dragons, and even so from any other living being.” She got up, the music finally stopping. She held her arms above her, creating a blue orb. “I know why you are here now, but this goes beyond your simple questions.” The orb grew to be at least as big as her, and she dropped it. “Young one, you must learn about yourself, your kind, your power and your responsibility. Dear sister, brothers, friends, please watch closely, for I will show you the greatest kingdom ever to have existed on the planet. Our own civilization, our empire… and how it almost destroyed the planet itself."
The blue orb began to spin.
Chapter 3 end.
Author's Notes:
King Euphrinos
Sabarius
Waldarys
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
Special thanks to Miss Dark Angel for aiding my low self with her awesome editing skills!
The Great Dragon War
Chapter 4: The Great Dragon War
The orb exploded in a bright blue light, blinding all those that were present, for some moments they kept their eyes closed and ever so slowly began to open them, when their vision was finally clear and clean most of them gasped at what they saw, they were on top of a mountain, below and around it and as far as the eye could see towers, houses, walls and all kinds of decorative buildings of many different sizes stood firm and proud shining with red, blue, green, gold, and most of all, purple lights from the sun’s reflection over them.
The sky was blue and only a couple of clouds could be seen passing by, the great valleys and forests that could be seen in the distance promised wonder, beauty and life to anything that dared enter them and view their wonders. A great river passed in the middle of the great structures providing fresh water. A splendor of every form entered their sights and even those paled in comparison to those who were flying all over the sky and walking in the streets of what could be said was a massive city, almost everyone was a dragon that came in very different sizes and forms, some had wings, some were as big as normal dragons, some were flying and even a few sea serpents could be seen swimming in the nearby great river, they could also see many alicorns and some draconequus among the dragons, but what the most impressive sight was that more than half of all the dragons they could see shared the same colors Spike himself had.
Realization hit them hard, they were watching the past of a once great civilization, a dragon civilization at that.
“This is Gemstoneguard, the main city of the Eternity Empire” Waldarys said looking at the city below them, “this is the past, only a reflection of my own and the collective memories of all those who died and gave their life to destroy Echidna and our enemies, this book is our history itself, you cannot interfere with it and, no matter what you see, nothing will be able to harm you.” she turned around to see them.
“Long ago,” she began, “this planet was a place of despair, death and pain, demons and foul creatures of darkness ruled the planet.” The scenery around them changed in the blink of an eye, the city was gone and it was replaced by a barren wasteland of black sand and a red sky, horrible creatures none of them had ever seen before ran over the land, killing, tearing apart and eating anything they could catch, creatures with purple hides, long arms, strong feet and several sharp teeth were doing a massacre out of any kind of animal and living thing they caught and even between themselves and all those present in the illusion could do nothing but watch in horror of how they did it.
“We don’t know how long this lasted but three species united to stop them, tired of such misery and bloodshed, to free this world from their evil and their foulness,” all of those creatures stopped to a halt and turned their heads towards the group, looking right through them, they also turned around and saw hundreds of figures covered in darkness “The Draconequus,” the shadows that represented the draconequus illuminated revealing them wearing pieces of some unknown metal making, most likely, an improvised armor, “The Alicorns,” the same thing happened with their shadows but they wore nothing on them, bare into the field of battle their eyes glowing white with pure energy, “and The Dragons.” the dragons were using gems of all sorts, carved meticulously over them, as armor and some even carved the gems over their claws, all of them in many sizes looking furious and ready for battle.
The creatures roared and charged themselves towards their new enemy and prey, their “prey” did the same. Both sides collided and the fog of war began, screams, roars, flesh, intestines, body parts and blood flew around the battlefield, right around them, Fluttershy screamed in horror and vomited her breakfast, once it hit the ground is simply vanished, but the shock was so great she couldn’t pass out, the same thing happened with Pinkie Pie and Cadence.Waldarys looked at the three with pity all had similar look of disgust and horror, even Celestia wasn’t immune to the sight, but she had to continue, she must continue.
“We were few in numbers, no more than ten thousand against hundreds of thousands of them but we were stronger,” the scene changed again this time they were in space seeing the dark planet turn blue and green little by little, “the war against darkness and the demons was short, it only lasted twenty years until they were defeated, we hadn't stopped there, we hunted the remaining demons and creatures down and only a very few survived,” the planet turned bright with color and showed them the colors they knew as normal.
“Excuse me?” Daring said, “But if you were so few against so many of them, how did you win?”
“It is quite simple little brave one, we fought as one they fought individually, you see demons and creatures of darkness can’t fight alongside others they spent so much time fighting against each other and against us at the same time that they were doomed to lose, now as I said before some survived and escaped and for what can I see you have already fought against three and defeated them,” she turned her attention towards Luna, “A Nightmare,” Luna lowered her head in shame, then Waldarys turned towards Twilight and her friends, “The ice demons, Windigoes,” their eyes opened in surprise, finally she turned to Spike, “and of course Darkness,” all Spike could think was ‘Sombra’.
The scene around them changed again and a group made of dragons, alicorns and draconequus were in front of them discussing something they could not understand, “After the war we decided to become the protectors of the world, alicorns decided to protect life, spreading joy and happiness to all living things and to keep the sun and the moon orbiting around the planet, draconequus decided they would protect the balance so that the evil and darkness we defeated may never return, and we the dragons decided to protect the world itself so we divided into five casts, the wyrms would protect the earth, the sea serpents would protect the water, rivers and oceans, the drakes would protect the fire and the world from fire itself, the draconians would protect the wind, the skies and be always watchful and ready to stop any kind of threat against other races, and we, the gemstone dragons would protect the other races and bring them civilization to all those who could form a society in this new world and alongside the draconequus we would fight against darkness” all of the haunts present nodded in agreement and put their claws, paws and hooves together, the scene around them turned black.
“It was difficult at first, diving territories and rising cities was a challenge for us all and for five thousand years we advanced slowly but we expanded and many more races joined us,” a new scene took form Cervadians, Zebras, Camels, Griffons, Ponies, Donkeys, Muses and many more were showed, “they asked us, the gemstone dragons to help them build a society and a civilization and we helped them raise their cities and their own unique cultures”.
“We were finally about to reach our goal, all races united and coexisting in peace and harmony but then, it happened,” all turned black around them and a sinister laugh was heard, then the figure of a draconequus shined in red light before them revealing a monstrous version of Discord with fangs all over his mouth, eyes red and full with bloodlust, dark fur and grey scales covered him, “His name was Valtarnech a fierce guardian of balance and veteran of the old war, the perfect vessel for a Nightmare, he was possessed by it and opened a gate to let those same enemies we fought back into our world but we acted on time,” A new battle was showed this time only alicorns, draconequus and gemstone dragons could be seen, there were no signs of the other dragons but the massacre and bloodshed was still the same, “We fought in a secluded area for three days until we were able to push them back and kill Valtarnech,” the scene now showed the battle was over and the survivors checking the wounded and picking their dead, “and then something happened to us,” all the survivors began to shine and suddenly it ended, nothing seemed to change except for the fact that the wounded were fine now, “we were granted with immortality.”
“How?” Celestia asked, clearly confused, she had always believed they were immortal since the beginning.
“We don’t know dear sister, but we suspect it was Valtarnech doing, his dying gift if you will, how he did it or why he did it we don’t know and probably we will never know, sadly it only affected those who were present and that was only the beginning of our problems”
“Many demons escaped and started to cause war and havoc between other races, tainting them or possessing their leaders, we did as much as we could ………so many died over the years, until the only ones that were left were the ones who became immortals, we succeeded again and exterminated the demons that were causing the havoc,” she paused for a moment letting a sad sigh escape her lips.
“Immortality was also bestowed to our offspring and it changed us all, alicorns became one with the sun, the moon and life itself, draconequus became one with the balance and the void, letting them do great and magnificent feats, but we, the gemstone dragons changed in a more drastic way, our paths to maturity were changed, our cycles were changed and even our talents were changed, we feared that our draconic brothers would hate us for our change,” the scene around them changed and now a group of every kind of dragon was around the gemstone dragons and suddenly all of the other dragons bowed before them yelling again something they could not understand, “but they saw us as the leaders of dragons and so the King and Queen of dragons were named, my husband Thorn as the king and me as the queen.” the scene around them changed to a great mountain and valleys in the distance, almost the same sight they saw first but there were no buildings.
“Our three races united under one banner and we called ourselves brothers and sisters alike for we faced the same horrors and fought against them, we lived together, we died together and we loved and cared for each other as real family,” day turned night and night turned day faster and faster around them, “each one of us formed our homes, we formed Gemstoneguard, alicorns formed Equestria taking the leadership of the ponies who were at war with each other at that time and the draconequus formed Arcadia.” as she talked the land changed and the city they saw earlier began to form slowly.
The princess of the night decided in this moment to interject. “……..noble Waldarys thou said the cycles of your people changed, pray tell, how did it changed?” Waldarys turned towards her.
“Our eggs would take three hundred years to be laid and to hatch them it would take an enormous amount of magic or five hundred years of constant hatching ritual and, as we ourselves, they were also immortal and could only die if they were crushed, normally it takes twenty years for a dragon hatchling to learn how to speak and to start breathing fire, our hatchling could do it in less than a year and also they could begin talking soon after their hatching, we could also use magic in some extent and many other minor things such as our diet, gemstones are our favorite food and it’s really hard to resist them you see,” she gave a small cough, “but two things changed so much that we actually feared them, the first was our maturing process, normally a dragon only has four different types or maturing and that same process determines our aspect, intelligence and personality, the first and the most famous is greed.” She turned to Spike.
“And I must congratulate you young one, you have surpassed and suppressed that greed, but be careful, it may return, if you let it come out again this time you will not be able to turn back and you will become a monster, do you think the greed dragons you know of are bad?” Spike nodded, “greed gemstone dragons are monsters that crave for everything, be it gems, trees, water, skies, mountains and even life, they will take everything they see, they cannot be controlled and only death can stop them” Spike paled a little in fear.
“The second path is time but this takes hundreds of years even for us, a dragon who follows this path usually lives for fifteen thousand years. The third path is through honor, when a dragon finds something they value more than treasures, more than their own lives and want to protect it they become stronger than most dragons and much bigger, they also become very intelligent. The fourth path is magic, when a dragon is feed with immense magic energy that they accept willingly they mature in a matter of seconds, they become friendly, docile and highly intelligent.” an image appeared before the group, a circle with several other smaller circles around it, in the center of the biggest circle was a dragon much like Spike and around him words in the same language they saw when the book was presented to them, Spike was reading them with a quivering mouth.
“But for us it changed drastically and several paths were now open to us and only us, you can read them don’t you, young one ?”
“Yes……I can……..so……so many…………Greed ……….Love ………….Loyalty ……….Magic ……….Vengeance ………….Time ……….Fear ………Honor ………Justice ……….Hate ………Sacrifice ……..Lust …… What’s all this?” he said reading just a few of them before turning to Waldarys.
“Our paths, our destinies, we can choose what we want to become and what we should avoid, but in some cases we can’t choose, it all depends entirely on how strong we are inside.” A moment of silence was heard before the image disappeared. “I cannot tell you what to choose but I can tell you that you must follow your own heart, young one”
“……….And what was the second thing that changed, lady?” Spike asked looking down to his feet.
“Our immortality is different, we can only die if another gemstone dragon or immortal kills us,” she held her claw in front of him, a small object formed over it, a dagger made of diamond, Spike looked to the dagger and then to her eyes, “take it and push it through your heart young one.”
Celestia became enraged while the rest of the presents were shocked at her order, she was about to leap over Waldarys when Spike grabbed the dagger and impaled it over his heart, he screamed in pain and purplish blood erupted from his chest and then he fell to the ground creating a small pool made of his own blood, everyone held their breath and could only stare in disbelief at what Spike had done, Celestia and Twilight began to form tears on their eyes and were beginning to sob their loss when his claws twitched and effortlessly got up, his lost blood evaporated, the dagger turned to nothing and his wound closed leaving nothing, not even a scar, over his scales, Celestia and Twilight watched not believing what they just saw, Spike on the other claw looked slightly confused before getting wrapped between his mothers hooves and be smothered in kisses by her while she gave small thank you’s in between kisses.
“As you just saw,” Celestia and pretty much everypony else except Spike glared death upon her, “we cannot kill ourselves either.”
“That was not nice of you!” Rarity yelled.
“You could have just told us! What in the hay where you thinking?!” Cadence shouted too.
“You did it because it was necessary, right?” Spike asked her.
“Yes, young one, thank you for trusting me, now please look around you,” they did what she said, although reluctantly, what they saw was the same city, Gemstoneguard, they saw first, “Between the war and all the troubles the demons brought with them we barely noticed that one hundred thousand years had passed, but we had finally achieved our goal, peace was finally achieved, for a thousand glorious years peace, prosperity and harmony reigned, until Echidna arrived.” The sky turned dark and a dark dragon flew at blinding speed towards the unknown.
“She was a normal hatchling, a hundred years old that still could not choose a destiny for her own, something happened inside her, something cracked and she became the most powerful being we have ever encountered, she practically became a God but she became a God of darkness and corruption, she desired to control everything and everyone in the planet, simply because she believed it was her right and if someone rebelled against her word,” Equestria came into view and a city ten times as big as the Crystal Empire was on flames, corpses of ponies, alicorns, griffons, dragons of all kinds and draconequus could be seen laying in the ground, some burning and even some impaled on flag posts, “she would destroy and annihilate them”.
“She drew many dragons, creatures and other races under her banner, fearful of her wrath and power or blinded by the promise of wealth and life, before she could attack we called our brothers and sister to battle.” alicorns, gemstone dragons and draconequus were now around them in silence, preparing to stop Echidna, putting on their war armor in their personal coat of arms, gold, green, yellow, purple, red any color they wished to wear over their armor, three of them, one of each helped each other to put on their armor, the scene changed to a battle formation, small bipedal gemstone dragons holding long emerald spears or diamond swords, barely taller than their alicorn brothers, were in front of an army made from thousands of them and their allies, both in the sky and in ground, alongside them draconequus and alicorns holding in their paws, claws or magic axes, swords, spears and many other kinds of weapons, up in the skies winged gemstone dragons together with many of their brothers and sisters stood ready for battle, behind those lines, massive gemstone dragons were also ready to do their part and commanding them was Thorn, the dragon king himself, the scene focused on three of the army members, the same alicorn, draconequus and gemstone dragon from earlier, silence could be heard and small roars in the distance as well, after some moments the draconequus began singing in a rough voice, a song not heard for eons.
“Kote
Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an.” His brother dragon began to sing alongside him.
“Equis’anta a'den mhi, Vode an.
Par naak, darasuum naak,” Their sister alicorn began to sing alongside them, in perfect unison.
“Jorso'ran kando a tome.
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an.” The entire unit they were began to sing it too.
“Kandosii sa ka'rta, Vode an.
Equis’anta a'den mhi, Vode an.
Bal... “Now every un it in the army began singing it, sending tremors through the land and the skies themselves.
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aruetyc runi cet slarycina solus ash’amur
Motir ca'tra nau tracinya.
Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.
Aruetyc cet slarycina runi ash’amur
Sa kyr'am nau tracyn kad, Vode an!”
The song ended and a tear fell down from Waldarys’s eye, the army of Echidna was massive, dragons of all kinds, even some of their own brothers and sisters, greed breed dragons, griffins, ponies, zebras, there wasn’t a single race or species on the planet that wasn’t there at that moment, fighting against them but Echidna was nowhere to be seen, the dragon king took flight and flew towards the dark clouds above them smashing against Echidna herself, they began to fight above their armies and with a loud roar the battle began.
Both sides charged against one another, the alicorns smashed, with their supernatural strength, their opponents, impaled them with their horns, crushed them with their magic, kill, burn, destroy or obliterate them with spells or simply hacking them with their weapons, the draconequus fought melee against the bigger opponents like manticores or minotaurs, some were using their supreme aerial maneuvers and agility to fight against multiple opponents, some were using their magic to change the shape of their enemies weapons, block attacks, switch places or make things out of thin air to attack, like blades, spikes, boulders or anything they could think of, the real battle was done by the dragons, burning and smashing , clubbing and tearing, eating and killing everything on their paths, screams of pain and death filled the air, they saw first claw how a greed dragon ate a small gemstone dragon only to grab its stomach in pain and the being ripped apart from the inside, covering all below on blood and intestines, corpses also fell down from the skies from the aerial battle where only small clashes could be seen.
While the battle on the ground was being won by the ancient brotherhood the battle in the skies was equally balanced, as for the battle between the leaders seemed to have no end, both of them had their claws burning in purple fire, hitting each other once they got to melee and breathing fire against the other only to be matched, suddenly an orange dragon flew out of nowhere above Thorn and spit a massive red fireball against him hitting him straight in the back of his head, it knocked him out for a second but that was all it took for Echidna to grab him by the throat and pierce his heart with her other claw, Thorn not willing to give up like that grabbed her by the throat too and took a bite out of her neck-side, she dropped him and flew away bleeding while the orange dragon followed her.
Thorn landed in between the armies startling them, his own army came close to their defeated king, he whispered something and those who heard him nodded, then he died turning from purple to grey, the enemy army renewed their charge not even noticing their leader was gone. The scene suddenly changed to the outcome of the battle field almost all of the enemy army was destroyed but the army of the deceased king Thorn also suffered heavy casualties, the scene focused on three figures laying in the ground, a draconequus turning slowly into stone, the upper half of an alicorn and a dying gemstone dragon were barely looking at each other, they shared one last smile together, the alicorn extended her hoof and her brothers did the same with their paw or claw, they united their limbs, they said “Vode an” their smile widened and at the same time gave out their last breath of life, the alicorn turned to light, leaving only her armor and some ashes behind, the dragon turned grey and motionless and the draconequus turned to stone and cracked leaving small pieces of stone and dust on his dying spot.
All turned to darkness, only a small light coming from Waldarys illuminated the group who were all in tears from the display, except for Discord who only had his arms crossed with a sour look on his face, they took a moment to calm themselves before Waldarys continued.
“My husband died in that battle but he discovered part of her plan, she wanted to exterminate all of the immortals so that no one could end her rule, even going as far as to destroy our eggs, she even destroyed her own egg,” Celestia gasped in horror, “To fulfill her plan she started with the draconequus, out of fear for our heritage I sacrificed myself into this book to protect it from the inside, with the help of my alicorn brothers they killed me and bounded my soul to this book,” she turned to Discord and went silent for some moments, her eyes shining, “now I know who you are brother, I had my suspicions but if these memories are right then you were the last hope of the draconequus”
“Wait a second,” Discord said walking right up to her, “What do you mean with ‘Last Hope’? If you haven’t noticed I’m Discord, god of chaos, spirit of disharmony?”
“So you don’t even know about your own beginnings brother?”
“Why should I bother? I know who I am and what I do; there is no need for me to know such meaningless things.” he crossed his arms.
“Then you must know.”
“I refuse to know about it!” His face turned into a scowl.
“Why do you evade the answers to your past?”
“Because I don’t need a past, I only need the now!” He was getting furious.
“Is it because you know nothing about your own species?”
“Shut up!” he said creating chaos energy spheres in his hands
“Or because you don’t know what your life means?”
“I’M WARNING YOU BITCH!!” he aimed his sphere towards her.
“Perhaps it is because in the inside you are nothing but a hollow shell, brother?”
“SHUT UP!” he fired his spheres of chaos energy, passing through her doing nothing, but he didn’t stop. “SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!!” he attacked again and again and again until he was panting hard, Fluttershy walked next to him and put her hoof over his lion paw, he turned to see her with rage on his face, she flinched back and held her head down, he noticed what he had done and kneeled to her level taking her chin making her look up to him again, “I'm sorry Fluttershy I didn’t mean it, I would never hurt you.” He said putting a sad face.
“It’s okay Discord, it’s okay.” She smiled to him.
“And the mother?” a deep voice of a male said, both looked up and saw they were in some kind of hospital room, a draconequus wearing a crown with four other draconequus wearing armor behind him, a draconequus wearing a white coat and a gemstone dragon in front of him could be seen.
“She lost too much blood during the start of the attack my king,” the entire room trembled, “she died giving birth to……’it’.” Said the draconequus doctor.
“Are you certain about the results?”
“Yes my king, I did them seven times.”
“You may retire,” the doctor disappeared behind a door, “you four, take the infant and keep him in the borders, protect him, if our plan fails he may be the only hope for the world.”
“Yes my king.” the four guards disappeared in a flash of light.
“Excuse me for my boldness king Zander, but what are you talking about?” the dragon asked, from the looks of it a simple soldier.
“A new born like no other dear brother, can you believe darkness and chaos resides in him?”
“B-but that’s impossible! Is he a demon then!?”
“At first I thought that, but after seeing these results,” he said holding up some papers, “I also found out he has a thousand times more magic powers than me and at the same time unimagic, creating a perfect balance with this chaos energy inside him.” another tremble, this one bigger than the last pulling the dragon soldier out of his shock. “We have little time to spare, go on, take them to our alicorn brothers, tell them to find the bearers for themselves.” A chest then appeared before him in a flash of light, handing them over to the dragon soldier.
“And if they fail king Zander?”
“They won’t, they are the culmination of our efforts, a weapon of good, a weapon of balance, it will cleanse all evil and leave only what’s good behind or it will destroy the source completely, although they don’t have a name yet, any ideas?”
“I have one, but if I may ask, the little one has a name yet?”
“No, he is but a mere newborn.”
“What do you think of the newborn?” he asked while another tremble shook the building to its very core.
“What I think of him? Well……that’s quite simple, he represents our very essence, our very reason to fight, he IS balance itself but he is more than that, light and darkness, balance and chaos, his very limbs are all different, he may picture imperfection but I think he represents our most perfect form, he is like a small living representation of……harmony.” He said not looking at anything in particular but smiling for himself nonetheless.
“I see……….king Zander, may the weapon be called Harmony?”
“Harmony……..yes, our last hope….. for the culmination of our efforts, YES! A perfect name ‘The Powers’ no no no, ‘The Elements of Harmony’.” he snapped his fingers; a blue light appeared before him.
“Generosity, giving all, sacrificing everything you have in order to see others smile and do what is right when the time is right, a weapon to destroy the greedy and hunger for power, let them feel your bright hope” another snap.
“Laughter, the never ending happiness, an energy so powerful no one shall stay sad or angry for long when pure laughter spreads, destroying hate and sadness, giving the will to live and to keep fighting day by day, let them feel your bliss” another snap.
“Honesty, the brightness of truth, truth hurts but lies hurt more, living in the light even if it hurts its better than living in the darkness blinded and ignorant, let deception turn to ashes when the truth shines, let them feel heavy weight of your words” another snap.
“Kindness, to give those worthy of it peace and a chance to prove themselves to be true a weapon to show your valor when you needed the most, when kindness shines the darkness cowers in fear for it knows they are powerless against it, let them feel your wrath for no forgiveness shall come from it” another snap.
“Loyalty, true to your friends, true to your rules or your subjects and true to yourself, the incorruptible wall that will always come back to those it hold dear, the perfect weapon against temptation and corruption, let them feel your mighty shield” another snap.
“Magic, you move around us, inside us and alongside us, for good and evil you can be used but your heart will decide in the end what your purpose will be, let them feel your powerful grace and might”
Another snap and all six lights disappeared “Go now, there is little time, we shall stop her as long as we can and please, don’t let our great sister Waldarys sacrifice be in vain, GO!” Zander ordered ready to snap his fingers.
The dragon soldier spread out his wings *Flash* and he was in the air high above the draconequus kingdom, Arcadia, seeing it put a mighty defense against Echidna and her forces. He turned around and flew away as fast as he could towards the alicorn kingdom.
*Arcadia defense scene*
The scene turned again, showing Gemstoneguard in ruins, the only building standing was the nesting grounds; a great shadow appeared over it and then a gigantic claw smashed it, destroying the building and anything inside it, a mighty roar followed the destruction a roar of victory.
Six shadows moved through the ruins at blinding speed, five of them carrying an egg, the other a black box and all running away from the once great gemstone empire, the six shadows were illuminated by the light the fire on the buildings gave revealing six gemstone dragons.
One of the dragons carrying an egg looked back and gasped in horror before a river of dark fire engulfed him, there were no screams and the rest of the dragons kept running for their lives, the fire extinguished leaving only a figure of ashes on the ground, another one of those dragon was caught by Echidna’s maw, devouring him and destroying the egg he was carrying in the process.
Another one tossed the egg she was carrying to the one at her left, stopped and began to grow until she was bigger than the average dragon but still dwarfed by the titanic size of Echidna then she charged against her hitting Echidna in the face, gaining her attention, the other three dragons spread out their wings and took flight, flying as fast as they could.
The one carrying the box turned his head around only to see his sister be torn apart by Echidna, but she had gave them time to flee, then he noticed a shadow above them, an orange dragon was descending upon them, he and one of his brothers evaded him but the last one carrying both eggs could not evade him in time and was caught in his claws driving him to the ground, a muffled shout of *Keep going* echoed in the sky and so they did, flying as fast as they could they left their once glorious home towards another land, the last thing they could hear was an enraged roar, no doubt made by Echidna for one egg having survived and was, now, out of her reach.
The scene split into two and were fast, the first showed the dragon carrying the box arrive to the temple, now ruins, where Daring found the book, he put it on the pedestal and left, a ray of light illuminating it. The second scene showed an isle in the middle of a small canyon, big trees and wild nature all over the place, the dragon fell upon a small cave and walked in it until he reached the end of it, using his claws he carved a pedestal and a nest made out of rock, he then took some of his scales and spit green fire upon them, they turned into some sort of blanket, he wrapped it around the nest and put the egg he was carrying over it.
“Stay safe” he said, turned around and left, in the entrance of the cave he used Moon powder and carved some kind of runes or glyphs around the small entrance, once he finished the runes began to glow and slowly began to cover the entrance with an illusion, “Stay safe” he repeated and flew away.
The scene turned again, now picturing Echidna in her full size, bigger than mountains, her red eyes promising death and her black scales blackening the skies, creating a maelstrom above her.
She was preparing to lay waste to the alicorns, her last immortal foes, she was about to strike when two dragons came out of nowhere and smashed against her, in her rage she used her breath to destroy them instead of the six alicorns below her, one of them was turned to ashes inside her dark flames, the other evading most of her flames fell to the ground in agonizing pain seeing the last moments of Echidna, she prepared to attack the alicorns this time, but it was too late, he saw a gigantic rainbow capture her.
His vision became fuzzier and the last he saw was Echidna being destroyed by the force of the Elements of Harmony, he turned his attention to the ground below him before hitting the ground, then everything turned black around the group except for the faint light coming from Waldarys.
“It was just yesterday for me,” she said to no one in particular, “I didn’t even know if she was defeated, the last thing I remember was being sucked into the book, and then I heard your voice young one,” she said to Spike, “ aauugggnn---!!“ Waldarys fell to her knees.
“Noble Waldarys!” Luna shouted, noticing until now that the small dragons around her were nowhere to be seen.
“My time……is almost up, soon I will join my husband and brothers and sisters.” her body began to lose light.
“Y-you said I had a responsibility, a task to do, right?” Spike asked her.
“Yes young one……….it is quite simple………….become what you want to be.” Her voice became weak and echoed around them. “Sister,” she said to Celestia, “please, protect him”
“Spike, my son, is your son also?”
“No…….he isn’t………I don’t even know who laid him, but you nurtured him, your bound in strong, in his eyes……………and his soul you are his mother……………”she said all the while becoming weaker and weaker.
“T-then I will search for another one of my kind! An old one who can train me, who can teach me how to be a dragon, a gemstone dragon!”
“Young one………there is no other one of you……..you are the last……….as I said before………”
“But how can you be so certain! There must be another one!...........there must be…….” Spike said looking at her with sad pleading eyes.
“I’m…..so sorry………” using what was left of her strength the view of the planet came before them, only a small single purple light shone, right over Canterlot, “My ability………..was to feel all those………….alive no matter………where they were………………..even if they were just eggs…………… as you can see………… I can only feel you now,” Spike fell silent, she took his chin making him look up to her and smiled.
“Young one………… Spike…………. It doesn’t matter …………your mother, friends and family …………….are with you ……………..that’s all that matters …………you ………….are ………….not ……….truly ……….alone.” Her voice turned into whispers, then she disappeared and suddenly they were back in the Librarium sitting on their spots.
It took a second for all them to notice they were back in the room, a noise made them look to the center of the table, the book was burning in green and purple fire. Spike got up and tried to put the fire out but couldn’t stop them, he began to cry seeing his efforts were in vain but did not stop until Celestia, with a sad expression, tapped him on his shoulder, he looked back to her and threw himself to her, crying over her neck, she only held him close while the book turned to ashes and the ashes into light.
For several moments everything was silent and only muffled sounds of cries from some of the presents could be heard, Discord got up and walked away.
“D-Discord, w-where are you going?” Twilight asked.
“I need to be alone…………….I must think about…..things.” instead of flashing out he simply pushed the doors open and walked away, Phalanx walked inside the room seeing him leave.
“Is everything alright your maj---“seeing the scene before him and feeling sadness and confusion in the air he decided to step back into the hallway again.
--------------------------------------------------------------***********************************
Celestia’s Chambers 11:13 PM, seven hours after the event in the Librarium
Celestia was laying on her bed with Spike hugging one of her forelegs, neither sleeping nor awake, he was in deep thought and so was she, but not because of the events from earlier, she was worried about her son and what could this mean to him from now on, she looked down to see him and found him looking up to her.
“Mommy………….can you sing me a song, please?”
“Of course my child, do you have one in mind?”
“The one you used to sing me in storm nights” he said putting his head over her foreleg, using it as a pillow.
“Of course,” she kissed his exposed cheek, “I love you, Spike.” She whispered in a motherly tone.
“I love you too, mom.” he said, smiling.
Celestia began to sing.
-----------------------------****************************
*Unknown Location*
Darkness shrouded the area, a darkness that felt unnatural to anything unfortunate enough to be inside it, a darkness that had lasted for thousands of years un-interrupted was now being disturbed by two gigantic red glowing lights.
"It is time" a voice said in the deepths of that darkness, followed by faint purple glow making its was outside the darkness.
Chapter 4 end.
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
Images took from Deviantart, Credit to the authors of such great images!
*The war chant is in Mando'a, from the song Vode an with some words changed* the song can be found here
*The song Celestia sang is names Lullaby for a stormy night*
Enemies
Chapter 5-- Enemies, Discord and Friends
Part 1--Enemies
The cold of the night on the Dragon Lands is a fierce one, very much like a desert; the days are very hot but the nights are insanely cold but in the Dragon Lands nights are worse than those in the desert for the volcanoes and fire pits turn down almost deciding to stop emitting their hot, deadly yet warm embrace to all those who lived on those lands, dooming all those who were not prepared for the night to die of hypothermia but for some dragons this was not a problem at all, their internal fire was, in most cases, enough to counter the fierce cold nights.
And no place in the Dragon Lands was colder than the Valkatraz prison, the ONLY dragon prison in the world, every dragon criminal who committed crimes against their species or any other who they had a pact with were sent here, if the crime was not worthy of death penalty, there were no volcanoes, fire pits or even a lava lake near it for more than five hundred miles.
Valkatraz was a monster of a mountain, the second biggest in all of Equis and the prison was carved deep inside it, it was protected by several layers of magic seals that worked against dragons alone, also it held several traps for either invaders or an attack from the inside, the base of the mountain was made of pure black granite, it was so hard that not even a thousand drakes could chew it, and this was a true fact, several years ago a group of a thousand or so rebel drakes tried to dig down the mountain to free their leader, all of them ended up with broken teeth and not a single scratch on the surface.
This prison held only eleven prisoners, each of them a force to be reckoned with, marked as monsters by their own species but the worst of them all was a male dragon named simply as “Wrath”, second in command of the tyrant and mad dragon king Valtach, a blind follower of the dragon superiority belief many dragons held on those times.
He was and still is also known as “The God of Greed” for he was the most powerful dragon breed out of greed and the only dragon in history to preserve his normal intelligence and rationality, now he didn’t believed himself to be a god but he believed he was the most powerful dragon alive, only shadowed by Valtach himself, he had a green scaled exterior with a light purple underbelly, spines, ear fins, and purple eyes as well as large reversed wings bonded to his spine.
His actions during the Dragon Rebellion earned him many titles that no one remembered aside from a few older dragons, it was also showed he had no heart, no soul and no emotions whatsoever, he was not loyal to anyone or anything except to Valtach, himself and those who followed him, he killed over a thousand of all kinds of dragons and hundreds of the other ‘lesser’ creatures.
Remembering this always made him smile inside his cold cell, remembering those who fought him back believing they could defeat him only to be killed the next second by his claws, all those who begged for their lives and how he laughed while he killed them, the delicious flavor of ponies, zebras and griffons he actually missed tasting it, but what always made him actually give a dark chuckle was remembering the twenty eight alicorns he had personally killed, including the almighty Queen Moon Light of Equestria.
Wrath was alone with his own thoughts and memories when a red dragon wearing armor and carrying a spear approached him, he knew him well, he was after all one of the only fifteen guards posted in this prison to keep things in order.
“Wrath, you have a visitor” the guardian said, stepping at the side to reveal….
“Golbatur Prince Eukrarius, to what I owe the ‘pleasure’ of your visit this time?” he said behind his frozen stone cell.
“Guard, leave us” the guard bowed and retreated, once he was sure they were alone he talked “I have come to bring you a proposition and to tell you a very interesting story.”
“A proposition? From you and your idiotic family? I think I’ll pass brat, Im not interested in helping you or any of those weak and lesser creatures.”
“This proposition comes from me and me alone, Lord Wrath.”
“........Speak quickly, you spineless worm.” The demonic reptile snarled while flapping his green colored wings twice.
“Of course, but first let me tell you my little story, I think you remember Celestia and Luna” Wrath gave another, darker snarl
“I see you do, after all they were the ones who defeated you.”
“My patience is very thin, you bucking sack of flesh and scales, SPEAK!” Wrath rorared while Eukrarius gave only a light laugh.
“Well, it turns out the all mighty Celestia has kept a dragon hatchling for herself behind our backs for almost twenty years, perhaps even more,” Wrath was silent, waving his chained tail in bordom, as much movement as he was allowed at any rate “not only that but now there are two new alicorns, ascended ones I believe, one of them is Princess Cadence, niece of Celestia and Luna, princess of love and ruler of the Crystal Empire.”
“So it was true, it came back after a thousand years, what a worthless race the ponies are...and this second one?”
“Her name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, former protégée of Celestia herself and the Element of Magic.”
“What does this have to do with the dragon hatchling, you failure of a dragon?” he asked darkly.
“This dragon hatchling, from what I was able to dig up this past two weeks is not only the personal assistant of Twilight Sparkle but he is the main reason the Crystal Empire was saved, they call him the Crystal Savior and is in some way connected to a rather…..personal level to Celestia” behind his cell, Wrath smiled wickedly showing his sharp and deadly fangs.
“About my proposition, a month from now some of my allies will come to free you, if you want to seek vengeance towards my dear uncle and that bastard of Sabarius you may do so, but if you want to destroy Equestria and all those lesser creatures then join me, I shall continue where my grandfather left off and with your power and help this time we will succeed.”
“…………….”
“That or you can live the thousand years you have left here”
“…………..You wish to follow the great Valtach steps?”
“Of course I do, dragons are superior, dragons are the most powerful beings in the world, every other race should serve us as food and their territories as our own, WE are meant to rule this world” a sadistic smile was placed on Eukrarius face and both ambition and lust for power reflected in his eyes.
Wrath began to laugh loudly, so loud it made the entire mountain tremble and the other prisoners coward in fear, once he was finished he answered “I accept then, I vow my loyalty to you and you only, my new king, Eukrarius and this time we, the worthy ones shall take what is ours by right” there was a moment of silence before he spoke again “But, Celestia, Luna this two new alicorns and her hatchling are mine, I will make them suffer, I will make them cry and I WILL destroy everything they hold dear, just like I did with their precious mother before I devoured her.”
“I must go now, await for your escape party in a month, God of Greed, all shall be as I have spoken, you will not regret your choice, I swear it.” Eukrarius spoke calmly before he turned around and walked away.
Once Wrath was alone in his cell again he began to think of the possibilities his vengeance would carry, how many would he kill and devour, how many riches would be his, how he would destroy the remaining alicorns and this little hatchling and bringing Equestria to destruction and despair, he scoffed in annoyance at the mere though of a dragon hatchling living with ponies, for they are the weakest and most pathetic race of all the world in his mind.
“Hmmmm...how interesting” he said smiling wickedly.
-------------------------------------------------------------**************************************
Phalanx was not a fool, ever since he began working as Celestia’s personal (and only) bodyguard he knew she had many enemies both inside and outside Equestria, of course he knew the most deadly ones were inside the very castle or in Canterlot in general.
There was a great fact about Equestria he admired, Equestria loved their princesses or at least the vast majority did, sadly this love did not reached most of the noble houses, one would think Celestia and Luna would take advantage of their position of power but they never did abuse their power, well aside from some moments and of course rare personal problems but nothing else.
The guards were loyal to them until death and some had even died for them, they were immortal alright but that didn’t mean they couldn’t be harmed or killed by a fatal injury.
He had seen her make decisions that changed history on a regular basis, he thought that nothing could top her royal decree that Discord, the God of chaos and spirit of disharmony, would be free and would not only be freed from his stone prison but he would also rejoin the royal family as her and Luna’s advisor, not that he did that much, he knew there was a more powerful reason for that decision but he didn’t inquired, besides seeing Prince Blueblood be the principal target of the occasional pranks of the Lord of chaos was something every guard, maid and servant silently enjoyed.
It had been two weeks since the event in the Librarium and he couldn’t help but notice a change on them, Celestia and Spike were almost inseparable and only matters of private and great importance could pull them away from each other, Twilight and Luna had literally locked themselves away in the royal library, the Elements of Harmony had returned to their homes with the exception of the Element of Generosity.
Discord on the other hoof or in his case talon had utterly disappeared from the castle, he would show himself only once a day going to the garden and that was it, Princess Cadence and her husband had returned to the Crystal Empire and lastly the Doo sisters had left the castle to catch up, Daring was particularly thoughtful.
Despite everything that had happened, he was now at Celestia’s side in the main Plaza where she was speaking to all Canterlot about the addition of a new royal family member, her son at that, Princess Cadence, Twilight, Luna and Blueblood were also present behind her but Discord was nowhere to be seen.
Celestia was approaching to the conclusion of her speech, it was time to pay attention to her speech fully.
“And so my little ponies, I present you the new prince of Equestria, my son, Spike Solaris” she levitated Spike to the top of the podium so that they could see him better.
Everypony went silent at the revelation, even he couldn’t believe it, he had suspected it but had never actually believed it could be possible, thinking about it was pretty obvious, while Celestia was VERY affectionate with Spike and loved to be with him at almost all times before he became Twilight Sparkle’s assistant, he had always believed Spike was the son of a great friend of the princess or something of the same magnitude, his thoughts got interrupted as the crowd before them cheered, most of it anyway.
Phalanx is very devoted to his job and Celestia, he was also one of the strongest if not the strongest pegasus alive, he was so strong that not even a hulking earth pony could beat him in combat and had a resistance to magic so strong that even for Captain Shining Armor it resulted difficult to keep a fight against him, he was also known between the guards as the most loyal guard that had ever lived, some even said his devotion towards Celestia was almost fanatical or that he loved Celestia with all his heart and in a way they were right.
She had saved his life without hesitation and actually spent her personal time to attend him and his wounds, he loved Celestia madly that was very true but his love was not ill guided, he loved her as his ruler, his princess and he would give his life gladly for her even if she asked him to take his own life he would do it without hesitation and this was the moment he had feared for a long time, a weak opening towards her, an opening that her enemies would certainly use against her, he smiled, for it was the perfect opportunity to destroy her enemies once and for all.
He walked by Celestia’s side as Spike was waving and smiling to all the ponies and no ponies present while standing on her back, on his head a small crown similar to Celestia’s but in silver with an emerald in the middle of the crown, Celestia was smiling and walking forward with her eyes closed, how she did it and not fall or stumble against something, He did not know but he didn’t care that much either.
Behind them were the rest of the royal family and guiding the rest of the guards was Shining Armor himself, even though most ponies were cheering he knew many were doing it as they just pretended acceptance for the reptile, he knew just how much ponies and non ponies in general hated dragons and now having one as a prince?
Some he knew would not accept it, and by the look on Blueblood’s face he was going to speak his mind back at the castle.
----------------------------------------------------***************************************
Canterlot Castle—One hour after the announcement of Prince Spike—
“Auntie Celestia!” Blueblood yelled wearing an angry frown on his face, closing the doors of her personal study with his magic behind him “What in the name of Equis are you thinking!? Announcing that…..that…..that ‘Dragon’ as your son and naming him the new prince of Equestria? It was bad enough when you allowed that lunatic to be free for I'm personally the target of his idiotic pranks, but now this!?” he literally bellowed at his aunt.
“Is there a problem with my decision, dear nephew?” she asked putting a scroll down on her desk seeing Blueblood face to face “Because I don’t see a problem with giving Spike, my son, what he deserves.”
That statement made him angrier “Deserves? What could that purple lizard possibly deserve from us? He should be content and thankful with us for allowing him to even serve us as the slave he—guurkkk!!!???”
Blueblood couldn’t finish his sentence as an aura of yellow magic appeared around him and made him confront his oldest aunt's personal space, her magic firmly wrapped around his throat.
“Im sorry dear nephew” her voice was sweet and the way she was smiling with her visible eyes closed made her look very cute, despite that the feeling of dread and boiling anger could be sensed around her “I think I heard you wrong, for a moment I thought you called my son a slave, *giggles* funny isn’t it?, Can you repeat what you said” she opened her eye and Blueblood nearly piss himself right then and there.
“Please?”
“I-i-is just that I-I'm only concerned ab-about the noble houses, Princess” she let him go softly on the ground “You kn-know how much dragons are despised, the liz—I mean, ‘Spike’ could be in grave danger, the noble houses may not be so happy about this decision you took without their approval” he smiled a little, almost unnoticed.
The noble houses were a community of thirteen rich and powerful families that controlled almost every political, economical and financial power in Equestria and served as advisors to the rulers of the land, they were very powerful and in a way they were the backbone of Equestria as many believed, including most of them, that without the noble houses Equestria would surely fall.
“Approve? Dear nephew maybe you have forgotten this but I don’t need their approval, they are advisors but its only up to me and Luna to decide what is to be done” she frowned “and if they don’t like it then that is sad for them, they will just have to accept it sooner or later”
“B-but -----I see, good afternoon to you, Aunt Celestia” he said turning around and opening the door with his magic, Celestia said nothing to him.
Moments after the door of her study was closed again she spoke “Phalanx” a pair of blue eyes from a dark corner behind her shined. “Follow my dear nephew, see what he and the noble houses are planning and make sure not to be noticed.”
“By your command” he responded and flew away by the only window in the study.
------------------------------------**************************
*Unknown Location*
“Where is he?”
“He is late, maybe he won’t come.”
“He will come; it is our best chance in ages”
“But why here of all places?”
“Would you rather do it on Canterlot? Where that tyrant has eyes and ears everywhere?”
“That’s a good point……but still-”
“It doesn’t matter; soon we WILL control Equestria, like our ancestors did in the past”
“Hush, I think I hear him”
The flapping of wings could be heard in the distance the sound coming from everywhere, soon it became louder and louder until a chariot landed almost next to them, the ponies walked towards the chariot as it opened and a figure covered in a dark cloak just like the rest of them stepped out and greet them.
“Ah, it is good to see you again in one of our private sessions my friends, everything in order I presume?” he paused a moment inspecting all the presents noticing there were two missing “Where is Fancy Pants and Oak Orange?”.
“We didn’t tell them, your highness, turns out they are loyal to Celestia you see.”
“Doesn’t matter I suppose, more for us after our victory, Celestia has made a big mistake that we will exploit, we will destroy her from the inside, little by little until she lets her guard down and only to secure our victory, this ‘son’ of her's, this pathetic lizard will be our ace to achieve our victory” the male spat with a dark smile.
“Then shall we start with the plans your highness?” a female voice asked
“Yes, but do it slowly we must not attract any suspicions my dear, Diamond Ring.”
“The Diamond Dog clans will accept our terms if they are promised total access to the caves below the Castle.”
“Excellent, recruit Zebrica, Cervida and Museilian mercenaries for they are formidable warriors, I will make sure to recruit Minotaur warriors as well.”
“But, the Elements and Discord, won't they be a problem?”
“Not at all, the Elements will be deal with in due time as for Discord he will not be a problem for us I can assure you that, after all...even Gods don't have to work with mortals if they see fit.” he walked towards the eleven mysterious cloaked ponies and smiled behind his own cloak “Death to the liar tyrant.”
“Death to the liar tyrant!” all the ponies shouted in unison.
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to Inferno Demon Dash for proofreading and for being awesome!
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
Special Thanks to every single one of you who read my story, I know I dont answer much but believe me that I read all the comments you write and I love every single one of them!
Discord
*AU: All Flash Back scenes are on Italic, in order to not confuse you my dear readers*
Chapter 5: Enemies, Discord and Friends
Part 2: Discord
Spike was currently sitting on a little desk practicing his writing and taking notes of proper royal etiquette from his new private teacher, needless to say he was bored out of his mind, his third day as the official new prince of Equestria and son of Celestia was definitely boring, granted he knew being an active part of the royal family was hard work and left little to no time to enjoy themselves, all but Blueblood who thought his role was to demand things like he had earned them just for being a good looking stallion.
“But rotten on the inside ha, ha!” Spike thought to himself, smirking a bit “I wonder what the girls are doing right now, Twilight is locked inside the royal library with princess Luna, or should it be auntie Luna now?, Rarity has been avoiding me lately and the rest returned to Ponyville……and Discord, he hasn’t done anything in this past two weeks” Spike sighed softly looking outside the window when he saw something “huh!?, speak of the Nightmare and it will appear” he thought seeing Discord float lazily towards the garden.
“I think the revelation shocked him the most, I mean c’mon he WAS the ruler of Equestria at some point in the past.........” he thought, “Mmm, excuse me Sir Quill?” he asked his teacher who was explaining to him how to properly drink wine at dinner parties.
“Yes prince Spike, what is it?” the elderly sta llion asked.
“I was just wondering, when are we going to study about the history of Equestria? Like the original reign of Discord or why was he the ruler?”
“We will get to that in due time, but there is nothing much to learn about it, Discord was crowned king because of his powerful magic but he used it to bring misery to all ponies and non-ponies alike, he played with them and even tortured them until the princesses stood up to him and turned him into stone”
“Yeah I already knew that, what I want to know is why? Why turn him into stone? Where did he come from? What happened to the Alicorns and what—“
“Prince Spike I assure you all your answers will be answered in due time but for now we must focus on your etiquette lessons.” Sir Quill said turning back to his notes and books.
“……….alright.” Spike said in a defeated way and continued to take more notes and at the same time fighting against the urge to fall asleep, wondering what were his friends doing now.
-----------------------------------------------********************************
Luna and Twilight had spent almost every single hour of everyday locked inside the royal library, ever since their little revelation on the Librarium both of them had search EVERY SINGLE book on the library in hopes to find something about the gemstone dragons or the old culture, sadly most of what they found was how the dragon rebellion a little more than ten thousand years ago claimed the lives of almost every single alicorn, leaving only five of them alive at the end of it.
Both Luna and Twilight were in the last section of the royal library, the forbidden section, books about black, demonic and life bending magic filled it, and even that knowledge was of no interest to Twilight, she wanted to know more about Spike, his past and his life, but now after all this reading something else had stirred her mind, closing the book she had finished reading Twilight turned to Luna who was reading silently the last pages of the very last book of the royal library.
“Luna…..”
“Mhmmmmm?”
“I’ve been wondering……I mean, I was thinking after reading all this books and scrolls………this dragon rebellion war……..what was it?”
Luna turned the last page of the book and closed it, sighing and closing her exhausted eyes “My sister and I were going to tell you about it in the future, but it seems you have to know now,” Luna turned to her completely, “tell me Twilight, have you ever heard the story of how Equestria was founded?”
“Yes, I was in a play once, though from what…..Waldarys was it? Showed and told us it’s a lie.” Luna nodded.
“Indeed; Equestria is a very old kingdom and was founded by the old Alicorns, I must admit I myself didn’t know the real story behind it, but the story of Hearth Warming Eve is a lie with a half truth,” Twilight tilted her head in confusion, “During the dragon rebellion the earth ponies, pegasus and unicorns began fighting between themselves, until our father, Aurora Solaris stopped them and united them once more in the name of harmony”, Luna smiled at that point.
“And in great time too, a month later dragons of all kind began fighting in the east borders of Equestria and in less than a day the ‘Dragon’s Claw’ invaded Equestria wanting to exterminate ponies for they thought we were a weak and pathetic race, our father and mother stood up to them and sent them back effortlessly,” her smile vanished, “that bastard of a king Valtach took it as a direct offense and decided to ‘purge’ us first."
"Before I continue there are five names you must know, these names are the names of those who fought in that war and it was they who changed everything, the first is the old mad dragon king Valtach, the second name belongs to his trusted general, Wrath ‘The god of greed’.”
“Wrath…….I’ve read of him………….they always picture him as a monster.” Twilight shivered in fear just remembering what she had read about him.
“Monster is an understatement, he was an abomination of life itself, he killed more alicorns during the war than anyone else, he even killed………our beloved mother”
“I…..I’m sorry …….I didn’t meant to-“
“Tis alright Twilight, you need to know,” Luna inhaled strongly pushing the sad memories behind her, “the third name is our father, king of Equestria, Aurora Solaris, the fourth name belongs to Sabarius ‘The Sage, the light of the dragons’ and lastly…………Discord ‘The Harmony Bringer’”
“WHAT!?” Twilight exclaimed, knowing this was going to be a long, long talk.
----------------------------------------------------------------***************************
Discord sat on the same spot he had sat on for the last two and a half weeks, under the shadow of the central tree, admiring the beauty of the garden itself, he reached a flower in front of him with his lion paw, the moment he touched it the flower transformed into a blue-green candy cane, he took it and crushed it under his lion paw, he opened his paw revealing a couple of cards arguing with each other, then he threw them to the air transforming into yellow butterflies, he smiled and spitted a black flame from his mouth, making the butterflies burn and turn to ashes, the ashes landed on the same spot the original flower was and once all the ashes landed on the spot the ashes turned back into the flower.
Discord sighed, nothing had seemed to amuse him now, he had tried to prank Blueblood (his favorite target) but nothing came out, he tried to prank Celestia during her meetings with the Mulenia ambassador but couldn’t find the spark to do it, worst of all something that he had never thought was possible happened, chaos was boring to him now, and he knew why and how to fix it, but who to tell? He couldn’t just tell about it to just anypony, he heard weak steps near him.
“I thought I said I didn’t wanted to be disturbed.” he said not even bothering to face his visitor.
“Ummm…….It’s me Discord, sorry for disturbing ……..whatever you are doing.”
“Heh……..to what do I owe the privilege to be visited by the new prince of Equestria?”
“Well…..I just wanted to ask you some things.” Spike looked up to him from his right.
“What sort of things, if I may know?”
“About you!” he said enthusiastically
“Me? What do you want to know about me, aside from the fact that you know who I am?”
“You see ever since that day I’ve been thinking about a lot of things, but mostly about you.”
Discord shifted his position to face directly at Spike “Why?”
“Because I realized I don’t know anything about you, sure you are the lord of chaos, spirit of disharmony and pretty much the strongest being in all of Equis,” Spike said, making Discord a little proud of himself, “but I don’t know where you come from……….well not exactly, why were you crowned king of Equestria and what made you, I don’t know, evil.”
Discord stared at him with a neutral stare, he knew he had the size and the mind of a child but the heart of a noble hero, he knew of his deeds towards his mother and his friends, he actually reminded him of himself when he was younger, although Discord was not as noble or humble. Discord smiled.
“So you want to know about me,” Spike nodded, “very well then I will tell you a little story but first weren’t you supposed to be taking lessons or something?”
Spike smirked “Sir Quill is worse than Twilight, once he gets into giving lessons he won’t shut up until he is done and he has poor eyesight.”
-------------------------------------------------*********************************
“And so using the right amount of water during royal and noble dinners the result will always mark a great difference between the ranks, any questions prince Spike?” Sir Quill turned to see Spike who was smiling at him “Splendid! Let us continue with the proper management of the dinner plates.”
Sir Quill went on and on with his lesson, never noticing the makeshift figurine of prince Spike, holding a pencil with one claw and smiling stupidly at the board.
------------------------- -------------------------------------------******************************
“HAHAHA, nice one, that’s a classic!” Discord patted Spike on the back.
“Well I do try, I’m not a Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash but I’m pretty good myself!” both of them laughed a little until they stopped and looked at each other again.
“Tell me Spike, do you notice how everypony else treats and looks at you?”
Spike turned his head a little down “Yeah, and I don’t like it…………but I do understand them, most of my………most dragons are jerks or even monsters, even if more than halve the times they are just defending themselves or were provoked to fight, but I’m not them, I’m a noble dragon I want to show them they don’t have to………….fear me.”
Discord was taken aback “Fear you?” he said ‘Doesn’t he see they hate him for what he is?’ he thought.
“Yes, I know some hate me but most of them, when I look into their eyes I can see their fear and I know what they say behind my back, even the castle staff”
“…………………Spike……………I want you to take those emotions and multiply them by a thousand, then you will understand something about me.” Discord said, looking sad.
Spike tried, but couldn’t do it and it made him wonder why would Discord say something like that, he tried but simply couldn’t imagine what was he trying to prove, little by little he tried to do it and realized something “……………………….. You……………. You are not evil, and never, never have you ever been, have you?”
“Yes, I was NEVER evil”
“B-but mom, and Twilight…….and you…..----“Discord put his claw hand over his head.
“Let me tell you a story…………….my story.” he snapped his fingers and two sun-chairs, two congas and a pair of sunglasses appeared before them. “Take a seat, this is going to take a while.”
---------------------------------------------------------*********************************
*Flash Back by Discord* Twenty Five thousand years ago
A baby Discord was playing with some rocks, deep down in the heart of a cave, turning them into anything the baby could imagine and even munching on them from time to time, three adult draconequus were watching him and the entrance of the cave in silent guard.
“Can you believe what he is doing?” one of them asked “He is eating rocks.”
“It’s hard to imagine, four days old and he is already using his magic,” a second one said as Discord took another bite from the rock, making it drip something blue on the floor, “He is literally transforming one thing into another, that’s freaky.”
“We do the same.” the first one said.
“No we don’t!” The third one said looking at Discord with disgust, “our magic let us manipulate matter and convert it into something else but only for a short time and low quantities.” his glare intensified, “that ‘baby’ on the other hand is manipulating, no, breaking the laws of reality at his will, he can even create things out of thin air,” just in that moment Discord created a glass of chocolate milk before him and drank the milk before also eating the glass, “little monster, that’s what he is.”
“Don’t be like that brother,” the second one said, “he is one of us, he is also our brother, he is…….strange yes but he is our brother nonetheless.”
“How can you say that!?” the third one yelled softly. “Just look at him, even his limbs are strange.”
Another Draconequus arrived at the entrance of the cave without warning making the other three unshed their swords and jump up ready to fight and cast spells, once they saw the intruder was their sister they lowered their weapons and relaxed again.
“What news do you bring sister?” the first one asked.
“Arcadia fell,” she said, “Echidna turned it to less than ashes with her flames.” she sighed, “how is our little brother?”
Discord had crawled unnoticed by any of them to where they were, poking the chicken leg of the female draconequus she turned her head down to see him looking up at her with a smile on his face, offering her a rock, she smiled back at him while her brothers looked at her amazed, the third one looking furious, the female bent down to grab him and Discord welcomed the gesture happily, she got up with the baby on her arms smiling at him while he was still offering her the rock.
She was curious as to why he was offering her a rock, looking to her brother she saw that both the first and the third shook their heads while the second one gave her a subtle nod, she took the rock with left hand, both arms were tiger paws, making Discord laugh cutely she smelled the rock finding it quite sweet, with nothing to lose she decided to bite it.
“Sister Do—“the third one was saying as the female took a bite out of the rock
“Oh……my…….mmmmhhhhh----Tastes like blueberry jam!” she exclaimed happily “My favorite! Thank you!” she said cheerfully at Discord, he in return only laughed.
“Let me have a taste.” the second one said as the female passed him the rock and soon he too took a bite from it “it’s Lemon pie, my favorite, I thought you said it was blueberry jam sister!” he said taking another bite from the rock.
“Here brother take a bite.” he said as he tossed the rock at the first one.
The first one warily took a bite from the rock. “You lie brother, this tastes like chocolate donuts!” He said munching the rock happily. “it’s amazing!”
The third one glared at Discord and the first one passed him the almost finished rock only to grab it and throw it away “See what I mean!?” he said in a high tone, “it can even change the taste of the things he transform into food to taste like your favorite food, THAT is not natural in anyway…….we can’t even begin to do that!”
“A very nice trick if you ask me ‘brother’.“ the female glared at him, “Why do you hate him so much, he is just a baby.” she said as Discord hugged her neck tightly, nuzzling into her golden fur.
“He is anything but a baby.” the third one said clenching his scaled chest. “He IS a monster, no one should be able to do what he does.”
“He even saved your life yesterday,” the second one said, “Why are you treating him like this? You should be grate—“
“IT used a high level healing spell against my torn open chest,” he glared death upon Discord, “I FELT his magic on me, it twisted everything inside me, no three day old newborn should even be able to open their eyes yet.” silence reigned for a couple of minutes. “We should leave it, it can take care of himself.”
“B-but it is our mission to guard him.” the first one said nervously
“I DON’T FUCKING CARE ABOUT THE MONSTER,” he yelled making the baby Discord stare at him innocently, he knew what they were saying but still couldn’t comprehend the full weight of those words, “our brothers and sisters died in battle, I’m not going to stay here and guard that……thing, when we could help in battle!”
“And disobey the king’s command!?” the second one said, clearly insulted at the thought.
“Open your eyes there is no more king, we are the only ones left………… We should be helping our alicorn brothers in battle not babysitting an abomina-“
A hard blow sent him to the ground harshly, breaking some stones and part of the floor; the third one looked up holding his right cheek painfully at the female who was giving him the coldest glare she could muster.
“If you want to leave then leave,” she hugged a confused baby Discord closer to her, “go to battle and die you cowardly excuse of a warrior.”
The third one said nothing and left the cave without another word, the first one was looking between him and the female, after some seconds he also leaves the cave, following the third one. The second one stepped closer to the female, putting a lizard hand on her shoulder, near Discord.
“We will protect him, don’t worry,” silence, “reminds you of someone?”
“………….. My little brother, he was barely a year old…….. It was some years ago.”
“I see,” he said, “let’s get inside,” he said noticing a now sleeping Discord. “We must rest also.”
“Will we be safe here? Will it be safe, for him?” she asked him, concerned about the future of the baby.
“I’m sure it will be…………….I hope so.”
Both adult draconequus went inside the cave for protection and warmth; it was going to be a long time before they could get out safely.
Three months later both of his guardians died at the claws of a rogue dragon, Discord had to watch his two guardians fight against the dragon with all their might, he saw with wide eys as the dragon chew, stomped, slashed and cut through his guardians, his guardians barely putting up a fight against him, it was a wyrm, a dragon with a high resistance to magic and scales so thick that not even diamonds could cut them, the battle raged on for half an hour until the male died and turned to stone, the parts of his that the dragon didn’t devoured when he killed him that is, as for the female she was about to die, smashed by the weight of the dragon, when a purple sphere hit him inside of his mouth and flashed inside of him, destroying his lungs in the process, the dragon spit blood and ashes from his mouth and fell down into the ground, experiencing a slow, painful death.
When the dragon died Discord came out from his hiding spot and crawled to where the female was, reaching her he tried to heal her but she was already turning to stone, the female was crying not from pain or fear but for leaving the baby alone, he could see it in her eyes, with whatever little strength she had left she hugged Discord close to her and kissed him on his forehead saying she was sorry the entire time, as she turned to stone only the crying sobs of a child could be heard inside the cave, Discord only remembered her name, Dissidia.
From there on baby Discord had to protect himself, his innocence and magic power helping him to survive even if he didn’t really understand it, when he was hungry he could change anything to what he desired, if he was thirsty he could create water or any other fluid he desired from nothing, but he rarely ventured outside his cave, the images of how his ‘mom’ was killed by the dragon plagued his mind making him afraid of dragons, years passed and soon five hundred years had gone by, he was barely a child and decided it was time to see the world, what he found was fear.
Every land he ventured to there was fighting specially amongst dragons and what he could describe at the time as flying horned horses, he watched in awe and fear the battles he saw, until in one occasion his curiosity made him taste for the first time in his life physical pain and his own blood, a red dragon had hit him with his tail so hard it had almost turned him unconscious, Discord tried to fight back but while his magic was strong to change things to another it resulted useless against the ferocious dragon, that day Discord barely escaped with his life.
For the next fifteen hundred years Discord went from one place to another hiding and training his powers, one thing he noticed was that nothing was limited to him except other types of magic that worked specifically against his own and even then that kind of magic could be bended to his will in time and something had changed inside him the day the world finally stood still and in silence, the battles, the ‘war’ was over, his fear for dragons turned to both admiration and desire to defeat them.
The land was dry, nothing grew over, there was no water, no shade, no sign of life, the black charcoal like sand that was all over the land promised death, even his powers were not enough to save it, the land was dead. It was time to leave, to see more of the world, to learn, to fi ght and maybe to find companionship and more of his kind.
He found none.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------***************************
No matter where the teenage Discord went he was never welcomed and the screams of fear, the harsh words and the curses towards him hunted his nightmares, “Monster”, “Abomination”, “Lunatic”, “Demon”, “TARTARUS SPAWNED!”, and many other names came to him at night offering him restless sleep, the worst of all however where the ponies.
Discord had tried to approach them, to befriend them but to no avail, the ponies ran away from him at mere sight, screaming in panic and fear, and those that did not run tried to hurt him or called him names he despised, even the winged unicorns were relentless, there was no love, no friendship and no compassion for him, yet he still tried, there was hope inside his heart, hope that nearly was destroyed when he learned ponies hated him………….simply because of his appearance and powers, he could change forms but if nopony would accept him for what he truly was then there was no point on putting on a mask, so he searched the world.
During his travels in search of company he had discovered he was immortal, while most creatures lived for sixty, seventy or maybe even ninety years he was gifted or cursed with immortality and loneliness, even the ponies who could live all the way up to one hundred and seventy years had such a small time compared to him, the only other being that shared his condition were the, he learned, alicorns but even they hated him, granted he had only knew a few of them but enough was enough.
All the undeserved hate he received, all the loneliness and all the pain he felt inside of him finally snapped at him, he didn’t want company anymore, he would become powerful, so powerful that not even dragons, not even alicorns, not even gods themselves would be a match for him, he would become a god himself, the god of all that was unnatural, all that was………chaos.
And so, for the next twelve thousand years he vanished from the world, perfecting his powers and dominating his very core, he had no name but decided to name himself, from that day onward he would become Discord, The God of Chaos.
-----------------------------------------------------************************************
A young adult draconequus was cheerfully floating through the air above the mountains of an unknown land, well unknown to him, twelve thousand years could definitely change the scenery, he was minding his own business when the sound of a battle echoed in the distance, a kind of music he knew very well, a dragon and an alicorn fighting. Discord floated for a couple of minutes before finding a field where many bodies of dragons and some alicorn armors were scattered on the floor, the biggest dragon he had ever seen was fighting against a single foe, he summoned some glasses and popcorn, enjoying the show, for about fifteen minutes the battle raged on until the dragon, by a lucky hit, made his foe crash into the dirt.
“AUUGGGHHHH!!!” the white coat, red manned alicorn screamed in pain due to the new burn on his right foreleg, a crown adorning his head fell to the ground breaking itself into many pieces.
“This time*pant* you won’t be able to run, Solaris,” his opponent said, a massive red-blood dragon with blue spikes smiled, “now you will die, as well as your pathetic race!”
“hnnnggg---you call us pathetic, Valtach, but are we not the only ones holding you back, keeping you at bay?” Aurora smirked while Valtach glared at him. “How does it feel to be stopped by these ‘pathetic’ foes?”
“ENOUGH!, die you insolent scum!” Valtach opened his maw gathering his yellow fire inside of it, Solaris was trying to cast a shield around him but he was far too weak, the previous battle had taken a big toll on him.
Valtach was about to fire a great fireball when out of nowhere some kind of slime like substance covered his entire face, extinguishing his charged fireball, in the surprise that followed, Valtach took a step back and tried to get the substance off his face, a lot of it was inside his mouth and he tasted it.
‘……its sweet…….and fluffy, what in the name of Tartarus is this!?’ Valtach thought successfully cleaning his face and mouth off of the, now visible, pink substance, he heard a mad laughter coming from everywhere around him, the laughter reminded him when a hatchling made a prank and was laughing his scales off afterwards, he hated it “SHOW YOURSELF!” Valtach demanded.
“Well, well, well, what have we here? A big bad dragon huh? OOH!, I'm really scared! So you think you are powerful eh? AHAHAHA!” said the voice around him mockingly.
Suddenly Discord’s face appeared in front of Valtach blowing a raspberry at him, Valtach got enraged and covered him in a fire stream, after several seconds Valtach stopped and smirked…….until.
“ HA! You’re jokin’, you’re jokin’! I can’t believe now!” Discord sang around him appearing completely sitting on Valtach’s head “You’re joking, you gotta be! This guy’s not powerful at all!” Discord patted Valtach’s head, earning a loud growl from him and violent shocking of his head.
Discord appeared at Aurora’s side putting his lion paw over his back neck and pointing at Valtach with his eagle claw “He’s weak, he’s stupid and I don’t know which is worse! That he beat you or his face!!” In a bright flash he was in front of Valtach again but this time the dragon king slashed him into many pieces but something was wrong, the head was still smiling.
“I might just go to pieces now, IF I don’t die laughin’ first! HA HA HA!” he sang leaving both Aurora and Valtach with their jaws down on the floor.
Suddenly everything turned black and in a bright flash Discord appeared again, this time in a Valtach size form, wearing a tuxedo and smiling madly directly at Valtach’s face.
“When Discord’s master of chaos says that mayhem is close at claw,” he snapped his fingers and a giant glove appeared at his side, “You better pay attention now, ‘cuz I'm the chaos GOD!” another snap and a couple of cards wearing a crown with his face appeared around Valtach “And if you aren’t shakin’ there‘s something very wrong!” another snap and a miniature version of his appeared above his head, Valtach was so stunned he didn’t even notice when Discord grabbed his face and made him look into his miss matched pupils, seeing numerous patterns on them “‘Cuz this may be last time you hear my chaos song!”
“Wooooah!” Discord sang
“Wooooah!” the glove sang
“WoooooAH!” Discord Sang
“WhooooAH!” the miniature Discord sang
“WHOOOOOAHH!” Discord sang in a high tone
“WHOOOOOAHH!” all the cards sang in the same tone simultaneously
“HE’S THE CHAOS MAKIN’ GOD!” the glove, the miniature Discord and the cards sang while Discord basked in the glory of his song.
Valtach recovering his senses shouted at him outraged “You insolent scum, just who the fuck do you think you are, don’t you know who I am!???”
Discord turned around laughing ignoring Valtach “You’re joking, you’re joking, I can’t believe my ears!” Discord teleported in front of Aurora again with his original size, this time embracing him as Discord cried on his shoulder “Would someone shut that dragon up? I'm drownin’ in my tears,” and with that he teleported again in front of Valtach, startling him. “It’s funny, Im laughin’, you really are too much, but now with your permission, Im going to do my stuff” he said almost whispering to Valtach.
“And what are you going to do you spineless piece of shit!” Valtach yelled at him, Discord smirked, leaning closer to him.
“Why of course……..only the best I can!”
“WOOOOOOAAAAAAHHHHHHH!, The sounds of the crazed is like music in the air" out of nowhere two giant roll dice hit Valtach on his face and stomach sending him to the ground “Cuz’ I'm a gambling draconequus, although I don’t play fair!”, Valtach was rising again, ready to maim the insolent thing before him, when he appeared over him, again in his giant size “It’s much more fun, I must confess when a life’s on the line, not mine of course!, but yours, weak fool?, now that’d be just fine!” Discord sang as he grabbed Valtach’s neck with his eagle claw.
Valtach was furious, with a loud roar followed by a stream of his deadly fire he managed to free himself from Discord’s grip.
“You shall pay for this humiliation, I'm the Dragon God Valtach, remember it for I shall be your executioner!” he opened his wings ready to charge, Discord turned and closed his eyes teleporting to where Aurora was, still unmoving, facing him.
“Oh brother, he’s something, he puts me in a spin” Discord turned around with his eyes still closed pointing at Valtach “you aren’t comprehending the position that you’re in, it’s hopeless, you’re finished, I'M THE ONLY GOD HERE!” he turned to Aurora again raising his arms in victory “’Cuz Im Discord, now you know, and I think it’s chaos time!” he finished singing ending his little show, he turned around to face the dragon opening his eyes and charging both his paw and claw with raw chaos energy balls, only to find an empty field and the figure of a dragon flying to the distance.
“OH C’MON!!!” Discord screamed “It took me a whole year to come up with that song and the motions!” Discord began to grumble, curse and complain about the whole darn thing.
Meanwhile Aurora was having a hard time trying to understand what had happened, so far he knew what he was and who he was, sort of, but his powers and his attitude were so strange but one thing was for certain.
“Thank you.” Aurora said
“And above all it was so perfect I'm not going to have a chance like that in... I beg your pardon?” Discord turned around confused to face the unknown alicorn “Did you just……..thank me?”
“Yes I did, thank you Discord was it?, for saving me” Aurora bowed slightly at him.
“Pfffftt, I didn’t saved you, I was watching the fight and I decided I was going to wait and see who won.”
“I see…….for what reason, if I may ask?”
“To defeat him of course, but that dragon was soooooo weak, you two must be weaklings.” Discord said crossing his arms, mocking the alicorn and the dragon that fled. “Who are you anyways?”
‘…………It’s the first time somepony called me a weakling.’ he thought as he smirked at him amusingly “Well, you see my name is Au-“
“King Aurora!”
Both Discord and Aurora turned their heads upwards seeing two black alicorns wearing blue-purple armor that covered every part of their bodies except their faces and necks, the alicorns landed at each of Discord sides and pointed their horns towards him with a spell on them ready to be casted, Discord smiled and lifted his paw and claw to the air.
“Are you alright my king?” the one on the left asked.
“Who is this creature, what is this creature?” asked the other one.
“It’s alright, lower your horns, his name is Discord and he is my savior.” Aurora smiled at both of the guards who looked at him surprised but did what their king said, Aurora’s smile turned into a scowl as he focused his attention on the battlefield. “We were ambushed, Valtach himself led the attack,” the guards looked at each other with deep concern, “we lost another eight during this fight, Valtach and his forces are getting relentless, any news from the north?”
“Y-yes my king, our forces were fighting a legion lead by Wrath himself and defeat seemed certain for them, but another legion of loyalists arrived just in time to save them, they were lead by Lord Sabarius himself, they also rescued the three sons of Valtach and are on their way to the hidden fortress in the forest.” the guard on the right said.
“Excellent, what happened to Wrath?”
“He was wounded severely by Starswirl and retreated.”
“Let us return to the castle then.” both guards nodded and looked at Discord who was motionless. “Care to join us?” Aurora asked but Discord didn’t move “Discord?” Aurora asked as he took a step closer to him, lifted his right forehoof and touched him, Discord fell backwards shattering into millions of pieces, the guards and Aurora were frozen in fear.
“BOOOOOOO!”
“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!” The three of them screamed, jumped and fell to the ground by the same thing.
“ HAHAHAHA you should have seen the looks on your faces, priceless!” Discord said floating above them laughing his tail off, both guards were breathing heavily due to the surprise while Aurora was……laughing!?
“Hahahahaha, ohh----pffffttt----hahahahahaha…..I……I don’t even……Hahahahaha” he tried to say something but his laughter was too great, he was actually rolling on the floor, hitting it hard and crying at the same time, moments later he finally calmed himself enough to try to stand up, a lion paw offered him help to get up, he took it with his left hoof “Thank you……uhhhffff…….I needed that, it has been a long time since I last laughed like that.”
“Chaos is my game and pranking is my reign” he lifted Aurora to his hooves again, Aurora looked at his destroyed crown and sighed. “Let me fix that.” with a snap from his fingers the crown was fixed and placed over Auroras head.
“That’s the most advanced fixing spell I have ever seen in my life,” Aurora said amazed, “Not even Celestia or Luna can do the kind of magic you do, what kind it is?”
“It’s chaos magic, basically it lets me do whatever I imagine, up will be down, fish will be cookie, flowers will be blood thirsty monsters, you name it.”
“Impressive, by the way do you know who was the dragon that you made flee moments earlier?”
“Nah, I’ve been back for only some days don’t know who he is, but he was pretty weak” Discord crossed his arms.
“No he isn’t, that was Valtach the dragon king, self proclaimed dragon god, he was just very, very tired our previous fight had lasted for three hours, he would have put a serious fight against you and your incredible powers if he wasn’t tired.” a smile formed on Discord’s lips.
“My king, I hate to interrupt but we must go.” both guards took flight and hovered above their King and Discord.
Aurora opened his wings ready to fly “Care to join us? You will be welcomed as my guest of honor”
“I don’t know, I'm not very “social”” he said looking at the guard who were looking at him with disgust “if you know what I mean”
“Maybe you could tell me more about your powers and yourself” Discord seemed to like that idea “and I will tell you about this war we are fighting and more about Valtach and his feared general Wrath” Discord smiled widely.
“Lead the way”
The three alicorns and the draconequus flew towards the hidden castle of the forest.
------------------------------------------------*******************************************
“Wait, wait, wait, Discord saved your father just by mere coincidence?” Twilight asked Luna who only nodded in response “But the Discord you are describing is so…….calm compared to the Discord we fought and a total contrast to the Discord we know from h istory, why would the historians, why would you hide something like that?” she asked Luna pointing at her with one hoof and almost glaring at her.
“Please Twilight let me finish this story first” Luna closed her eyes focusing on remembering those old days, a smile appeared on her face “When father arrived to the castle we were so happy to see him again, mother hugged him as he was telling us his little story, Tia was only twenty years old and I was twelve years old, it was a blessing mother had two child in less than ten years”
“When he was done with his tale he presented Discord to us, I remember the first thing I thought about him” Luna giggled a little “I thought he was some kind of miss matched puzzle or some kind of giant strange plushie, Tia on the other hoof didn’t trust him at first but she was very thankful that he had saved our father, mother on the other hoof after freeing our father from her hug she walked direc tly to Discord”
-----------------------------------------------*************************************
Discord was staring down at the dark blue alicorn with silver mane and tail, blue soft eyes looking at him tenderly, Discord was getting a little uncomfortable with her gaze over him then suddenly she hugged him.
“Thank you…….thank you for saving my beloved” she said in a soft tune “Thank you Sir Discord”
Discord pulled away from the hug, taken a back from her action, it was the first time ANYONE or ANYTHING actually showed some kind of affection towards him “Pfffft, it was nothing, I was going to fight whoever was winning, it was just a happy accident”
“Accident or not you saved him” Moon Light vowed before him “I am at your service”
“T-There is no need for any of that!” Discord said blushing “I only want to fight those stron g bastards!”
Moon Light looked at him, face red of embarrassment, and simply giggled, everypony else around just laughed lightly.
--------------------------------------------------------------************************************
“Later on Discord told us what he wanted to do, he simply wanted to fight the strongest of beings to prove his strength and to prove he was the most powerful creature in the world, even then he called himself the God of Chaos” Luna took a deep breath while Twilight was putting deep attention to every single word she was saying.
“For two weeks he was all the time with my father discussing about Valtach, Wrath, our forces, the enemy our allies, everything, Discord was a lot more serious and had a thirst to know about everything, that didn’t stopped him from pulling pranks every so often, no one was spared and he loved pranking Tia the most, every time she got so furious h er coat actually turned red from anger” Luna giggled “and don’t tell her, but I joined him from time to time on his pranks, eventually he leaved for some months and then returned joining our cause against Valtach and his forces”
“Little by little over time Discord showed that while he was fighting for himself most of the time he had a deep appreciation and a sense of loyalty towards our father, both of them bonded so much, you should have seen them Twilight, they fought together, they ate together, they practiced magic together, they were like brothers and even when they fought against one another they always smiled and laugh it off” a sad smile appeared on Luna’s lips.
----------------------------------------------------------------***************************************
“I saw Aurora as a comrade, a partner………maybe even as a friend but in all those years I never asked him nor did he asked me upon th e subject” Discord smiled “ but………Moon Light she was a different story, at first I thought she was just playing some kind of game with me, pretending to be nice to me or something, soon I discovered she was truthfully kind to me, she always treated me with respect and equality, she went all off her way to defend me when she caught somepony talking bad about me”
“S-she sounds a lot like Fluttershy” Spike said
“You have no idea how much” Discord clenched his fists “Two years before the end of the war something happened” his face turned serious “Moon Light, Celestia and Luna went out to practice their routine exercises I……I…….Moon Light asked me if I wanted to come along but I refused, she ……she gave me a light peek on my left cheek and left saying good bye, it wasn’t the first time she had done it but it was the first time she had in front of her daughters………………….then………it came”
Spike was listening carefully at Discord seeing something he had never seen in anyone before, not even the sight of his mother’s pain and sadness, the power of her regret could match the life tearing regret Discord’s eyes were showing.
--------------------------------------------------******************************
Discord was hanging upside down a branch all the while drinking……..something blue-ish from a golden cup when he heard the rapid hoof steps of a guard coming near him, opening his left eye he saw the guard approaching him with a look of dread on his face.
“Sir Discord *pant* have you seen *pant* his royal majesty *pant* King Aurora!?”
“Yeah, he went to the swamp with Sabarius for a secret meeting a while ago, he should be back soon, but what’s the matter?”
“It’s *pant* WRATH! A report says he was spotted nearby!” the guard pr actically shouted at Discord.
For a second nothing was heard, until the sound of a metalic cup clashing with the ground echoed through the air.
------------------------------------------------------*********************************
Wrath was flying across the skies over a rocky plain in search of preys and possibly to find the blasted secret castle of the alicorns “Lowly creatures, such a pest they are I can’t wait to add another kill to my record” Wrath spotted something in front of him and slightly below him, he recognized the mane in an instant, she was out in the open, alone and for the looks of it noticed him, he smiled wickedly and launched himself at her, queen Moon Light was going to be his.
--------------------------------------------------------************************************
“She hid us the moment she saw Wrath in the distance, made us promise on her life that we wo uld not interfere no matter what, after that mother did all she could to fight against that brutal monster but she lost, he tortured her, made her scream, made her cry, I don’t know exactly what she did to her but he……he….*sniff* he e-even made her beg f-for death” Luna couldn’t take it anymore and broke into a desperate cry “oh T-twilight *sniff* her screams *sniff* they w-w-were so----so……*dampen cry*.”
Twilight held her ever so tightly, crying herself at the horrid loss of the pony sisters, for a moment Twilight tried to wonder if she could keep such a promise if her mother made her promise that but was unable to, mainly because she kicked the thought out of her head as fast it came.
---------------------------------------------------------*********************************
Discord was flying around the skies at his maximum speed trying to find Moon Light and her daughters, he was already two kilometers away from the usual areas they used for their exercises, he had hope in his heart that they were already back at the castle, that they were hidden, that they were ANYWHERE away from Wraths grasp and sight, both of them had fought in the past and Wrath was so strong that it was difficult even for him to hold him at bay, he truly was a murder machine, a powerful reason to re-double his efforts in finding Moo-
“*AARRRRRGGGGGGGGGAAHHHHHH ……………KILL ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!........NOOOOOO!!!! *”
Discord’s heart stopped for a moment before engulfing himself in chaotic energy and launch it at the same time at the source of the horrid screams.
---------------------------------------------------------------***************************************
Queen Moon Light had begged for death and as merciful as Wrath was he gave it to her, devourin g her entirely, destroying her with his back fangs, he was about to scream in victory when he saw two alicorns standing in the top of a dirt pillar, crying, enraged and ready to fight, Wrath smiled, not only was he going to kill the queen of the alicorns but he was also going to end her daughters, Wrath was about to pounce over them when he heard a noise, like a whistle.
Both sisters also heard the noise but did not lose the sight of their hated enemy, Wrath looked up to see where that strange noise was coming from, he didn’t had to wait long as a great sphere of energy impacted right against his face sending him backwards, both sisters saw something land in front of them, they saw a bat wing and a blue wing, a tail with red scales with a patch of white fur on the top and brown fur molding a slender figure before them, it was Discord.
“Run” Discord said.
“B-but we must av--!” Celestia tried to argue but shut up as soon as Discord looked back at them showing both sisters a face and a glare of pure hate, his miss matched pupils were gone showing only a deep purple light from his eyes, his teeth had grown transforming into vicious fangs including his single snaggletooth and his horns had grown and deformed making him very, very intimidating.
“I said, Run” his voice was deep and full of authority.
Wrath got up in time to see the royal sisters fly away as fast as they could, he plunged himself into the air to pursue her but something smashed against his left cheek with tremendous force sending him down to the ground, before hitting the ground he managed to get himself upright and land with his four claws first, looking above he found it was Discord who had sent him to the ground, they had fought many times in the past years but this was the first time they were going to be completely alone, Wrath roared and sent a powerful stream of fire at Discord .
Discord charged at the fire stream like nothing turning every strand of fire that touched him into water which at the same time extinguished the surrounding fire creating a dense mist, Discord landed a powerful chaotic punch on Wrath’s maw sending him over his claws and landing on his back. Wrath wasted no time and grabbed Discord with his tail sending him to crash against the nearest rock pick, doing a barrel roll he got up again and sent a massive stream of purple fire towards where Discord had crashed.
Wrath stopped and moved to his right just in time as he saw another sphere of energy, like the one that had caught him by surprise, emerge from his previous fire stream, charging he clashed against the mountain wall destroying it and started to smash, crack and burn all the rubble, once he stopped the rubble moved violently, parts of it transformed into deadly sharp candy canes, Wrath dodged all except one that got him on his left rear leg, they were candy canes but where more sharp than his own fangs so it was no surprise it went through his thick scales effortlessly making Wrath roar in both pain and anger.
Discord emerged with small dribbles of blood oozing out from his body, charging his claw and paw with raw chaos magic he launched himself against the dragon punching him hard several times all over his body, with a swift movement Wrath caught Discord, as he was about to punch him, with his maw, trapping him inside his mouth which enveloped with his flames hoping to roast him alive.
A sharp pain inside his mouth made Wrath open it releasing the fire stream that was been held back inside and a very piss off Discord, using his magic, Discord lifted several boulders, turned them giant and tossed them to Wrath. Seeing the upcoming danger he tried to move but something was grabbing his legs, looking down he saw a green substance covering his claws and a good part of the ter rain, instead of trying to free himself he opened his reversed wings, lighting them up with his purple flames he began to batter them to his front, creating a tornado to change the direction of the boulders.
One boulder passed through his purple flamed tornado directly at him but with a loud powerful roar of Wrath the boulder was rebounded back to Discord at twice the speed, the boulder hit Discord square, sending him to crash on the ground below, Wrath used his flames to free himself while Discord was down, Discord got up between the ruble he had landed on, he put his arms in front of him, clenched his paw and claw into fists looking like he was focusing on something and opened his mouth, Wrath was too busy to notice his movements, once he was free again he searched for Discord, he saw him charge something due to the size of the magical aura around him, Wrath began charging an massive amount of flames inside his maw, ready for anything Discord could throw at him.
He didn’t have to wait long as a bright yellow beam shot out from Discord’s mouth directly to him, wasting no time he sent his own purple fire stream against the yellow beam of Discord, both deadly techniques collide against each other creating a bright light, followed by a massive explosion that made the earth beneath them tremble and a dome of fire and light that could be seen from hundreds of miles away.
Celestia and Luna turned around to look at the source of the light, seeing a massive pillar of purple and yellow rise to the skies and felt that the air and earth themselves trembled due to the immense power of the battle behind them. Both of them used their magic to accelerate their flight wanting to tell their father what had happen and that somehow Discord had arrived just in time to save them and was fighting Wrath by himself.
----------------------------------------------------------------***************** *****************
Discord arrived at the castle of the forest minutes later after Celestia and Luna had arrived, he saw a total of fifty alicorns ready to fight, Aurora was giving some sort of speech when he saw the looks of his daughters, nephew and soldiers, he turned around to see Discord bleeding from all over his body, his antler horn was broken, his lion paw was twisted in an unnatural way and his right eye was closed with a patch of blood over it, Discord walked towards Aurora and with his left arm handed him a dark crown with the symbol of a full moon in the center of it.
“It was a draw, Wrath fled, I was going to pursue him *pant* but this was more important” Aurora took the crown with his forehoofs sitting in the process “Im sorry Aurora……….I couldn’t *pant*……..”Discord dropped to the ground exhausted, before he could hit the floor Celestia and Luna took him with their magic and retreated to the hospital wing, several uncomfortable minutes of silence and sadness went by around Aurora and his troops.
“Uncle” a white alicorn with blue eyes and a flowing yellow mane approached the king from behind “What must we do?”.
“…………………Disband the meeting Blueblood, prepare everything for a soul engraving ritual” Aurora said not looking back at his nephew.
“As you command”
Blueblood did as he was told and soon only Aurora remained in the room they were at, he wasn’t moving and was making no sound but that didn’t made the tears flowing down his eyes any less hurtful.
------------------------------------------------------------*******************************************
Discord was sitting on his chair silently; a sad look adorning his face, Spike was looking at him in the verge of tears.
“Fluttershy is the very first true friend I’ve ever had Spike” Discord said looking at the sky “She reminds me so much to Moon Light it almost scares me” a couple of birds chipper before continuing “She was so kind to me, from the very first instant she saw me she only showed kindness and gratitude towards me, it was the first time in my entire life that I actually felt……..loved”
“They are so similar, for chaos sake they even share the same mane style, her voice was so soothing, so caring” a small couple of tears fell from his eyes “she defended me from all those that hated me just for how I looked and my powers, even when I played pranks at her she always laughed them up” more tears fell from his eyes “one time, one time I woke up due to a nightmare, a memory from when I was alone and a child, the loneliness, the pain, the sadness overwhelmed me, she came to me and held me in her hooves, it was the first time I actually felt what a hug was like” a free torrent of tears were falling from his eyes, bringing those wonderful and painful memories back to him “I could have go with them…………I could have say yes………..I should have say yes” he gritted his fangs “I could have save her………….and I didn’t” he said while he was crying his heart out.
A couple of minutes passed for them to calm down “You *sniff* *sniff* l-loved her” Spike said in no better condition than Discord.
“Yes……..I loved her……..even with the huge age difference we had……….I loved her or at least what I felt how one must love, a mother” Spike jumped from his seat to land on Discord hugging him, Discord was startled by this for a moment but eventually relaxed and put his claw over Spike’s back “Her screams cut down to my very soul and when I arrived it was already too late, hate almost took over me, only my promise to look after Celestia and Luna managed to hold me under certain control of my actions”
“She was my pillar, my control if you could say that, with her help I was able to ignore all the hate, all the comments and all the looks to myself…………..but………..after her death, that was when I started to crumble”
---------------------------------------------------------------**************************************
“NO! You can’t go, you can’t leave us!” Luna screamed at her father who was wearing his royal battle armor.
“I don’t want to but I must”
“Then let us go with you father!” Celestia protested “We have been training with Discord for over two years, we are ready to fight now!”
“…………….Im sorry but you can´t—“
“WE ALSO WANT TO AVENGE HER!” both sisters yelled in unison.
Aurora looked to the ground and then behind him, the remaining thre e hundred alicorns, a vast army made from ponies, zebras, griffons, minotaurs and diamond dogs all of them armed with weapons and protected by enchanted armor, and their dragon allies led by Sabarius and the youngest son of Valtach, Euphrinos, were looking at him expectantly, he looked at Discord who was at Celestia’s side but he didn’t move, he looked at his left side to his general Starswirl who did the same, looking at his right he found his nephew Blueblood who shook his head from side to side, looking back he saw Sabarius also shocking his head from side to side, looking again at Discord he saw this time a simple nod.
“Alright, you can come too, but if the battle turns against us you will return, understood?” Aurora said to his daughters, who only nodded to him, Aurora turned facing the entire allied army, his horn lighted up “Im not a fan of big speeches” his voice echoed all around the camp and the ready to fight army “and Im also not very good at them, my nephew Blueblood always writes them down for me” a multitude of light laughs and giggles were heard “but I always speak with the truth and the truth is, this is the final battle, for almost two hundred years we have fought by ourselves a common enemy, and enemy that has formed an army themselves, that in raw power, is more powerful than ours, but that enemy fights because he wants to exterminate life and all those who he considers weak, but here we stand, the very same things they consider weak united and ready to face them and just by that single fact we will triumph this day, this day Valtach WILL PAY FOR ALL HIS CRIMES!”
A loud roar of screams and battle cries united as Aurora flew into the skies followed by all those who could fly and those who couldn’t started to move forward, ready to face the now on sight, incoming dragon legions led by Valtach and his subjects. The armies advanced against one another steadily until both erupted into a crazed run and clashed against each other, the big dragons from both sides faced against themselves on the skies, the alicorns fought both in land and sky aiding their allies and disrupting their enemy, on the ground unicorns, minotaurs, zebras, earth ponies, allied drakes and diamond dogs clashed against the enemy drakes and the wyrms. On the skies pegasus, griffons and allied dragons fought against the superior number of the dragon forces but held valiantly keeping them away from their ground allies.
The fiercest fights were between Aurora, Sabarius and Euphrinos against Valtach and some of his personal guard, and Celestia, Luna and Discord against Wrath, screams of pain, the smell of blood and death filled the air but that was not important, what was important was who would be the victor of this battle.
The battle continued for almost two hours, both sides suffering heavy casualties but the impossible was happening, Valtac h and his forces were being defeated, Valtach was getting desperate his personal guard was now defeated and he was getting tired, he needed a miracle to turn the tables around, a miracle that came in the form of his son. Euphrinos charged at his father with all his might but as he was about to clash against him Valtach used his spear point tail to pierce his heart, Euphrinos had charged so fast that he couldn’t stop in time the last thing he saw was a bright flash before returning at Sabarius side.
*FLOP*
The echo of the sound stopped all the fighting and made everyone look at the source of the sound, the found king Aurora lying on the floor………….his lower half at least.
“FATHER!” Celestia cried looking at the superior half of his father been held in the air by Valtach’s tail, Luna has stunned by the sight, Valtach laughed hard and darkly feeling the warm blood and insides of his most hated foe on the tip of his tail.
For a moment the battle seemed to be lost for the allied forced as Valtach laugh only grew more and more, the sun above them started to lose brightness and was getting smaller, suddenly six bright flashes of light appeared around Aurora, the flash lights turned into spheres of colors, Aurora moved his head upwards, he was not dead, not yet.
“With my death…………….the…..ele….ments……….are……..free” he whispered “find….your……bearers” he commanded before falling a long way to the earth.
The six spheres seemed to understand him as they began flashing and flying around the entire field, meanwhile Valtach in his astonished state didn’t saw Discord above him until it was too late, Discord sent Valtach crashing down with a powerful kick to his head, as if a horn of war had been played the battle renewed, there was still hope.
Sabarius and Euphrinos joined Disco rd on his fight against the dragon tyrant while Celestia and Luna fought like mad mares against Wrath who could barely keep up with their rages state, they were so powerful now, all that training with Discord and their father was now paying off, Discord showed no mercy against Valtach who was fighting with all his might against his three powerful foes, each hit, each spell from Discord, every single insult they were throwing at him was sending him over the edge until he finally snapped and anger consumed him, with a single but powerful tail swipe he knocked out his son Euphrinos.
Jumping high in the air he launched a deadly fire stream of fire against Discord, who stood there as the fire engulfed him, diving from the air at supersonic speed he landed on the back of Sabarius and grabbed his head with his claws, before Sabarius could free himself Valtach roared right in the back of his head, the loud roar combined with the pressure over his head was eno ugh to knock him out as well, the fire around Discord dissipated reveling a magic shield around him, the enraged Valtach looked at Discord and threw himself at him.
On another side of the battle Wrath was having a rough time fighting against Celestia and Luna, he was already tired from his previous battle with them and Discord, but now their powers had somehow multiplied, Celestia engulfed herself in a ball of fire and launched herself against Wrath hitting him right in his chest, Wrath was sent backwards as he saw Celestia was going to hit him again, Wrath smiled, the same trick wouldn’t work on his this time, and it didn’t, as Celestia was about to hit him he tried to knock the fireball with his right claw but before he made contact with her she stopped and went upwards he looked up to see what she was planning but was brought back by a stinging pain on his chest that sent him backwards again, this time leaving a silver mark over the injured zon e, he looked straight forward to see a silver-blue ball of fire similar to the one Celestia did, this was Luna.
A sharp pain on his back made him hit the ground harshly; he looked up to where Luna was to see Celestia arrive next to her, the fire balls began to swirl against each other, ready to attack him again, he closed his eyes, seemingly accepting his fate, as the balls were about to hit him he used his wings to pull himself up and jumped right before the fire balls crashed against the ground, using all his power he shot a very thick stream of his fire against the fire balls now leaving the ground, for ten seconds he continued to send more and more of his deadly fire against the royal sisters, he stopped and waited to see the result of his attack, he didn’t like it.
The six spheres of light floated around the sisters who were unharmed from his attack, three spheres of light for each one, the pink, the blue and the purple lig hts were around Celestia, changing her normal pink mane and tail into flowing multicolored ones, a flash of light appeared over her flanks, the image of a sun.
The red, the orange and the yellow lights were around Luna, changing her mane and tail much like it happen to Celestia just this time they were turned into a deep blue-black color with dots of light inside them, like the star on the night sky, a flash of light appeared over her flanks, the image of a crescent moon.
The three spheres of light each one had disappeared reveling a crown and a necklace with two spheres of different color, Celestia’s crown had the purple sphere on it while her necklace had the blue and the pink one, Luna’s crown had the yellow sphere on it while her necklace had the red and the orange one. Both sisters felt incredible powerful and connected to each other in a way they had never imagined, they could practically speak with each other mentally, the power within them was telling them to do something, to activate it, to set it free but they didn’t knew how.
A load roar caught their attention as Wrath charged at them, using his reversed wings to give himself more power and speed, the massive green dragon wanted to end the thread this change would bring to them, before he had a chance to get near them a bright rainbow like whip emerged from them covering Wrath entirely, the dragon roared and screamed in immense pain as the rainbow swirled around him hitting him every so often, each hit felt like a patch of his scales taken of cleanly.
The enraged Valtach gave no attention to this for he was focused on destroying the draconequus but again and again the cunning draconequus eluded him and humiliated him, he was sick of it and decided to end it once and for all, Valtach stopped and focused every single bit of energy he had left inside himself, opening his wings he lifted to the air going as high as he could, once he was about two miles above the battlefield he prepared to fire his Death Fire Ball, a fireball so big and dense that nothing would be able to survive its impact, he was about to spit it when he felt something covering his mouth.
Discord kept Valtach’s mouth close, using his own body as a rope around it. “Boom”
A great booming sound and the fireworks that caused it made the fighting stop and for the next several seconds no one could see due to the brightness of the explosion, soon after it was over everyone was focused on the rainbow that was retreating to where it had come from. The royal sisters opened their eyes and were surprised to see Wrath unconscious just fifty meters before them, there was smoke coming out from him and several parts of his body were missing scales.
Moments later a battered and exhausted Discord landed between the sisters.
“Valtach went bye , bye” Discord smirked and as if on cue parts of the old dragon king fall from the skies in all their visceral glory. The spheres of light appeared before them again only missing the purple one, the crowns and the necklaces disappeared as the spheres turned into round rock spheres with a diamond like figure in their center.
The remaining enemy forces either surrendered or fled seeing their two leaders were defeated, the allied forces cheered in unison at their victory, the day was won and the war was finally over.
But alas, as victory came so too did the price it had to be paid for it, many hundreds of their allies had died and worst of all, only five alicorns remained, king Aurora Solaris was by some sort of miracle still alive, his nephew, his daughters, Starswirl, a dark alicorn and Discord surrounded him on his last moments, he had explained what those artifacts were and said that while he wasn’t there when they were used the legend passed on between the generations on the family, all the way to his great grandfather, and how the legend said that in time of great need they would show themselves again through bearers.
The sun above them was getting smaller and smaller each passing second, turning red, just like what had happen to the moon when queen Moon Light died, Aurora knew about their connection with the celestial objects and that if the link bearer died, so would the celestial object, using the last of his strength he passed the Sun link to Celestia and the Moon link to Luna, in less than a second the sun above them returned to its original state and in the other side of the world the red moon shined once more it silver light upon Equis, Aurora smiled and with a soft sigh he turned to light.
-----------------------------------------------------*******************************************
“No pony, no dragon and no one cried our father’s death, he made us promise that we wouldn’t cry for him” Luna said sadly “Discord had killed Valtach, for us in that time Valtach was evil itself, so when Discord killed him he gained himself the title of ‘Harmony Bringer’, as for Wrath we wanted to kill him but Sabarius convinced us to imprison him instead, to take away his hoard, to let him live knowing he was defeated by those who he considered inferior and that he would never be able to claim revenge, that would be a much fitting punishment than death”
“Five of us remained and the problem was who was meant to rule Equestria, Blueblood was the most fitting one but he declined saying it was not his place to do so, we wanted to take the place but sadly we still lacked practice and had to control our new gained powers” Luna got up and walked to the window “Starswirl decided to study all kinds of magic so he leaved Equestria to travel the world, Shadow Jumper, an ascent alicorn decided to leave Equestria with some of her forces, many years after we find out she founded a city in the distant north” behind her Twilight was looking at her attention ably.
“Equestria was leaderless, the noble houses wanted to take command but the rest of our subjects demanded that royalty should rule not the noble houses, we asked who they wanted to rule, Discord the name they shouted” Luna looked back at Twilight who was surprised at the revelation “He accepted but only until we were ready to rule by ourselves, for the first two hundred years everything was under control, Discord had adopted something called ‘Organized Chaos’, basically a schedule dividing his time between ruling and causing chaos, but it never went more than a prank or two a day”
“When Discord was crowned king almost everypony liked him and knew he would protect them” a scowl appeared on her face “but after those two hundred years our subjects changed, slowly but dreadfully, their opinion went from good, to bad, to worse eventually turning into describing him as a monster, our subjects, the noble houses even our very own guards started to dislike and mistrust him just because of his appearance and his powers, he tried so hard to make them see he wasn’t evil, that he was just doing his part as fit ruler, he even stopped his pranking, but it didn’t change anything”
------------------------------------------------------------------------***********************************
“I always tried to remember Moon Light and her words, but it was harder and harder each day, in just three generations I went from Discord ‘The Harmony Bringer’, to being a monster to their eyes, they wanted me out of the throne, they wanted me gone but Celestia and Luna weren’t ready yet they barely could perform the spell to move the sun and the moon correctly, I even had to do it for them most of the time” Discord le t out a sigh “This went on for another hundred years until they actually got the guts to attempt an assassination against me, they failed but they somehow managed to kill Blueblood, something inside me snapped that day, if they wanted a monster, then they would get one”
“I learned I could turn upside down personalities and even manipulate the hearts of living things, to torture them emotionally, seeing their pain made me feel good in the inside, it made me laugh and that filled the void in my heart, if I was unhappy and hated, was it so wrong to make them feel like I did too?, Celestia and Luna tried to stop me many times, convince me to stop and return to what I was before, their friend, for a second I was actually about to do it but…………….Celestia betrayed me in the last second” Spike opened his eyes in disbelief “She didn’t tried to kill me, just knock me out, Luna was outraged by her actions and then we fought, they used the elements against me, Luna didn’t want to but Celestia convinced that something evil was i nside me and was meant to be destroyed, I laughed so hard at her statement that I actually started to sing”
“Being turned to stone was the way to deal with dangerous criminals back in the day, Celestia was glad to do it, but me?, I hated it, it’s not like when a cockatrice turns you to stone, inside you are still alive but when they use a spell to turn you to stone, you die, the last thing I remember before I felt my body hardening was ‘Is this how I die?’”
“Fortunately I didn’t die, since now I know Im suppose to be balance and not disharmony I guess it kinda makes sense that they turned me to stone and not nearly kill me like Wrath or destroy me like that Echidna dragon” Discord sighed “I was furious at Celestia for what she did to me, thankfully I was able to hear everything around me and somehow what Celestia, Luna, Starswirl and Shadow Jumper said all the time, after my imprisonment Celestia went to Sabarius and asked him to hide the elements for her”
“The rest is history, Starswirl wanted to comprehend the nature of the elements but with them gone he couldn’t and also he was sick of living, so he gave up his ascension and some years later he died, known as Star Swirl The Bearded, Shadow Jumper built an empire, the Crystal empire where mostly earth ponies lived in, slowly they transformed into crystal ponies, Shadow Jumper had a son, Sombra, he inherited somehow the immortality of his mother and a great amount of power, Shadow Jumper killed herself some years later, the early loss of her husband was too great for her”
“W-was mom …..ermm…..sorry for what she did? To you I mean?” Spike asked.
“There is no a single day she doesn't regret it, and I forgave her already, doesn’t mean I won’t prank her from time to time as revenge though!”
“Was Sombra always a tyrant?”
“Don’t know kiddo, I couldn’t hear him, but for what Celestia told me he was corrupted by dark magic”
Both Discord and Spike sat under the shadow on the tree for a couple of minutes, Spike knew the tale was over and now he could understand Discord better, he was changed by the hate ponies felt for him and because he didn’t had any friends who supported him back then.
“But why keep all of that as a secret?”
“That was Starswirl suggestion, his idea to bring peace, a lie yes, but in the end it would bring peace to the ponies minds also to put their faith into Celestia and Luna, smart guy he was always right about everything”
“…………….I see………………….hey, I still have an hour left before Sir Quill ends his lessons, can I help you pranking?”
Discord smiled “Yeah sure, I need a good laugh after getting all, ugggg, sentimental and stuff” D iscord stretched a little before getting up “Thanks for listening Spike, you are a good little guy”
“Thank you Discord, for trusting me” Spike smiled at Discord who smiled at him back “so, who should we prank first?” Discord smiled wickedly.
“Spike, take a letter”
----------------------------------------------------------------**********************************
Celestia was watching from her balcony, ignoring her beloved cake at her side, seeing Discord and Spike planning something, she had seen it all and was happy to see Discord open up to him, further more to see him stable, content even again, he had missed him so much, after all Discord was like a brother to both her and Luna, it pained her heart what she had tried to do to Discord in the past, she was young and stupid, she smiled knowing Discord had already forgiven her even when she still havent so--
Suddenly a letter appeared in front of her; a bit confused she opened it.
“Dear Princess Celestia”
End of part 2
Author's Notes:
Sorry if it took so long but man, this chapter is big!
Special thanks to Inferno Demon Dash for proofreading and for being awesome!
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
Also, Check this (Click THIS!) to get a good laugh and to understand the reference in the upcoming chapters XD
Friends
Chapter 5: Enemies, Discord and Friends
Part 3: Friends
Daring Do was currently flying over the ‘Badlands’ searching for the changelings or what remained of them, it had passed a long time, almost nine months since their attack on Canterlot, three weeks since Spike’s coronation actually, Daring had loved every single minute she had spent with her sister and niece but her heart belonged to adventure and her husband. Bored out of her mind Celestia’s newest mission came to her as a blessing, there was no trace of the changelings and the two changelings who had being caught in the last three months didn’t know anything, simply because those changelings acted on their own and didn’t even know about the queen or her plans, they didn’t even know each other or another member of their race.
So it was up to her to solve the mystery and find the changelings that formed the domain of queen Chrysalis, a hard task indeed all she had found so far were scattered remains of dead changelings and dry dead land, she didn’t leaved her sister again only to her luck this time though.
‘Yeah, after beating the crap out of that bastard editor, robbing my sister’s bits like that, no wonder she had to work as a mail mare.’ Daring thought
The day was almost ending and soon night would come to claim the land, deciding it was a right time to end her search for the day she started to land on a mountain peak, flat and a good spot for camping, Daring dropped her things on the ground and began to form up her camp and unpacking the dry wood she had picked days earlier just for these occasions.
Daring was about to start up the fire when a weak spark of green light caught her attention from the left, curious she approached to see what is was, another weak spark of the same green light made her look down once she reached the border, what she found made her gasp and without bothering to return for her things she took flight and flew as fast as she could to the Crystal Empire, the time had come.
-------------------------------------------------------------------*********************************
*Crystal Empire*
The Crystal Empire shinned proud and beautiful, their citizens still adapting to a thousand years leap on history, they were taking things slow and steady, the progress was acceptable but that did not matter, what did matter was that they were adapting to the new world happily, their empire was growing splendidly, pulling away each day a little more of the frozen lands of the north returning them to their former beautiful and prosperous glory.
The crystal ponies were also very thankful that their evil tyrant, King Sombra, was indeed dead this time, replaced by their rightful ruler and beloved Crystal Princess, alongside with her husband one of the most powerful unicorns alive, ex-captain of the Equestria royal guard now prince of the Crystal Empire and proud brother of the element of magic Princess Twilight Sparkle, it was thanks to him that the Empire had now a dutiful and capable guard, no more than one hundred but it was something to be proud of since they were almost as strong and capable as the Equestria royal guards.
But above all else they were thankful to a certain new prince of Equestria, for without his help they would still be under the domain of Sombra, and they showed their thankfulness the best way they could, pictures of him on windows or jars could be seen almost in every home, posters with his image adorned some shops and there was even a crystal statue in the main plaza right behind where the Crystal Heart was, showing both their appreciation and the connection they shared, commonly though he wasn’t known as Spike between the inhabitants of the Empire, no, he was known as ‘The Crystal Savior’.
Cadence sighed.
She had to deal for the first time during her rule with a massive argue about why wasn’t Spike invited to the Empire during the Equestria Games earlier on the year, she knew her subjects were very thankful to him, even to the point of a somewhat fanaticism but she couldn’t blame them, after all they went through with Sombra, Spike had been like a hero come out of heaven to free them, so she had to made up a lie about it, telling her subjects he was very busy with royal duties in Equestria, thankfully for her the whole coronation event was seen as the reason why he didn’t attended.
Truthfully she wanted him to come, she adored the little dragon ever since he came into Twilight’s life, he was fun to be with, always had time to chat and simply loved the ice-cream cones she gave him but the reason behind why he wasn’t invited was because she knew about his greed phase in Ponyville. She was not afraid of what he turned into but more so that it would be her that turned him into it. The admiration devotion and borderline obsession would be too much for the poor dear. And with the revelation that came to light a few weeks ago she knew she made the right choice.
Currently she was sharing a well deserved rest with her husband Shining Armor on their personal chambers after a full day of listening to requests, reading, approving or vetoing new laws and/or taxes, listening to the council, approving new routes of commerce between their allies and many more things, Shining for his part was also exhausted due to training the new recruits and officers, the Empire needed to get more guards and capable officers soon, for crying out loud he was the only general or high ranking officer so far.
They were busy holding each other dearly speaking about their days and kissing every now and then, a sudden knock to the door made them groan.
“What is it?” Shining asked.
“Excuse me your highnesses, but Miss Daring has arrived, she is at the front doors waiting.” The guard said entering the room
“I think I gave my full permission for her to enter as she pleased when she returned.” Shining said, he really was grumpy about his time with his wife interrupted, making the guard tremble a little.
“Dear,” Cadence said making Shining shiver a bit, “be nice to the guards, tell her we will be there soon please”
“WON’T *pant* be necessary *pant*.” Daring said entering the room at high speed to the room through the opened doors, then she dropped unceremoniously to the floor exhausted, panting heavily.
“Guard, leave us please, it seems she has already arrived to us.” Cadence said smiling at the guard who only blushed and walked away closing the doors. “Are you alright?” she asked.
“I *Pant* Have *heavy breathe* found them!*heavy pant*”
No sooner Daring finished her sentence Shining was up putting on his armor, barking order to his crystal communicator as Cadence was sending a blue parchment message to her oldest aunt.
----------------------------------------------------------------************************************
*The Badlands*
Chrysalis was crawling through the cold floor of the Badlands, trying to get near her subjects, the one that were alive that is, after their defeat they had landed in the badlands scattered, some died upon impact their bodies breaking due to the massive force they had being sent away with, they had tried to regroup but something in the badlands didn’t let them leave it for some reason and somehow adding insult to injury they could not use their magic to contact each other, thus she was forced to search her subjects and the ones that followed her for the rest of them.
Before the invasion she was the high, proud and powerful queen of the changelings, now she was just a desperate mareling trying to save her subjects from a horrible death.
‘How could I have been so stupid!’ she screamed inside her head at herself, ‘I could have talked, I could have begged, but no, I had to attack the ponies…….but……we were so hungry……so…so hungry.’
Chrysalis stopped her movements to see her surroundings, about a thousand of her subjects were around her in a flat piece of land with dark soil and dead trees over it, most of her subjects were in the ground crawling just like her or simply lying still, some of them were screaming in pain due to the terrible pain of their hunger, she let a yellow tear fall from her eyes.
She had failed, she had been stupid, she had utterly doomed her people to the most horrible of deaths just because she didn’t take a second, one single moment, to stop and think for an approach, she could have done things so differently and she regretted every moment of her action and her decis----
“GRAAAAWWWWWAAAAHHHHH!!!!” the changeling before her screamed in pain as a river of yellow tears fell from the mareling’s eyes, the mareling turned her head towards Chrysalis.
Chrysalis tried to get up or crawl faster towards the dying mareling but to no avail, she saw the pain in the face and her eyes, she shouted to the heavens and to her to save her, that she didn’t wanted to die like that, yellow blood gushed out of her mouth followed by another scream, this one worse than the first, it made Chrysalis cry out in frustration and weakness, she saw as the mareling eyes, filled with terror and unbearable pain turned yellow, her carcass became darker, as dark as a piece of obsidian rock, her wings turned gray and then it stopped.
Chrysalis was frozen in shock, another one of her subjects had died in front of her-
"Another victim of your stupidity", her mind told her.
Chrysalis looked around, some of the changeling nearby the new corpse crawled away from it, tears of fear on their eyes, Chrysalis gritted her teeth as hard as she could and hoof stomped the floor with all her might as hot tears of powerlessness fell to the ground, the love she had absorbed during her stay with Shining Armor was gone, she had no more love inside of her, she had used all of her remaining energies to gather her subjects in that area and place a magic shield around them to protect them, what little love she had left she had used it to the most hungry ones, an amount of love that had seemed infinite to her was now gone and dry.
Pain, she looked up, she had felt pain inside her, the hunger was starting to act inside of her, a pain so great and so terrible that she couldn’t wish, not even to her most hated rival, to ever feel, a pain that threaten to destroy her very soul, body, mind, feelings and sanity all at the same time, a pain that would kill her from her very, deepest core, and she knew what her death would mean, she was the last queen, no more changelings would be born if she died, the pain became bigger and bigger, she knew that with her death no one would protect her remaining changelings, she knew that, as her grandmother had told her, she would become a foul beast, something from the ancient past, she had felt the pain before but never so strong, so demanding……….so powerful, the pain began to spread through her body every second stronger than before, she was about to scream in pain when suddenly, it was gone and she felt something at her right side, turning her head she saw a group of three changelings with their horns glowing a light pink aura and a bigger around her horn.
“No…..” Chrysalis whispered “….please……stop” they didn’t “NO!” she screamed at them but didn’t stop.
“My……..my queen,” a mareling said, “p-please…….you……y….you have to…….live.”
“W-we are……we are worthless……..you mus…….must endure.” the changeling in the middle said.
“You g-gave it to----to us………l-live…..my queen.” the third one said, smiling at her.
Before Chrysalis could say something or even channel the love she had just received the three changelings screamed in pain before dying fast before her, they had given her every last bit of their love to her, even their own life in the process so she could live a couple of hours more, she cried harder than ever and for a moment she begged death for her and her subjects, to die a painless fast death, if what her grandmother told her was true then she was willing to become one of those things if it meant a death without feeling that horrid pain of hunger, the curse of her people.
Chrysalis got up and walked towards a little changeling, no more than a year old, still a foaling, she saw the pain in his face, so young he was and he was going to die the most horrible death she could imagine.
“Not if I can help it.” she said catching the attention of the foaling, lighting up her horn she gave the little foaling halve of the love reserves her three previous subjects had given her, a small mantle of pinkish green light surrounded the foaling and her horn, Chrysalis began drooling yellow blood from her mouth, it was too much for her weak body to handle, “but by Tartarus damn me if I fail to at least save one of my subjects life.”
Finishing up her feeding and donation Chrysalis simply dropped to the ground next to the little foaling left side and embraced it, there in the dirt, hearing pained moans and screams begging for love or death filled her ears, she held the foaling even closer to her, closed her eyes and for the first and only time in her life, the powerful, proud and alluring queen of the changelings, Chrysalis, simply gave up.
*SCROTCH*
Chrysalis opened her eyes to see what caused the strange noise, more for the fact that it came in front of her, her vision was a blur for a moment and only saw blue and white before her, a couple of seconds later her vision was normal again, revealing the form of a long leg, a pony leg, looking up she saw a crystal like armor of purple, green and red, a chest piece to be precise, looking even more up she was greeted with a frowning face and stoic glare looking down at her, she knew that face very well, it was Shining Armor, looking at his right she also saw the pink alicorn princess, Cadence with a sad looking face, above her a khaki colored pegasus was looking around her in the verge of tears and behind her she could see many guards holding weapons and further down she could see wagons of some sort.
“…..So…….found me to get revenge?” She spoke looking at Shining “Well? Aren’t you here to commit justice, a massacre? Go on.” Shining didn’t even moved but his glare turned angry “Please…….just get on with it……….just……….just make it fast………for them please……I…..I don’t want them to suffer anymore”
“…………..Start.” Shining said, the guard behind him nodded and soon all the guards went around the field, picking up every changeling they could find that was still alive.
“…..how……how!.........HOW CAN YOU BE SO CRUEL!??” Chrysalis shouted at him, crying and trying to get up but she didn’t have the strength or the free space to do so, the foaling was looking between her and the visitors confused “WE……I……I did something stupid, it was my fault, MINE! Not them…….please….please don’t let them suffer…….the hunger……….the hunger is so horrible.” Cadence approached but Shining stopped her. “You….you monster” Chrysalis coughed violently spilling some of her blood to the floor, looking up she glared at Shining Armor, she took the foaling between her hooves and held her in front of Shining. “LOOK AT HER!, look at this little foaling! *Heavy Cough* She is innocent and yet *cough* and yet you want her to suffer!? For a mistake that was not hers?....................I beg you………….please………….save her from such a fate……….if one must suffer, then it’s me, not them……..please………Shining, free us from this torment.”
She saw Shining rise his hoof in a swift movement, Chrysalis closed her eyes but didn’t turned away, ready to receive her punishment, something pulled the foaling out of her hooves, she smiled, knowing their torment was soon to be over, then she felt it, Shining’s hoof on her face but it was not a hard blow as she had expected, if anything it was a soft tender touch under her chin, then she felt a warm, soft sensation over her lips followed by the unique taste of love, she forgot the ones before her, her subjects, her pain, everything that instant and like a leech she began to suck hungrily the love out off the softness pressed on her lips, a couple of seconds later, having ate enough love for her to regain her strength Chrysalis opened her eyes.
She saw the up-close face of Shining armor with his eyes closed kissing her tenderly, they separated slowly Shining’s lips and mouth covered in a light veil of yellow blood, Chrysalis was skeptical at his actions, she looked over to Cadence who had the foaling between her forelegs while sitting on her haunches, hugging her tenderly making the foaling laugh and smile, wrapping her small forelegs around her neck, she also saw what the wagons were, they were transport wagons, hundreds of them, she also saw other ponies, even the ones with weapons, hugging, nuzzling and even kissing some of her most ill and hungry subjects, looking back at Shining Armor he only smiled at her and offered a hoof.
“B-b-but…..wh—why?....ho-what?” Chrysalis tried to ask, accepting the hoof he offered to get up on her legs, but nothing came out.
“We will tell you when we get to The Crystal Empire.” Shining said, wiping the blood off of his mouth and lips.
-------------------------------------------------------------------**************************************
The trip back to the Empire was mostly uneventful, aside from treating some changeling nothing major happened; they had come through a portal made by the power of the Crystal Heart, reason why they had arrived so quickly to their aid, upon passing through the portal Chrysalis, who was at Cadence right side, was greeted by the utter magnificence and shining beauty of the central plaza, in the center of it a glowing sphere of light projecting the energy to keep the portal open and behind it the enormous crystal castle.
Quickly passing through the portal the wagons carrying her, at the moment out of danger subjects, formed a scattered line in the vast ample plaza, now that Chrysalis was satiated her mind had finally formed questions as to why were the ponies helping them and how were they able to give them love, it shouldn’t even be possible as far as she knew.
Two flashes of light erupted from the behind her, she turned around to see both Celestia and Luna looking at her both pitifully and mercifully.
“We are----I mean, I am charmed to meet the one who defeated my sister in combat.” Luna said approaching to Chrysalis, holding her left foreleg before her. “You have our admiration for that.”
“Thanks…..I guess.” Chrysalis responded, not sure of how to answer that but all the same shaking the hoof of Luna.
“Queen Chrysalis,” Celestia’s voice was low and dark, “for your crimes against Equestria and more directly to the royal family your punishment would be to be turned to stone,” she smiled tenderly at her, “but due to recent events and some…….shocking information, we know your actions were purely out of desperation, am I correct?”
Chrysalis turned her head down looking to the ground ashamed. “I……….I could have done things so differently, but I saw the chance…………and in my blindness and stupidity took it.” she said looking back to Cadence.
“But why did you do it?” Cadence asked her, holding the foaling on her back.
“Y-you don’t know what is like……the hunger……by the gods, it’s horrible,” she sobbed a little, “my subjects were dying, my mother succumbed to it before my sister followed suit, soon I was the only queen left, It was my duty to protect them! To do all I could to save them from such a horrible fate!” She looked up in the verge of tears.
“And here I am, so-sobbing like a pathetic foal in front of the enemies I so foolishly created,” she restrained a cry before continuing, “and they just saved us from our deaths.” Chrysalis threw herself at the ground crying happily. “Thank you…..oh thank you so much for saving my little changelings, thank you.” She said to no pony in particular.
Shining was looking at her with tremendous pity, approaching from behind her he tapped her head with his hoof a couple of times gaining her attention, his heart nearly fell apart when he saw in her face and eyes happiness, sorrow, regret, blame and shame. “I hated you,” he said, “I hated you so much after everything was over, I wanted to search you and your changelings and kill you and them personally for what you did to me and my wife”
Cadence and Celestia gasped, they knew he wanted revenge but to go so far, they were astonished by his revelation, Chrysalis by her part only got up looking at him with the same gaze.
“But then my wife told me, even when you held her prisoner down in the caves you never mistreated her or humiliated her, she had a plentiful ration of water and food every day during her imprisonment”
“Of course, why would we make somepony experience the pain we fear the most?”
“Then she came,” pointing at Daring who only smiled in return, “and told us about the Black Land and what she found.” Shining kept his gaze glued to hers. “It was at that point when all of my hate and anger turned into pity,” he gave her a sad smile, “I still wanted to find you, but this time to understand you more, we captured two rogue changelings and while they couldn’t tell us where you were they told us about the hunger and how they fed on love.”
“Once they finished telling us we desperately sent many scouts searching for you, to find you and to help you,” Cadence said standing next to Chrysalis, nuzzling her. “I have no grudge against you or your people Chrysalis.”
Celestia walked up to Chrysalis and stood in front of her showing her a face of regret, without warning Celestia bowed, “Please, forgive us for been so late.”
It was all that was needed; Chrysalis threw herself at Celestia, hugging her with all her might, crying over her flowing mane, screaming incompressible words and never stopped shouting how thankful she was at them for their selfless and merciful actions.
----------------------------------------------------------------***********************************
*Crystal Palace-two hours after the retrieval of the changelings*
After calming themselves and their respective subjects, the leaders of both races went inside the castle to discuss a treaty between the ponies and the changelings sitting in the newly built council room, sadly for the changelings their original home, the Black Land, was dead and they could no longer live on it, secondly their numbers were very low, after counting the survivors only a mere 851 changelings remained, including Chrysalis, all in all the changelings had little to offer to this alliance.
Chrysalis soon came to a solution alongside Luna, the changelings would be taken into Equestria as refuges but treated as legal citizens IF they so wished, Chrysalis would still be in charge of her subjects but would answer only to the royal sisters as well as her changelings, also all them would have to sworn loyalty to both the royal pony sisters and Equestria and its allies, in exchange they would get their own territory near Canterlot, a land between the great city and Ponyville, they would receive all the materials needed to create their own town and homes, this also meant their love hunger problems would be solved, although a way to ask and give it freely was still left to come up with.
Celestia had explained that thanks to the efforts of her personal guard, Phalanx and their two now changeling guests, a way to give love to them was figured out, essentially the changeling had to take the love out of their victims through a magic spell but that was only if they stole it, if it was given to them freely then all it took was to be close to them, hug them, treat them kindly and with respect, even just by simply playing and getting along with them, their natural latent magic would absorb the well intended given love, if the situation was life threatening a direct contact was in order, a simple kiss was by far one of the best ways to give it to them directly, almost like a vaccine.
“Enough about this politics,” Luna said, “Chrysalis what can you tell us about your race?” she asked curiously, earning the nods of the other four ponies present.
“All I was told was that at some point of your history you simply lost the ability to give love to each other, but aside from that, I don’t know anything” Daring said.
“Well, I don’t know much about our own history, my grandmother always told me stories her grandmother’s grandmother told her,” she closed her eyes focusing on her memories. “She was deadly afraid to starve to death, not because of the pain, but because she told me that if any changeling died like that he or she would become what we once were, a monster or some kind of beast, nothing short of a demon if I remember correctly, I do not remember the name of that beast though
It’s just an old fear, a myth I believe but if it’s true……..I really do not wish to find out myself,” a moment of silence fell upon the room before continuing. “The reason why we lost the ability to give love to ourselves is also a legend, since we get stronger the more love we put on our reserves something inside of us simply broke one day, something to do with our origins, we could have enormous amounts of love but could not give love of our own to another of our kind, unless it was from our stolen reserves”
“That helps but not so much, is there anything more about your history?” Shining asked.
“Only legends and myths, we changelings don’t have many festive celebrations or outstanding cultural identity, almost everything we have was in a way made by pony hooves,” Chrysalis sighed. “We simply…..are, nothing more to it, truly ours as history just our old legends and our shape shifting magic”
“That’s so sad, not having a culture to be able to identify with.” Cadence chimed in.
“It’s not so bad I assure you, it helps us to focus, or helped us to focus more on getting more love.” Chrysalis said chuckling a bit.
“But why do you need love so much?” Daring asked. “I know you need it to survive but for what you told us you don’t need it to reproduce or even do magic.”
“We need it to live, we can eat the food you eat but it doesn’t do us any good, basically we need love so much because it’s the only thing we can get energy from.”
“How old are you Chrysalis?” Celestia asked her. “I just remembered we don’t even know your age, also I would like to know why you look so similar to us ponies?”
“I'm a little over two thousand years old,” she said. “I know I must be young compared to you, about your question, we were not much different in the past, not real ponies of course but very similar, we made the underground our home and as time went through we changed to look similar to an insectoid life form still holding a similarity to you ponies”
“You know,” Daring said looking very intrigued. “I want to know, why do you changelings have holes in your hooves?” at that moment the three princesses and Shining began to ponder on it.
Chrysalis raised her forehooves in front of her looking at them for a moment, putting them down again she saw all five of her newly gained allies were looking at her expectantly. “You know……that’s a very good question.” she answered looking back at her hooves.
Odd moments of silence filled the air until Luna laughed a bit at the irony, “S-sorry.”
“Wait…..If you two are here.” Shining said pointing at Celestia and Luna “Who is taking care of Equestria?” he asked tilting his head a little to the side.
Both sisters looked at each and giggled, “Discord” both of them said at the same time earning a grim looking Shining Armor.
“Don’t worry sir Armor, we were lucky enough to be delighted with the unexpected visit of miss Fluttershy and miss Rainbow Dash.” Luna said earning a sigh of relief from Shining.
“He agreed to help us in our absence to teach both Twilight and my son how to handle a day in the court, Fluttershy is a blessed bonus for us, she will keep the chaos he may cause to a minimum I assure you.”
Content with that Shining sighed in relief, he didn’t hate Discord or anything he just couldn’t really get used to him, his appearance was odd to him and his powers, though entertaining, were very creepy too.
“Then Chrysalis, do you accept the terms and conditions for our alliance?” Celestia turned to her smiling like she would an old friend.
“Of course I accept, one day I WILL repay your kind actions towards my subjects and me,” Chrysalis said bowing a bit before the royal sisters who only smiled content. “I have a question though.”
“Which is?” Luna responded.
“A son, Celestia?” Chrysalis asked arching an ‘eyebrow’.
Celestia smiled fondly to herself and sighed happily. “It’s a long story, do you want to hear it?”
Chrysalis nodded.
--------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
*Canterlot*
“UGGGG FINALLY!” Discord shouted as he stretched his limbs, bones and, well, everything, all the while leaving the throne room after a full day in the court. “This is the only thing I HATED back in the day, haven’t changed a bit,” Discord grumbled. “So did you learned anything useful you two?”
“Oh YES! This is so much fun!” Twilight said, still scribbling notes to her parchment. “Well…..very repetitive but so very informative I feel like Im school again.”
“That’s nice, but what did you learn?” Discord asked making his way to the royal gardens, where Fluttershy was waiting for him.
“That the duties of a princess or any ruler in general come first and even if they are hard, boring or confusing you must listen to your subjects needs in order to achieve a balanced kingdom.”
“Geez, you only learned the boring part of all this Twilight dear,” Discord sighed disappointed. “What did you learn Spike, I'm sure you must have at least noticed it.”
“Well, I'm not entirely sure but I think it has to do with all those who came to the court to ask audience.” Spike said scratching the back of his head not very sure of himself.
“Yes, go on, go on”
“Errr…..for some reason, almost all of them were asking or more like expecting a favor to be done.”
“Exactly!” Discord snapped his fingers making a rain of exploding confetti to fall from the ceilings. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a best friend to see.” and with that he disappeared in a flash of light.
“Well sure they were,” Twilight chimed in. “I mean they came all the way here for their rulers to listen them, didn’t they Spike?”
“Not really Twi,” Spikes said gaining her attention. “You probably don’t notice it because you, well ‘lack’ the experience to see it but I saw it many times when I was younger, before becoming your assistant.” Twilight sat on her haunches to listen carefully to Spike.
“Even I couldn’t notice it before until recently, but did you notice what almost all of the ponies that came to court looked like?”
“Yeah, mostly well suited or some high socially ranking stallions and mares.” She responded a bit confused.
“Did any of those ponies asked to solve a general problem?” Spike said looking at her with a smile on his face.
Twilight thought on it for a moment remembering every single petition made earlier, Spike was right.
“You’re right Spike,” Twilight realized. “All of them asked to solve their personal problems and thinking about it all of them were related to either their business or something related to bits…….I…..I never thought, realized! That most ponies here were so selfish.” They began to walk down the hallway towards the dining room to eat a snack or two.
“Yeah, kinda shocked me too when I realized it, no wonder mom gets so bored during her court times, there was one time that she almost fell asleep hearing a fat stallion complaining abo—HEY WATCH IT!!”
A pegasus pony guard had passed next to Spike not bothering to move out his way, hitting Spike over his shoulder making him almost fall to the ground, there was another unicorn guard at his other side chuckling, both of them stopped and turned around to face him.
“Sorry about what reptile?” the pegasus guard said.
“You hit me! I almost fell down!”
Twilight on her part was seeing this in silent rage, she wanted to say something but despite all her efforts she wanted to see Spike handle this situation, she had seen it in the past many times and Spike always excused himself and tell he was sorry, often she was the one to both give the guard a scolding and sometimes go as far as to report them to Celestia herself, now she knew he did it in the past because it was to keep his cover and because he didn’t want to cause any troubles, but now he was a crowned prince, he needed to stand up for himself.
“Oh, is the little lizard hurt?” the unicorn guard taunted. “I thought you beasts had tough scales,” he smirked. “Well the older ones must, you are just a pet lizard after all.”
“What are you going to do eh?” The pegasus guard said. “Are you going to hit me? Burn me? Eat me? Or are you just going to go crying to your mother?”
‘How can these two treat him like this! Can't they see his crown! Don’t they know who his mother is!?’ Twilight argued inside her mind, biting over her lower lip. ‘Come on Spike, tell them something!’
Spike was clenching his claws hard but didn’t move from his spot now, he exhaled a puff of smoke before speaking. “C’mon Twilight, let’s go, they aren’t worth our time.” Before he could turn around the guards laughed.
“Heh, maybe he needs help from his purple master,” The unicorn said. “I still don’t get how can she be a princess now, maybe I can become a princess too! I know I’ll lock myself in the library with a miniature monster all day studying pointless subjects, be the princess favorite pet and be sure to have an ugly coat color and a ridiculous mane style!”
“And while you are at it put on some light shows and claim to have defeated ancient evils, ha ha ha!” both guards began to laugh their flanks off, neither seeing the pained look on Twilight’s face.
“Apologize to Twilight, now” Spike demanded, his eyes showing up just how angry he was now.
“Ha ha, and why should we lizard? You may be a prince, you may be princess Celestia’s son, you may be cute and little now, but in a couple of years you will become just another mindless beast,” the pegasus face turned into an enraged one. “I have seen what your kind is capable of, the moment you grow you will start destroying everything in your path, Think we don’t know about your little incident in Ponyville?” Spike turned his head down; ashamed of himself. “sadly you turned back somehow and avoided the upcoming assault, dragons are better off dead.”
“I think we should quit the guard,” the unicorn said. “Equestria has their ‘heroes’ now and by how Celestia is handling things lately I think we better scramble before we die,” at his words Spike froze as did Twilight. “First she lets her demonic sister back just like that.”
Twilight and Spike couldn’t remember just how many times they had seen Celestia crying and sobbing before the moonlight, Twilight ignorant of the cause of her pain and Spike unable to provide ease to his mother.
“Then Discord came and what did she do? She hid and let her precious pets handle it.” the pegasus said.
‘She couldn’t fight because she lost her connection to the elements.’ Twilight thought darkly.
“Then she was defeated by the changeling queen in less than a second, our goddess of the sun defeated by an insect.” the unicorn said, mocking Celestia.
‘Mother saved you all you hypocrite, had she used her full powers you would be dead right now.’ Spike thought, anger sweeping through him.
“Then the Crystal Empire shows up and, again, she sends her pets to battle.” the pegasus said.
“Because it was part of a test.” Both Twilight and Spike murmured, barely audible.
“Then Discord is freed and re-joins the royal family after all he did and the horrible things he has done in the past.” the unicorn said.
“You don’t know anything about Discord!” Both Twilight and Spike murmured through their teeth and/or fangs.
“Then you,” the pegasus pointed to Twilight. “Somehow become an alicorn and a princess at that, a worthless princess in my eyes,” his eyes darted to Spike. “And lastly she names this lizard as her son and gets crowned as a prince, a fire breathing monster right inside our very homes,” the pegasus spit to the floor angrily, smirking at the dragon. “Who could be safe in the hooves of such a pathetic, coward and useless bitCHAAAAARRGGG“
The pegasus guard couldn’t complete his sentence as a dragon fist collided right on his snout, sending him backwards……..twenty meters down the hallway, the unicorn guard paled at the sight of Spike, his eyes full of anger as small tendrils of purple and green fire were coming out of his mouth and claws.
“Don’t you DARE insult my mother or Twilight ever AGAIN!” His voice sounded like a mixing of several voices colliding into one. “You don’t know anything, ANYTHING!” Spike was walking towards the pegasus calmly, each step he took leaving a mixed flame of purple and green fire over the floor, the unicorn guard tried to perform a spell but found himself paralyzed, all he could see was a purple aura around him. “You can insult me all you want, but if you TRY to say something offensive to my two most precious ponies, I WILL make sure you PAY!” the pegasus guard got up, his snout dripping blood certainly broken, opened his wings and charged at Spike at full speed, Spike by his part extended his arms ready for him, the guard was almost in front of Spike when something else smashed against the guard, confused by the sudden action his anger subdued a bit and another pegasus guard, flanked by many others, showed up.
“That is enough.” Phalanx said in his stoic but clearly angered tone. “Take these two and send them to Baltimare prison for attacking the members of the royal family and possible treason,” with that the other guards took the unicorn and the unconscious pegasus guard. “Are you alright Spike?”
“Y-yeah, thanks for the help Phalanx,” Spike said starting to calm down. “It’s just that…..I got so angry…I-I…. Im sorry.”
“Don’t be,” Phalanx said, “be proud, you stood up for your mother, our beloved princess Celestia, you defended her name, her honor and her dignity, you must be proud for it my friend,” he dropped into his haunches, putting a forehoof over Spike’s head. “And furthermore, be proud for standing up for your friend and now go to her, I believe she will need you.”
Nodding Spike went to where Twilight was, just a little over five meters behind him, Spike stood in front of her before smiling. Twilight returned the smile and both of them shared a sweet short embrace before going off to the dining room in silent.
Phalanx had stood there watching the scene with a small smile on his face, he had seen it all from the very beginning but decided to see how things would turn out, he was glad he did, Spike was growing, in more ways than one, the only thing he found wrong about the situation was the unbelievable strength and pure raw power Spike had shown in that moment and also he wondered, what exactly was that strange purple fire, he had never seen it before, regardless he was proud of him no matter what.
“Now then,” looking at the floor. “I must find a maid to clean up this mess then I must return to my duties.” With that he simply walked away.
-----------------------------------------------------------*************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Royal Gardens”
Discord, after teleporting from Twilight and Spike, found himself in the gardens. A table, with cloth and tea, located in the grounds was crowded with a group of animals and a floating Fluttershy, serving tea to each animal before noting Discord a little ways off.
Serving the last of the animals she flew to her spot before filling a cup infront of an empty chair right next to her, then serving herself.
“I’m so glad you could come Discord,” Fluttershy said sweetly at him. “I’m sure you have better things to do than spend time with me…..sorry for makin—“
“Shhh shhhh shhh,” Discord shushed putting a claw finder over her lips. “My dear Fluttershy I assure you, you are the most important thing in my life right now, I wouldn’t have missed this tea party for nothing, after all you are my best friend!” He said taking his tea and taking a sip from it. “Mmmm, Delicious as always my dear.”
“Oh my, thank you Discord,” she said blushing a little at his comment. “I also love spending time with you, you are so much fun to be with, wouldn’t you agree mister ottery?” the otter drinking some of the tea stopped, he was hanging upside down looking at her and nodded rapidly, clearly content. “To bad Spike and Twilight couldn’t join us, I mean if that was alright with you Discord.”
“Of course it is, why shouldn’t it be? They are also my friends now.” Taking another sip out of his tea he let himself rest down around Fluttershy, literally wrapping around her like an anaconda without messing the cups, the pot or the rest of the guests. “I'm just glad I get to spend time with you more, now care to tell me where is Rainbow Crash?”
Fluttershy was blushing lightly, feeling the scales, fur and feathers of Discord at the same time wrapped around her was an experience she had come to enjoy, she knew he did it as a sign of trust and friendship but she couldn’t help to feel all tingly inside every time he did it.
“Uhm, w-well she went to attend a race of the Wonderbolts.”
“Hmmm.” Discord hummed closing his eyes a little.
“She will come to the castle later, I think, at least, I hope so,” slowly the animals floating in the air or sitting over strange looking mushrooms began to drop to the ground slowly, making them return to their original positions, the mushroom began to shrink and soon were gone. “Discord?” Putting her tea cup on her tea plate she turned a little to her side to see his face, he was sleeping now. “Oh my, he must have been so very exhausted after working all day, and still,” she smiled, “he came to my tea party, just for me,” her smile grew, “you truly are a good friend Discord.”
Fluttershy leaned down and gave Discord a light kiss over his left cheek, Discord mumbled something and soon smiled in his dreams. “Sweet dreams, Discord.” Fluttershy told her animal friends to leave if they wanted, it was starting to get dark as the moon was showing up in the sky, she yawned and curled herself against Discord, hugging him by the base of his neck, she sighed and soon she also fell asleep, knowing she was safe with Discord as her blanket, pillow and bed.
Some animals decided to retreat to their homes in the gardens, other decided to stay and sleep along with their shy pegasus friend and Discord.
None of them was aware of a shadow moving through the bushes silently and fast towards the castle.
----------------------------------------------------------**************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Prince Spike Chambers*
“I still can’t believe what those two idiots said about you and mom, Twilight!” Both Spike and Twilight were in his room spending a late conversation from the previous events a couple of hours earlier. “Why would they even say something like that!?” And truthfully although he was a lot more relaxed now, Spike was still very upset about the whole thing “at least I was able to punch one of them good, I punched him right in the snout and WHAM I sent him flying it was like----!!” Spike rambled on making motions to show his heroic and brave actions, though fueled by anger, Twilight could barely contain her giggles.
Twilight was laying on his bed, a very comfy bed she might add, it was comfier than hers! She was watching him walk from one side of his bed to the other fuming and complaining about the incident and truth be told she was also very upset but more than that, she was hurt and happy at the same time, hurt because of the description those jerks gave about her and happy because Spike had stood up for her, yelling at the pegasus that she was one of his precious ponies, one of his two most precious ponies to be exact.
'That’s not such a big deal,' she thought, not really listening to Spike’s rambling and boasting anymore, but lost in her thoughts. 'I'm one of his closest friends, his best friend in fact.'
"Yeah, a best friend that doesn’t even bothers to invite him over her own birthday party". The dark voice of her conscience said.
'He was sick after eating ten gallons of ice-cream! I couldn’t bring him with me that day'
"Still, you didn’t ask or even bothered to say anything to him, did you? You just picked your other friends and left". Her conscience chuckled. Not that it matters actually, he was your own personal slave.
'He was my ASSISTANT!' Twilight answered angrily.
"Who cleaned up the mess YOU made after your long study hours? Who learned to cook for YOU just because somepony was too busy with her books? How many times was your ‘assistant’ so tired after USING him as a guinea pig for your experiments that he simply fell to his basket asleep? and yes a basket not a bed like the one he now has, but basket right in the foot of your bed"
'……….'
"Oh! and all those promises you made to him and in the end you couldn’t even remember them? All those times you saw him sad but didn’t ask what was wrong with him?" Her conscience told darkly
'Please, stop it' Twilight thought.
"No, I won't!! You must face the truth Twilight, you have been a HORRIBLE so called friend to him from the very start, using him to your benefit, working him from sunrise to dusk endlessly, not even bothering to say a thank you or somehow show your appreciation". Her conscience snarled at Twilight. "and yet, for some strange reason, you manage to actually blush when he says you are one of his precious ponies? You make me sick".
Twilight was on the verge of tears, it was true, even if she hated it, it was true, she couldn’t remember a time where she was acting like a true friend towards Spike, at least not before moving to Ponyville and even then she had a hard time remembering times when she did act like a friend towards him and not as his boss or owner.
After the book’s revelation and Luna’s tale she felt something change inside of her, she felt regret, regret that she had being so selfish and so stupid as to ignore Spike in their younger years. For Celestia’s sake before the dragon migration she knew next to NOTHING about Spike at all, what a great friend she was.
“Twi? Are you ok Twi?” Spike said noticing that Twilight was simply staring at the wall in front of her.
“…………..Spike, can you answer a question for me?” Twilight’s voice was low and sad.
“Of course Twi, what is it?” He answered very concerned about her.
“Promise me that you will answer me only with the truth,” Spike nodded. “Promise me!”
“Ok, ok!, I promise”
“W-Why am I one of your precious ponies?” A tear fell from her eyes. “After everything I’ve done to you?”
“…..Oh….Twilight,” Spike’s face twisted into a smile. “How can you say that?” Twilight snapped her head upwards facing him, letting him hold her face with his claws. “If you are worried you were bad or mean to me in the past, believe me, you weren’t, you were one of my friends and soon my best friend”
“Who went out of her way to protect me when other ponies bullied me?” Spike cleaned the partial tears running down her face. “Who hurt herself trying to bake me a cake for my first birthday together?” Twilight smiled a little embarrassed, remembering she *almost* burned down not only the kitchen but the entire castle. “Who made me feel useful and needed at all times?”
“You did Twilight; you have done so much for me that you can’t blame yourself over nothing.” Twilight embraced his long time friend hard against her. “You have neglected me sometimes, that is true but I understand why, your friends, our friends just gave you an experience you wished to keep feeling over and over again and that is not your fault Twi, even if it were, you gave me an awesome looking mustache, you showed me just how much you want me around, how much you need me.” Spike embraced her harder.
“You saved me from a hydra putting yourself in danger, for me Twi! You risked your life to save me!” He said cheerfully next to her ear “We have been together in good and bad times, we have faced enemies that we defeated side by side, we fight but don’t hold anything against the other because we are closer than that Twi,” Twilight rubbed the left side of her neck and face against Spike, showing him how happy she was. “We destroyed Sombra and saved the Crystal Empire, US! Together!”
“I'm so sorry Spike,” She said almost sobbing. “It must be so hard on you to d-deal with a pathetic and ugly mare like me all the time.” Spike broke the hug making her face him and his stern look.
“You are a very beautiful mare Twilight and you are the very opposite of pathetic, not because you are a princess now but because you never, EVER, give up, you want to be successful not because you don’t want to disappoint yourself but because you don’t want to disappoint those around you, you will never disappoint me Twi, never.”
Both friends didn’t said anything, they just hugged each other close and dearly, letting their feeling for one another do the talk for them, the warmth of their bodies making them feel like they never wanted to be separated again from the other, it simply felt right. After what seemed to be hours for them, they finally separated and smiled as widely as they could.
“So…….you think Im beautiful?” Twilight asked him, blushing a little.
“Ummm, well, yeah and yes you are Twi, you are very beautiful.” Spike felt a blush adorning his own face after finishing the sentence and looked away, he heard a light giggle and then felt a warm, soft and moist pressure against his right cheek, making him blush even more.
“Thank you, Spike”
“Y-you’re welcome, Twi.”
Soon both best friends began talking and laughing thoroughly throughout the rising night.
"Even now he's lying to make you feel better."
'Shut up.'
------------------------------------------------------****************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Outside Gates*
Rarity was trotting back to the castle after spending all day chatting and catching up with her dear friend and business associate Fancy Pants and some other high class ponies, after spending a little more than two weeks in Canterlot, investing her time in visiting fashion shops, shows and improving her social relations with the Canterlot elite she could say she had made wonders for her and her career as a fashion designer.
“And despite all that I can’t get Spikey-Wikey out of my head.” She thought to herself, entering the castle, barely returning the salute from the guards. Moving through the now familiar hallways of the castle she made her way to her room, as far as to Spike’s room was, once she was inside it she flopped into the bed giving out a heavy, frustrated sigh.
“Why can’t I stop thinking about my little Spikey-Wikey?” she asked herself, not really expecting an answer “Of course, as a lady I can see just what a perfect little gentledrake he is, he is very polite when needed, always aiding those who need it, a wonderful help around my shop and he even puts himself in danger for others,” another sighed finished her sentence, “But…..why can’t I stop thinking about him? I know he has a little crush on me but that never really bothered me before…….except during his last birthday, this has to be, The.Worst.Thing.Ever!, Why now!?” Looking to her side she saw the vanity mirror next to the closet, seeing herself wanting, demanding even, an answer.
“Because he is a prince now, darling.” Her reflection answered her.
“No, that can’t be it!” Rarity talked back to her reflection as if it was a normal thing to do, in reality this was the way her conscience talked to her, it wasn’t the first time that had happened and it usually occurred when she was really stressed. “There must be another reason”
“Oh please, darling! The moment princess Celestia made the announcement you were practically drooling over him, very un-lady like if I may say so.”
“I believe you must be mistaken, darling, Spikey-Wikey may be a prince now but that’s no reason for me to change my feelings and relationship with him.” Rarity nodded to herself approvingly, she was right after all.
“So tell me dear, why haven’t you been able to stop thinking about him?” Real Rarity stopped her movements and looked at the mirror. “I’ll tell you why, you’ve been thinking of all the possibilities a relationship with him would bring to you”
“Why I never!” Rarity snarled at the reflection. “I would NEVER use my poor little Spikey-Wikey like a simple tool!”
“Why not dear? You have been doing a wonderful job so far using him as your own personal tool and at your benefit”
“I DO NOT!”
“Really now? Uhmmm, let’s see you use him as a pincushion almost all the time, you make him dig your gems just because you don’t want to get dirty, you make him push clothes, dresses and materials through your shop all day long when he comes to help you, you make him take out your trash OH, and I almost forgot, you never say thank you or appreciate his work for you, well that’s not entirely true, you do pat him on the head from time to time and give him small gems as bribe and he accepts it with a smiling face because he has a crush on you…………and let’s not forget about the Hoity Toity incident, remember, you are very selfish my dear.”
“My Spikey-Wikey does it because he offers me his true, undiluted help and companionship and I AM very thankful for his kind and selfless actions, he may have a crush on me but as the lady I am I would never take advantage of that kind of situation just to get something I would desire,” Rarity puffed, “I have NEVER taken advantage of him in any way!” Rarity countered her reflection.
“Really now darling, a lady mustn’t lie! But you are right,” Real Rarity smiled, “how could I being so foolish as to think that the way you utterly manipulated his feelings for you to get his fire ruby for yourself could count as selfishness,” the reflection smirked, “how silly of me don’t you think?”
“My little Spikey-Wikey gave me that ruby out of the pureness of his heart, like the little perfect gentledrake he is!”
“Right after you used your charms on him, sweet talking it from him dear, you must remember that,” suddenly the reflection’s face turned into one of disgust, “What kind of lady, what kind of pony! Would steal something so expensive, brilliant and magnificent out of a teenager who was saving it for a special ocassion, using his feelings for one self to their advantage, only the most lowly of scum, dear.” the glare the reflection was giving to the real Rarity was so heated one could swear she was the sun goddess and not Celestia. “Face it darling you are nothing but a selfish hypocrite at the end of the day, you make me sick to be you.”
Real Rarity couldn’t move away from her own reflection but also couldn’t even cry, all she could do was to drop her head down, looking to the carpet ashamed of herself, the reflection laughed a little before continuing “But, this may work for you perfectly darling, all you need to do is to go to him and tell him you love him, then you become royalty just like you always dreamed, it would be so easy.”
Rarity snapped her head upward, hate filling her eyes glaring at the mirror wanting to destroy it and the reflection on it. “I would NEVER use my Spikey-Wikey like that, you whore!”
“Ah! Maybe not but you just admitted you DID use him before, even now you claim him as yours!” The reflection taunted. “Think about it Rarity, all you ever dreamed, fame, royalty status, regalia, bits, a castle where to live, an elite social life, all of your dreams fulfilled, the life you so much desire, all of it can be yours in an instant.” The reflection smiled wickedly as the real Rarity changing her glare to one of attention. “The price? Couldn’t be cheaper, lie to ‘your’ Spikey-Wikey, raise his hopes and then crush his heart, shouldn’t be too hard for you, after all, you are an expert at doing so.”
The reflection laughed heartily and loudly, enough to fill the entire room before breaking into millions of pieces by an enraged Rarity who neighed and puffed in anger, silence fell into the room, only interrupted by her harsh breathing, as Rarity began to calm down her harsh breathing and anger turned into sobbing and sadness, shame and guilt, the promise of a restless sleep once exhaustion caught her.
-------------------------------------------------------------*******************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Prince Spike Chambers, Midnight*
Canterlot castle was at this hour nearly empty and silent due to the lack of activity, almost every royal guard was already sleeping except the ones performing night duties and the lunar guard, it was midnight, the appointed time to change turns between the guard watch, the guards at the doors of the prince chambers felt like they could get away a few minutes earlier from their duty, it was all the time a shadowy figure needed to elude them and to enter the bedroom unnoticed.
The room of prince Spike was dark and cool, offering a peaceful sleep to the being sleeping over the comfy bed, after talking, laughing and playing for several hours both Spike and Twilight felt too tired to continue any further with their fun time and decided to sleep, Twilight had asked if it was alright for her to sleep with him that night, Spike’s response was simply to pat the bed over a few times.
Sleep had come for both of them fast, both of them hugging each other in their sleep, not wanting to be separated or disturbed for a long time, enjoying the warmth the other provided, it was so comfortable for both of them that they didn’t even snore. And in Spike’s case that was really something.
Spike felt something……odd inside his room, reluctantly he opened his eyes trying to adjust to the darkness, what he saw was a shining something hover over both of him and Twilight, without thinking he pushed Twilight out of the way with all his force letting the shiny object fall down onto him, landing right over his throat.
“GGGRRRRRKKKKKKKKKHHHH” Was the noise Spike made as the shining object pressed down his throat and pierced him to the other side cleanly, making a gush of purplish blood land and spread all over his bed.
Twilight got up as soon as she fell from bed, she was going to say something to Spike when she heard the noise, casting a spell before she could even think of what was the noise the light in the room lighted up, for a second she couldn’t believe what she saw, Spike was trying to take out a silver like dagger out of his throat while he was crying no doubt over the immense pain it caused and all the blood that was spraying around, then she saw a dark cloaked figure she easily recognized simply by the size, a griffon, the griffon noticed her and draw another dagger from its back and jumped at her.
Twilight couldn’t even move as the impression was still fresh on her mind, suddenly she felt something warm land on her face, using her hoof she whipped the substance from her face and then moved her hoof in front of her seeing what it was, purplish blood, looking up and finally out of her trance she saw the even more agonizing face of Spike as he tried to take out the dagger jabbed in his throat and at the same time holding firmly another silver dagger that pierced his chest cleanly.
Twilight Sparkle screamed.
Chapter 5 end.
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to Inferno Demon Dash for proofreading!
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading, with out his help you wouldnt be able to read this at all so give him some love!
*Changelings in the Badlands Scene*
Canterlot on Flames Part1
Chapter 6: Canterlot on Flames
Part 1
A blood piercing scream was heard throughout the entire castle and its boundaries waking all those who were sleeping and at the same time gaining the attention of everypony else who heard it, there was no mistaking where that scream had originated, the royal guards were trained to act hastily in dire situations so it was no surprise that a second after hearing the scream every single available guard was running or flying to the chambers of prince Spike as the screams continued.
The screams stopped for a second before returning but this were, different. Moving even faster a squad of twenty four guards arrived at the scene in less than thirty seconds and utterly froze in fear by what they saw, they were prepared for many things, assassins, close combat, survival, torture both mental and physical, and even to kill but not for this………this butchery.
Prince Spike was on the ground crying in pain as he was desperately trying to take out a silver like dagger jabbed in his throat, with both his claws, while another was planted in his back sticking all the way to his chest, purplish blood flowing like a cascade from both deathly wounds. Behind him and next to the bed they saw princess Twilight Sparkle, her eyes glowing green as purple strands of magic emerged from them forming a veil of purple smoke around them, her horn glowing with a dark-purple aura of magic and a smile only matched by a mad pony adorning her lips, on the other end was a griffon or what was left of it surrounded by the same aura Twilight had on her horn.
The griffon was screaming loudly almost roaring or hawking in agony, parts of its dark clothes were on the ground ripped to shreds as blood adorned and rained from atop the griffon, its wings were gone and laying right over the floor behind it, both wings were crushed beyond repair, its hind legs were twisted painfully in abnormal ways as parts of the bone could be seen from them, its right arm seemed like it had being swallowed up, chewed and then spit out by a tornado, cut marks and burn marks adorned the griffons body as one its eyes was laying in front of Twilight.
One of the guards moved to try to stop Twilight but as he moved in closer she turned her head his way and engulfed him in her aura knocking him into the other guards.
“SHE IS MINE!” Twilight roared, her voice was dark and menacing, echoing through the castle sending shivers to all that heard her. “SHE WILL PAY!”
The griffon screamed even louder as dark bolts of electricity assaulted her body mercilessly, the smile on Twilight’s mouth became wider and darker, clearly enjoying the suffering of her victim, her teeth began to twist and transform into fangs and her coat turning into a deeper shade of lavender, a bright flash of light erupted behind her and a deep, powerful and commanding voice boomed and made the entire castle, no, the entire city of Canterlot shake.
“TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” The voice said as the entire room blackened. “STOP YOUR ACTIONS THIS INSTANT!”
Twilight turned around with fury on her eyes only to see a very angry and frowning Discord looking back at her and a very afraid Fluttershy behind him, Twilight gasped and the dark magic flowing through her stopped, returning her to her true self again. The griffon fell to the ground screaming in agony.
“I-I-I……….D-don’t…”
“Stay quiet, go to Spike,” Discord commanded as the light on the chambers returned and turned his neck around looking down at Fluttershy. “Are you okay my dear?” His only response was a slight nod. “Good, help Twilight and Spike.” Fluttershy did so as Discord moved towards the griffon.
Rarity arrived panting and huffing to Spike’s chambers, worried sick about the young dragon and Twilight she made her way through the petrified royal guards, fearing what could they be staring as she pushed her way into the room, once inside the room it took her a moment to take the scene in front of her fully, she stepped in closer with wide eyes watching in awe and horror as Fluttershy held Spike firmly from behind, her eyes closed as small tears fell from them while Spike and Twilight pulled the dagger in his throat out, once it came out a flood of his blood came out followed by what seemed to be something between coughs and screams, then Spike fell on all fours gripping the floor as hard as he could while Fluttershy and Twilight pulled the other dagger out, this time sending purple and green scales to the ground below him followed by more of his blood.
More guards had arrived at the scene late and most of the guards who had arrived first were ready to take the body of the young dragon out, but to their surprise Spike got up, his injuries were closing at a phenomenal rate, his lost blood and scales were evaporating and his breathing was returning to normal all in a matter of seconds, once he stood up fine he was held in a tight hug by princess Twilight while she cried over his head while Fluttershy cried happily watching the scene, to say the guards were incapable of thought by what they saw was an understatement, simply put their brains stopped working for a couple of seconds after that.
Seemingly forgotten, the griffon reached into her chest feathers using her good arm taking out a small red pill and driving it to her beak, before she could eat it a hoof slammed against her claw sending the pill away from her, looking up with her single eye now she saw Discord himself over her.
“Now, now, that’s not nice, you must answer some questions for us first, griffon.” Discord picked her up and using his powers healed her enough to make sure she would survive, then he tossed her to the guards who barely caught her. “Take this griffon to the medical bay, bound it and make sure it lives, and do NOT leave it alone for even a single moment, at least four guards must watch the griffon at all times.” The guards didn’t move. “Is that clear?” Discord said, making his eyes blaze in a deep yellow glow as he said the last word rather darkly.
“Y-YES SIR!” All of the guards said in unison taking the griffon with them and leaving the room as fast as they could, a couple of seconds later Discord snapped his finger making the doors close behind Rarity.
“S-Spikey-Wikey?” Rarity said before running to where her friends were, literally snatching Spike out of Twilight’s embrace. “SPIKEY-WIKEY!” She screamed before embracing him against her, returning the embraced, Spike held her close.
“I-it burns” Spike said some seconds after their embrace began. “R-rarity let go, it burns!” Spike pushed her away from him.
Rarity was confused and tried to approach him as did Twilight and Fluttershy but were stopped by Discord’s claw. “What's wrong Spike?” he said kneeling before him.
“It-IT BURNS!” Spike yelled as he collapsed to the ground hugging himself and shaking uncontrollably. “M-make it stop!” Spike cried out, his friends approached him worried sick but were stopped once again by Discord.
“Let me,” Discord placed his lion paw over Spike ’s head and closed his eyes; a second later he snapped his eyes open. “Its poison,” the three mares gasped. “‘Dodongo Poison’ this is bad.” Discord’s face turned grim.
“T-then heal him, take it out!” Rarity said from his left side almost hysterically. “Cure him, can’t you see my little Spikey-Wikey is suffering!?” Discord just groaned as Spike twitched and groaned on the floor.
“He can’t Rarity.” Fluttershy said.
“WHY?” both Twilight and Rarity yelled, making Fluttershy shift nervously on her spot.
“B-because it’s Dodongo Poison, errrm, you see I use it a lot, in small, really small doses it acts as a painkiller but…..too much it will destroy your blood system and over load your pain sensors.” Fluttershy went silent for a moment before continuing, seeing her friends didn’t interrupt her. “It’s a very rare and very unique kind of poison you see, it’s immune to any kind of magic, it literally nullifies it but it’s…………it’s lethal to reptiles.”
“B-but how do you know about it, how can you even use it? Dodongos are extremely dangerous!”
“That’s not important right now Twilight.” Discord said as he picked Spike up and handed him to Fluttershy, Spike on his part was shaking, struggling against an invisible force, sweating constantly and groaning, trying to contain his screams. “Take him to the medical bay and place him in the royal section, make sure to be with him, he won’t die but he will be in for quite a ride, a very harsh ride.” The doors opened again and the three mares were ready to break into a run “Except you Twilight, we have something to discuss.”
Twilight was going to argue but after seeing his face she only looked down and stood on her spot as her friends rushed towards the medical bay, then the doors slammed close again.
“Now,” Discord sat on the edge of the bed. “Tell me what happened here and where did you learn to use dark magic,” he stared into her eyes piercing her mind and soul, letting her know she couldn’t lie to him. “And tell me, everything.”
Twilight gulped.
-------------------------------------------------------------------***************************************
*Crystal Empire-Royal Palace*
It was nearly midnight, most crystal ponies were fast asleep in their homes, tucked warmly in their beds embracing their loved ones, but in the royal castle things were different, the royal dinner room was livid with talking, drinks, jokes, laughter and tales, all being exchange between the royal rulers of three different nations, guarded only by a few guards, Celestia hardly remembered the last she had so much fun and spent her time having, well fun, yet she couldn’t really dive into it properly, for the last few hours something had been bothering her even though she couldn’t quite place it, of course this was noticed by her sister.
“Is something bothering you, my sister?” Luna asked whispering next to her ear.
“As a matter of fact, yes Luna, something is bothering me………don’t worry about it, its nothing probably.”
“Sister please, both thou and I know that when something is bothering you, it’s never something good.”
“Lulu, please it’s nothing, we are having fun, let’s not ruin this night with silly worries.” she said encouragingly trying to convince herself more than Luna.
Luna sighed “Very well Tia.”
“But,”
“Yes?” Luna smiled without Celestia seeing her.
“Can you please tell me if my son is asleep?” Luna arched an ‘eyebrow’. “I just want to make sure he is resting already”
“Of course,” Luna closed her eyes; a second later she opened them. “He is not asleep, it seems my little nephew is enjoying a late night,” Luna giggled. “Is that what is bothering you Tia?”
“Auntie, what’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing Cadence, nothing, I was just telling my dear sister how my son should be asleep by now, but it seems he is still awake.” Celestia answered smiling sweetly at her niece.
“Don’t be like that auntie!” Cadence giggled. “He just wants to spend a few more hours awake, maybe he is even waiting for you to go home and kiss him goodnight”
Celestia smiled at that, almost every night since his announcement she had acted as a mother should at every little chance she got to spend with her son, she gave him private lessons like when he was younger, tucked him into bed, kissed him goodnight, woke him up playfully and snuggling him in kisses and showering him with all the motherly love she could give, she was also harsh on him when his pranks went out of hoof or when he skipped his tutoring, but she loved him with all her heart, which made it painful to her thinking about her son and his future, all thanks to that book.
A flash of light appeared behind Shining, after the flash ended Discord was revealed, stretching his limbs while admiring the room.
“*Whistle* This sure is nice looking, a bit too……sparkly for my taste but really nice.” He said while walking around the table, going straight for the balcony. “so THIS is the Crystal Empire? Talk about showing off beauty, kinda makes me remember the crystal fields, do you remember them Luna, Celestia?” He asked without looking back at them.
“What are you doing here Discord, shouldn’t you be in Canterlot?” Luna asked him calmly, something was….off with him, his playful tone when he talked was gone, he wasn't showing off his powers, he wasn’t making fun of anypony and worst of all, he had asked them about their past, and not in the ‘Im-going-to-make-you-angry-at-me!’ kind of past he so much loved to use “Is everything alright?”
“Oh yes, yes, everything is peachy, everything is so good right now that I decided to make a short visit and see how were you doing with the whole changeling deal,” He said turning around at the end. “And from the looks of it they accepted,” He smiled. “so, changeling huh?”
“That is correct”
“You can change forms?”
“Not exactly, we use our magic to change our structure, size and just about everything to look like something else, basically change shape.”
“OH I can do that too!” Discord leaped and landed next to Celestia. “look!” In an instant he had changed form to that of Spike.
“Mommy!, mommy! Guess what!”
“……….This is not funny Discord” Celestia said, her gaze turning into a stare to anyone who was on the receiving end.
“I was with Twilight in my room!” Discord ignored her and continued. “We were sleeping after helping uncle Discord in the court today.” Celestia nor Luna nor anyone said anything, all of them were looking at Discord doing his little act. “Then a griffon came in, I still don’t know how but he wanted to kill me and Twilight!”
“WHAT!???” Luna, Shining and Cadence shouted while Celestia looked at Discord with wide eyes, Chrysalis on her part had her mouth agape.
“The griffon stabbed me in the throat and the chest, and was using Dodongo Poison on the daggers.”
A yellow magic aura covered Celestia’s horn ready to teleport, but before she could do it a claw clamped over it draining her magic away from her.
“LET ME GO DISCORD!” she tried to free herself from his grip but she couldn’t, he was too strong, Luna leaped to aid her sister but was stopped by Discord’s glare, a glare that was also directed to the guards who had began to move in his way and the other three monarchs. “MY SON NEEDS ME!”
“Don’t worry, you will go to him in due time, but there is something I must settle with you first,” his glare was now directed only to her. “Spike is in the royal section of the medical bay, Rarity, Twilight and Fluttershy are looking after him as we speak.”
“B-but what about the griffon?” Cadence asked, calming herself after receiving his glare.
“In the medical bay too, watched over by royal guards, Twilight sure did a number on the griffon,” he laughed. “And boy what a number it was,” Discord freed Celestia and snapped his fingers, creating a chaotic field of anti-magic, preventing Celestia from using her magic, she didn’t try anything though, she knew what was coming.
“What did my little sister do to the griffon?” Shining asked, almost fearful of the answer, he knew how Twilight could be when she was angry.
“Nothing much really,” He turned around facing away from Celestia. “Twilight maimed the griffon, took out an eye, cut off the wings, crushed its hind legs, pulverized its right arm, nearly turned it to shreds internally and tortured it with dark bolts of thunder.” a collective gasp escaped the mouths of everyone present.
“N-no, she couldn’t have.” Chrysalis said. “S-she didn’t even……against us……..she……she had……….so…….peaceful”
“For what I know she had a chance to take you out but didn’t right?” Discord asked, still unmoving. “Well, that was before she knew what dark magic was.”
Celestia stood up from her seat, trying to get Discord’s attention “Discord, listen I didn’t have a cho-“
*SLAP*
The sound of a tiara hitting the floor, just like when Chrysalis had defeated Celestia, echoed in the room of the castle but the scene was vastly different, Celestia was on her feet with her head facing at her right side, her left cheek red due to the hard slap she had just received and her eyes wide in surprise, in front of her Discord was looking at her with both fury and disappointment, his lion paw being responsible for the hit Celestia had just received.
For several seconds no one dared to move, blink or even breathe due to the shock that Celestia, the immortal high ruler of Equestria, goddess of the sun and the beacon of knowledge and wisdom in Equestria had just being slapped across the face by her former enemy.
“DIDN’T I WARN YOU?” Discord voice broke the silence in the room, making the other witnesses remember how to breathe. “DIDN’T I TEACH YOU?”
Celestia moved her head straight forward again but did not dare to look up to him.
“I TOLD YOU, I BUCKING TOLD YOU NOT TO USE DARK MAGIC IN FRONT OF ANYPONY!!” Discord took a deep breath of air before continuing. “But NO! You had to not only use it in front of THE elements of magic, you had to bucking send her utterly helpless against a unicorn who was consumed and corrupted by dark magic!”
“Do you have any idea how many times she had to go up against and USE dark magic in this very spot?” Celestia didn’t move. “Three times, THREE TIMES! I thought I told you how DANGEROUS dark magic IS to mortals! she may be an alicorn now but she used it as a mortal before,” Discord sighed. “Well Celestia, I hope you are happy now, Twilight Sparkle, bearer of the element of magic, is now tainted with dark magic.” Discord snapped his fingers making the chaotic field disappear.
“Pray that she forgets about it and never seeks it again, because if she does……Nightmare Moon will be an inoffensive kitty compared to her,” Discord walked over the balcony. “Aurora would be very disappointed at you Celestia,” Celestia visually cringed and suppressed a painful sob. “Now, go to your son, he will need you to be there for him. It’s going to be a very night for him.”
No one said anything or moved, Discord moved his eagle claw up, ready to snap his fingers, “Class dismissed.” And with a snap and a flash of light, he was gone.
“Sister…..” Luna said, knowing full well that Discord had hit a very sensitive part of her big sister.
Without a word Celestia vanished in a flash of light, Luna frowned and looked behind her at her niece, nephew and new ally.
“I must depart; there is something I must attend to.”
“Wait auntie, should I go too?” Cadence asked, stepping closer to Luna.
“…….yes, come near me,” Cadence did so. “Shining my dear nephew, can you take charge of the Empire on your own?”
“Yes, of course,” he said, still shaken up a bit from all that happened before him. “Go, don’t worry about me or the Empire.”
Luna nodded and in a flash of azure light both she and Cadence vanished from sight, Shining sighed and turned towards Chrysalis who had a very confused expression.
“Come,” Chrysalis looked at him. “we must sign the permit.”
-----------------------------------------------**********************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Medical bay-Royal Section*
“GRAUUUWWWAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGGG!!”
The screams of Spike were loud, painful, heavy and utterly impossible to hear, his screams of pain were so loud that after the arrival of Celestia she had to use a powerful sound proof spell around his room.
Her arrival had been unexpected and sudden but she wasted no time in greetings or delicacy, the moment she appeared she ran straight for her son’s room, kicked out without a word Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight, closed the door and used her spell, many of the nurses, guards and the two doctors in turn seeing her reactions towards Spike cleared any doubt they could possible be had about her love towards him, the tears outside the room of prince Spike said so.
Although Twilight and her friends were shocked by her sudden presence and the following ‘evacuation’ they hadn't budged or protested, all of them were sick once and their own mother acted very much the same, so with nothing to do but not wanting to return to their rooms or go to sleep they decided to wait for good news. Truth of the matter even fatigue was kicked out of their system.
A brash sound of opening doors was heard near them followed by a rainbow colored blur.
“Where is he? Is he alright? Oh man, oh man, oh man, the guards just told me! Is he ok? IS HE OK?”
“Rainbow calm down!” Twilight said to the cyan pegasus hovering in front of her with a worried face. “He is in his room, Celestia is with him and doesn’t want to be bothered.” Rainbow gave out a big and bit exaggerated sigh of relief.
The pegasus landed, finally catching a breath and panting slightly. “Thank Celestia he is fine……….for a minute there I thought he was going to die.”
“Well he isn’t going to, but uum, Spike is not fine yet.”
“Whaddaya mean Shy?”
“He…..well…..ummm, Twilight?” Fluttershy stared at her friend expectantly and a bit confused. “What happened?, I mean if you want to answer that, if that’s ok.”
“We…..we were sleeping in his room together after playing and talking all night” she looked at her three friends who were looking back at her, and was it just her imagination or was Rarity somewhat, glaring at her? “We fell asleep and the next thing I know, he just pushed me out of the bed waking me up…I…..I don’t remember much after that……his face…….and….his blood……..the griffon……..Spike…….he…….he saved me.” Her eyes began to water. “Sweet Celestia, he used his own body to protect me……his…face……the pain……I..I…I c-couldn’t.” Twilight used her forehooves to hold her face down and hide her tears from the rest of her friends, Fluttershy got up from her seat and walked towards Twilight, embracing her gently, after a minute she let go of her, sensing she had calmed down.
“I *sniff* I don’t remember m-much after that,” That was a lie, she knew EXACTLY what she had done to the griffon and in all truth, she had actually enjoyed it. “I remember Discord yelling at me, both Fluttershy and me then helped Spike to take out the d-daggers out of his body.”
“After that Spikey-Wikey seemed to be fine,” Rarity said. “But the daggers had some sort of poison in them that is very deadly to reptiles so Fluttershy and I brought the poor dear here, at first he was fine but then,” Rarity’s face turned sad and painful remembering it. “He started to scream, he was asking where Twilight was, shouting for his mother.” She cringed Spike’s pain filled face flashing through her mind.
“Whoa,” Rainbow let out. “Compared to that, a broken wing is nothing,” She said as she shivered just imagining what Spike had went through. “Wait, you and Fluttershy? What about you Twi?”
“I stayed behind for a couple of minutes, having a little chat with Discord.” Her tune clearly indicated that she wasn’t going to speak about it.
“I see,” Rainbow said getting the message “But Spike is going to be alright, right? I mean he IS immortal…….right?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy said. “But I don’t know how long it will take for the Dodongo poison to wear off, I'm sorry.”
“WHOA WHOA, Dodongo poison? Are you serious?” Her friends just nodded slowly. “Where is the griffon?” She asked, her tune turning low, almost growling.
“Dead.”
The four ponies turned their gaze towards the door where Discord stood holding something in his paw.
“B-but how? Wasn’t it supposed to be guarded?”
“The griffon was a she, and yes she WAS being guarded, but somepony tricked the guards giving them some sedatives and killed the griffon.” Discord walked to them until he was standing besides Fluttershy.
*Flash Back*
Discord appeared outside the medical bay, puffing and head low, he had scolded Celestia like she was a little filly, like he had done in the past from time to time, he knew he had crossed the line a bit when he made that comment about Aurora but he also knew he had to make his point clear, Dark Magic was, after all, something not to be mess with.
Discord sighed and entered the medical bay, he asked a nurse where their special guest was, she pointed out the griffon was at the last room, also informing him, her gender, condition and that they had placed her there because she would be away from any possibility of escape, if she even had one to begin with, nodding he teleported there ready to interrogate her, when he appeared his eyes widened in surprise finding seven royal guards sleeping on the floor around the bed where the griffon was, and said griffon was wearing a dagger as a necklace, Discord reached for the griffon, hoping she was still alive, sadly she wasn’t.
Discord took the dagger out and used a detection spell to find any kind of leftover magical essence on it but found nothing, putting the dagger on the table stand Discord groaned in frustration as he placed his paw over the griffons head.
“She may be dead, but I can still get what I need,” Using his powers he searched inside the memories of the griffon finding nothing but dull darkness. “Memory destruction spell,” He mumbled. “So, it was a unicorn who did this, a very skilled one it seems,” Checking the body of the griffon he found nothing of value, except a piece of cloth with a strange looking symbol on it. “Skilled but stupid.” He laughed.
Checking the guards he confirmed they were only asleep. He spotted three cups laying on the ground as well, picking one up he sniffed it a bit noticing the smell of both coffee and something else “soporific,” He sniffed once more. “and a powerful one at that.”
Discord walked out of the room finding three more guards sleeping in the floor and another cup laying on the ground, he decided to walk all the way back to the lobby hoping to find anything else, he found nothing strange or out of place, everything was in perfect order and of course, that could only mean one thing.
“This was all planned from within the castle.”
Discord informed the nurses and some other guards outside the medical bay of the situation and decided to go see how Spike was doing.
*End Flash Back*
“All I could find was this.” He showed the piece of cloth he had retrieved, upon seeing it Rainbow gasped in shock. “Do you know what this is Rainbow?”
“Y-yeah, that’s the shield of Gilda’s family,” her friends looked at her confused. “Gilda is part of a noble family back in Griphos.” Looking back at the piece of cloth she saw the silver like feather inside a circle with mixed colors of blue, green, purple and golden inside it. “The Wing of Steel family I think it was, what in the name of Equestria is going on?”
“Hopefully,” Another voice said behind them. “Something that can be solved through diplomacy.”
--------------------------------------------------------******************************************
*Medical-Bay, Spike’s Room, 4:18 AM*
Celestia was crying silently against her son, her royal adornments forgotten on the ground hours ago, she was unable to help him, to heal him, she could only stay near him, letting Spike hug her forelegs and neck as he screamed in unbearable pain against her coat, feeling his saliva and his tears, it didn’t matter to her that his claws and fangs were cutting through her fur and skin, while she was very resistant and very, very strong Spike was still a dragon, which meant his fangs and claws could tear almost anything apart so that meant her fur offered little protection against him.
But still, even feeling her blood leave her, the pain of the fresh wounds inflicted by her own son upon her frame were completely ignored in favor of providing some sort of comfort for him, seeing her son suffering so much because of her fault, because she thought her enemies would not dare to act against him now, she had left for a little more than half a day, enough time for them to strike.
Celestia grunted as a particular loud scream echoed in the room followed by a harsh piercing pain on her left foreleg, using her other foreleg she embraced her son even harder against her, letting him bite down on her freely. In this very moment she felt so weak, unable to help her dear and precious son, a son she had wished for so long, a son trapped inside an egg for several millennia, the last of his kind and a unique dragon in his own rights.
Her son, Spike Solaris, one of the greatest joys in her life, a son she had to lie to some times to protect him but aside from her sister and Discord, the only being she hadn’t manipulated to do what needed to be done, everything he had done until this point he had done it on his own, his choice to be with Twilight, his choice to help his mother in every way he could, his choice to protect the elements of harmony, his choice to protect them all, Celestia smiled proudly at her son, he had put himself in this terrible situation to save Twilight, her tears were now a mix of pride and sadness.
“Little child,” She barely whispered. “Be not afraid, the rain pounds harsh against the glass.” She leaned down to kiss his forehead softly, making him squirm a bit less in his pain.
“Like an unwanted stranger, there is no danger, I am here tonight,” She began singing in a more audible volume, making Spike’s screams a bit more weak. “Little child, be not afraid, though thunder explodes and lightning flash,” Celestia nuzzled her son sweetly, singing right above his ear fin.
“Illuminates, your tear stained face I am here tonight,” she kissed him again over his forehead, his grip over her forelegs lessened. “And someday you’ll know, that nature is so, this same rain that draws you near me,” Spike’s screams softened in volume and frequency.
“Falls on rivers and land, and forests and sand, makes the beautiful world that you see,” another kiss. “In the morning,” Celestia paused and hummed the tune against him for a while before continuing.
“Little child, be not afraid, though storm clouds mask your beloved moon,” Spike’s grip softened, making his grasp no longer painful. “and its candle like beams, still keep pleasant dreams, I am here tonight,” using her right forehoof she stroked slowly and gently along his back, making his grasp over her other foreleg barely noticeable and his screams turning into loud groans and grunts.
“Little child, be not afraid, the wind make creatures of our trees and the branches to claws, they’re not real understand,” Another kiss but this time on his cheek. “And I am here tonight,”
“And someday you’ll know, that nature is so, this same rain that draws you near me, falls on rivers and land, and forests and sand, makes the beautiful world that you see, In the morning,” His grunts became softer and more relaxed, his squirming almost making it into a halt as she continued to hum against him.
“For you know, once even I was a little child,” she closed her eyes. “And I was afraid, but a gentle somepony always came,” She sang, remembering her mother and her father. “To dry all my tears,” Kissing away his tear trails. “wipe away my fears and to give a kiss goodnight,” Celestia held Spike closer to her, his grunting stopping replacing it with soft grumbles.
“But now I am grown, and these years have shown, rain’s a part of how life goes, and it’s dark and it’s late, so I’ll hold you and wait ‘til you're frightened eyes do close,” Spike finally stopped his squirming and grunting altogether, replacing it with an embrace to his mother. “And I hope that you’ll know, that nature is so, this same rain that draws you near me, falls on rivers and land, and forests and sand, makes the beautiful world that you see, In the morning,” She kissed him gently over his cheek again, this time lingering a bit. “Everything’s fine in the morning, the rain will be gone in the morning.” Spike, with whatever strength he had left held his mother close to him, inhaling her sweet, rose like scent deeply “but I’ll still be here……..In the morning.”
Celestia finished her song, that lullaby was Spike’s favorite when he was younger and it was close to his heart, she was happy it had aided him, she felt Spike struggling against her and decided to look at her son directly, she found him staring at her with gratitude and love, a love only a son could give to his mother, and smiled at her, taking her snout with his claws he pulled her down and kissed her lightly just above her snout, Spike hugged her as hard as he could and sighed.
“I love you……. mommy.”
Then he fell asleep, finally resting after some awful torturous hours, Celestia was crying even harder now, she never stopped crying, not even when she was singing to Spike, she kissed him and curled around him over his bed.
“I love you too, my little Spikey.”
After that, she decided to fell asleep along her son, a smile adorning both of their faces.
------------------------------------------------------------------***************************************
*Medical-Bay, Waiting room 4:31 AM*
In the waiting room of the royal section Twilight and the rest of the gang were waiting for Celestia to come out of the room or break the spell around it. An hour ago both Pinkie and Applejack had arrived at the room; it seems that Pinkie’s Pinkie-sense had told her that one of her best friends was really hurt and needed help, so she went to see if it was Applejack who she thought was in trouble but thankfully wasn’t, with the rest of her best friends in Canterlot that’s where they had to go, stealing the Ponyville train to do so.
Luna was walking back and forth across the room, waiting for her sister and her nephew, after their arrival and receiving the short version of the event she had ordered a massive search all around the castle and the outskirts of Canterlot for the possible culprit, nothing had been found yet, seeing the rest of the ponies sitting around the room talking and waiting as she was. She shot a glance at Discord who was sitting next to Fluttershy while she was pressing one of her hooves against his lion paw, part of her wanted to glare at him for what he did to his sister, but another part felt he was right, her niece was sitting besides Twilight talking with her and for the look on their faces they were talking about Spike or something from their time together, the rest of the group were sitting and talking with each other, suddenly she felt a spark of magic and ran towards the door and carefully opened it, smiling at what she found behind it she closed it again.
Luna turned around to find everypony wanting to see what was going on. “They are alright my friends, Spike and my sister are sleeping peacefully, we shall not bother them, but please all of you come with me, there is another matter we must attend to.” She glanced at Twilight who only lowered her head in shame.
Luna walked away from the room were a mother and her child were resting and went to another room far away from the previous room, the room was big enough for all of them to fit perfectly, five of the Elements were a little confused as to why were they were meeting up here and not somewhere else now that the troubles were over. Luna’s horn lightened up creating a simple sound proof barrier around the room.
“Now we must discuss thy actions Twilight Sparkle, but fear not we are not here to scold you but to inform you,” She looked at Cadence. “My niece tells me...” She paused wondering exactly how to phrase what need to be said. “Have you ever encountered yourself against dark magic before Sombra?”
“Not that I can remember auntie Luna, why?”
“Listen to my words carefully now, all of you, there are many kinds of magic in the world, some are good, some are bad and all of them are different in their own ways and all can be learned and manipulated, except the dark magic.” She closed her eyes.
“When you fought against Nightmare Moon you fought against a demon, a demon who had possessed me with lies and used my weakness for his benefit, I believe you remember, am I correct?” The Elements nodded. “Nightmare Moon was using my magic while simultaneously fusing it with dark magic.”
“You see girls,” Discord interrupted. “What Lulu here is trying to say is that Nightmare Moon was not a dark magic user but you still remember all she could do with it, dark magic, in essence is the most powerful and dangerous magic of all,” Discord paused for a moment. “dark magic is the magic of destruction and power, now every kind of magic can do that if used wrongly many can still do good, dark magic cannot, it can only cause harm to the user and all around them.
“After Twilight and I had a little chat about the way she ‘treated’ the griffon assassin it was to my great surprise that it was Celestia herself who foolishly showed her how to use it, even if it can be said it was an accident,” Twilight’s friends looked at her surprised. “I went to Celestia to inform her about what was going on here and I also scolded her properly for her foolishness.”
“Um, Ah don’t mean to be rude or anythin’ but you lectured princess Celestia for somethin’ she did by accident? You? The lord of foolisheses---of chaos!?”
“That doesn’t mean I'm stupid!” He darted back at Applejack who in return gulped. “Dark magic is dangerous even to powerful magic users, even to us who are practically gods, to a mortal? It’s right down suicide.” All but Luna gasped.
“What do you mean by that?” Twilight asked worriedly.
“Dark magic is so dangerous because, it has a mind of its own, it whispers, it talks, it’s always telling you what you should do, that you should take what you want, always trying to make you fall into its dark, cold and lonely abyss and it’s very, very powerful, once you start using it, its almost impossible to get rid of its dark influence, tell me Twilight Sparkle, what did you heard inside your head when you discovered the griffon?” Luna asked her.
Twilight lowered her head in shame while her friends looked at her, “…….make her……suffer.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
“…Yes, I did enjoyed it,” Her head snapped back up and her eyes showed no fear only resolute determination. “and I'm glad I did it!, That bucking griffon tried to kill Spike! She deserved what I did to her and more!”
“Twilight,” Discord said. “You must learn to control your powers and the dark magic, or it will end up controlling you, just like it did with Sombra, but you would be worse than him, he was an immortal unicorn so his powers, even if they were strong, were limited, you are an alicorn now, not even they are safe from its influence, I have seen it before, so has Celestia and Luna,” His eyes focused hard on hers. “And believe me, I will end you before seeing it again.”
The group remained silent after his announcement.
-------------------------------------------------------------------**************************************
It was now ten in the morning and they were still waiting for Celestia and Spike to wake up, Discord had to raise the sun that day as Luna was still not to full strength yet to perform the spell to do so, Twilight, Cadence and the rest of the elements were sleeping at random spots in the waiting room floor, Discord and Luna were still awake sitting next to each other.
“Discord, is it alright for me to ask you a question?” She asked not moving from her spot or looking at him.
“You just did but you can ask another one Lulu.” He chuckled lightly
“D-do you think Twilight will…….give in?” Discord said nothing. “Like….father did?” Still nothing “You think we could save her too?” Seeing that Discord didn’t say anything she kept silent for the next couple of minutes.
“There is a big difference between them,” Discord said startling Luna. “Aurora gave in willingly, to be able to avenge mot-Moonlight,” Discord held silent for a minute. “But we were lucky and strong, we were able to suppress it before he gave in completely, after that I started to train you on it, so you could battle against it, but Twilight is different.”
“When she first used it she was a mortal, didn’t know how things will go and now that she is an alicorn things will be even worse if she gives in, I think I should train her against dark magic, make her my pupil.”
“………….Discord, you are changing so much, you are almost acting like in the old days, what is happening to thou?”
Discord gave out a sigh “Fluttershy,” he looked at her and smiled. “She is, well, purging me.”
“Purging you?”
“Yes, when I went mad, you know, all ‘chaos on your flanks’ I allowed a fraction of dark magic to control me, just enough to block my conscience, thus pretty much allowing me to do whatever in tartarus I wanted,” he looked back at Fluttershy. “After she made her way into my heart the control dark magic had on me began to fade away, each second I spend with her is a second closer on being my old self again,” Discord smiled. “Congratulations Luna, Dissy is coming back.”
Luna stared at him in surprise before her gaze softened and leaned against him slowly. “It will be good to have you again at our side…….big brother.”
Discord wrapped her with his eagle claw, letting her rest safely at his side, this went on for a couple of minutes before the door of the entrance slowly opened.
“Excuse me sir,” A guard said. “Is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza available?”
“What business do you have with my niece, guard?” Luna said barely bothering to look at the guard.
“It’s*yawn* ok auntie.” she rubbed her eyes, scaring the sleep away from her. “What is it kind sir?”
“Your majesty” the guard bowed “I bring news from the Crystal Empire, it seems a revolt has started while on your absence.”
Cadence only stared at the guard in a strange mix of disbelief and shame.
---------------------------------------------------------- ******************************************
*Medical Bay-Spike’s Room-10:32 AM*
Spike was resting on his bed while his mother was wrapped around him, providing him a warm, soft and lovable blanket to hold onto, his light snoring was evenly matched by the soft, yet elegant snores of princess Celestia, after such a stressful night they very much deserved this little break.
“Wake up.” A ghastly echoing strange voice said.
Spike groaned, muscles and pretty much everything in him, still sore thanks to the poison.
“Wake up.” Repeated the same voice.
Spike struggle a little to free himself from his mother's embrace, barely awake.
“You must wake up.” The same voice said.
Spike rub his eyes with his claws, trying to wake up enough to see clearly, opening his eyes he saw a blur in front of him, next to the door. “Who is it?”
“Wake up, young one.”
Spike focused his sight on the blurry figure, finally adjusting to the light in the bedroom, he saw that the blur was a dragon, a purple dragon with green spikes, green eyes and a light green underbelly, its size was almost, if not the same, as his own size but the eyes of this dragon were softer, with soft eyelashes coming out of them, the ear fins smaller and more defined as well as the spikes on its head, finally the chubby body was a bit more defined, portraying a little bit more feminine feature, it was a female dragon, one that looked exactly like him……another gemstone dragon, this would have made Spike jump in joy and happiness if he couldn’t see through the dragon before him, all he could do was to stare at the image, projection or ghost in front of him in awe.
“Come with me, please, come with me.” The dragon turned around, ready to leave.
“W-wait!” Spike jumped out of bed, barely landing on his feet trying to catch the ghost, the ghost turned around again to see him.
“Come with me.” The ghost said before turning around again and disappearing, leaving only a ghastly ‘me’ echo behind.
“Who are you?” *silence* “W-what was that about?” Spike said out loud, waking up his mother. As soon as Celestia was awake she grabbed her son with her magic, brought him near her and proceeded to snuggle him to death, Spike gladly returned the affections eagerly, but in his mind only one question echoed ‘Who was she?’.
------------------------------------------------------------------**************************************
*Dragon Lands- Valkatraz Prison*
The massive prison-mountain stood proudly and mighty in the cold terrains of the Dragon Lands, holding inside its heart eleven of the most dangerous dragon criminals the entire Equis had ever seen, homicidal, psychopath, bloodthirsty monsters, guarded by several traps, magic barriers, seals, traps and layers to prevent an invasion or an escape, only fifteen dragons stood inside the prison, watching their prisoners, specially one, the one they held at the very bottom, the very heart of the mountain itself, Wrath, the once mighty General of the dragon legions led by the insane king Valtach.
Wrath, ‘the God of Greed’, was silent as always, sleeping inside his hard stone, cold dead cell, chained to it into the ground, walls and ceiling by powerful adamantium chains, holding his neck, arms, legs, claws, feet, back, wings and tail in one place, providing him only a very limited movement, he was resting and breathing calmly.
In the darkness of his cell, Wrath smiled as best as he could, showing off some of his deadly fangs, a light laugh escaped his maw, making the guards and the prisoners that heard him shuffle nervously, dark purple eyes shone in the darkness of his cell, he could feel them, they were near, his escape was imminent and his purpose could finally continue but before all that, he had a certain dragon to visit.
Wrath’s laugh echoed throughout the entire mountain, chilling the bones of those inside it and making the ones approaching eager.
Part 1 end
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading!
To all that follow me and await my updatesm thank you, you are the very reason I keep on going writting, thank you all!
Canterlot on Flames Part2
Canterlot on Flames part 2
Two piercing eyes watched attentively at the great mountain-prison that could be seen clearly from almost every direction and even more so just two hundred miles away from said eyes. The last past weeks were full of surprises for the owner of these eyes, first a new prince from Equestria was named, a dragon AND the son of Celestia herself at that, then the orders from the superiors to meet up with a very elite and selected group of allies on a secluded location followed by two weeks standing under the magical invisible force field without news or orders other than to wait for the moment and finally, an hour ago when the orders to act finally came and who their objective was.
Captain Winda Breezeina huffed and smiled thinking about her mission, set Wrath free, just thinking about it filled her with excitement and faith, she had always adored dragons for what they were, big, majestic, powerful, proud and unconquerable. Winda had read stories upon stories about dragons and their deeds of power and might and even though some of those stories pretty much slaughtered her own kind it didn’t bother her at all, in fact it only made her admire them more.
But if there was one thing she hated it was how ponies ‘pacified’ dragons, How could something so weak, pathetic and meek actually stop a big, powerful and mighty dragon? It was insane, few dragons even dared to do anything against the ponies and those who did were either executed or banished to the Lost World, even more so the ponies ‘allowed’ the dragon-migration to pass over their territory out of good will, every single action the ponies did against dragons and their pompous attitude of holding themselves as their masters only made her burn in anger on the inside, she had never understood her dear cousin Gilda Wing of Steel attachment to those blasted ponies but what really made her explode was that their new prince was a dragon, a baby dragon but a dragon nonetheless.
Where they trying to mock dragons, insult them, trick them somehow, she did not know but what she did know was that her hate towards the ponies only raised every time she saw one, and it didn’t help much that she had to work alongside some of them during this mission.
‘At least they see Celestia for what she really is, a liar and a manipulator that can’t do anything for herself, so I guess they aren’t SO bad.’ She thought closing her eyes in frustration.
A little smile formed on her beak, yes, there was one dragon, the only dragon, in recorded history that stood up against the ponies and the alicorns and almost annihilated them, the infamous Wrath.
She knew most saw nothing but hate and power in the form of a monster, but she saw other things, for every tale of his monstrosity there was a tale of his honor and pride, he was a monster yes, but only to his enemies, to those who swore allegiance and loyalty to him he showed honor to them, she was somewhat obsessed with the great dragon so it was no real surprise they had chosen her to lead the assault.
Looking back at her troops she saw all fifty of them that were preparing themselves for the attack, ten griffons including her, for swift maneuvers and to take out whatever surprises the skies would hold, all of them were wearing a light chainmail armor with iron sharp claws to pierce through rock itself if needed, five unicorn ponies, all of them powerful and fiercely intelligent, they took turns to hold out the barrier and in the offensive they would disable any kind of magical traps her scouts would find.
Ten superb diamond dogs, big, strong and ready for battle, their natural sense underground would be vital to reach Wrath with haste, two minotaurs mainly for brute force and to dish out punishment to the cell bars, and finally behind all of them an array of dragons, drakes and wyrms stood ready to fight, all of them under the direct orders of prince Eukrarius himself, the dragons would fight against the guards, the drakes would bite of the chains suppressing their prize and the wyrms would take on all the punishment the guards and the traps could deliver.
She knew many of them would die, maybe even she would die but what she was sure of was that the mission would be completed, if she had to give her life in order for the magnificent Wrath to escape, she would gladly pay that price, he would show the ponies and all of those weak fools who was the one with power and might, the one who could defy gods and defeat them, the dragon that was held as a god himself yet was humble enough to place himself as a simple mortal, a god of greed and power………her god.
Two noises in front of her caught her attention.
“We back boss,” Said a diamond dog, “we have papers you needed”
“Hand it over,” The diamond dog gave her a bunch of papers, “mmmm, so they have guarding golems, archer golems and magic traps all around the fortress both for insiders and outsiders, an incursion from the underground is impossible and an aerial assault is suicide, the only way in or out is the main entrance……….fifteen guards with only a thirty second time between shifts to guard Lord Wrath? A sneak attack is impossible and an infiltration is out of the question, the only solution is a frontal attack……..very well then.
“SOLDIERS!” She shouted turning around to face them “Today we free a true testimony of might and dragon pride! Today is the day where that lying bitch will realize her end is near, today we free a true god, OUR GOD WRATH!” an erupting shout of might and valor soon echoed throughout the frozen land “WE MARCH!”
---------------------------------------------------------------------***********************************
The small army of fifty soldiers was near the entrance of Valkatraz, advancing slowly letting the unicorns disable the traps on their path, for all their eagerness and valor they weren’t rookies or stupid ignorants wishing to die, every life counted and every meter of safety was a meter closer to success, soon they were at the entrance of the prison, still unnoticed and cloaked, Winda made a signal and two of her griffons and a unicorn moved forward to check the passage, a sudden *click* was heard in the echo of the entrance and a second later both griffons were impaled from top to bottom in a series of arrows, sparing the terrified unicorn below them.
As the two griffons landed with a thick thud on the ground a screeching sound came from all directions of the prison, their cover was blown, a wyrm erupted into a race to the inside, triggering the traps along the way and taking every single hit for himself, the rest of the group ran behind the wyrm at all speed, his great size allowing them to cover easily from the traps.
Breaking through the ice doors, the wyrm fell to the ground panting harshly, several diamond head arrows, spears, ice-burn marks and acid mark adorned his body, taking no interest on the injured wyrm the rest of the group moved onwards towards their goal, a stomping sound came from all direction and soon they were surrounded by hundreds of golems, each of them two times the size of a minotaur, the unicorns casted several nullifying spells against the golems turning them into dust or a pile of icy rocks, the dragons decided to smash and burn the golems they could as at the same time keep moving towards the pit, where they would descend.
Upon arriving to the entrance of the pit, a long circular staircase descending into the darkness of the mountains abyss, they were greeted by several archer golems who held no doubt once they started to pour down their arrows towards their objectives, two diamond dogs, a unicorn, two drakes and a griffon fell dead before a wyrm used his body as a shield to protect the rest, the diamond dogs quickly mounted a dragon each as the dragons themselves would carry a drake or a minotaur, four griffons held to the four unicorns and began a fast descent, letting the natural skill of the diamond dogs guide them through the cold and darkness, the three wyrms stayed top, smashing and destroying even more incoming golems and securing an escape route.
As the rest of the group was descending and the noise of the battle above was being lost a moment of relief was granted to them, a relief that lasted only for a couple of seconds before the pained roar of a dragon in the darkness was heard, followed by the roars, screams and howls of terror that were quickly falling below them, until a series of soft *thuds*were heard, then another dragon roared joined by a griffon scream and the same scene as before was repeated, this time the thud came faster and was louder, the three unicorns used their magic to detect what was going on but they couldn’t, something was blocking their magic.
Reaching the bottom of the pit the rest of the group could see the fate of their comrades, all of them horribly disfigured by the harsh landing, but the dragons were literally mutilated by several jade colored spears, piercing them from several angles, the poor griffon who screamed was cut in half, side to side, by one of them too. Taking no more time admiring the dead, they pushed forward to the entrance of the cells and were greeted by the guards, armored, weapons on claws and ready to fight, all of them blocking the entrance to the cell room.
The remaining dragons launched themselves against the guard, followed by the griffons and diamond dogs, the minotaurs and the unicorns, these last ones doing their part deactivating the magical traps the guards had for them, leaving only melee fighting to decide the winners of the battle, the griffons showed their ability by slashing the eyes of their dragon foes, rendering them useless and unprotected, the diamond dogs were using their strong nails to slash through their unprotected scales as the drakes bite off their armors.
The guards fought back valiantly, killing half the invading force but their enemy determined and soon they were outmatched, leaving only two of them alive left to face them, before them another three dragons, two griffons, a pony, a minotaur, two diamond dogs and fours drakes remained, the three dragons launched themselves at one of the guards, ripping him apart, the drakes charged against the last guard knocking him over and sending him and themselves to the bottom of the prison, landing over a drake thus killing it instantly, the dragon tried to stand up but was quickly killed by Winda, piercing the back of his head with her sharp claws. Soon after the dragon landed at the bottom, followed by the rest of the survivors, as they approach they noticed something, throughout the battle and the invasion none of the prisoners had said anything whatsoever, moving closer to their goal, Winda talked.
“Lord Wrath?” upon saying his name two deep purple eyes shinned in the dark, his gaze, the gaze of a legend, the gaze of a monster, the gaze of a true dragon met hers, she bowed instantly rejoiced and very, very excited “My name is Winda Breezeina, I was ordered to free you”
“So, Lord Eukrarius sends a chicken to free me? I don’t know if I should be insulted or angry, sending not only one but several lesser creatures to free me, including a pony, HA!, I may as well stay here instead of suffering such shame”
Winda was taken aback by his statement, everyone was “B-But Lo—“
“SILENCE YOU INSOLENT WORM!”
His shout made the entire room, the mountain shake, it terrified everyone and if they could, even the corpses would be shivering in fear, but Winda was also grateful, almost drooling in excitement at the fact such a powerful and commanding voice had shouted at her, she loved power and more so, a dragon with infinite power, her eyes widened and a smile of pure exhilaration adorned her face.
“ohhh, I see you are not afraid, for the most part chicken, why is it?”
“B-because” she said looking at his big purple eyes “I h-have always dreamed of meeting you, oh almighty Lord Wrath, The only and true god!”
“I am no god you pathetic simpleton, gods are weak, gods lie, do not insult me like that again, or I will end you personally,” His tone and gaze was calm, but so very, very threatening and true, it made everyone present gulp in fear. “Well, what are you waiting for? Release me already this instant!”
No sooner those words left his maw the drakes ran inside his cell, chomping away his chains while the dragons destroyed his cell bars, Winda, the pony, the diamond dogs, the other griffon and the minotaur just waited patiently for their allies to finish. A couple of seconds later the bars fell to the ground smashing into pieces, while inside the cell a series of *Clang* noises were heard, after the last *clang* the drakes rushed out of the cell and stood at side with their allies, waiting for their lord to come out.
A powerful sigh of relief echoed in the room followed by what seemed to be stretching noises and popping joints, then suddenly a light stream of purple fire flew out the cell and incinerated the diamond dogs, who growled and yelled in pain, then another stream of purple fire, this one bigger turned to ashes the minotaur before he could move away, stunned by the sudden death of their allies the rest of the group rested their eyes on the moving form inside the cell, as light shone over his frame the group was graced by a sight far different from what they had expected.
Outside came, not the titanic dragon from legend, but instead a dragon roughly the size of a normal dragon, his green scales lacked the bright and resilience that a dragon demonstrated, his spikes were almost gone, his fangs barely visible, his claws short and dull, his tail flat and weak, barely moving at all, his wings folded at his sides and his underbelly looked so tender and vulnerable that it looked like a simple knife could cut through it, at least he wasn’t all bones, he still had muscles but they seemed to be so weak and tired, this picture was not the God of Greed they were promised, the only things that prevented disappointment to strike was his strong, penetrating, devouring gaze and his crushing authorizing aura and even in that wrecked and weakened state he stood proudly before them.
Wrath raised his left claw in front of one of the dragons as if expected something, for a moment the dragon looked confused before grunting and vomited some gemstones on Wrath’s claw, not bothering to clean them Wrath ate them in a single chomp, he did the same with the other two dragons but with the last one he first cleaned the gemstones with his tongue and then put the gemstones under his tongue, safekeeping them, suddenly he launched himself forward and grabbed the pony and the griffon with his claws.
“My meal.” he said and licked his lips as the pony and griffon screamed in terror trying to escape his grip, then devoured the pony first, chomping him straight through fangs glistening with blood, savoring the flavor, then he did the same with the griffon, blood running freely down his maw-sides “mmmmmm, it has being far too long without eating a proper meal,” His gaze turned to Winda, “Now what I should do with you?”
Winda was taken a back for a moment before bowing as far as she could showing her respects to the mighty dragon.
“Anything you say I shall do, my Lord.” She said with full determination no hesitation in her speech. “I would be honored if you decided to feast on my lowly self if you so wish it”
“Well, well, well, a lesser creature showing the proper respect it should show towards their rightful masters?” Winda just bowed lower, Wrath smiled “Yes, you will be useful to me but first” he said opening his maw and taking out a piece of meat, still bleeding, Winda looked up setting her eyes on the meat, the meat of her own kin, Wrath moved the piece of meat in front of her. “To prove your loyalty you must fir-“
Wrath was interrupted as Winda snatched the piece of meat out of his claw and ate it herself, no second thoughts, no regrets, no shame, just pure unrivaled devotion and fanatism adorned her actions, the other dragons and drakes looked at her in both surprise and disgust, eating your kin was a crime that would be punished by banishment in the best of cases, once she finished her meal she bowed again. “I swear my loyalty to you, and only you my Lord Wrath, may your will mark my actions, from now until I die”
Wrath smiled wickedly at her. “Rise,” She did so. “You all seem to be so quiet!” he shouted to the room itself, the rest of the prisoners didn’t made a single sound. “Do you want to be free again?!” No response. “Don’t you want to take revenge on those who imprisoned you all, my brothers!?” No response “Then join me!, swear your loyalty to me, and you WILL have your revenge!”
Just a few seconds after a small chorus that slowly grew in tune was heard, the chorus was simply saying his own name, seemingly content Wrath turned to his right side and above, the cell with the most proximity to his. “And what about you sister?”
“…….I would rather die than to follow you,” A raspy, almost ghostly voice said. “What I did in the past was horrible, and every single day that passes I atone for doing it and I know this is my fair punishment, but you? I hope you finally find death at the horns of their majesties, Celestia and Luna.”
A moment of silence followed her statement before Wrath walking towards the bottom of the pit. “I see,” he sighed. “Such a shame, griffon.” Winda was at his side a second later. “See that they free all the others after I depart, including her, and make sure to contact our forces to be ready for battle”
“B-but My Lord,” Wrath eyed her. “W-Wont she be a problem?”
“Not at all, besides, someone must deliver the news to my dear friends Euphrinos and Sabarius don’t you think?”
“Of course My Lord! As you command!” Winda said stepping back “My Lord, if I may ask, where are you going, you just got out from your millennia of imprisonment, you must recover your former strength.”
“hmph,” He chuckled lightly, “I'm strong enough for this, besides,” He ginned darkly. “There is something I must settle first.”
Without another word Wrath opened his reverse wings and took flight, faster than anything Winda had ever seen or felt in her entire life, she heard his mighty roar and then the sound of rock collapsing and crumbling, then the victorious roars of the wyrms at the top and finally, silence, she returned inside to carry on her orders, seeing the dragons and the drakes trying to spit out fire but all that came out was air.
“I….I thought it was impossible to breathe fire in here.” A yellow dragon said, still amazed by the purple fire streams Wrath had created.
“That’s just another sign,” The dragons and drakes turned their attention to Winda. “Of the power of our Lord, a real god!” She exclaimed happily. “We have orders to fulfill, move it! Free the rest of the prisoners now!”
“Yes Ma’am!”
Outside Valkatraz the green scaled, purple eyed and spiked dragon was flying as fast as he could towards Equestria, with just a single objective in mind, meeting up with the little hatchling and save him from those weak and filthy liars.
-------------------------------------------------------------****************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Royal Garden*
It was barely past two in the afternoon and Spike sat alone in the royal gardens, admiring the animals and plants in silence, they in return paid little to no attention to him, but even if they did they wouldn’t get any kind of response from his part, he was far inside his own thoughts to pay attention to anything, remembering the past 4 hours after his awakening.
Ten minutes after seeing that…..ghost thing he was delighted by the presence of his six friends, Discord and Luna, Twilight had literally snatched him out of Celestia’s embrace to hug him and thank him again and again for saving her, calling him an idiot for doing so and to cry on his shoulder, happy that he was alright, his friends and family shared the sentiment and smiled at him, then a guard stepped in calling for his mother, aunt and Discord to deal with the prisoner they had captured an hour ago so they had to leave to attend said prisoner, not before his all so loving mother placed a ward on him, so that if he was ever in danger she would notice and act quickly on his aid.
After that everything had seemed fine, he and the Elements had a good breakfast, they talked, laughed, told jokes, all that good stuff to forget all about last night’s events and everything really did seemed fine, except for the looks the staff and the guards gave to both Twilight and him, the looks on Twilight reflected fear and doubt, but his reflected fear, surprise, disbelief and in some cases even hate, it was only a matter of time until the rest of the elements noticed the looks they were getting and as expected Applejack and Rainbow had jumped in to defend their friends, clearing the dinner table from their pesky and heavy gazes, the rest of their breakfast was uneventful until Luna returned to them, informing them that the prisoner that was captured wasn’t involved in the assassination attempt, he was hired to kill the griffon that had tried to assassinate Spike and Twilight, what was odd however was that while the unicorn assassin DID kill the griffon it didn’t use the memory destruction spell on her, somepony else had, furthermore the unicorn did not know who his client was, he had received the instructions and payment one morning alongside his night desk.
After that Spike told his friends he wanted to be alone, Rarity protested saying somepony had to be with him in case something dreadful would happen again, volunteering herself to watch over him, but he insisted to be alone for some time, he smiled at them and said everything was fine, that seemed to convince them and finally departed to go for a little walk around the castle. His walk had been slow and vigilant, listening carefully to the whispers the guards, staff and ponies that came for an audience of had something to do at the castle, a lot of them where just surprised that he was walking again so fast or that confused asking themselves if the assassination was real or not.
The news about the attack on his life spread like wildfire around Canterlot, so it was no real surprise hearing those comments, but those that really got to him were the ones filled with disgust or anger.
“The lizard survived? Quite shameful if you ask me dear.” Said a noble looking mare, whispering to another one who only nodded.
“Dude, Im telling you, I was there, he had a knife across his chest and his throat and he just healed up instantly! That’s seriously freaky.” Said a unicorn lunar guard to a solar one.
“All that blood, it just evaporated,” Said another “*flush* just like that, what kind of creature does that, not even the princesses can do that,” His eyes rested for a moment on Spike’s frame. “Bucking monster.”
“It was bad enough we have a……’dragon’ as royalty, and now are you telling me it can’t be killed or injured? I better put locks on my house from now on, can’t be safe with that thing running around free.” Said a pompous looking stallion wearing a top yellow hat.
“That’s what is bothering you? I'm more worried if this will end up in a war with the griffons, if it does I sure hope that monster dies, not even a month as royalty and he already screwed things up for us, dragons, such beasts.”
Thus those kind of comments were the reason he was now sitting in the garden, thinking about a possible war, about his mother, his friends, about the ponies, about Canterlot, about Equestria and specially about himself, what could he do?, what should he do?, if war really did happen, how many would die, all because of him and his own weakness?.
Spike clenched his claws in anger, drawing blood from his palms, he was weak, little and pathetic, he could barely do anything to protect his mother and his friends, by tartarus, some ponies were actually right about him, he was more of an exotic pet due to his “abilities”, if sending scrolls could count as an ability, his only ability and he hated himself for it, ever since his revelation he had tried to understand his powers, if he had any, the other gemstone dragons from the book could change sizes at free will, sprout out wings, run faster than an earth pony ever could, spit dense fire and many other deeds, but him? He could only use his immortal body to protect his friends and even though he was happy he could keep on living to protect them he also hated it, because it was the only thing he could really do that had the very least of meaning.
“Spike?” A voice he knew far too well said from behind. “Are you alright?”
“No, I'm not fine Twi,” He said, not looking back at her. “I want to be alone.”
“I know, that’s why I'm here” She said sitting at his side “I….I already said it but, thanks Spike, for saving me.”
“Yeah, no prob, it’s the only thing Im going to be good at anyways.” The spitefulness of his tone did not escape her.
“Spike, C’mon don’t say that, you are good at many things.” She said, trying to cheer her dear friend up.
“Yeah, like what? Sending scrolls? Eating ten gallons of ice-cream in one sitting? Burn books when I sneeze? Eating twenty gems at the same time?” He said jumping to his feet, putting his arms in the air. “Oh no, I know, maybe destroying towns in a greed rampage? Slowing you down on your studies and missions? No? how about bringing war to Equestria!?” Spike semi-shouted, hitting the floor hard enough to put cracks on it. “What an awesome prince I am! In less than a month I made Blueblood look like a royal knight in comparison with me!”
“Spike, That’s not true, you can-!”
“I CAN WHAT TWILIGHT? Look at me.” Spike extended his arms to his sides, as if making a point. “I'm a little more than half your size, my legs and arms are short, my scales aren’t so strong or think yet, I don’t have wings, I can’t even breathe a decent fire stream, Im barely stronger than an earth pony, Im not as smart as you or mommy, I don’t even know how to fight or use ANY weapon, I'm…..I'm…….I'm just……..a useless baby dragon.” He stared at the ground. “As far as I know I could stay like this forever, face it Twilight, the only thing I'm good for is to serve as a living meat shield.”
Twilight couldn’t take it anymore and hugged the dragon with all her might.
“Don’t you DARE to say that again Spike!” She half begged half threaten. “You are loyal, you put others before yourself, you are willing to die for others Spike, yes, you may be weak on the outside, but you are stronger than you think on the inside.” Spike huffed against her coat. “It’s true, tell me, when you…..when you protected me, did it even cross your mind that you were immortal?”
“…N…No….it didn’t,” He said surprised himself at that. “I….I just wanted to save you.”
“See? You gave your life to save me right there and then,” She said hugging him closer to her. “And you have no idea how much that means to me Spike,” She said, kissing his forehead sweetly. “You are my dragon in shining scales Spike.”
“Twi?”
“Yes?”
“I….I want to be alone, please, I must think.”
“Of course,” She let him go. “Be back before dinner?”
Spike chuckled at her bad joke. “Yeah, yeah, whatever,” Twilight turned around trotting away. “And Twilight?” She turned her head around “Thanks, I needed that.”
“Anytime." She said smiling warmly at him.
For a couple of minutes Spike just stood there, deciding what to do, until he smiled and remembered a place he hadn’t been for a very long time and then he walked away.
---------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
Wrath was flying faster than any other dragon could ever hope to match, his destination, Equestria, he could see the borders now, if he remembered correctly, he had being careful not to call any attention to himself, thankful for the change of size he was suffering for the moment, until he regained his strength he would have to use this small size to his benefit, nearing the border he saw two stone towers creating a light blue shield in front of them, big enough to stop an adult dragon, slowing down he decided to approach them.
“HALT DRAGON!” said a booming voice of a unicorn pony at top of one of the towers, alongside another three unicorn ponies.
Wrath stopped and landed in front of the towers, putting the ponies and himself to the same eye level.
“What is your purpose here?” Wrath asked.
“We are the border patrol, what is your business with Equestria dragon?”
“Oh, where are my manners” Wrath said, bowing a little before the guards “My name is Green Tooth, you see I just woken up from a very long nap,” He said using a claw to present himself. “And Im very old, as you can clearly see, I have just a few centuries to live ahead of me and I wish to see the world before I die, I always heard Equestria was a beautiful and peaceful land so I wanted to come here first.”
“I see,” The guard said. “Do you have the proper documents to allow you entrance, sir Green Tooth?”
“Oh goodness no, I didn’t know documents where needed to pass.”
“Then Im afraid I must ask you to leave and then return with the proper documentation, you can fill the documentation in the traveling department in the dragon capitol”
“Well, you see, Im kind of in a hurry,” Wrath said “I even gave up all my hoard in order to travel without any worries but,” Wrath opened his maw, the ponies flinched and were ready to cast defensive spells, but Wrath took out the gemstones he had safe keep before with his tongue. “I was afraid of something like this, so I took these with me, just in case,” He said showing them a collection of emeralds, rubies, diamonds, amethysts and many other gems in front of the guards, around twenty gems in total. “If you could ‘forget’ about the documents I'm sure these gemstones would love to find themselves new masters”
The guards gulped greedily, in those gems there was easily around fifty thousand bits, around twelve thousand for each of them, five years of work easily.
Wrath smiled at them. “Wouldn’t you agree?”
“I….I see!” The leader of the guards said, taking the gems with his magic and dispelling the barrier “Opps, how silly of us, the barrier is down.”
“Gentle colts, I thank you, Yabla Grathun”
Wrath opened his wings and launched himself at the Equestrian territory smiling wickedly as he past the towers.
“What a nice dragon!” One guard said “Hope every other dragon were as nice as him”
“Yeah, but did you see his wings? Poor guy, I wonder how can he fly so fast with those?"
“Who cares? We just got ourselves a great load!”
“As princess Luna would say, HUZAAH!”
-----------------------------------------------------------***********************************
*Canterlot Castle- Throne Room*
Princess Celestia was currently sitting on her throne, writing a letter for the griffon King, the letter literally demanded an explanation to the current events and also demanded their aid to catch the culprits of such an attempt on her son’s and former personal student’s lives, her sister Luna was attending to the court for the time being, answering their questions and worries about the situation, it really did surprised her how fast the news filled the streets of Canterlot and in no time, she was sure, it would reach all of Equestria and Discord was somewhere around the castle keeping company to the elements of harmony, she was so focused on her letter that she didn’t noticed a pegasus guard walking to her side.
“Your majesty,” Phalanx bowed. “I bring you some vital information about the events from last night.” Celestia’s quill stopped its writing for a second before continuing its work for several seconds.
“Ink Strike.” Celestia called to her secretary.
“Yes your majesty?”
“Take this scroll and send it to the griffon king with haste,” She said giving her the scroll she had just finished, Ink Stroke bowed, took the scroll and left the throne room. “Guards, wait outside until I call you again,” without saying anything, the guards simply bowed and exited the room. “What news do you bring me Phalanx?” She asked once they were alone.
“Some rather disturbing news I'm afraid,” He replied in his stoic voice and expression. “First off, it seems we gave Blueblood far too much credit for what it's worth”
“What do you mean?”
“Forgive me for saying this, my Princess, but how can that arrogant simpleton be related in any way to your magnificence?” Celestia giggled a bit “Princess Cadence its quite obvious, but him? He is unworthy of the title he carries; I can’t believe he is the brother of your beloved niece.”
“I see your point Phalanx, but what does that have to do with last night events?” She said, trying not to giggle more at his sincerity.
“I apologize your majesty but I had to let that out *deep breath* I found out he has nothing to do with the attempt, he is not involved in any sort of secret society or planning a strategy to over throne you my Princess, the only real harm he represents is the shame he brings to the royal family on a daily basis.” Celestia was silent for some moments before speaking.
“That is some rather…..odd news, it seems we were suspecting from a ghost, I don’t know if I should feel relieved or worried.”
“But I found out something else my Princess,” Phalanx said lifting up his left wing, presenting a scroll. “This held the meeting place for a secret meeting between most of the noble houses, the only ones that are not listed here are the Pants and the Orange families, sadly it isn’t enough evidence to accuse them of any sort of conspiracy.” Phalanx huffed angrily. “I also have a report about a situation previous to the assassination attempt.”
“Previous?” Celestia asked confused “What do you mean Phalanx? Did something else happened to my son.” her voice suddenly lacked any sort of comfort or love, the pain and anger she had felt last night was still fresh on her mind and heart, a physical proof of it was the marks on her forelegs and coat.
“Yes my Princess, it was just by mere chance, I was on my way to fulfill my mission when I saw and heard two guards saying some very unsavory words to prince Spike and princess Twilight, then they….they began to insult both princess Twilight and yourself, I was about to interfere but prince Spike stepped in to defend the both of you.” Phalanx smiled a little, showing he was proud of Spike and for the look on Celestia’s face, she was sharing that same emotion.
“One of the guards continued and Spike decided he had heard enough, and hit him square on the snout, sending him flying backwards twenty meters or so, with one single punch,” Phalanx smile disappeared and was replaced with worry. “But there was something odd about him my Princess, he was exhaling his usual green-golden fire but a purple fire was also mixed in between," Celestia’s also reverted from pride to concern. “But what was really strange was that……every time he took a step he leaved a marked fire of green and purple that lasted a couple of seconds, and also that same fire was, somehow, emerging from his claws.”
“I decided to step in after the guard who prince Spike sent flying charged at him.”
“I see,” Celestia said. “What about the guards who committed these actions?”
“I sent them to the Baltimare prison, for threatening the royal family and possible betrayal” Phalanx said, looking at his Princess face, he couldn’t quite read her expression, but he didn’t need to, “It worries me too my Princess, but maybe it’s a sign he is maturing, don’t you think?”
“It’s possible Phalanx but I'm not so sure,” She said 'Could that be related in any way to what Waldarys said about his emotions and how my son will reach maturity?' Celestia thought, and for the first time in her life, she feared for her son, not because she was truly afraid of him, but for his future. 'If that’s the case then what can I do to help him, I don’t….I don’t want to impose any path for him, he must choose his own path, his own destiny, just like Twilight has done.'
“What troubles you my Princess?” he asked, concerned about his Princess.
Celestia smiled at him. “Nothing my dear Phalanx, tell the guards to return to their posts.”
“Of course my Princess,” Phalanx said but didn’t move. “Im…….Im sorry my Princess,” He said darting his eyes to the side. “I…..I failed you and I know th-“
“Phalanx,” She said in a motherly tone. “We have discussed this already, you didn’t failed me, it wasn’t your fault.”
“I should have been here!” He semi-shouted, looking at her with a mix of shame, anger and sadness. “I know I could have done something, I could have prevented it………..I could have saved them, from themselves!............I should have.”
“My dear Phalanx, if anypony is to be blamed here then it is me and only me, I forced you to take vacations, I ordered you to go and relax, it was but a cruel joke of fate but it turned out to be fine in the end, didn’t it?”
“I believe you are right, my Princess, but still that doesn’t change the fact I could have done something.”
“Yes you could have, maybe you could have even prevented it but what’s done is done and no matter what we say or do, nothing can change it, believe me my dear friend, I know.” She smiled warmly at him and he in return smiled back at her.
“Now go and take the rest of the day off.”
“Thank you my Princess.” Phalanx bowed and leaved the room, a couple of seconds later her guards returned inside as well as Ink Strike, carrying on her back two piles of documents.
Celestia groaned internally.
-------------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
It wasn’t common to see a dragon fly over Equestrian territory unless it was from the great dragon migration or from the occasional dragon tourist every couple of years, but it wasn’t a cause to run and hide for your lives or even to get ready for a fight, especially when said dragon was flying over your home without even caring or even noticing it, all in all, it was a rare sight that didn’t cause that much of an alarm.
And that was another great advantage for Wrath, he had passed over two vast cities on his trajectory but didn’t cause any alarm, now he was nearing the mountain where Canterlot was standing, he couldn’t help but remember when said city was nothing more but a fortress for the alicorns during the war and was one of the few that had survived it.
Wrath had slowed his flight and was beginning to pant and groan, thousands upon thousands of years of very limited movement really took a toll on his muscles and strength, he had to find a place to rest and fast, he needed to be ready to talk with the hatchling, maybe even fight if Celestia or Luna showed up.
Looking down he saw a fairly small village next to the Everfree Forest, looking straight again he saw his destination, he saw several balloons and airships descending and leaving from various parts of the city, It was too crowded to go unnoticed if he decided to rest somewhere near that place, having no other choice he decided to go behind the mountain where Canterlot stood as his wings begged for some rest, what safer place to rest and hide if not under the very watchful eyes of your enemies? Simple, right behind them.
Spotting a clearing carved in the mountain itself, presenting a miniature forest on it as well as a small river crossing it, it was a small paradise, not really hidden from view but not very accessible, Wrath decided to rest there for the time being.
Landing on the small forest he noticed it was just the right size to host him for the time being, give him the cover he desired and the time to rest, and more importantly to plan his next move, folding his wings at his sides he crouched to drink some water, as he was drinking the refreshing liquid he heard something, steps but not hoof steps, they were lighter and for the sound of it they belonged to a bipedal creature, careful not to attract too much attention he neared where the noise was coming, using his left claws he moved the branches of a tree just enough for him to see source of the steps.
Wrath smirked “Well, I guess this really must be my lucky day”
He whispered to himself as the figure of a young purple hatchling walked to his direction.
---------------------------------------------------***************************************
Spike was walking through his secret hideout, very few even knew or cared about this place, including his mother, Twilight and Cadence, in fact this was the very same spot where Cadence had proposed to Shining Armor, and he couldn’t blame her for using it, it was beautiful, it was peaceful, quiet and had a truly divine view of the lands behind Canterlot, he always loved this place for many reason, one of them was because he could talk to himself here when he was having trouble with something, just like was doing now.
“….and I want to, I really do! But what am I suppose to do? And who would train me? I don’t have magic so I can’t do spells; my claws are too small to hold up a weapon for very long, I can’t even wear armor yet because it’s too darn heavy! UGGGG!” He exclaimed hitting a rock and sending it through some trees.
“OWWW! MY EYE!”
Spike stopped dead on his tracks startled by the unexpected pained shout from behind the tree-line, worried about who had he injured he stepped closer.
“Errr, umm, are you alright……whatever you are?” The trees rustled a bit before parting revealing a green dragon rubbing its right eye with one of its claws “….oohhhhhh…………”
“Hatcli—“
“I’M SORRY!” Spike shouted, putting his claws in front of him. “I didn’t know you were there, honest!”
“It’s alright hatchling, it’s alright,” Wrath said opening and shutting his eye several times. “It was just a small accident,” Once his vision was fine again he put attention to Spike, now noticing the crown over his head and between his green spikes.
“Excuse me young dragon but are you by any chance the one named Spike?”
“Y-yes, I am Spike, but who are you?” Spike asked, now a little more confident and relaxed, seeing the adult dragon before him held no ill will against him.
“My name is Green Scales,” He said. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, young dragon.” Wrath held out a claw before Spike.
Spike smiled broadly at this and took the claw eagerly. “The pleasure is mine!” He said, trying to shake the bigger claw with little success. “How did you know my name?”
“A rumor you see, it came to my knowledge that there was a hatchling dragon living in Equestria, under the care of Celestia, so I decided to come and see, well, you by myself.” Wrath stepped out of the trees revealing most of his size before resting down the clearing as Spike climbed a top of a rock and sat down on it. “You are not what I was expecting”
“Yeah, I get that alot,” Spike sighed. “I'm puny and weak to your eyes right?”
“Not at all,” Spiked looked up to Wrath. “You are just very young but so full of potential, how old are you, thirty six years old perhaps?”
“I’m nineteen! My birthday is in another three months!”
‘Nineteen? That’s impossible!’ Wrath thought, looking at Spike very surprised. “Are you certain? Absolutely certain of your age hatchling?”
“Yes, I’m sure, I was hatched nineteen years ago by Twilight” Spike looked worried “Is that….bad?”
“Unusual is the word for it, you should be learning how to walk properly in two legs according to our nature young one”
“But I learned to walk when I was a year old!” Spike countered surprised.
Wrath looked at him with surprise and anger “Hatchling,” His voice turning menacing. “Don’t you know anything about your own proud species?”
“W-well, only a little,” He shifted nervously on his seat. “But so far I know that most dragons out there are jerks.” Spike looked up at Wrath smiling broadly. “You are the first one I’ve met who is nice”
“I see” Wrath pondered for a moment “Spike, can you please tell me about yourself?”
“Why?”
“To help you of course, to teach you about your own blood and race”
“Oh, if that’s the case then sure!, what do you want to know?”
“Absolutely everything.” Wrath smiled warmly at Spike, ready to hear him out and learn about him.
-----------------------------------------------------------------****************************************
*Canterlot Castle-Throne Room*
Celestia was currently facing a mountain of paperwork and was trying her best to not simply ignite them and turn them into ashes, if there was one thing she despised about being a princess that was the piles upon piles of paperwork that filled and awaited for her most of her days, yet even in her darkest moments a light of hope was still alive inside her, the hope that something would pull her off the tedious work and entertain her for at least some seconds and up until that day, said hope never failed to deliver.
“Your majesty,” Said a pegasus guard approaching from her left side. “I bring an odd report involving a dragon”
“A dragon?” Celestia asked looking at her guard. “Has the dragon come to take an unauthorized nap like the one before him?”
“No your majesty, four hours ago a green dragon passed the north frontier from the guards report everything was in perfect order and the papers were legal,” He said showing her the scroll containing the information. “It seems this dragon is something of a tourist.”
“I see, but I’m afraid I don’t quite see the problem with the report, everything seems to be in order.”
“Almost your majesty, three hours ago we received a report from Manehatten about a dragon flying over it at phenomenal speed, an hour and a half ago Fillydelphia also sent a report about that very same dragon and thirty minutes ago many airships and pegasus weather patrols reported seeing a green dragon going behind Canterlot mountain,” He passed her another scroll. “We have also just received a report from Cloudsdale that they lost contact with the eastern frontier post twenty minutes ago.”
“Do they know why they lost contact?”
“I’m afraid not your majesty.”
A sudden chill descended from her spine. ‘No, don’t even think about it Celestia,’ She scolded herself. ‘He is locked and imprisoned in Valkatraz, it’s impossible for him to be free.’ Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves she pondered a moment, thinking about all the possible things that could cause such a predicament and who that green dragon was, besides Wrath wasn’t the only green dragon out there, but alas she had to be sure. “A green dragon………what size was it?”
“The report doesn’t specify but the eye witnesses say the dragon was the size of a normal adult dragon.” A loud relieved and grateful sigh escaped the princess lips, gaining the attention of many in the room. “Is something wrong your majesty?”
“No, everything is fine,” She smiled. “Is there anything else to report?”
“No your majesty.”
“Send a platoon to investigate the eastern border, lieutenant.”
“And about the dragon your highness?”
“I will see to it personally given the time.” She said returning to her awaiting paperwork.
“As you command your majesty.”
As the guard left the throne room to fulfill his orders a tingle of preoccupation striped Celestia out of her calm, for a moment she allowed herself to ponder if she should check the dragon first but then thought otherwise, she still had duties to attend to and she was certain Wrath was sealed, locked and chained against his prison walls, there was no way he could be free again.
Celestia didn’t know how wrong she was.
--------------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
Green Scales was nodding and smiling at him, listening carefully to his stories making little to no noise to disturb him aside from the occasional question, he had talked about how he was hatched by the now ‘Princess Twilight Sparkle’, how he had become her assistant, his time in Canterlot, leaving some details in secret, his time in Ponyville and some of his adventures, both of his friends and his own, he was finishing up the tale about his experience during the dragon migration.
“And then those jerks wanted me to smash a poor phoenix egg, I refused and soon they wanted to fight me because of it! Can you believe it!?”
“Not really.”
“Well, anyways, those jerks were going to crush me and the egg but then another dragon came behind me but it wasn’t a dragon!” His face lit up in a shining smile. “The dragon were my friends using a costume and then saved me and the egg!.....sort of!”
“And who were these friends?”
“Twilight, Rarity and Rainbow Dash! They came all that way following me to make sure I was going to be fine and I sure am glad they did,” Green Scales nodded. “So then we teleported back to Ponyville and a little while after I wrote a letter to princess Celestia about what I had learned about friendship and family”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah! I even named my little pet phoenix Peewee, he’s staying with his parent until he gets big enough to come and live with me”
“I’m curious, what did you learn during your little quest?”
“The truth,” He stood up on his rock seat and cleared his throat. “I learned that what I am is not the same as who I am, I learned that maybe I was born as a dragon but even though I didn’t know much about where I came from or anything about other dragons, it really…..didn’t matter.” A small realization hit him as he was continuing his speech. “I live in Equestria, I have a family, I have friends, even if some fear me or hate me it doesn’t matter, because there are those who love me and want me by their side, I have a family who showed me what love is, what it meant to be yourself, I have friends who taught me how to be loyal, honest, kind, generous, good spirited and true.
“I learned that while I am a dragon on the outside………..I really am a pony on the inside.” Spike finished, closing his eyes satisfied with himself, the answer he was seeking came from himself and from a lesson he had already learned.
*STOMP*
Spike snap his eyes open as he tried to maintain his balance as the loud noise was also accompanied by a miniature earthquake, looking up to Green Scales he saw his calm, closed eye, warm and smiling face as well as a shaking claw in the form of a fist encrusted in the earth beneath him.
“H-hey, what was that for!?” Silence. “Green Scales?”
The larger dragon’s expression slowly changed to one of anger, showing his fangs and snarling in disgust.
“How…….how dare you…….how can you………a dragon, allow to be disgraced in such a way by those lesser creatures?” Green Scales looked at him square in the eyes. “How can you fallen so low young one, rejecting your own proud and honorable kin to call yourself a…….a….a PONY????!” He shouted at Spike, who only stood there, frozen in fear.
“How can you say those venomous things about your own kin? You said so yourself, a lot of them hate you and fear you for what you are, a mighty powerful dragon, and they are wise for it, we are superior, we can eat anything, we can survive anywhere, we are bigger, stronger, faster, smarter and more adapted to survive in any kind of situation.” the look on his face slowly turned to something Spike had never seen before, something he couldn’t really describe, it was similar in a way to how Rainbow Dash looked when talking about the Wonderbolts but much, much stronger and disturbing.
“We are the top of the food chain, nothing can go against us, not even gods can withstand us and yet you…..you……you dare say these food storage are your friends? Your family? The ones you love and want to protect? HA!, don’t make me laugh, they even treat you like a lowly pet,” Green Scales snarled, puffing a cloud of smoke from his nostrils. “How could they have poisoned your mind so much little hatchling? Has that bitch of Celestia manipulated you so?”
Spike was still stunned by his words to say something or even move, but when he insulted his mother, he finally snapped.
“Don’t call her that!” He said, shouting back at the bigger dragon. “She is the nicest and most caring pony ever, she watched me and nurtured me when I was a baby, she is my mother and I won’t let you insult her like that!”
Green Scales was stunned by his revelation, but Spike didn’t stop there.
“I love my friends and my family, I love my mother with all my heart,” He locked his gaze with Green Scale’s stunned eyes. “I had hope, I was happy, I thought you were a nice dragon, like me, but you are nothing but a bigger jerk than those teenage dragons were!” Time frozen for a second before he gave his last piece of mind. “I’m small and weak but that doesn’t mean I won’t protect the ones I love and care for.”
“………….” Green Scales was speechless at the words, the security, the emotion and the pureness he was speaking cleared any doubt he could ever have, Spike was speaking with his heart and his mind. “That does explain the crown on your head,” A smile appeared on his lips, and for some reason Spike began to feel very uneasy. “I had hope,” Green Scales began. “That you were being controlled by a mind control spell, but sadly I was mistaken.” Spike gulped, “There is no salvation for you, Spike.”
A sudden stream of purple fire came out of his mouth towards Spike, Spike on his part jumped just in time down the rock he was standing on to avoid the deadly stream of fire.
“Hey, what gives!?” Spike said from down below but was greeted by a falling claw over his frame, again he was fast enough to jump to the right side avoiding the strike just by a few meters “This guy‘s for real!”
“You are agile,” Green Scales smiled wickedly. “That will make the chase even more entertaining.” Spike got up mumbling his fake name. “My name is not Green Scales,” He got up using his hind legs to support his weight, finally opening his reversed wings, revealing his magnificence. “I am Wrath!”
Spike’s eyes widened in surprise, ‘So he is the one that killed…….’ Spike thought remembering Discord’s tale and the pain he had brought to him by killing the one he saw as a mother.
Wrath was descending, ready to continue his attack on the unworthy and tainted baby dragon when all of the sudden a small stream of green-golden erupted from his mouth at his direction, Wrath huffed using his right claw to block the small stream, until it made contact with his scales.
“YIIAAAAHHHRRGGG!” Wrath yelled in pain, looking at his right claw he saw small burns, actual burns on his scales as the small green flames turned orange and then died, he looked in disbelief at Spike. “You dare go against my will!?” Recovering fast he leaped into action again and was greeted by another stream of Spike’s fire, this time impacting on his chest
“NNNNGGRRRRR!” Wrath groaned in pain. “Why you little pile of rotten scales!” Wrath sent a fire stream at Spike who moved to his side evading the fire once more but this time a sharp pain waited for him, sending him crashing against a nearby tree.
Spike looked up coughing a little of his blood out. “Look at you,” Wrath said holding a claw against his wounded chest. “You are so young and yet you somehow managed to wound me,” Wrath panted. “I’ll give you one last chance, come with me and I will teach you how to be a real dragon, ponies, zebras, griffons, every other weak and pathetic creature will kneel before you and serve you as what they truly are, playthings for you to do as you please, to serve you as the food they are.”
“*Cough* B-Buck you! *Cough*” Spike coughed some more of his blood as he saw yet another purple fire stream going at his direction and closed his eyes, he felt the warm fire around him but not exactly over him, opening his eyes he saw a yellow barrier held up by a tall white alicorn with flowing multicolored mane and tail “MOMMY!”
Wrath stopped to look at his new opponent, as the fire stream died he could see the princess of the sun standing before him, looking both angry and scared. “Oh Celestia, I wasn’t expecting you so soon but,” Wrath licked his lips. “I won’t complain, I do have a craving to taste royal meat, again.” He taunted.
“Wrath.” was Celestia’s response, her voice icy and cold, both of them looked at each other for a couple of seconds before Celestia launched herself at him while Wrath sent another fire stream against her.
--------------------------------------------------------------************************************
Spike was watching in utter awe as Celestia and Wrath exchanged attacks between themselves, his mother sending beams of pure solar magic, spells of kinds he didn’t even know about and even yellow streams of magic fire, as if she were a phoenix, Wrath for his part was using his own fire, agility and toughness to endure and counter Celestia’s attacks, every time one her attacks collided with one of his fire streams it created an explosion that made the mountain shake a little followed by a thunderous sound echoing throughout the valleys below.
Celestia engulfed herself in a yellow life fireball and charged directly at Wrath, he on his part used his frontal claws to stop her attack, barely managing to keep her at bay, moving fast Celestia backed and charged at Wrath again, this time with more strength hitting him on his chest, right where Spike had burned him earlier, Wrath let out a scream of pain before smacking the fireball as hard as he could with his tail, sending her airborne.
Wrath lit up his wings with his purple fire and flew up, taking the battle to the skies and moving above Canterlot, Spike, now healed, ran towards Canterlot, leaving his secret spot burning in a mix of purple and yellow fire.
-------------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
The citizens of Canterlot were startled by the sudden and constant quakes below them and explosions rumbling in the distance, for a moment it stopped and then a bright sphere of fire appeared above them and the city, followed by a green dragon seemingly on flames, before they could wonder what was happening both the sphere and the dragon began to clash against the other with tremendous force, sending small fires below and all around Canterlot.
This went on for a full minute, hearing the dragon roar and send stream after stream of fire against the yellow fire sphere, in a bold move the Dragon held with both claws the sphere between them and then unleashed a monstrous amount of purple fire, engulfing completely the yellow fire sphere pushing it downwards, right toward the central plaza where the summer sun celebration usually was held, ponies, zebras, griffons, mules, everyone cleared the area as soon as it approach and then crashed with a load impact, the fire soon died down, revealing a harshly panting Celestia with some burn marks on her coat and mane.
Suddenly the dragon landed roughly before her, also panting but not as bad as Celestia was, the dragon then chuckled.
“You have grown weak Celestia, I was even afraid to face you in my current state,” Celestia literally snarled at him. “But I guess my fears were unfounded.”
Celestia was about to say something when Wrath sent another fire stream against her catching her by surprise, Celestia tried to summon a barrier but it was too late for her to form it.
“MY QUEEN!” Shouted a voice from behind her before a white-golden blur passed her and stood in front of her right before the fire stream engulfed both of them.
Wrath put even more strength to his attack, making his fire stream three times thicker but the fire stream hadn't moved from Celestia’s spot, enraged he was about to put even more of his remaining strength into the attack when a sharp burning pain erupted from his neck, making him cut off his attack and roar in tremendous pain.
“YOU LITTLE YAAAAARGGGG” Wrath yelled as the small frame of Spike was attached to his neck, breathing his fire right over his throat “ENOUGH!” in a swift movement he grabbed Spike with his left claw, Spike merely grunted before Wrath smashed him against the floor, leaving a grunting and bloody messed Spike on it “Die, unworthy scum!”
Using his left claw as a fist to smash with all his strength against the young dragon, hitting so hard that he had break the floor below him, raising his claw all that could be seen attached to it was purplish blood, purple scales and an arm, Wrath smiled sadistically before holding his throat in pain.
Suddenly a flash of light appeared at Wrath’s left side, revealing Princess Luna with a whole regiment of Lunar guards, Luna only needed a second to recognize the situation before her.
“TO ME LUNAR GUARDS, CAPTURE THAT MONSTER!” She shouted using the royal Canterlot voice at full strength before she and her guards charged at Wrath who was far too damaged to use his fire.
“MY LORD!” a voice said from above them, suddenly a blue, a white and a green dragon landed between Luna, her guards and Wrath, the green dragon used his body and wings to fend off the guards and the princess of the night at bay “GO, NOW!”
Without wasting a moment the blue and white dragon took Wrath between their claws and began to fly away from Canterlot, above in the air Wrath gave one last glance at the purple fireball that had Celestia in it, seeing it disappear slowly revealing Celestia to be unharmed and also just in time to see another bright flash of light appear revealing Discord and the Elements of Harmony at his side, Wrath ignited his wings and then flapped them sending fires all across Canterlot, creating a perfect distraction for them to escape.
“This isn’t over.” he said smiling through his fangs, at least he had claimed the life of the hatchling.
He never noticed how the blood and the little arm attached to his own claws evaporated.
----------------------------------------------------------******************************************
*Canterlot-Central Plaza*
Discord appeared in the centre of the plaza along with the Elements of Harmony ready to use them just in time to see a green dragon holding Luna with both his claws while her lunar guards ripped it to shreds, see a flying figure of in the distance, a rain of purple flames descending from the skies all over Canterlot and to see a purple sphere of flames disappear revealing an almost unharmed Celestia.
Discord created a massive sphere of light between his paw and claw and the a surge of magic covered all of Canterlot, extinguishing the fire instantly, then he saw a hole in the ground near where he was, looking down he saw a ripped apart and smashed Spike, Discord was speechless as the green dragon fell dead and civilians began to surround them, curious and confused of what had just happened.
A faint grunt and moving wreckage emerged from the hole where Spike had been crushed to pieces by Wrath; all attention was focused on the small rising figure, some screamed in horror, some fainted but most were just stunned at the sight.
Prince Spike rose from the debris, his head and body was almost flat, his left eye was missing as well as his right arm, his legs were crushed and bent in abnormal ways, his tail was nowhere to be seen and most of his organs were scattered around the debris and some were even hanging out from his body, then to the utter shock of all, his blood, scales, organs and everything began to evaporate and Spike himself began to twist, bend, grunt and scream as cracking, popping and flesh being torn apart was heard, little by little his bones cracked in proper position, his muscles being regenerated as well as his missing parts, his missing eye slowly appeared, first as a disgusting mass of muscle, nerve and blood until it was looking properly right, his head was also fixed and recovered its normal round look, his missing arm had also regenerated, first as a small trickle of white liquid forming the bone followed by the muscles, nerves, joints and everything else, his tail had also regenerated in a similar way, as well as the rest of his his body, the process took less than thirty seconds, but it was the most horrific and disgusting thing many had ever seen in their lives, once the process was done, Spike went to all fours panting, but he was alright as if nothing had even occurred to him.
“Phalanx!” The scream of Celestia was heard throughout the plaza and the focus of everyone present was suddenly directed to that scene.
Spike looked up and saw Phalanx breathing harshly against the floor, almost all of his armor was gone as several burns adorned his frame including a missing eye, standing up he ran towards his friend. “Phalanx, talk to me buddy please!”
“M-m-m-my Q-q-q-queen *heavy breath* Y-you are s-s-safe, I-I’m glad” Phalanx said looking at Celestia, who was beginning to tear up “I-I-Im s-sorry I c-c-couldn’t be o-of m-more u-u-usefulness*cough*”
“Please, don’t say anything, save your strength.” Celestia said trying to hold her dear guard close to her now as tears began to fall from her eyes.
“Re-remember th-the day w-w-we met, m-my queen?” Phalanx asked smiling at her “I-i-it was t-t-the happiest d-d-day of my l-life.” Tears fell down from his eyes as small trends of green magic began to form around him, then in a sudden yet low glow of green light a changeling was revealed.
“S-s-spike” Phalanx called, Spike moved closer to him not bothered by his sudden change “P-p-promise me, y-y-you will p-protect m-m-my queen f-from her e-e-enemies.” Yellow tears fell from his blue eye “PROMISE ME!”
“I promise,” Spike said taking a hold of the changelings right hoof. “and I promise to protect my friends too, from anything or anyone.” Tears formed in his eyes as his mother held on tightly to the dying changeling, who only smiled happily at the promise made.
“M-my queen” he said, his voice turning lower and lower “y-y-your……coat……i-is……..r-really……….warm”.
As the last word leaved his mouth so did his last breath, Celestia held the changeling tightly against her and closed his dead, cold yet content looking eye using her left forehoof.
“Rest *sniff* my dear friend, you have *sniff* earned it”
Many things had happened and many things would change in the coming days, but if there was one thing certain, it was that Spike was going to fulfill his promise as his blood ran down from his palm, no matter what.
Chapter 6 end
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading, go and give her (and Bossman) some love!
Special thanks to Inferno Demon Dash for proofreading!
And to all of you who follow me, I present you with an internet cookie!
Anger Management
Chapter 7: Anger Management
Spike was sitting before a plain white grave-stone, holding in his arms and in front of him a nearly charcoal looking helmet. It wasn't a special looking helmet by any means, standard royal gaurd design, its pristine gold color still shinning on some parts. The only truly abnormal thing about the helmet were the scratches, and damaged/missing parts to show how old it was. Yes, your regular solar gaurd helmet, yet the name inside made it the most important thing for the dragon. It was the same name adorned on the tombstone that lay before him.
“Here lie the remains of the noble royal guard, Phalanx.
Who gave his life selflessly in the line of duty to protect our beloved ruler, Princess Celestia.
May his sacrifice never be forgotten.”
Spike read out the inscription for the umpteenth time, drawing his claws over the scratches of the helmet, closing his eyes remembering the promise he had made the day before.
It was hard to believe that just yesterday so many bad things happened and that his friend had died to protect his mother without a second thought. The ceremony of Phalanx was fast, mostly because it had been Celestia herself who preceded the ceremony just two hours after the attack of Wrath.
Spike clenched his fangs hard, feeling anger and hate inside of him, he had come to take him away, to kill him, to kill his mother and everypony else just because he was a mad and insane dragon, many questions popped inside his mind but none of them mattered, all he knew was that he wanted to keep his promise and to make that horrible dragon pay, make him pay for everything he had done yesterday and in the past.
“Even if I don’t know how.”
Spike sighed, he wanted to keep his promise and fulfill it, but he wasn’t sure how, he could join the royal guard but that would take him too much time and Wrath could attack any moment again, he could ask Discord or Shining or his mother to train him but there was a little problem with that, he couldn’t do magic and they had too many responsibilities. He could search for an older dragon to train him but since he was the last gemstone dragon he was different from other dragons. And how could he awaken or use his dragon powers? Like those dragons from the book did.
Spike felt something soft below him lift him up a bit and saw something sit down at his left side, looking at his left he saw Discord looking down at him sorrowfully.
“Hey,”
“Hey,”
“………So…..the changeling was a friend of yours?”
“Yeah, I didn’t know he was a changeling until…….yesterday.”
“Was he close to you?”
"Yes, he was my first friend,” Spike snorted a little. “When I first met him I was a year and a half years old,” Spike began while Discord only listened. “I was with mom in her room playing a little when he came with an urgent message for mom, she asked him to watch over me for a couple of minutes,” Spike smiled cheerfully, closing his eyes. “Mom came back ten minutes later and found him on the ground saying ‘The dragon is too strong for me, I am defeated bluuaarggg’ while I was jumping on top of him!” Spike laughed at the memory. “Y-you should have seen how red he was when mom started to laugh!”
Spike’s laughter increased in volume for a moment before dying down slowly. “After that he started to hang out when he was free or when mom asked him to watch over me and soon he became my very first friend in the castle,” Spike returned his attention to the white marble grave-stone in front of him. “And now he is gone……..because of me.”
“Pfff are you stupid Spike?” Discord said snickering a little. “Because of you? Don’t be silly, he died because of Wrath, not you, it’s not your fault and believe me, it took me a long time to realize that what happened to Moonlight was not my fault, I could have done something but I didn’t know what was going to happen, so don’t beat yourself about it and keep moving forward.”
“But what can I do then, Discord?” Spike gripped the helmet a bit tighter. “How can I be able to fight? To protect my mom, my friends and those who I care for when I don’t have the strength to do it.” Spike glared at the grave-stone. “All I feel is anger inside me, anger at that damn dragon, anger at everything and anger at myself, tell me, what should I do?”
“I know how you are feeling little guy, but that is something you have to decide for yourself, Spike,” Discord patted him on the back lightly. “And who knows? Maybe your strength will come when least expected or when you truly need it”. Spike looked up to him expectantly. “In the mean time all I can do for you is to give you two pieces of advices.”
“First, never ask for power, instead ask to be able to control your power,” His eyes softened a little after saying that line. “And second, work to achieve the power you desire but never lose yourself in the process.” Discord sat up dusting himself off a little. “I could tell you what to do or not to do, but where would the fun be in that? Only you can decide what you must and can do, Spike."
“I see,” Spike said looking at the helmet. “Discord?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks.”
“No need for that, you did something for me, I’m just returning the favor,” Discord smiled at Spike and he smiled back standing up. “Where are you going?”
Spike gave a salute to the grave-stone before putting the helmet at its base. “With my mom,” Spike turned around looking happy yet serious. “I’m going to join the royal guard.” He said before turning around and running off to where Celestia was.
Discord looked at him go for a second before smiling proudly. “That ‘a boy.”
--------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
-Canterlot Castle- Court room-
Celestia was sitting on her seat surrounded by her sister, Twilight, prince Shining Armor and many other political and noble figures around Canterlot and Equestria, they were discussing the topics of the assassination attempt two days earlier, the treaty with the changelings and the surprise attack of the dragon.
Thankfully the word that the green dragon was the legendary Wrath was confidential, and instead labeled as an attack of a rebel group of dragons. This however brought a serious problem to Celestia, because so many saw she had been defeated by the dragon many had demanded an explanation and worse of all many started to see her as a weak ruler, one unable to protect her subjects. The only good thing that came out of it was that the reveal of Phalanx being a changeling all along, it created a slight acceptance from her subjects about the changeling treaty.
The assassination attempt was frowned upon and passed judgement quickly, mostly because princess Twilight was involved, but most of the noble houses and other political figures showed how much uninterested they were about the fate of her son, and because of the letter sent to the griffon king the commotion about it was dealt with swiftly.
The treaty with the changelings was something delicate and filled with mixed opinions, some were welcoming, others were full of hate and doubt, while some even went as far as to say it was another trick made by them and that they would finish the job. However the treaty was complete and all that was left was for Chrysalis to sign it. According to Shining they had already signed their treaty with the Crystal Empire, and speaking of the Empire.
“Shining Armor, care to explain to us why Cadence is not here yet?” Celestia asked her nephew-in-law.
“Ah, yes….about that, well, you see your highness,” Shining sighed, seeing the attention of the entire table was on him. “After…..after Discord made his appearance on the Crystal Palace and gave us the dire news about the attempt on your son, prince Spike, and princess Twilight, the news about the event traveled fast within the Empire and thus many of our subjects were ‘demanding’ justice for their saviors, therefore my wife----“
“Ha ha ha ha,” Laughed a pompous looking stallion at the other side of the table. “The crystal ponies demanding some sort of justice for something they have little to no jurisdiction whatsoever? You must be joking ‘prince’ Shining Armor”
“And why do you say that, sir Gold?” Shining answered.
“Show the proper respect I deserve, boy, you may be a prince of the Crystal Empire but here in Equestria you are still just a minor noble and an Ex-captain of our royal guard,” The stallion smiled smugly. “You shall address me by my full name, Massive Gold, headmaster of the Gold noble house."
“Very well, sir Massive Gold,” Shining said through gritted teeth. “Please explain to me how is that attempt irrelevant for my subjects? After all the two victims are held as heroes of our country.”
“I see no point, prince Shining, because your Empire are allies of Equestria, they shouldn’t even care about this poorly executed assassination attempt.” Massive Gold smirked, pointing at Twilight with one hoof. “princess Twilight was, thankfully, unharmed and the assassin dealt with according to the previous report, there is no reason to worry more than what it deserves.”
Many of the political figures and noble houses nodded content with the explanation.
“But my good sir, it seems you had forgotten that our new prince was also a target of such a dreadful attempt against his young life,” A white stallion with a stylish mustache said. “And it is no secret that our dear allies, the crystal ponies, have a very high opinion of our dear young prince, why, they held him as a hero of their nation and I might add, even loved, to a personal level. So it’s only natural they would worry just as much as we,” The stallion said, earning glares and light grunts from most of the nobles present. “Or do you disagree?”
“Thank you, sir Fancy Pants,” Twilight said, Fancy Pants nodded lightly at her. “prince Spike saved my life during that attempt, if it weren’t for him I would have died,” Twilight shot a glare to Massive Gold, making him feel uneasy. “or are trying to say you don’t care for him?”
“O-of course not princess Twilight!” Massive Gold pointed out at all his fellow nobles. “All of us were very worried about our dear prince and furthermore—“
A sudden knock at the door made him jump slightly on his sit, the door opened reveling a royal guard.
“Sorry for interrupting, your majesties, but princess Cadence has arrived with queen Chrysalis.”
“Let them through,” Luna commanded, seeing her sister shudder in pain a little.
The doors opened letting both Cadence and Chrysalis walk inside the room, they walked in a calm phase showing both authority and respect, Cadence mane showed a bit of struggle and was slightly tousled. Chrysalis was looking fine, except her face showed a bit of exhaustion, being both emotion detectors they could feel the eyes set on them, most were indifferent but some were full with resentment and anger, those last clearly shot at Chrysalis.
“Sorry for our late arrival, princess Celestia,” Cadence bowed once she was in front of her older aunt. “But it was until a few moments ago that we finally calmed the commotion on the Empire.”
“We?” A noble mare asked.
“Yes, we, if it weren’t for Chrysalis and her changelings, things could have gone out of hoof.”
Murmurs began to be heard across the room and the tension lessened a bit.
“I see;” Celestia said. “Please, take a seat,” They sat taking two free seats near Shining Armor. “Now that queen Chrysalis, ruler of the changelings, has arrived we shall proceed to sign the final treaty, making the changelings official allies of the kingdom of Equestria as well as granting them a small fraction of our territory and the materials necessary for them to build their home.” Celestia stopped and groaned, just loud enough for Luna and Twilight to hear.
“Are you alright, my sister?” Luna asked in a low tone, growing more and more worried about these small pains of her sister.
“I’m alright,” Celestia whispered. “In return they shall aid us when and how we see most fit and will be under the watch of our royal guard, are there any objections?” The room was silent for a few seconds before she continued, “Phala---Guard, bring forth the treaty”
A royal guard behind her used his magic to levitate a scroll and placed it in front of Celestia, using her magic she unfolded the scroll and brought forth a quill and ink and signed it, then she passed it to Luna who did the same and finally she passed it to Chrysalis, once the three signatures were written the scroll vanished and all stood up.
“The meeting is concluded." The noble and the other ponies bowed and leaved the room, some of them shooting glances at Chrysalis before exiting, once all of the other ponies and the guards were out, Celestia closed the door with her magic and then fell to her knees, groaning in pain as she fell.
“Sister!” Luna shouted as she used went to her, the rest of the presents also approached, concerned about the sun ruler. “What is wrong with you?”
“My necklace,” She said, stifling a groan in her throat. “Take it off,” Luna did so and everyone present gasped, there was a large burn under her royal necklace, and for the looks of it, it wasn’t even treated yet.
“Auntie, did that awful dragon did this to you!?”
“Yes……if it weren’t for Phalanx, I could have died." She said as all but Cadence and Chrysalis shared a mournful expression.
“Phalanx? Isn’t that the name of your personal bodyguard, Celestia?” Chrysalis asked a bit confused but after seeing and feeling the cringe of pain of Celestia she knew what had happen to the guard. “I’m sorry Celestia, I know what it feels to lose faithful and loyal subjects,” Her own expression turned sorrowful for a second before closing her eyes. “I’m sure he was a great pony.”
“Changeling,” Twilight said. “Phalanx was a changeling.”
“W-what?” Chrysalis asked, shocked at the revelation. “B-but you told me he had being your personal bodyguard for almost forty years, you never said he was a changeling Celestia!”
“Neither did I know what he was until the wedding of Shining Armor and my beloved niece.” Celestia said, still on the ground, the burn being too painful for her to keep a straight face anymore. “When I found him, he was but a mere child, he was hungry, he was cold and he was alone, I felt pity for---“ A loud groan of pain interrupted her. “For him, so I took him with me and cared for him.”
“Soon he recovered and begged to stay with me, he showed me his powers and abilities and bowed loyalty to me, he even started calling me his queen---” Another groan of pain interrupted her again while the presents listened carefully to her tale. “My old personal bodyguard retired, soon he adopted the form of a normal cloaked royal guard pegasus and I named him my new personal bodyguard.”
“Sorry for interrupting princess, but you never knew he was a changeling until my wedding? Yet you trusted him with your life, literally?” Shining asked her. “What made you do that? What made you risk yourself so much to a total stranger?”
“I’m surprised that you ask me this, Shining,” Celestia sighed and groaned at the same time. “His loyalty to me was the strongest I have ever seen, after he came back from his forced vacations he was the most shocked about the attack."
“We changelings pride ourselves to be loyal to a fault to our leaders,” Chrysalis said smiling. “But that doesn’t answer why you didn’t tell me he was a changeling.”
“It was going to be a surprise, to show you even if for most of his life I had no idea what he was I still accepted him willingly.” Celestia said smiling at Chrysalis. “Phalanx was like a little brother to me, even if he never saw me more than his……..queen.” Celestia’s smile dropped a bit. "He always did everything I asked him to do, always with a smile on his face, he was my bodyguard, my closest advisor, my spy and a great and dear friend………..and now he is dead, because of me.” Celestia filled her eyes with tears, letting a couple run down her cheeks.
“Sister…”
“Princess….”
“Auntie…..”
The ponies in the room let the sun monarch cry her sadness out, she hadn’t sleep or eaten in almost three days, she was forced to use long range teleportation spells, the political and royal affairs were nonstop, her battle with Wrath had left her almost powerless and on top of that she had to bury a long time friend of hers. Luna knew that her sister was utterly exhausted, so much that she didn’t even had the strength to cry her heart out.
A sudden green light caught their attention before noticing a beam of green light shot at Celestia’s burn mark, making her groan loudly, almost shout but quickly die down, all eyes turned to Chrysalis.
“Our magic let us change shapes, harden our bodies and heal, between other things.” Celestia looked at her with a sincere smile on her face. “It’s the least I can do after all you have done for us in these past two days, also don’t be thanking me yet,” Chrysalis smiled apologetically. “This will hurt a lot, I suggest you hold her down.”
Nodding Luna moved to her sister right side holding her neck up, ready to comfort her sister and keep her connected to Chrysalis beam, Cadence and Shining pressed their hooves on her back, making her sit down completely and keeping her steady, Twilight moved to her left side and did the same as Luna.
“One question first,” Twilight said looking at Chrysalis. “So what I saw you doing to my brother wasn’t the mind control spell?”
“Twiley…..this isn’t the time.”
“It’s alright,” Chrysalis said. “And no, it wasn’t, I was really healing his awful headaches.” Twilight groaned in frustration a little as the rest of the royals laughed a little at her antics. “Ready?” Chrysalis asked, charging her horn.
“Do it.” Celestia said.
The beam of magic became thicker and brighter as Celestia closed her eyes and groaned painfully, trying to stay as still as possible, small beads of sweat started to form and fall from her forehead. The pain grew more and more until it became too much to bear and she let down a painful scream, held down tightly by her family so she couldn’t move, all Celestia could do was to try and be as quiet as possible.
“Almost done.” Chrysalis said cheerfully as the burn mark on Celestia became smaller and smaller. “Just a little mor---“
The doors of the room opened roughly making all them look up to the culprit.
They all saw prince Spike standing there in the entry way, with wide eyes and a blank expression adorning his face.
-----------------------------------------------------**********************************************
*10 minutes earlier*
Spike was walking through the hallways of the palace towards the court room in search of his mother, after realizing he had run off without knowing where his mother even was he smacked himself for his foolishness.
As he was walking he saw the girls sitting patiently on a bench, or in Rainbows case, hovering over bored out of her mind, and decided to ask them what they were doing, getting closer Applejack spotted him.
“Howdy, Spike!” She said making the rest of her friends turn their heads towards his direction. “Where ya goin’ partner?”
“Hi Applejack, hi girls,” He said waving at them all “I’m going to see my mom, what are you doing here?”
“Really now? What a coincidence my sweet Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity jumped from her seat to squeeze his cheeks a bit, making the dragon blush. “We are waiting for your dear mother to finish her duties.”
“Ish zhe bushy?” Spike asked through the affections of Rarity against his face.
“Yuppers! Princess Celestia told us to wait for her until she finished; she said we have to be ready!”
“Ready for what?” Spike asked, freeing himself from Rarity.
“I have no idea!”
“Yeah, and that meeting or whatever they are doing is taking forever, princess Cadence and that changeling queen came by a minute ago, hope they finish up quickly I hate waiting so much.”
“Hold yer horses Dash, Ah’m sure the princesses must be doin’ somethin’ really important.”
“I say, couldn’t we just attend the meeting too? After all, we are the bearers of the Elements.”
“It doesn’t work like that Rarity, this kind of things only important or noble ponies can attend and only if they are summoned by royalty, they are talking about a possible alliance after all.” Spike smiled a little at them. “You may be heroes and all but you are still ‘normal’ ponies.”
“Then…ummm, why are you here, Spike? You are a prince, I mean if that is ok.”
“They don’t really need me, since I don’t have a position yet, besides, I was doing something else,” Spike smiled at Fluttershy. “Had to think for a bit about, things.”
The group turned silent, the mane five knowing that Spike was still hurtful about the sacrifice of his old friend, granted they didn’t know much about their relationship but enough to feel bad for the little drake.
“Golly me! Is that you my dearest lady Rarity?”
The six friends looked up to see no other than Fancy Pants himself walking towards them in his usual regal poise, behind him an increasing number of noble ponies and guards approach.
“Fancy Pants!”
“Sir Fancy Pants!”
“Fancy!”
The group moved closer to the coming stallion. “I am so glad to see you again my dearest Rarity and your friends as well.” Fancy looked at Spike. “My little friend, it is so good to see you again after so much time, I must admit, that crown looks very proper on you.”
“Hehe, thanks Fancy, your mustache looks as good as ever……lucky you,” He said smiling at him, barely mumbling the last part.
“What was that my friend?”
“Nothing, nothing!”
“You know each other?”
“Why yes Miss Pinkie,” Fancy said grabbing one of her hoofs and kissing it, making Pinkie giggle. “My wife Fleur send her gratitude for her fabulous party, it was a total success.”
“Hey, how come you know Spike?”
“Rainbow Dash! Fancy Pants is a proper gentlestallion; at the very least address him with proper respect!”
“It’s alright my dear,” Fancy said laughing a little at Rainbow’s brashness. “As for how I know dear young Spike, well, when I was younger he saved my life!” Everypony gasped.
“I still think ‘finding your bit purse’ hardly counts as saving your life, Fancy.” Spike deadpanned.
“Nonsense my boy, if it weren’t for you and your heroic acts I would have went into bankruptcy."
“Sometimes I think it’s a shame you didn’t, Fancy.” A mare said behind him. “You constantly bring shame to the rest of the noble houses.”
Turning around the group saw a small group of noble ponies looking at them disgustingly; most of the passing nobles shot glances at Spike as well as murmurs began to rise up between them.
“Silver Plate, Red Carpet and Massive Gold,” Fancy’s face transformed from joyful to annoyed his voice still retaining his usual chipper tone. “To what we owe your presence?
“Just look with what kind of ponies you merge with,” Red Carpet continued, not bothering to answer Fancy. “Nothing but common and worthless ponies.”
“What the hay did you just say!??”
“Oh, an apple,” Massive said. “Should have known by the smell of filth and dirt in the air, now I know why the Orange’s didn’t come, I would be ashamed too if I was related to your kin.”
“Ah will show you some manners you bucking vermin!!” Applejack said trying to jump at Massive but was held back by Rainbow Dash “Let’go o’h me Dash, nopony insults mah family and gets away with it!!”
“Calm down Applejack!” Rainbow said, doing her best to keep her friend at bay while she tried to free herself.
“What’s this? The wonderbolt wannabe? Why am I not surprise you only find friends in failures, Fancy?” The silver coated mare said, pointing her snout to the skies a sudden sound of snapping teeth caught her attention and opened her eyes, Silver jumped back frighten seeing Rainbow’s almost close enough to bite her. “Such barbaric beasts! How dare you try to bite me?”
“And what gives you the right to insult us, HUH? Just because you think you are sooo high and above, doesn’t mean I won’t gladly kick your flanks if you insult me or my friends again!” Rainbow said now trying to free herself from Rarity’s magic aura while Pinkie held Applejack down.
“You little disrespectful arrogant! GUARDS!” Silver shouted making five royal guards approach. “Take this insolent ‘ponies’ out of the castle immediately, they just made a threat against our safety.”
“Say what??” Applejack and Rainbow said at the same time, the royal guards nodded and move forward to them.
“Stop,” Spike said, making everypony stop and look at him. “You may retire, royal guards.”
“Oh, so finally the lizard comes to ‘stand up’ for his friends, how noble of him.” Massive took a step forward to Spike. “One of my servants saw what that overgrown monster did to you and what you did after that.”
Rainbow and Applejack stopped their struggling and looked at Spike, never breaking his gaze from Massive Gold. The trio of noble ponies plus some that had stayed behind to see the show looked both disgusted and angry at the young dragon.
“What’s worse was that our ‘all powerful and mighty’ princess Celestia was easily defeated, again, this time by a mindless beast, like her dear son, who has a strange power to regenerate,” Massive sighed. “Sometime I wonder if she is fit to rule anymore, she can’t even protect herself, well, at least you can, with that strange power you can protect your masters well, lizard.”
“Guards” Spike said, his voice steady and calm. “Please escort these ponies out.”
All of the ponies present where shocked at his command, nopony moved an inch.
“You dare--!”
"Massive Gold, is it," He spoke. "I have heard of you, great pony from what I've heard." His smile though seemingly genuine was forced. Closing in near Massive gold's ear. "It would be a shame if they had to learn of the debts the princess had to cover, especially when they learn what for."
"Now see here-" Sliver began oblivious to the words that caused Gold to freeze.
"Yes, Silver Plate, such an honor to make your aquantance." He moved to shake her hoof and whisper words. "Does your husband know about Shinning Moon? I'm sure he would be interested in your and hers relationship."
"Red Carpet, charmed I'm sure," Spike kept his distance, this pony was famous for his underground activity, even if the evidence was still not enough to invriminate him he was one to anger easily, though harmless enough if not directly provoked.
"I do not really appreciate you all talking about my friends, the elements of harmony, thrice savior of our glorious kingdom of Equestria, and the reformer of discord, in such a pompous tone. You are nobles worthy of respect, yet these five "common" ponies have done more than enough to earn yours. So show a little courtesy." He said his voice plain, even and above all cold. Now if I'm not mistaken I asked if you could escort the nobles out." He looked at the guards stock still and if not a bit in awe. " Right. That is an order, escort them, now.” The last word made the guards and the noble ponies shiver in fear and quickly obeyed him.
“Y-you will pay for this outrage, monster!” Massive Gold shouted once he was at a safe distance.
Silence fell between the group of friends as the noble ponies were escorted out of their sight, the eyes of six ponies fell on the small figure of their dragon friend, all ponies reacted at the same time.
“That. Was. AWESOME!” Rainbow exclaimed. “I didn’t know you had it in you, Spike!”
“Way to show ‘em who’s boss, Spike!”
“Spike was all like waaaaahhh! And those meanie-weanies were all like Aahhhh!!!, and we were like----“
“My little Spikey-Wikey is so brave!” Rarity said kissing his cheek. “Standing up for us in front of such ruffians!”
“That was amazing, Spike, wohoo!!”
“My, my, my boy!, I dare say I have never seen them so frightened before in my life.”
The compliments continued but Spike was not paying attention to them, he was busy trying to calm himself down, he had kept his cool this time and was able to hold back but those insolent ponies had pressed his most sensible button, insulting his mother in front of him.
“Spike? Are you alright lad? Spike?” Fancy asked.
“Yeah, I’m alright,” Spike gave a long sigh, seeing his friend had stopped their compliments and were now staring at him worriedly. “I just need to—“
Just then a scream of pain, just loud enough for them to hear, assaulted their ears, the effect was instantaneous. Spike pupils shrank down as he froze completely, he knew that scream of pain, then without any warning he ran faster than anypony had ever seen before, knocking down Fluttershy and Fancy in the process.
Spike kicked open a pair of doors reveling his mother being held down by her niece, her sister, Shining and Twilight while Chrysalis was shooting a magic beam towards the base of her neck and a burn mark behind the magic beam, he froze up again, trying to understand the situation.
------------------------------------------------------------------****************************************
*Present-Time*
Inside the mind of Spike. Time seemed to stop as the scene before him threw him into a thinking frenzy.
'They are hurting her,' Spike thought. 'They are hurting my mommy, the changeling queen is harming her, she is controlling them, controlling Twilight and Shining and Cadence and Luna'
The scene before him changed to an old familiar one, Celestia was lying on the ground, defeated and hurt by Chrysalis, he could hear her again, gloating on her victory, claiming to be more powerful than his dear mother. He could also feel the pain and the shame of his mother, knowing she had to hold back to protect her subjects.
He could hear them, those arrogant fools, those ungrateful bastards, that bitch laughing in her false victory, that bastard taking his mother for granted, but most of all he could feel his anger, his hate, all those pent up feelings he had to bottle up deep inside were now emerging stronger and faster than ever.
'She is laughing, she wants to hurt mommy, she hurts mommy, they all hurt mommy, they pay!' His voice was turning colder, tougher and darker. 'Spike will protect mommy, Spike make them pay!, Spike….kill.'
'Spike….Kill'
'Spike, KILL'
Outside of his mind the six royals were still shocked by the sudden interruption, unaware of the thoughts inside Spike’s head, Celestia was the first to react.
“Spikey?”
“SPIKE, KILL!” The monstrous roar let out by the little drake pulled the rest of them out of their trance.
Green fire appeared around Spike’s body before he disappeared and reappeared in front of Chrysalis face making her gasp in surprise.
“Spike Kill!” The little drake roared again before punching Chrysalis square in her right cheek, sending her backwards and crashing against the wall making her cry out in pain.
Spike landed on the floor as purple and green fire emerged from his claws and feet, his scales slowly turning a more deeper shade of purple and his spikes turning sharper and thicker, his eyes were no longer green, they were but mere white orbs filled with unrivaled hate.
“Chrysalis!” Cadence shouted as the rest of the royals had their gaze locked in Spike, shocked and seemingly paralyzed.
“You hurt mommy.” Spike said, his voice dark and low, almost as an animalistic growl. “Spike kill you!”
Spike went to all fours ready to jump at Chrysalis, Chrysalis for her part got up with her yellowish blood dripping from her cheek and saw the dragon leap out at her, she locked gazes for a second with his eyes and all she could see was hate, fury, anger and rage, directed to her and only her, his eyes were the eyes of a monster, a predator ready to destroy it’s victim and then devour it while it was still alive. Chrysalis panicked.
“BY CELESTIA!” Chrysalis shouted as she evaded the dragon, who smashed against the wall and got up ready to attack again. “HELP ME!” The dragon roared in anger as she tried to evade him, barely succeeding, but the dragon was too fast and too agile for her, out of desperation she took flight only to be followed by the dragon jumping at blinding speed from one pillar to a nother, eventually reaching her. “AAARRRGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!” Chrysalis shouted in pain as the dragon destroyed her wings making her fall to the ground in a loud *thud*.
Spike landed in front of the fallen Chrysalis, spitting the remains of her wings and ready to stomp on her head “Spike protect mommy!” Chrysalis looked at the dragon in disbelief when out of nowhere a white blur knocked the dragon to his side.
“SPIKE, SNAP OUT OF I---URRRGHHHH!!” Shining shouted at the dragon below him but was cut short as a kick to his stomach sent him to the hooves of Luna, Spike got up and roared again, this time his attention focused on the rest of them.
A blue beam of magic hit him in the neck, creating a leash trying to hold him against the ground, Luna groaned as the dragon fought back against her power and to her terror Spike began to grow in size “HOLD HIM DOWN!”
Shining got up, spitting a mouthful of blood before using the same spell as Luna around his left arm, Cadence focused on his right arm, Chrysalis, out of her panic attack and shock, also used her magic to hold his tail down, Spike trashed and roared against the magic ropes trying to free himself.
Celestia was still on her spot, trying to understand what was happening or at least comprehend what was happening to her little Spikey. Twilight was stunned and shocked that her best friend, her number one ex-assistant was trying to kill Chrysalis and had hurt her brother without a second thought.
“SISTER, TWILIGHT, WE NEED YOUR HELP!” Luna shouted as Spike size was now almost the size of an average adult pony. “HE IS FAR TOO STRONG!” Twilight shook her head and saw Luna was right, Spike was starting to win against the magic ropes, deciding it was the best to help him return to normal she also created a magic rope against his legs, sending him to the ground.
Fancy and the rest of the Elements arrived in time to see Spike roaring in anger against the floor, trying with all his might to get free from the magic ropes of the five grunting royals, Rarity gasped in horror, Fluttershy almost fainted and the rest were just rendered stunned on the spot, not knowing what to do.
“FLUTTERSHY!” Twilight shouted, groaning and sweating due to the immense effort it took her to hold Spike down. “USE THE STARE! USE THE STARE, CALM SPIKE DOWN!!”
Fluttershy was terrified just by seeing her dragon friend so savage and angry, she wanted nothing but to run away and hide, but seeing her friend and the rest of them struggle so much against him and the wounds on Chrysalis and the blood of Shining dripping from his mouth, she knew that if Spike got free he could potentially kill them.
“How dare you!” Fluttershy said, flying towards him. “How dare you hurt your friends like that, you should be ashamed of yourself mister!” Once she was in front of him she locked gazes and used her stare on Spike, then she gasped, there was nothing, nothing to bend to her will, nothing to feel regret for, no conscience, nothing, it was like the same as when she tried to use the stare on Discord.
Spike for his part was still trashing around, little by little winning the struggle against his captors, looking forward he saw his mother, looking at him, then he saw the burn mark and his rage did nothing but increase tenfold, getting up in a swift jump he torn apart the magic rope of Twilight and to the utter shock of the rest of them grabbed the magic ropes and tossed them around, sending the owners of said ropes crashing down against the table, breaking it instantly.
Spike gave a mighty roar, shattering the windows in the room, before spinning around using his tail to hit Fluttershy, sending her to the ground and the hooves of her friends. “FLUTTERSHY!” They all shouted seeing Fluttershy crying and trembling in pain.
“You hurt mommy!” Spike shouted, walking towards the ones trying to get up from the debris of the table “You die!”
“STOP!” Twilight shouted, hugging him from behind. “Please sto—“ Spike simply grabbed her by her neck and sent her crashing against Luna. “S-Spike?” For the first time in her life, Twilight was truly afraid of her best friend, he did not recognize her, he was blinded by rage and couldn’t recognize between friend or foe, Spike was going to kill them all, in his eyes they were all enemies.
“SISTER!” Luna shouted, desperate to snap Celestia out of her shock. “CELESTIA!” But she did not move, glancing to Spike she saw he was ready to attack again, thinking quickly she created a barrier around them fast enough to block the first hit. “ARRGGGG, SUCH FORCE!”
“SPIKE KILL!” He shouted hitting the barrier again, creating cracks on it. “SPIKE KILL!” Hitting it again the barrier began to crack. “SPIKE PROTECT MOMMY!” With the final blow the barrier fell, shattered in millions of tiny pieces, Spike raised his claw ready to deliver the final blow but it never went down.
“That’s just about enough.” A voice behind him said “what do you think you are doi-nnngggghhhhH!!??”
Spike turned around and used his other free claw to shred the left side of Discord’s face, sending his blood to fly through the air as the Draconequus held his other claw tightly, wasting no time Discord spun around and sent Spike to crash down against a pillar, breaking it down. Discord used his eagle claw to hold his nasty injury, suddenly a stream of deep purple fire emerged from the dust cloud right against him, with little time to think he split in two to avoid getting hit.
“OUUHHMMPPPPF”
A loud muffled scream of pain echoed in the room making Spike roar in anger and charge out of the debris to attack whoever had hurt his mother, once he was out he stopped.
There was purple fire burning down over Celestia’s coat, the pain finally snapping her out of her coma, she saw the fire and then to Spike, finally noticing the change of his form, a small tear fell from her visible eye to the ground. Spike took a step backwards.
“M-mommy hurt……..Spike hurt mommy………Spike bad……….Spike no hurt mommy………Spike loves mommy, no hurt……..but, I hurt mommy……..I hurt mommy, I-I didn’t mean to…..” Spike babbled as he returned to his small familiar size, his colors returning to his bright normal ones and his eyes reverting to his joyful green ones “I-I would never hurt you mommy……….I----“ finally at his normal size and back to his senses, Spike noticed his surroundings.
Luna and Cadence were hurt, small bruises a nd cuts over them; Shining was spitting blood from his mouth and was in the same conditions as the previous two.
Chrysalis was looking at him in fear, yellow blood dripping from her face and her wings at the size of a new born pegasus foal.
Discord was holding the left side of his face with his claw, blood dripping every so often from his wound.
Twilight was sharing the same condition as Luna and Cadence, but her neck showed small burn marks and blood stains.
Looking back he saw Fluttershy being held by Applejack and Rainbow Dash, one of her eyes open as a thin dribble of blood fell down from her mouth, her hooves holding her right side tenderly, he could see some blood stains and a horrible forming bruise. The rest of them were looking at him in shock and disbelief.
Then he saw his mother, she was looking at him not with shame, disappointment or anger, she was looking at him worried out of her mind, he could feel it, he could sense it, there was only worry for him but he also felt a tinge of something else, something he despised, he felt fear.
His mother was feeling fear, she feared him, only now he could also feel the fear all around him.
“I…..I didn’t……I……please……….I couldn’t……….I-I-I would never………….I’m noble……….I….I….”
“Spikey,” Celestia said spreading her forelegs, offering comfort to her child. “It’s alright my little child, it’s alright, come.”
Spike took a step forward but then he saw the purple flames die down, revealing a horrible wound over her coat, panic and fear struck in his heart, turning around he ran as fast as he could passing by Pinkie Pie at the same time tears fell down from his eyes.
“SPIKEY!!”
Was the only thing he heard as he ran away.
Chapter seven end
Author's Notes:
My thanks to all of you who read my story, you are the reason I keep on going!
Special Thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading and minor editing!
All That is Below
Spikes Destiny Chapter 8: All That is Below
*Dragon Lands-Dragon King Mountain* earlier that same day.
King Euphrinos was not happy, at all, news about the invasion and freedom of not only Wrath but from the rest of the deadly prisoners inside Valkatraz had shocked the entire dragon kingdom and the rest of the dragon empire. Said news was delivered by one of the prisoners, a dragoness charged with the crime of rampaging and destroying a complete Minotaur city in the past, killing hundreds on the process. The dragoness had arrived heavily wounded at the mountain of Sabarius and lived long enough to tell him the news personally.
The news of the liberation of Wrath spread out before he or Sabarius could do something to stop it, it had been a painful reminder that, even locked away and imprisoned, the legend of Wrath was still fresh between all the dragon races, especially in those old enough to have lived during the rebellion.
To make matter worse news about the assault on Canterlot reached him thankfully from Celestia’s pet phoenix, Philomena, and averted an even greater chaos among his kingdom. But what perplexed him the most was that Wrath was not there to face her and her sister, but to face her son, the young dragon Spike. Celestia had asked him to come and talk personally to her, for some urgent and private matters, sadly that would have to wait until he was done with his current meeting.
“What should we do, my king?” Deathglare asked. “The dragon clans in the north have gone into unrest, they threaten revolt! And our borders with the Griffon Empire in the south fare no better with tension rising every moment!”
“Also, my king, there are reports that our water brothers have began to close their trade lines and borders, mostly by fear I suppose.” a blue dragon said.
Euphrinos was meditating throughout the meeting, letting all the information sink before making any kind of decisions. “Anything else to report?” a unison of ‘No, my king,’ boomed in his meeting chambers before humming. “Valesha, I want you to take fifty of your best warriors and go to the north, stop them at all costs. Krygarius, I want you to go personally to our east borders and assure the Minotaur Republic that they have nothing to fear, we will handle this situation. Johotzi, you are to go to our Sea Serpent brothers, stay there and make sure they keep their trade lines open, we cannot risk creating tension with the Ursai, Penguni and Sealisium tribes. Finally, Gomboro, you shall go on a diplomatic mission to the Griffon Empire, talk with king Silver Feathers on my behalf and make sure this tension doesn’t escalate into anything bigger. Go now!”
With a nod and a bow said dragons left, leaving only three dragons inside the chamber.
“What shall I do, my king?”
“Nothing at the moment Deathglare, but I need you and your clan to be ready for war, Wrath is planning something and I will be ready for him, we will all be.” His tone was low yet full of authority. Moments like this serve to remind the two why he was king, to rule by power is one thing, to rule by fear is another, but to rule through awe. It was a trait few next to none have.
“And what shall I do, my dear old friend?”
“You have the most important role of all, Sabarius, you will stand in my place while I go to Equestria, it seems Wrath had made a move and visited our dear Celestia.”
The look that overcame Sabarius’ face in that moment was pure horror as he shouted, “Is she alright? Is Celly alright!?”
“Slightly injured and with a heavy heart, it seems her most faithful guard and friend died protecting her,” Sabarius sighed in a mix of sadness and relief. “Now, as I was saying, this morning Philomena came to my private chambers delivering a rather urgent message. By the looks of it Wrath did not go for her nor Luna or Discord, at all, he went for her son, Spike.”
Both Sabarius and Deathglare were taken aback by the news, “But my king, if what you say is true then what could be Wrath’s goal for it? Kill the hatchling to hurt the great Celestia?”
“Apparently, he already did.” Euphrinos turned his gaze upwards seeing the ceiling. “Wrath was capable of smashing the young hatchling against the ground, but it seems this only serves to deepen the mystery of this young dragon. He can regenerate at phenomenal speed.” Sabarius looked at him silently questioning him if it was true while Deathglare held his maw agape. “But even that pales in comparison to an even greater feat,” The dragon king went silent for a moment before looking at his two friends. “What I’m about to tell you cannot leave this room, you understand?” His friends nodded slowly.
“Spike the dragon, the unknown hatchling, son of the sun Goddess, can hurt Wrath with his flames.”
The two dragons before the dragon king seemed to be frozen in time with clear surprise written on their faces.
“H-how is it possible? I thought the only ones capable of hurting him with our fire breaths were you and I, Euphrinos.”
“This hatchling can do that? Are you certain my king?” Deathglare said nervously, “I am not saying I doubt your or the sun Goddess’s words, but how can it be possible?”
“I am unsure of how can it be possible myself. Even I would doubt this as true if Celestia herself did not say so. She would never deliver a secret message if it was false.”
“What are you going to do then, Euphrinos?”
“I will do as we agreed, Sabarius. I will go to Equestria and discuss our current problems with Celestia; once I am done I will retrieve the hatchling and put him under our protection, if Wrath was able to attack Canterlot and injure her, then it is clear she is not fit to protect him,” Euphrinos gave out a soft sigh. “As I said before, you will stay in my charge until I return fro—“
“No”
“What?” Euphrinos said, eyeing Sabarius.
“I will not allow it.”
“Sabarius—“
“You cannot go, the kingdom needs their king in this time of crisis,” Sabarius said looking at Euphrinos somewhat nostalgically. “It is my responsibility to take care of this hatchling myself, for it was I who had the chance to keep him with us when he was still an egg and that it was I who convinced Luna and Celestia to let Wrath live.
I understand your need to see the hatchling and talk with them about this current situation, my friend, but this is something I must do personally.”
“I see,” Euphrinos said putting a claw on Sabarius shoulder. “Go then, bring the hatchling, sort this and any possible problem with Celestia and Luna and be back as soon as you can.”
“I will.”
With that said Sabarius left the chamber leaving his two friends inside it. After a minute of silence Deathglare looked up to his king.
“My king, if I may ask, why did you allow Lord Sabarius to take your place that easily?”
“Because, my dear old friend, I may be the king and I may have full authority over him, but Sabarius is something far more important to the Royal Pony Sisters.” Euphrinos smiled “Sabarius is not only their friend, but he is also their Godfather.”
“Their godfather!? I always thought that title was reserved for Sir Discord, seeing how close he was to his majesty Aurora Solaris.”
“It’s a long, yet quite funny story, my friend. Sadly we don’t have the time for it, come, we must prepare before any more bad news arrives.”
“As you command,” as both dragon walked out of the chambers Deathglare thought about something. “My king, where is prince Eukrarius? Shouldn’t he have attended the meeting also?”
“My dear nephew is guarding my hoard; it is too precious to leave it unprotected and aside from Sabarius I can only entrust its care to him.”
“But my lord... I thought you did not gain any kind power from it, since you are an honor breed, why could it be so… Impor…….it………..it cannot be.”
Euphrinos chuckled. “Finally realize it?”
“I thought it was taken away and destroyed.” Deathglare stopped and looked at his king worriedly. “Why would you have his hoard under safekeeping!?”
“Do not worry my friend, only Sabarius and I, well, now you too, know who’s hoard it is. To regain his power he will need his original hoard, until then he will be weak and won’t be a threat beyond his legacy,” Euphrinos smiled cockily. “And even if he does manage to know it’s his hoard my nephew will be there to stop him.”
“But……..if the prince is defeated?”
“He won’t be, he is skilled and powerful and in Wrath’s current state, while still dangerous, cannot fathom to defeat my dear nephew, and this nightmare will end before having a chance to start.” Euphrinos gave out a small laugh. “Come now, my friend, let’s make our way to your clan, I wish to speak with the elder in person.”
Both dragons made their way out of the mountain and of to the territory of the Fire Born Clan.
-------------------------------------------------------*********************************************
*Griffon Empire-Castle of Griffophobis* Same time.
The great and marvelous Castle of Griffophobis stood high and proud over the mountain is was built on. It was a much bigger albeit less colorful sight then Canterlot would be, even in the distance the proud banners of the Griffon Empire danced in the wind as life surrounded it, it was a very loud castle like fortress any day of the year, but this day it was even louder, thanks to the enraged shouts of the king.
“WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS??” King Silver Feathers shouted throwing a scroll before a bowing griffon, who was not moving. “Assassination attempt against the son of Celestia and princess Twilight!?” The bowing griffon said nothing nor moved an inch “WELL?”
“My dear,” A female voice said behind him. “Calm yourself and let our general talk.” The king huffed but calmed as his wife told so. “Now, general Clawshift, can you bring some light to this accusation.”
The general rose but still looked at the ground. “My king, my queen, I assure you, I had no idea this……this treason was being done, I would never try to do something as stupid and treacherous as this.”
“General, I know, we all know you and your ways and I’m sure you are innocent, but you must realize that due to your family’s past we cannot simply take your word for granted.”
“I realize, my queen.”
“Clawshift, you are not only one of our best generals but you are a dear friend of mine,” The king said. “So I want you to find the culprits, and not simple scapegoats, of this war attempt against Celestia and the ponies, now go, I must write a letter to Celestia.” The general rose his head up and looked at the kings eyes
“Clawshift,” The queen said. “You are a proud and dear friend to my husband and me. But should it come that you possessed knowledge of the act that had transpired in Canterlot... You do realize the repercussions... Yes?” She asked a slight frown on her face, though her voice was icy and cold.
“I know, my queen, I assure you I will find the traitors inside my household and end them myself if I must, there shall not be another Mardoclaws, at least not inside the same family.”
The king hummed satisfied as a servant approached with a scroll and fresh ink at his side.
Clawshift left the throne room and walked towards two of his personal guards. “Inform every guard and every family member to be present in the household in two hours, it seems we have a traitor inside our home and I will find out who the rats are.”
The two guards nodded and flew away.
“Is it true, dear?” A concerned female voice asked from his right side. “Are there really traitors inside the household?”
“Yes, my love, an assassination attempt was executed a few days ago in Equestria, the targets were the newly crowned son of Celestia, prince Spike Solaris and princess Twilight Sparkle, the leader of the Elements of Harmony.”
“Do you believe it was really one of us and not a hoax?”
“I believe the blood of Mardoclaws is still fresh and running in the family and I believe idiots who believe the nonsense of Celestia and Luna not controlling the sun and the moon are beyond stupid, what more proof do they need than what happened three years ago? The sun and the moon didn’t move for two full days until Nightmare Moon was defeated.”
“I know dear, but many still think it was only a show, an illusion if I may say so.” The griffon sighed “what are you going to do now?”
“The proof it was one of our is irrefutable, the assassin was not only in possession of one of our stamps but it also had the blood mark on her chest,” Clawshift gritted his beak. “Once I find who the traitors are I will force them to say everything they know and then I will kill them, slowly and painfully, it doesn’t matter whoit turns out to be, I will NOT allow our family to fall into shame and death.”
The female griffon smiled warmly at her husband and hugged him tenderly, “I know you will succeed.”.
The two griffons shared a loving kiss, unaware of the pair of eyes looking at them from the distance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------**************************************
*Somewhere* same time
A group of cloaked beings around a table were discussing the most recent event of their plans and how they should proceed.
“So the assassination was a failure?”
“No, it wasn’t, our spies report that the lizard can regenerate at great speeds, at first I thought it was just an exaggeration, but it seems the dragon’s attack yesterday proved this information to be real, the green dragon crushed the little lizard and then it got back up and healed up,” A grunt escaped the shadow’s lips. “It seems Celestia is a clever one, it must be some kind of spell only she can do It would explain why she is so weak right now.”
“You are wrong sister, Celestia is always weak, but yes, I must admit her force is even lower than usual, I think your spell theory must be correct.”
“Then what are we going to do with the little monster? It seems we cannot kill it that easily.”
“We won’t have to; he was going to be a way to create an opening against Celestia.”
“Then why don’t we use one of the Elements as our target?”
“Because, we need the Element bearers to be alive, if one dies the other Elements will be rendered useless.”
“True, but then what can we use to against Celestia?”
“Are you forgetting we also have Luna and Discord to worry about?”
“Of course not, but Luna is even weaker than Celestia, and Discord, while powerful, has gained a great weakness, one that I plan to exploit given the right time.”
“Now that I think of it, where is Winda? Shouldn’t she be here now?”
“It seems the operation failed, we haven’t got a word from her and her forces.”
“Then what shall we do now? Wrath was our ticket to an early victory.”
“We must wait, wait and see what happens, if Winda failed then we shall proceed with the plan, but if she succeeded then we shall execute phase two.”
“Soon, very soon my brothers and sisters, the tyrant reign shall end and the world will finally be free from her lies and threats.”
“Death to the sun tyrant!” A voice said.
“DEATH TO THE SUN TYRANT!” A multitude of voices said in unison.
--------------------------------------------------------------*****************************************
*Dragon Lands-Unknown location* same time
“Why must we listen to this griffon?” A pink dragon said while carrying mineral ore towards a lava pit. “She has no authority over us.”
“You fool, didn’t you know? Our Lord Wrath put her in command until his glorious return.” A yellow dragon answered.
“I still don’t buy it, why would our lord put that chicken in command?”
“I don’t know but we just have to do as she says. For the moment, that is.”
“HEY! You two get back to work!” A red dragon shouted above them. “The armor and weapons are not going to build themselves, now get to it!”
Winda watched from the skies as a hundred or so dragons, wyrms and drakes worked by either smiting weapons, armors or by fueling the lava pits. Wrath had put her, in a way, in charge until his return so she was going to make sure his forces were going to be strong and ready for battle. She had established a camp where he could rest peacefully, one abundant in resources, and where he could strategically command his forces, at the same time she was keeping an open eye in the distance to see if the dragons she sent to help her lord would return.
Her vigilant eyes soon caught the sight she had wished to see since yesterday, the sight of her lord flying fast towards them, flanked by two dragons, filled her with glee.
“Form up you maggots!” Winda shouted flying fast and low over the camp. “FORM UP! our lord is returning!”
There was no need for more words as the entire camp stopped what they were doing and quickly formed ranks, ready to greet their God of Greed. Almost all in rank and file were eager this would be their first time seeing him, their lord, the strongest dragon, this would be there first time seeing Wrath.
In a single minute every dragon was lined up and eagerly waiting for their lord to arrive, their wait was cut short as the two dragon landed softly on the earth and a few second later Wrath descended to the ground with a loud impact, almost making the ground below quake and the lava pits roar.
Wrath took a step forward as a heavy grunt escaped his scaly lips and fell down to the ground, holding his neck painfully.
“MY LORD!!” Winda screamed and flew right to him, levitating in front of him. “My Lord, are you injured? What have those pathetic ponies done to you!?”
“It……it seems you were right, griffon.” He said, groaning in pain. “I was *cough* too weak to face my foes so early, I let my vengeance cloud my thoughts………but *cough* it was not in vain, for I have claimed the life of the hatchling.” A smile appeared on his lips as a grunt escaped them.
“My Lord, please tell me what you need and I shall deliver it! The ponies will pay for daring to hurt your magnificence!” Windas eyes shone with pure fanatical light as she was ready to do anything for her lord.
“I will need my hoard back, that way *cough* I will be able to heal and regain my strength, and more*cough*” Wrath looked at Winda and smiled “What is your name?”
“Winda Breezeina, here to serve you and only you under the alliance of truth.”
“I see, Winda, please tell me what is that alliance of truth?”
“Of course my lord, the alliance for truth is a series of great and powerful groups in many kingdoms, we exist only to show the farce the pony race and especially that whorse of Celestia really are, pretenders and liars, a race so weak they have to claim power over the sun and the moon to keep themselves alive, to show all Celestia for what she really is, a tyrant.”
Wrath smiled before coughing and grunting a couple of times “Who conforms it?”
“As I said my lord, numerous groups of races, not the majority or the rulers themselves but very numerous and powerful fractions, such groups are almost all the noble houses of Equestria and the Griffon Empire, the rebels of the Minotaur Republic, several Diamond Dog clans, Zebra rebels and many other forces, our most powerful leader is Prince Eukrarius, but even he knows victory would be difficult without your outstanding force, intelligence and might.”
“I see,” Wrath stood up. “Contact lord Eukrarius and the rest of our forces; we shall proceed with discretion until I recover my strength. Your new orders are to go and inform our ‘allies’ about my freedom, tell them that as of now it is I who shall decide when and how to advance against Celestia, Luna and Discord, they are free for doing whatever else they please.” Wrath smiled wickedly at himself, “is that understood, General Winda?”
“Yes, my—“ Winda stopped for a moment before looking at Wrath.
“Now go, and do NOT fail me.”
“Yes, My lord!” Winda shouted before flying off as fast as she could.
Wrath watched as Winda went off to complete her mission, the burn marks on his skins still hurting him, a satisfied sigh echoing in the silence of the camp.
“Now that I have taken care of that heretical hatchling, I can focus on the search for my hoard and once I find it, Sabarius and Euphrinos will die by my claws, so will those three fools and then, this world will finally be cleansed of the weak and pathetic creatures that roam it, just like the insects they are.”
Wrath turned back and walked towards the biggest tent of all, once he stepped in the rest of the dragons cheered madly his name before returning to their work.
-------------------------------------------------------------------***************************************
*Canterlot Castle*
“SPIKEY!!”
Celestia screamed as he tried and failed to get up to follow her son, she could see the tears left on the floor, the pain on her side was too great to move at her fullest. But in her heart she knew Spike’s pain was worse.
“SPIKEY!!”
Celestia repeated as a grunt escaped her lips, finally seeing her surrounding and seeing just how much damage her son had made, all in the name to protect her. She gritted her teeth hard and got up, ready to follow her son and assure him it was all a big mistake and to hold him close to her.
She felt the pain in his eyes when he noticed the fear in hers, but it wasn’t fear of him, it was fear for him and what could happen to him in the future, she took a step forward before a claw stopped her.
“Let him be.” Discord said holding his face, his wound closing slowly. “The worst thing you can do now is to follow him, remember what Aurora did, Tia.”
“I can’t Discord!” She said, barely standing. “He needs me, Spike needs his mother!”
“Look around you!” Discord replied. “We must—“
“Princess Celestia!”
A shout in the distance was heard before a full regiment of both Solar and Lunar guards entered the room, the guards froze in place at seeing the damage not only on the room but to the ones inside it as well.
“Wh-what happened here.” A guard wearing a red armor asked. “We heard roars and shouting and came as fast as we could.” he then looked around the room scanning it.
Princess Celestia was clearly very damaged, if the scars and the burns marks over her body were any signs to go by. Discord was looking at the ground, he wasn’t sure, but he saw a bit of blood falling from his face. Princess Luna, princess Twilight, princess Cadence, the Ex-captain and their new changeling ally were getting up from the floor, small cuts and bruises over them, except for Chrysalis, who had a very nasty injury on her face and most of her wings were cut down.
Then the Element bearers with the company of Sir Fancy Pants were either stunned, trying to mumble something out or trying to help the only injured member of the bearers. But the damage to the room was what concerned him the most, it was clear to him and to any soldier really, that this was the result of a short lived but intense battle, the problem is, who was the enemy?.
“What happened here?” The guard repeated, this time targeting everyone in the room.
No one said anything, most were trying to say something but nothing came out, the guard was slowly losing his patience but before he demanded anything the laughter of Discord filled the room.
“Whats so funny monster?”
“Monster? Wow, how original of you……pony with no name?”
“I am General Red Shine; I demand to know what happened here!”
“………… Seriously? A general? Pitiful.” Discord walked towards the general and the rest of the guards. “It took you two full minutes for you to get here? Who the buck trained you? A tortoise? No wonder an assassin can sneak up so easily with such weak and lowly guards.”
Those presents, excluding the guards, were stunned at his words, not of what he was saying, but just how convincing it sounded.
“And here I thought it was the fault of Celestia or Luna or the Ex-Captain or somepony directly in charge, but no! The fault lies in the guard itself!” Discord walked around the room extending his limbs and arms every so often rather exaggeratedly. “Two minutes is enough for a Real trained group of attackers to succeed on a surprise attack.”
“W-what!??” The general finally said finding his voice.
“To answer your earlier question, this was my deed, I just,” With a snap of his finger he changed form to that of a black formless monster. “Wanted to test the power of our dear rulers and allies, the bearers were a happy accident!” With the echo of a snap Discord was back to normal and walked towards Fluttershy. “I’m sorry I was so harsh on you, my dear, but I had to be convincing.”
“O-of course Discord, I u-understand” she said before grunting a little in pain.
“Let me patch you all up,” With another snap of his fingers the room was back to normal and everypony else was healed up instantly, even Chrysalis was fine now “Now……on to the real issue.”
Discord teleported right in front of the general, his eyes shining red and his fangs bigger than usual.
“How dare you call yourselves royal guards!” His roar made the very walls of the room tremble “Your reaction time was so bad I think a snail would have gotten here faster than you!”
“Huh? B-but!”
“No buts!” Discord roared again. “Leave this instant and inform the rest of the guard, both the Lunar and the Solar that as of tomorrow I will personally train them until I see your abilities are at least magic kindergarten level, is that understood?”
“Y-you can’t do that!” The general answered back.
“I said, is that understood, Private?”
The general gulped harshly before turning around and shouting orders to the rest of the guards, making a hasty retreat.
Discord waited for a couple of second before snapping his fingers, returning everypony to their previous, injured state. “Sorry about that, but my healing powers don’t work like that.” He said teleporting back to Fluttershy, putting his lions paw over her injury for a couple of seconds before healing her completely. “There you go, my dear, good as new.”
“Thanks Discord” Fluttershy said, slowly standing up, seeing that, in fact, she was completely healed. “W-why did you do that, Discord?” Fluttershy asked as Discord walked towards Twilight and did the same to her.
“What? Oh yeah, the whole training thing? Well it’s half true, isn’t it? The guard really does need to improve, seriously Ex-Captain, two minutes to get here? What did you train them with? Tea parties and spa sessions?” He said as he walked up to Cadence.
“Thanks,” Cadence said as Discord finished with her. “Why did you lie to protect Spike?”
“What can I say? I like the little guy, plus it’s hardly his fault anyways.” He said as he finished healing Luna. “believe me, I know.”
“What do you mean ‘hardly his fault?’ He almost killed me!” Chrysalis exclaimed as Discord started to heal her, “Awwww…..ohhhhh, feels so much better now.”
“Oh really, then tell me, what were you doing before he started to go all Spikenator on your flanks?”
“Well, Chrysalis was healing princess Celestia with her magic,” Shining said. “And we were holding her down, the princess let out a scream of pain, then he burst in...”
“And started attacking Chrysalis.” Twilight ended the sentence as Discord finished up with her brother.
Discord turned around to see them all before face palming. “Yeah, because a former enemy that can brainwash her victims is shooting a magic beam to your mother while the ones close to her, say family and friends, are holding her down harming her, from his point of view at least, is an everyday occurrence and by no means should be confused as an attack.” There was a moment of silence. “And he is at fault here?”
“W-when you put it that way.” Chrysalis said, feeling ashamed for jumping to conclusions. “But that still doesn’t explained why he wanted to not only kill me, but anyone else that got in his way”
Discord walked to Celestia as everypony in the room looked at him expectantly.
“Tell me, have you ever bottled up so much frustration, anger, fury, impotence, self doubt, hate and all sort of nasty stuff deep, deep inside you and it all just pops out in one swift moment of lost control?” Silence met him. “I’m guessing no, the results can be pretty bad, even worse if we add a touch of Black Magic taint into the mix.” Everypony in the room gasped at the revelation.
“N-no, not my son, not my Spikey!” Celestia moved forward to Discord, urging him to heal her. “How can you be so sure!”
“I didn’t want to tell you,” Discord said. “I even thought he was unaffected, until I saw his purple fire, but Spike was also affected by dark magic in the Crystal Empire, Spike saved Twilight from a Shadow Door and in turn got caught inside the spell himself.”
“Th-then it’s because of me Spike was turning into that….that…that thing!?”
“No, thankfully, the contact was short lived and I think it only truly acts when he is angry. That ‘thing’ you say he was turning into……..I cannot say for sure, but I think everything he had bottled inside him was turning him into a powerful lethal protector.”
“But if that is true then why did he attack the princesses, eh?” Rainbow asked him.
Discord coughed a little before speaking. “Spike protect mommy!” He said imitating Spikes voice perfectly, managing to send shivers down their spines. “I think that was pretty clear, he wished to have the strength to protect you, Celestia, thankfully he hurt you accidently and thus was able to turn back into the Spike we know and love.” Discord placed his lion paw over Celestia’s head.
“Celestia, I’m going to heal you but you must promise me you will NOT go after him, you must give him time until he comes back to you, understood.” Celestia nodded slowly, not showing her face to Discord ever since his reveal. “Do you swear it in the name of Mot—Moon Light and Arurora?”
“I do.” She said weakly.
“Good.”
Once she finished up with her he walked towards Twilight and placed his claw over her head.
“Don’t talk or react, look at the ground.” He said inside her head, quickly she did as he told her. “Go to him, he will need you.”
“But why don’t you let princess Celestia, his mother at that, go to him?”
“Because right now he feels like the worst monster in the world and if he sees her now he could do something far worse, what he needs now is a friend, and what best choice than his oldest and best friend?”
“Promise me you won’t go after him either, Twilight.” Discord said out loud, Twilight nodded.
Twilight did not say nor did anything else; she just stood there on her place until Discord was done with her.
“Now carry on, you still have much to do and I have a picnic to attend to.”
With a snap of his finger he was gone along with Fluttershy, leaving a group of worried ponies inside the room.
“Sister, do you wish for me to search for our nephew?”
Celestia began to walk slowly outside the room, not bothering to answer her sister.
“Sister?”
“I will be in my chambers,” Celestia said, her voice barely audible and cracking every so often. “Do not disturb me until my little Spikey is back.”
Celestia walked away, for all but Luna it was the first time they saw the great and proud princess Celestia, the one who always shine with glory, power, elegance and wisdom, walk away sad, broken and defeated.
A minute of silence fell down as Celestia was lost along the hallway.
“Ehem,” all turned to the source of the noise. “I believe we must also depart. If you are willing, I gladly invite you all for a good evening dinner in my mansion, to clear our minds and sort our ideas. It would be a great honor to receive you as my guests.”
Luna nodded. “We accept, Sir Fancy Pants, it seems we all need to discuss these events in private.” Slowly everyone in the room left, all except Twilight. “Twilight, are you not coming?”
“S-sorry, I must be…..alone for a while, I’ll catch you all later, alright?”
“Ya sure Twi? You aren’t going to go crazy on us, right?” Rainbow asked concerned about her friend.
“Nah, don’t worry” Twilight answered, trying her best to ‘be chill’. “I just need to think for a bit and do some research, that’s all.” She smiled at her friends who in return smiled back before continuing their way.
Once she was alone she teleported outside, ready to find her number one ex-assistant.
------------------------------------------------------------------****************************************
Spike ran as fast as he could, away from his mother and go somewhere else, he didn’t care to where, he just wanted to be away from her, to protect her from himself. He wasn’t aware of how much he was running, how far or where he was going, all he wanted was to be away from everypony.
After what seemed like forever he finally stopped, catching his breath Spike came to a halt resting against a rocky wall. Finally finding a place to sit and think.
‘I hurt her! I hurt my mommy, I hurt my friends! I HURT MY FAMILY!’ He yelled inside his mind, his voice nowhere to be found as his crying intensified.
‘I….. I wanted to kill them…… for hurting my mommy………. but, they weren’t hurting her.’ His crying increased as painful sobs left his mouth. ‘A-and now mommy is afraid of me………they are all afraid of me.’
“I’m a *sob* m-monster,” He said, his voice cracking down. “I’m a monster,” He repeated “W-what are *sob* my friends going to do? What is going to happen to me now?” A sudden headache rocked him away from his senses.
“Do you think I would still be your friend after what you did, Monster?, Go away and die for all I care!” Said a voice much like Rainbow Dash inside his head.
“No…..no, please.”
“Y-you scared me……. you are scary……. monsters are scary……… and….. y-y-you a-almost k-killed me, Spike…… I…. I thought you were my friend!”
“No, Fluttershy, I d-didn’t mean to---“
“Oh sure, this dreadful monster trying to justify his actions with petty and false excuses? I can’t believe I once held such a beast as a gentledrake, humph.”
“P-please, no, I-it it wasn’t my fau—“
“Go away meanie pants! Nopony wants to be your friend anymore, nopony in Ponyville wants you after you destroyed it, I DON’T WANT TO BE YOUR FRIEND!”
“S-stop it---please….” Spike held his head with his hands, the headache increasing by the second as more voices echoed.
“Ah’ reckon you are nothing but a vermin, a pest to all of us, if ya’ll stay here you’ll only end up killing us, just go away and live like the monster ya are!”
“HNNGGGAAAARRRRRR” Spike rolled on the ground, holding his head painfully.
“How could WE possibly trust you after what you did, dear nephew? We can’t and you must be punished by your actions.”
“Stop it!!” His shout echoed in nothingness.
“I thought……I thought we were like family, Spike.”
“Please, STOP IT!” His fists found home on the ground, breaking it slightly.
“To think I let such a dangerous beast like you be near me, it makes me want to vomit each time I cared for Twilight and you…..you dangerous animal!”
“I BEG YOU, STOP IT!!” Again his fists hit the ground, this time cracking it.
“You disappoint me, Spike. I was hoping to be the father figure you wanted; turns out REAL monsters don’t have families or friends!”
“STOP IT!!!!!” Another hit from his fists created a crater.
“I promised I would never leave you, that I would never sent you away………….but you are too dangerous, monsters are dangerous, you are dangerous, Spike. I’m sorry, but you must go away and never return.”
“No…..please, Twilight, don’t make go, I don't want to go!” His headache vanished letting him cry inside his makeshift crater, before a very familiar voice echoed around the cave.
“I loved you with all my heart,” His mother said. “I loved you like the child I could never have, like the child I can never have.” A ghostly image of herself appeared in front of Spike.
“M-m-mommy?” He said as green fire surrounded her, after a few seconds the fire vanished leaving only a deformed ghastly Celestia. “MOMMY!!!”
“You did this to me, Spike!. You hurt your mother, you killed me!”
“No….NOOO!”
“I hate you!”
“You lie!”
“I fear you!”
“LIES!! Mommy loves me!”
“You are not my son anymore, monster.” Celestia said with the most venomous tone his mind could muster.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!”
Spike landed one last punch to the small crater turning it even bigger, his cries of pain echoing around him for what seemed like eternity. His cries became softer and softer until something touched him on the back of his head, looking up he saw the ghostly figure of the female gemstone dragon he had seen days prior. She was smiling warmly at him.
Looking at her eyes, his fear, his pain, his hate, everything just vanished, slowly he got up as the ghost moved backwards.
“W-who are you?”
“Come with me”
“Go with you where?”
“Come with me, please, come with me”
“………” Spike couldn’t find anything to say as the dragon ghost moved away and down a tunnel, finally realizing where he was “The Crystal Caves, how did I--”
“Come with me, I don't have much time left.” Said the ghostly echoing voice in the distance.
Wiping off his remaining tears Spike decided to follow the ghost, wherever it was leading to he was going to find out.
----------------------------------------------------------------------*************************************
Twilight trotted lightly, following the trail her locator spell was pulling her to, she had already passed the entire Royal Garden and one of the guard barracks. The path she was following was slowly turning to be quite familiar to her.
“This is leading me towards the Crystal Caves, but how could Spike know how to find them?” She thought accelerating her trotting. “Maybe princess Celestia told hi—“
A not so distant ‘Nooooooooooooooo!’ yell followed by a small earthquake made her lose her focus and ended up falling to the ground face first. Recovering quickly she knew the voice of the yell could only belong to Spike.
Arriving at the entrance of the Caves she lit her horn a little allowing her to see the surroundings and the trail of small feet left in the dust, slowly she followed the trail for several minutes, until after turning from a corner she saw a small purple light a good fifty meter before her.
Twilight smiled as she decided to approach slowly at the dragon, when she was only twenty meters away she saw him get up, seemingly in a trance and thanks to the echo of the cave she could hear him speak.
“W-who are you?”
Twilight got confused at the aimless question. “Who is he talking to?”
“Go with you where?”
“Go? Go with who!?”
“………..The Crystal Caves, how did I--” Spike suddenly focused on the path in front of him, whipped his face and advanced quietly onwards.
Twilight was speechless for a moment, she wanted, no, she needed to be near Spike in this great hour of need for him, but now she was greatly curious as to whom or what Spike was talking to. She decided to follow him, from a distance, to both guard him and discover what she had stumbled upon.
Casting a soundproof spell on her hooves she began to follow the little dragon towards the unknown depths of the Crystal Caves. For almost half an hour she simply followed him from a good thirty or forty meter distance and thanks to her spell she went undetected allowing her to see, with what limited light she had, the magnificence of the Crystals and also to notice something…….rather unnatural on them.
Spike suddenly stopped and looked down; he stood there for a minute before jumping over the edge of something. Twilight had almost shouted in terror but the small patch of purple light descending from the border prevented her from blowing her cover. Slowly she advanced and was able to recognize where she was, it was the same gigantic hole she and Cadence had to fly over to reach the exit during the changeling invasion.
Finally reaching the edge of the hole she saw Spike climbing down the wall, deciding to follow him, but not getting caught by him she casted another spell around her, this time an invisibility spell. “I have been searching for a good excuse to use it, might as well be now.” Opening her wings she followed Spike in his descent, still minding the distance between the two.
For twenty minutes Twilight followed Spike on his dangerous descent, each meter making it increasingly harder to breathe and hotter all around for her, performing yet another spell to keep her cool and with a good supply of oxygen she landed a minute later after Spike reached the bottom and kept on going his way.
“Now that I think of it, how is he able to glow like that?”
Twilight followed him through a very wide tunnel for a couple of minutes, seeing that the crystals down here were different from the ones on top, these crystals were more transparent, almost like windows but still sparkled against the light provided by the body of Spike, speaking of which, had came to a halt in front of a crystal wall.
“Huh? How am I suppose to do that?” He asked to the air. “My friend? What friend?” Spike turned around but thanks to her invisibility spell he didn’t see her or her light. “There’s nopony behind me”
Be it because it seemed like the right time to show herself or by the fact she was right down scared by his words, Twilight decided to drop her invisibility spell. Spike, upon seeing her, was speechless.
Spike tried to say something but couldn’t, instead he turned around away from Twilight.
“Spike” she began “I’m sorry I fo—“ something knocked her to the ground hugging her by her neck, she could also feel hot water damping her coat.
“I’M SORRY!” Spike yelled against her coat. “Please Twilight I promise to be good, I promise I will be your assistant again!” The muffled noise against her coat made it hard to fully understand him but she knew what he was saying. “Just…….just please…..d-do-don’t send me a-a-away, p-please.” Twilight wanted to cry as well as she hugged her ex-assistant tenderly.
“I-I know I’m a monster….. but I don’t……. I don’t want to be alone.” Twilight couldn’t hold back her tears anymore as Spike kept going. “I w-want to be with you, and Cadence, and *sob* and the girls, and a-aunty Luna, and Shining, and *sob* Discord, and ponies, and mommy. I want to stay with my family…….please, don’t send me away.”
“Oh, Spike.” Twilight hugged him closer to her and stayed like that for what seemed like hours until she finally calmed herself enough to talk “W-we never thought about sending you away, any of us, we love you, Spike.”
“B-but I hurt you, I hurt my friends…… I hurt mommy.” He said against her coat, hugging her a bit stronger.
“It wasn’t your fault; you were just trying to protect her.” She kissed his forehead lightly. “We all love you, Spike, you are not a monster, you could never be a monster.” She kissed him again. “I made a promise, didn’t I? I will never send you away from my side; I will always stay by your side no matter what.”
Another couple of minutes passed in silence before Spike broke the hug and got up, whipping from tear remains. Twilight did the same and smiled at each other.
“Say Spike, w-who were you talking to?” Twilight never believed in ghost or anything like that, but after the events of the book and now this, she was seriously having doubts about it. “When I found you, you were talking to somepony, who was it?”
“She is not a pony, Twi. She is a dragon, like me, you can’t see her? She is right in front of us.”
“I-I’m afraid I can’t see or hear her, Spike.”
“That’s weird because she can see you and---eh?” Spike said as he turned around at the front seeing nothing but air. “Alright, I’ll ask her.” Spike turned around again to face Twilight. “She asks if you could use your light to illuminate the entire cavern.”
“Why?” Twilight asked him, she was afraid alright but that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to be cautious.
“So that she can see us and we can see her.” Spike answered a few seconds later.
“Is she a dragon, like you? A gemstone dragon?”
“Yes.”
Twilight looked at his eyes for a moment before closing her eyes and focusing more magic on her horn, after a few seconds a ball of light emerged from her horn and shot up to the top of the cavern, revealing it was bigger than she thought it would be. Once the ball of light hit the top of the cavern it exploded, creating a miniature white sun and providing the cavern with enough light to see all the beauty and clearness of it.
“WHAT THE HAY IS THAT??” And also see through the crystals.
Right before them was a colossal skeleton inside the walls of the crystal cavern, they couldn’t see all of it for it was the biggest thing they had ever seen, but they could clearly see the gigantic arms, claws, bones and more specifically, the skull of a dragon in front of them.
Suddenly the eye sockets of the skull glowed red “Now you can hear me too, ascended sister.” said a ghastly voice around them. “I welcome you to my grave, dear ascended sister and young one.”
Twilight was frozen to the ground she stood on, her logical brain shut off and her instincts lost somewhere inside of her, but at the same time she felt something rather familiar about this dragon, she couldn’t quite put it together but the feeling was there. So it was no surprise when Spike answered first.
“W-w-who are you!? Are you a z-zombie?”
“No young one, I’m afraid I do not know what a ‘zombie’ is but I believe you already know who I am, after all you saw me during your experience with the book.”
“H-how do you know that!?” Twilight asked, free from her initial shock.
“The moment the seal was broken so was mine……….and as the book, my time is limited, please young one, let me guide you and warn you with what little time I have left.” There was a second of silence in the cavern. “I am the terror of the world, I am Echidna.”
Like lightning crashing on the ground the memories of what they saw in the book came back to them in an instant, Spike took the first step away from the wall.
“Please, do not run, but listen.” her voice was monotone and soft, as soft as a ghastly voice can get. “I mean you no harm.”
“WHY SHOULD I TRUST YOU?” Spike shouted angrily “Thanks to you I'm the last gemstone dragon!” He took a step forward, his anger clear on his face.
“Because, while I am to blame for what I did the fault cannot be completely mine, I was like you once, young one.”
“As if!”
“You are lost within yourself, you are unable to decide what you should do or what path you must follow, your feelings betray you and you feel powerless and wishing for the power to do anything of real value to aid and protect the ones you love, always doubting your own capabilities and fearing you may turn into a monster if you lose control for even a second.”
Spike’s mouth failed to let out a single word or noise, it just hung open trying and failing to say something.
“H-how did you know that?”
“I know what you are feeling, for I felt the same when I was young and alive.” For a moment everything was silent, the only sound coming from the breathing of Twilight and Spike. “I couldn’t find a path worth doing, I tried and failed at every single one, for a century I remained the same, never changing, never growing, never finding my destiny.”
“Until one day, I was tricked, I was promised strength, I was promised might and wisdom, everything I would need to be strong enough, and, as the fool I was, I accepted, even when my parents and mentors always warned to never listen to those demons.” The eyes of the skull shone with a deeper red light for an instant. “The Nightmares.”
“You were possessed, like princess Luna was?” Twilight asked, not entirely trusting of the words of the monstrous dragon from the book.
“Yes, ascended sister, as it promised it gave me the power I so long and desired for, but at the cost of my mind and self control.” A distant sobbing was heard. “The rest I believe you already saw.”
“But you were annihilated by the Elements of Harmony!”
“No, dear ascended sister, I was killed, that much is true, my body casted into these crystals as my soul remained attached to it as punishment and it would remain that way until our book was destroyed.” Her voice turned serious for the first time in their conversation. “Now I wish to make what little amends I can, and guide this young one towards a glorious path.”
“How can I do that? I almost became a monster because of my greed and earlier today because of my hate!”
“You are mistaken young one, while your first one is correct the second one is not, that was not hate, it was love”
“LOVE??” both Spike and Twilight shouted.
“How can that be in any way love!? I tried to kill my friends!”
“Yes, you did. But what you wanted to do, what was the primordial thought that unleashed your short lived transformation after seeing what the Windigo was doing to your mother?”
“I…. I wanted to protect my mommy.” Spike said confused. “B-but I felt so angry, I felt the need to make all those who hurt her pay.”
“Indeed, but when you hurt your mother, did you not changed back?”
“But……why?”
“Because you felt weak.” Twilight said at his side. “Because you thought you were impotent to protect princess Celestia from harm, you were angry at everything else, even at yourself, but it was your desire to protect her, your love for her, that made you act the way you did, Spike.”
“Most accurate, dear ascended sister, love is a dangerous weapon for the wielder of it. It can become the greatest shield and strength you can have or be your greatest weakness.” The voice around them slowly began to die down. “You are a gemstone dragon, young one, you must control your emotions and desires, or they will end up controlling you. Follow your heart and you shall find your way, but be wary, there will be obstacles, you must learn to recognize and evade them and carry on until you are ready to choose your destiny.”
“Keep in mind, young one; there are two things you must never do.” the light on eye sockets of the skull began to fade away as well. “The first one is the path of hate, if you ever succumb to real hate you shall become a mindless beast with the only purpose of destroying anything in its path. Although similar to greed, hate cannot be satieted.” Spike nodded nervously. “The second one, is to never listen to the Nightmare, if it ever comes to you simply ignore it, no matter what it may offer you, no matter what it may promise, do NOT give in, or you will end up repeating my story, young one.” The light almost vanishing and the echo of her voice fading away even further. “Do you understand?”
“I think I do,” Spike looked at the massive skull in front of him. “What’s going to happen to you?”
“If I’m lucky I will finally be at peace and join my brothers and sisters in the great beyond.”
“Wait!” Twilight shouted, as her sun orb spell began to also fade away. “You said Chrysalis was a ‘Windigo’, how do you explain that?” She asked pointing a hoof at the skeleton “ and now that I remember, the dragon queen, Waldarys also said we had fought against them, but we never did, what do you mean by that?”
“The black creatures, the emotion eaters you call ‘Changelings’ are the descendants of the ice demons, the Windigoes. Do not judge them for it, all they wanted was to live among the living.” A sigh of relief echoed inside the cavern. “Remember young one, your decisions will lead you to your destiny………Sa kyr'am…… nau tracyn …..kad,… Vode …..an” The red glow on the eyes sockets died and the echo in the voice faded as the last words of that ancient tongue were said.
“Spike?” Twilight called to him after a minute of silence in the darkening cave.
“Yeah?”
“Do you know……what does that last part means?”
“……….Forged like the saber…………in the fires………..of death, …Brothers...... all” Spike said, for no real reason he felt very nostalgic about that chant.
"That's sounds very sad, doesn't it?"
"Very"
Another minute of silence followed.
“Twilight?”
“Yeah?”
“Let’s go home”
“Alright”
Spike walked towards Twilight and climbed on her back, both of them giving a last sad look at the skeleton encrusted inside the crystal walls before walking away. The sun orb Twilight created died away, the last spark of it illuminating a ghostly dragon figure looking at them.
“Follow your path, young one.”
The ghost said before fading away from existence.
------------------------------------------------------------------------***********************************
Celestia was lying on her bed, doing nothing but waiting for her son to come, she didn’t think of anything, not even on what she could possibly say to her little Spike, she just laid there on her bed, waiting and waiting.
A warm scaly hand touched her on the back of her neck, making her turn around. She saw her little Spikey smiling at her, an apologetic gaze on his eyes. Celestia smiled back at him before turning around completely and wrapping her hooves around him, hugging him lightly.
“I’m sorry for running away, mommy.”
“I’m sorry for making you cry, my son.”
Twilight watched from the entrance of her former mentor’s room as the mother and son embraced.
Just then the moment was ruined by a royal guard rushing inside the room.
“Your highness I bring you an urgent message.”
Celestia and Spike stopped their embrace to look at the guard bowing before them.
“What’s the matter, guard?” Twilight asked also entering the room.
“Chancellor Sabarius has just arrived and is asking for a meeting, right now.”
“Tell him I will be on my way,” Celestia hugged her son again. “As soon as I’m done with my son.” Spike and Celestia smiled, content by their simple, yet interrupted, moment of happiness.
Chapter 8 end.
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to all those who read this!
Special thanks to Bennet001 for proofreading and minor editing!
Special thanks to Inferno demon Dash for proofreading!
This is to give you an idea for what it sort of looked like to see Echidna inside the crystals: Base for Echidna
also for those who might ask, Im not using the name of Echidna as a sort of spinn from my user name, I use it because Echidna is the mother of monsters, even she isnt a dragon I do love the name XD.
Spike Part 1
Chapter 9: Spike Part 1
“And I have searched all over the planet for clues, signs or anything at all about it! But it’s always the same result, nothing.” Daring said while looking down to the table and the forgotten tea she was drinking “You know I work alone, but this time I need help, I don’t know what to do anymore or where to look now,” she let out a sigh in defeat “You’re my last hope.” she pulled her head up to see the being sitting at the other side of the table.
“I see,” the creature took a sip of tea “and what makes you think I know something about what you’re looking for, if you haven’t even told me what exactly is ‘It’, Daring?” the creature asked in a strange yet almost mystic accent.
“Because you are the only one who knows more about ancient artifacts, ruins, treasures and knowledge than myself, so please, please, help me.” she pouted.
The creature put down the cup of tea on the table before answering “Very well, I shall aid you--” the creature was cut off as the pegasus launched from her seat to tackle him.
“Thank you! Thank you!” she shouted happily, wrapping her hooves as much as she could around the creature’s neck.
“You’re welcome, Daring, but I wasn’t quite finished,” the mare looked up at, smiling at her the creature continued “I shall aid you BUT only under three conditions.”
Daring ended her hug and sat down on her haunches, a curious look adorning her face “I’m listening.”
“Number one; Tell me what are you looking for.”
“A book”
“A book?” Daring nodded “Care to explain?” Daring said nothing and instead passed him a letter, opening it the creature began to read its contents, after several minutes of silence the creature spoke again “I…..I haven’t heard that title in centuries.” the creature said, his tone an odd mixture of joy and fear.
“You know what it is then?” Daring asked, concerned by the tone he used.
“Come.” the creature ordered as he began to walk out of the house they were in, Daring following him up close “if what this letter say it’s true, then I must show you something.” they continued to walk towards a pyramid in the distance, their trip long and silent aside from the sounds of the jungle “How long have you been in search of this book?” the creature suddenly asked breaking the silence.
“It’s the very reason I started my career as an explorer and treasure hunter, a task entrusted to me by Princess Celestia herself.”
“Do you have any more information?”
“All that I know is inside the letter I gave you, everything from my first meeting with Zezer, the Zebra chancellor, all the way to my research throughout the Ursani Empire,” Daring sighed in a tired manner “but no matter where I go or what ruins I find, the answer is always the same, nothing.”
For several more minutes the couple remained in silence as they advanced towards the pyramid, once they were outside they halted. The creature snapped his fingers and just two seconds later a tiger appeared carrying a torch.
“Have you ever wondered what lies inside my pyramid, Daring?” the creature asked smiling at the mare while taking the torch.
“Sometimes; like back when we were enemies, Ahuizotl.” the pegasus mare returned him a smile of her own “I suppose it’s some kind of tomb, right?”
“Correct, it is a tomb,” Ahuizotl lighten up the torch with a nearby flame totem “but it’s also a……..what’s the word for it? Tetzoquitecalli….ah, yes, vault. Inside I guard and preserve what’s left of the history of my people,” he explained as they began to walk inside the pyramid “that book is mentioned in the myths of my people, myths that go back in time.”
Daring said nothing and instead followed Ahuizotl through the dark corridors of the pyramid, the light provided by the torch allowed her to contemplate the marvelous hieroglyphs carved in the stone and gold of the walls, she had to repress her urge to read and discover the history and knowledge on them in favor of finding her answer. After many twists and turns Ahuizotl halted.
“My father,” he began “always told me the same story every night when I was but a child.” Ahuizotl put the torch over a pedestal, instantly the pedestal was caught on fire as it spread down the floor. After a couple of seconds a vast room revealed its contents of invaluable gold, jewels, manuscripts, metalware, fabrics, statues, paintings and many more things lay across the floor and the walls of said room. But what stood out the most was a monolith carved out of pure gold, standing proud in the middle of the room.
“Whoa” Daring said, stricken by awe. It didn’t last long as Ahuizotl began to walk towards said monolith, she following him closely.
“This is the origin of my race, the Catztecs.” he said pointing towards the first carving, where two of his race were bowing down at either side of a central being, a dragon-like creature for the looks of it, she noticed several more carvings below, arranged in a way to tell some kind of story, she was impressed by the details but there was something strange she noticed, in almost all of the hieroglyphs, carvings or manuscripts she had found over the years everything was the same color, be it history, politics, plagues, wars, etc. You name it, this rule applied to all except when it came to representing a deity, there was always something ‘special’ added that made them unique, some were their eyes, others their robes and others, in some rare cases, their entire body. But this was something she had never seen before, the dragon-like being was a mix of purple, probably amethyst, and green, most likely emerald or jade, and even though that was impressive, the eyes were what both thrilled and terrified her. Daring could swear those eyes were looking at her, seeing through her, almost as if they were judging her. The voice of her once former enemy pulled her out of her trance.
“ ‘We came out of the mud, crawling around like new born turtles. We were new, we were fresh, we were lost. The Gods came, down from the skies, to protect us and show us the ways. Be thankful to the Gods.’
‘The Gods gave us knowledge, taught us to grow food. The Gods gave us wisdom, taught us to communicate with creatures. Praise the Gods’
‘We grew powerful with weapons the Gods forged with eternal fire. We grew humble with guidance the Gods forged with eternal care. We grew prosperous with peace the Gods forged with eternal devotion. Venerate the Gods.’
‘The Book of Dovah. The book of their kin, a secret shared by Gods, a secret hidden from unworthy mortals, only True Servants protect it. Remember the Gods.’
‘The Gods leave for higher calling, to protect what they created. The Gods fell to darkness, never to return, only their legacy remains. Cry for the Gods.’
‘Secrets buried deep, chants of ritual unheard, knowledge hidden away. We fight and conquer, not for glory, secrets to find, Gods must return to guide once more. Die for the Gods.’
Ahuizotl chanted, sounding sad and apologetic at the same time, once he was done he sighed deeply “This is not the only time it is mentioned.” he said putting one of his hands against the monolith “Before the flood that drove my people to almost extinction it was mentioned that that book was the key to save the Gods, we fought to return the Gods of old, the guardians of our race.”
“Your’s were once a mighty Empire, right?” she said not looking away from the monolith, reading more of the hieroglyphs “What happened to your Gods?”
“Unknown,” Ahuizotl answered “all I know is what my father told me and what little I have found, myth has it that there was some sort of war between the Gods themselves, I don’t know more about it.” silence reigned for a couple of minutes, Ahuizotl waiting patiently for Daring to ask him something “She is narrowing her eyes,” he thought “3…...2…...1” as soon as he finished the last number Daring lifted her hoof to point at something “I knew it!”.
“That, in the fourth verse, what does it mean by ‘only True Servants protect it’?”
“My race was not the only one who the Gods aided. The Gods, in their great knowledge and power, decided to care for all creatures and races. They had some favorite ones however, in the universal tongue ‘True Servants’ means ‘Favored Ones’, my race was one of those, or so the myths say.” Ahuizotl rubbed his chin for a moment “For what I was able to find during my younger days, there were four more ‘True Servants’ of the Gods; These were the Ursas, Buffalos, Cervines and Dragons.” a sudden squee like noise made him look at his left side, he found Daring practically drooling in excitement.
“This.Is.AWESOME!,” she shouted as she took flight inside the room “I totally should’ve come to you sooner, just imagine all we could find about it, we could be famous!” she said as she landed.
“You already are.” Ahuizotl whispered.
“What was that?”
“Do you have another question?”
Daring landed next to Ahuizotl, looking up at the monolith for a moment before turning to him “Actually, I have two; One, What were the other two conditions for your help?, And two, Don’t you think your Gods look like dragons themselves?”
Ahuizotl nodded looking at the monolith “You are correct, the Gods look like dragons, but at the same time they aren’t, the myths and legends don’t describe it clearly, but they keep referring to them as ‘Something Else’,” he looked back down at her “as for my other two conditions, the second is that you must say yes to my third one.”
“Which is?”
“All in do time, my dear Daring. But for now, there are more stories about what you are looking for, do you wish to hear them?”
Daring looked up to him, their gazes locking in a silent moment of tenderness, after what felt like hours she answered “You’ve helped me enough as it is, I already know what I must do now,” she said hovering in front of him, she hugged him again giving him a soft kiss over his nose “but at the moment, I really want to know more about your race, it’s been a long time since I discovered something this interesting.”
Ahuizotl chuckled “You didn’t discover anything, I showed it to you.” he said smiling back at her.
“Semantics.” she said before nuzzling him.
---------------------------------------------------------***********************************************
*Canterlot*
Daring was sitting over the edge of her bed looking outside her window, admiring the sunset in the horizon and the massive silhouette of a dragon sitting in the royal gardens, thinking and analyzing everything she had done so far and everything that had happened after her job was done, or so she thought, even though princess Celestia had paid her an enormous amount of bits, enough to never work a single day of her life again, for her services to the crown and even more after her mission to find the changelings, there was still something nagging inside her head, something telling her her job was still incomplete.
Looking at her wing she saw the ring attached to it and blushed, it would be just a couple of months more before her husband could enter Equestria as a citizen.
“Paper work sucks, hard.” she thought “I still can’t believe he proposed to me, guess Ahuizotl really likes taking control of everything.” she giggled softly as she turned her head away from the window to see her dear little sister playing with her daughter, while her husband worked fixing some clocks with a strange looking screwdriver “It’s good to be home at last, but there is something I must do first.”
“Auntie Daring, come play with us!” Dinky called, while Derpy was trying to escape from beneath her.
“.......Right after I spend some quality time with my niece and sister!” she murmured to herself as she jumped to the air and proceeded to tackle the filly.
-----------------------------------------------------*****************************************************
*Canterlot Castle, West Royal Garden*
Sabarius, better known as ‘The Light of the Dragons’, is a very impressive sight to behold, his size always made it difficult to visit any sort of place outside the Dragon Lands, fortunately Canterlot was built foreseeing any sort of visitors, including him, after all, if he were to enter the Royal Hall he would end up destroying it, the place was big enough for him, that much was true, but only on the inside. So instead he had to wait in one of the royal gardens, it didn’t disturb him in the sightless, he always enjoyed the scenario.
“Always so beautiful.” he said to himself.
“What was that, Chancellor Sabarius?” a guard pony asked, standing right next to his head.
“The sunset, it’s always so beautiful to look at here in Equestria, makes me wonder why I don’t come more often,” he said almost whispering, mindful of his voice, as a smile painted his face “sometimes I forget how troublesome my size can be.” he said as his tail hanged down by one of the garden walls.
“It is of no trouble, Chancellor Sabarius,” the guard said “ and in all fairness, it is we who should be apologizing,” the guard pony said, shuffling his hooves embarrassed “the report came just seconds after your arrival, it wasn’t our intention to shoot at you, Lord Sabarius.”
“Take no heed, young guard, it was my mistake for arriving forgetting the protocol, it seems that age is finally catching up with me.” the dragon gave out a small chuckle, making a little echo around the gardens and making the walls of the castle and the gardens tremble a bit “You cannot be faulted for anything, after attack you suffered from that group of rogue dragons it is only natural to be wary.”
The guard nodded as Sabarius kept watching the sunset, after a minute or so of silence another guard, this one an unicorn, came through the gardens catching Sabarius attention.
“Lord Sabarius,” the guard bowed “princess Celestia has informed me that she shall be with you in short notice.”
“Mmmhh,” the dragon closed his eyes and brought up one of his claws, rubbing his chin before smiling lightly “guards, may I ask for some hard cider, if you please?”
“Of course, Chancellor Sabarius.” both guards said at the same time before turning around to complete the request.
“So he is the hatchling,” Sabarius murmured once he was alone “not what I was expecting,” his eyes opened glowing a blue light for a moment “then why am I feeling so uneasy?” for a couple of minutes he pondered, using his Clairvoyance to see the sweet display of affection between Celestia and Spike until his hard cider arrived.
*Thirty minutes and barrels upon barrels of hard cider later*
Celestia, with Spike on her back and Twilight at her side, appeared on the vast garden Sabarius was at in a flash of light “Chancellor Sabarius, it is with great honor that I welco--” she began but was soon cut off as the image of two of her guards laying on the ground, drinking hard cider to their hearts content, while the great dragon on the side held several barrels of said beverage with one claw as he drank with gusto, was the first thing she saw.
The guards, upon being discovered, almost choke on their drinks and sat up faster than lighting, saluting their princesses with their mugs still on their saluting hooves, Sabarius merely let out a light chuckle.
“Always the social drinker, Lord Sabarius.” Celestia said smiling at the two guards, pointing them to leave, the guards blushed in embarrassment as they retired “May I present you, Princess Twilight Sparkle and my son, Prince Spike Solaris.”
Sabarius put down his barrels of cider and looked down at the mentioned princess and prince, both were mute and stunned, surely impressed by his presence and size “An honor.” the dragon bowed his head as best as he could, making them both bow back slowly.
“There is no time for formalities. Celestia, if you please?” the princess of the sun nodded, closed her eyes and a few seconds later a light yellow barrier surrounded them all “It‘s good to see you again after all these years, Celly, sadly the circumstances are not what I would desire,” Sabarius scanned the area for several seconds before speaking “where is Lulu?”
“She seems to be occupied by other matters at the moment, Sabarius,” Celestia said kneeling just enough to allow Spike to jump off her back “speaking of which, was king Euphrinos too busy to attend my call?”
Sabarius shook his head “Not at all, I told him that it would be I who would attend it,” Sabarius said, turning serious “after all, it is my responsibility.”
Celestias eyes widen up in shock “H-have you come to take my child away from me?” Celestia asked fearfully, making Spike and Twilight look down from the dragon to her, confused.
“Mommy,” Spike called “what are you talking about?”
Celestia went silent, ashamed to look at her son, Sabarius sighed heavily, gaining the attention of the little dragon and the new princess “Let me explain.”
---------------------------------------------******************************************
*Fancy Pants Mansion*
It was no secret that Fancy Pants regarded himself highly as a great host. The numerous parties, charity foundations and whatnot preparing him to always solve the needs of his guests, if they had any at all, and many kinds of problems that could show up, too. After leaving the castle he and his distinguished guests followed him to his humble mansion, nopony saying a word of what happened inside the room, sure they were talking, joking and doing everything they could think of to avoid talking about the subject, even with the almost heart-attack inducing arrival of Discord and Fluttershy, just as soon as they were going to eat dinner, and even after it no pony dared to talk, mostly because of his own efforts to push the issue aside, showing this or that artifact of great value to his friends.
But that didn’t calm the storm inside of him, his dragon friend was sheepish, easy-going, humble (in his own way) and just about ready to do anything to help a friend in need. Fancy also knew the dragon was a lot more than what most thought of him, even more than his closest friends he was sure, his little ‘chat’ with the nobles earlier proving him right in that assumption. Aside from the donut maker, Pony Joe he believed his name is, Fancy had been one of the few true friends Spike had in his younger days. He knew him well.
The little dragon was loyal to a fault, he tried to be as honest as he could, kind to whoever needed it, generous to a point of giving up something he desired just to make others happy, even if he was harmed in the process and his easy-going personality made him capable of making others have a good time, joke around and make others laugh, bringing a smile to them.
Truthfully, after the events of Nightmare Moon, Fancy began to see his young dragon friend as a miniature representation of the Elements of Harmony themselves, embodying all of their traits in his body, just in a weaker version of that of the Bearers themselves of course, the only Element he missed to posses was Magic, that is, until that evening.
For a moment Fancy got lost in his own thoughts, ignoring a discussion between Pinkie and Discord about some sort of chilly. The change on Spike, while terrifying, was not what scared him the most, no, being a unicorn (a noble with only the best of teachers in his colt days at his call at that), meant he was capable to understand perfectly how magic works, even if his own magic was not that great, and that there is a simple rule to magic. Raw magic power, like the one used to cast any kind of spell, cannot be touched, yet Spike had ‘grabbed’ and ‘tossed’ the magic ropes as if they were common ones. This rule whoever had one exception, only very powerful unicorns, like Twilight Sparkle before her ascension, or potent magic creatures, like Discord, could break or touch it.
That act alone suggested that Spike was a very powerful magic creature of some sort, dragons were known to be, regarding the magical aspect, highly resistant to magic and almost immune to all but very, very powerful spells. Not as creatures able to use magic themselves. Which made the fact that he had teleported using his fire, something that as far as he knew no dragon had ever done before, only served to put him on a higher scale or maybe even on a totally different one.
But there was something else he knew about his dragon friend, a little something most didn't even notice, and that is that Spike is a coward. For as long as he could remember, from the stories Spike would tell him from time to time and the rumors and stories of Ponyville, Spike had always opted to hide and let others save the day, him or just take the credit. He knew Spike was brave enough to overcome his fears and insecurities when it mattered, but for the most part he preferred to stay out of trouble, not because it was the right thing to do, but because he was afraid to take action himself. His cowardice, often mistaken by kindness, preventing him from even defending himself against foes he could easily beat.
“Or at least that’s what I thought,” Fancy thought frowning, after seeing Spike trashing and trying to kill everypony inside that room made him re-think that last view of him “is it possible that he had knowledge of what would happen if he actually fought back?” Fancy shook his head “No, that can’t be it, Sir Discord did say that all his pent up emotions just burst out without control.” Fancy tried to think of anything that could explain the transformation of his friend in detail, but he was sure that no pony was sure of it, probably not even Spike himself.
His deep thoughts were interrupted as the princess of the night began to speak.
“Friends,” all heads turned to her “while we--I, enjoy this joyful merriment, we must talk about the incident a couple of hours ago.” all the ones present looked down, except for Fleur, who was ignorant of the situation.
“Fancy, darling, what is her majesty, princess Luna, talking about?” Fleur asked her husband, confused and worried by their expressions “Fancy?”
Fancy turn his head up, looking at her eyes “My love, do you remember what I have told you about my friend, his majesty, prince Spike?” Fleur nodded, Fancy glanced at Luna for approval, she nodded “there was a certain incident involving him, just a couple of hours ago, minutes later after the meeting ended.”
“Oh dear, did something bad happened to that adorable little dragon? Was it another assassination attempt?” Fleur asked worriedly, while she had never actually met the dragon herself, she had heard enough stories about him to held him in high regard.
“Nay, miss Fleur, our dear nephew was not attacked by an assassin for a second time.” the princess of the night said, Fleur sighed in relief.
Satisfied with the answer, and sensing this was something she was not suppose to hear, Fleur got up from her seat, turned around and leaved without a second word, the rest of the group silently thanking her for her perception of things. For a full minute the dining hall was silent, no pony knowing where exactly to begin, until a certain shy pegasus spoke.
“I think….,” all eyes turned to her “I think what Spike did was very…...sweet”
Rainbow snorted “Sweet? Fluttershy, he almost killed you!” Rainbow said from her seat “He almost killed everypony inside that room, even if he was just trying to protect princess Celestia. That is not sweet, in any way”
“Whoa there sally, are ya accusin’ little Spike of somethin’ he wasn’t responsible for?” Applejack asked her.
“What!? of course not!, I’m just saying that what Spike did was not sweet or cool at that, he was acting like a monster again!”
“Don’t call my little Spikey-Wikey a monster, Rainbow Dash!” Rarity snarled “if anything, his little greed incident was ours and Ponyvilles fault, not his!”
“I didn’t call him a monster, for Celestia’s sake!” Rainbow semi-shouted “I said he was acting like one again, and after the whole book thing I can’t help but think how lucky we all were that he managed to turn back!”
“Spike couldn’t control himself this time, Dashie,” Pinkie said with a sad smile on her face “not until he hurt his mom with that ugly purple fire.”
There was moment of silence.
Luna coughed “Speaking of fire, is it true that Spike has been tainted by the ruinous powers of dark magic, Discord?” Luna asked, Discord only nodded “then, will you act against him too?”
“I have to.” Discord said as he summoned a chocolate glazed donut.
“What do you mean by that?” Rarity asked.
“I mean that I will have to train both Twilight and Spike to control the dark magic taint, Twilight is the one I’m worried about though.” he snapped his fingers, making a hologram of Spike and Twilight in the middle of the table “This is the taint inside Spike,” a black liquid-like substance emerged from his feet, coming to a halt just below his ankles “and this is the taint inside Twilight.” the same liquid emerged from her hooves going all the way up to almost passing her knees.
“It may not seem as much,” Luna said “do you remember what we told you in the hospital?” the elements nodded “in terms of raw power, dark magic is almost as dangerous as the Nightmares,” that sent shivers down the spine of the Bearers and Fancy “we are very fortunate that my nephew cannot perform magic, We do not dare to fattom on what could he become if fully tainted.”
“Can’t be worse than Sombra…...right?” Rainbow asked, gulping as she did so. “Right?”
“Like we explained during our time in the hospital, comparing Sombra to what Twilight Sparkle could become is like comparing the power of a baby unicorn against an Archmage,” Luna answered “but trying to compare what Spike could become, based on the little knowledge we possess, against Sombra or anything else, it is uncertain, it could be just as bad, nothing to worry about or a thousand times worse, we are ignorant of the outcome, nor we desire to garner experience of said event.”
Another moment of silence.
“B-but, my little Spikey-Wikey will be alright, right?” nor Luna nor Discord answered “Right!?”
“We cannot be sure of it, lady Rarity, this is the first time We have ever seen a dragon tainted by dark magic,” Luna threw a hoof up “but don’t be preoccupied, with the training Discord shall provide it will suffice the control Twilight Sparkle and Spike require.”
“But if you can’t, what will you do Discord?” Fluttershy asked.
“Simple, my dear, I will do the same as to what I will do to Twilight Sparkle.” he took the last bite out of his donut “If in the remote and most improbable case Spike gives in into dark magic, I will have no other option but to end him,” he heard a collective gasp “and before you say anything against me, just try to remember what you saw inside that blasted book, who knows what he could be capable of.” the Bearers remained silent.
“I do not find enjoyment in what I’m about to say, but we cannot ignore that our nephew--” Luna sighed sadly.
“Is dangerous,” Fancy finished “Spike is dangerous, is that what you were about to say, your majesty?”
“Yes, it was. Whether we like it or not, we must accept the fact that Spike has proven to be very dangerous, during his brief exploit he had the strength similar to that of an Alicorn.” Luna said, her expression hard to read.
“Are you suggesting we should put a collar around his neck, like he were a common animal!?” Rarity exclaimed at the princess of the night, her anger visible “My Spikey-Wikey is not some kind of filthy beast.” she hissed.
“That’s it, work for your goal, Rarity.” a voice, much like her own, said inside her.
“Calm down sally, Ah don’t like it eitha’ and Ah don’t like to think of Spike as a monster, Ah don’t believe Spike is dangerous. Ah believe Spike can be dangerous, that’s mighty different,” she smiled at her friends “just think of all Spike has done fer us all this time.”
“Why do you care for him so much? He has done nothing valuable for you or your friends, and you know it.” said a voice inside of her, just like hers but without her accent.
“AJ is right,” Pinkie said “Spike has been there for us all the time, from the tiniest most littlest things to the biggest most humongous of them,” she explained using her hooves to put emphasis “he has always being a true friend to all of us,” her pink coat suddenly seemed to lose some of its brightness and her mane some of its puffiness “but we always push him aside when he has all the right to be among us.” a sad smile plastered on her face “ ‘The Mane Six’, some call us that, you know?” her friends simply stared at her as she went on.
“Nopony sees that we're not ‘The Mane Six’, we are ‘The Mane Seven’ but Spike is always forgotten…...even by us," Pinkie let out a very uncharacteristic snarl "what great bucking friends we are.” the rest of her four friends looked down the table, knowing it was true.
“Yet you do nothing to fix it, you just joke around planning parties, the thing you love the most,” the voice inside her laughed darkly, almost mockingly “and you couldn’t even take the time to plan one for him, not even a small one like you did for gummy, well, he isn’t your friend anyways, so why bother?”
“H-have we really neglected Spike…...that much?” Fluttershy asked to nopony in particular “Have we being such terrible friends all this time?” she felt like crying and she would have done so if not for the comforting lion paw patting over her shoulders.
“Who cares? he is just a lowly, good for nothing, stupid dragon, you would be so much happier if he just go away.” a cruel voice said.
“That’s not true!, He was with us during my pet election competition, he went with us stargazing, we went to his birthday, we helped him out during his quest!, we!…...we……we…...” a knot formed inside her throat “he is always there to offer his help, with reward or not, we play joke, after joke, after joke on him, we never thank him enough for his help, we accepted an owl faster than him, we made fun of him for wearing an apron and baking cookies, for us, when we didn’t even asked him to,” a minute of silence fell between them, a silence filled with sorrow and regret “......so much for loyalty.” Rainbow muttered.
“Loyalty schmoyalty, you don’t owe that purple bag of scales nothing, you owe your ‘friends’ nothing, you owe nothing to anypony but to yourself.” a lazy and arrogant sounding voice said.
A moment of silence fell once again between the group. Fancy had the chance to see one by one the expressions on the Bearers faces, he was no expert on the feeling department but knew sorrow and pain whenever it popped their ugly heads out, like they were doing now. It didn’t take long for him to hear sniffles around the table.
“Its not fair,” Rainbow said, sniffling away a tear “totally not fair.” nopony said anything, only sniffles of the other Bearers were heard “He deserves better friends than us.” she hung her head down in shame, a tear falling down to the table. Silence reigned once again for several seconds until Fancy spoke.
“Princess Luna, I would like to know something.”
Luna turned her gaze towards her host “If the answer you seek is within our knowledge and is not confidential, I shall answer.”
Fancy nodded once “Thank you, your majesty. What I wish to know is how can Spike know so much of the nobles and other high society individuals? Some of that information even I didn’t know.” to his surprise both Discord and Luna smirked.
“My good Sir Fancy Pants, you’d be amazed how much you can learn by just listening very well, after all,” a flash of magic later and the room was filled with all sorts of ears “everything around you has ears.” another flash of magic and the ears were gone.
“Yes, I am aware of that, Sir Discord,” Fancy said while looking around, checking there were no more ears “but some of that information was very, ehem, personal and intimate.”
“Dragons have a very good hearing ear.” Luna answered simply “That and most nobles can’t hold their tongues inside their mouths for long, no offense Sir Fancy Pants.” Fancy simply smiled at her. Looking around the table she noticed the Bearers had stopped their sniffling but still looked pretty sad. “It’s getting late, W--I have to raise the moon shortly, I suggest to take our departure,” Luna stood up from her chair, she gave Fancy a small respectful bow “our evening was enjoyable, we thank you for your hospitality, Sir Fancy Pants.”
“The pleasure and honor was all mine, your highness. My doors will always be open for my friends.” Fancy said as he bowed back in respect “Please, allow me to guide you to the door.”
--------------------------------------------------***************************************************
*Canterlot Castle, West Royal Garden*
“Burned? Are you sure Celestia?” Sabarius asked in a sad manner.
“I’m afraid yes, the moment it ended the book simply burst into flames, not even the ashes remained.” Celestia answered.
It had taken Sabarius just a couple of minutes to explain the deal he and Celestia had made in the past, but quickly explained it was not his purpose, he had come to find more about the hatchling by himself, but what he heard during the next hours made him think and re-think all of his options. The first bits of information of his youth and early years was staggering but as time went on, his surprise turned into worry, he knew the hatchling was special; not something that, if not for his clairvoyance and the serious and truthful words of her eldest goddaughter, he would have never believed.
Sabarius closed his eyes and hummed to himself for several minutes, opening his eyes lightly he saw the hatchling using his clairvoyance, but just as he expected, he could not see inside him. Sabarius knew he was on a tight situation, in one claw a true living legend stood before him and if he could train and raise him in the path of honor, then Spike was bound to become the nearest thing to a God for dragons as it could come, but that brought up a problem, he was no normal dragon, he was the last of these so called ‘Gemstone’ dragons and to make matters worse he had no idea how to train him, as far as he could now guess, one simple mistake could turn him into an unstoppable monster.
In the other claw he couldn’t take him away from Celestia, or Equestria for that matter, while he was unable to see inside the drake he could see the tight bonds attached to those around him, taking him could very well be the worst decision he could make, but he couldn’t just leave the hatchling unwatched. After all, who knows what Wrath could be planning.
In the last claw, and probably the most important one, he, the great and powerful Sabarius, felt the same fear and uneasiness he felt in the past every time he looked at the dragon, there was something about him that was practically screaming him to run, hide and stay away from the hatchling. But there was also another problem with this, his curiosity was even greater than all his other feelings combined, he had to know for sure.
“Spike,” Sabarius said making the little dragon jump in surprise “do you know what is Clairvoyance?”
“Y-yes,” the hatchling said “it’s a mental ability that allows the user to see far off places or future events, at least, that’s what the book says.”
“Very good," he praised making Spike blush a little "but a master in clairvoyance can also do more than that, I, for example, can see deep inside living beings, allowing me to see their true selves.”
“Whoa, neat.” Twilight said both surprised and eager. “but it has a catch, right?”
“I see your student is very witful Celly.” he praised softly, making Twilight blush in the same way “You are correct princess Twilight Sparkle, the downside of Clairvoyance is that anyone with a strong will or high mental barriers are practically immune to it, unless,” Sabarius leaned in forward a little, making Spike feel a bit uncomfortable as his eyes pierced him “the subject allows the access willingly.” Sabarius gave out a small smile “As you now know I tried to read you as an egg, but I was unable to, I ask you now, may I see what your mind holds deep within you?” Sabarius asked softly, almost pleadingly.
Spike looked at the massive dragon, before looking at his mother and then and Twilight several times, then he spoke “Only if you promise me you won’t take me away from my friends and family.”
“I can’t promise you that,” Sabarius said sadly “all I can promise you is that I will try to do what’s best for you according to what I may find.”
Spike remained silent for about a minute before speaking again “Will it, you know, hurt?”
“No, you may feel confused after I’m done for a couple of minutes, but that’s it.”
“And if you take me, will you make me strong?” Spike asked with hopeful eyes.
“As best as I can, yes.”
“Mmmmmm,” Spike hummed shifting his legs nervously “alright, just please, please, promise me that if you take me I can at least come to visit from time to time.”
“That, I can promise.” the dragon smiled at the hatchling “now, all you have to do is close your eyes as you sit in my claw.”
“That’s all?” Spike asked as he tried to climb his right claw unsuccessfully until a yellow aura pulled him up “thanks mom.” he murmured and he sat down in the center of the scaly palm “Now what?”
“Just close your eyes and leave the rest to me.”
Spike looked back at his mother who nodded to him with a sweet loving smile, he closed his eyes and just a second later he felt a strange sensation press against him, his last thought before the world around him turned black was his family and friends.
----------------------------------------------************************************************
Sabarius entered the young dragon’s mind with ease now that Spike had allowed him free access. The first thing he encountered was so different from all the minds he had been inside throughout his life, that it almost felt like this was his first time doing it.
“What kind of mind is this?” he asked to himself, his eyes wide and jaw hanging open slightly in surprise “It looks like the Alicorn Ascension Plane,” he looked around the vast space trying to find anything but green mist, purple dots of light and gray looking skies “but this feels, empty. Empty and cold. By the divine creators, what kind of wicked sorcery is this?”
Sabarius began to walk around trying to find anything but that hollow emptiness that was Spike’s mind, he walked and walked for what felt like hours, every step hollow and deprived of sound only served to build increase the nagging feeling inside of the great dragon. He began to hum an ancient song during the times of the Dragon Rebellion, it helped him calm down the feeling of dread in the back of his head, after all, it would be very bad if he ended up trapped inside the young dragon’s mind.
Suddenly something caught his attention, a light purple glow in the distance, he knew it was different from the purple dots flying around the place for one simple reason, it felt alive. Opening his wings he took a light flight towards the source of the light, once he was near it he landed harshly against the ‘ground’ making no sound whatsoever. What he found nearly made him take a step back, there, floating a few meter above the ‘ground’ laid Spike, but this was not the same Spike he had meet.
This Spike was younger, far more younger. In fact he almost looked like a new hatched hatchling, but his scales were almost gray, the purple color on them barely noticeable, his little green spikes were in same conditions. He was curled up into a ball, while his body was surrounded by a translucent ball of light that shifted from black, red, white, purple, green and blue in fast transitions. And he was crying, tiny drops of his tears fell from his eyes and onto the ‘ground’, looking down for the first time since his intrusion Sabarius saw his clear reflection and as he did he also noticed several white straight lines all around the floating dragon, all the lines meeting up exactly in the center where the tears fell.
“Wha-” he began but a series of flashes all around him made him look up to find several spheres, each one of them a memory of the dragon. Sabarius looked around trying to find anything of value, most of what he saw were memories of his hatchling days, studying lessons, playing games or doing chores, some showed his relationship with several different ponies. Then, up in the back of all these memories one completely black caught his attention, using his powers Sabarius summoned it closer to him, the black sphere complied and soon was in front of him.
Sabarius could feel the weight of this single memory, it was staggering, not even his longest memory could compare to it, he swallowed hard before speaking “Reveal yourself to me.” he reached to the sphere and touched it with one of his claws, it took less than a second before Sabarius fell to the ground shaking violently while he moaned and growled in pain. Once he recovered enough he stood up once more, panting harshly.
“He was aware the entire time,” Sabarius murmured “he was always aware and alive.” his panting slowed down “Thousands of years alone, forgotten and lost.” hot steamy tears fell from his eyes as he looked at the floating dragon in front of him “Loneliness, so much loneliness, cold and darkness, surrounded by the silence of the world itself, oh young hatchling, I pray this memory is outside of your reach, for it is a torture I wish upon no living being.”
For several moments Sabarius continued to cry silently for the young dragon, he had seen and experienced the tiniest amount of suffering that buried memory held inside. He was no stranger to solitude, no dragon was, but never in that extent and certainly, not for such a long, long time. Once he composed himself again, he tried to command the memories to leave but only a few did so, including the black one, the rest remained and no matter how much he tried, they did no leave, so he decided to ignore them in favor of focusing his attention in the white lines.
He reached out with one claw and touched the one nearest to him, the line lit up for a second before a black flash of light appeared near Sabarius, he turned his head to see what it was this time and found a black mass of cloud inside a sphere, same as the young hatchling. He tried to see anything inside the sphere but the mass of cloud took no form, yet it was many times bigger than the one in the center, it was almost half the size of a normal adult dragon.
Sabarius frowned at the sphere “I thought I had complete access to his mind, yet even now his inner mind is trying to deny me.” he murmured both amazed and worried “what terrible secret are you hiding from me, Spike?”, glancing down he searched for the next nearest line, finding one at his other side he reached out with his other claw and touched it, the result was the same with a small difference, the mass of cloud and the sphere were gigantic, easily three times his own outstanding size. He watched in amazement for several second before shaking his head lightly. He looked down to the other lines, looking at each of them with curiosity and worry.
Walking around the sphere in the center, mindful to be not too close to it, he quickly arrive to where the next line was, Sabarius hesitated for a moment before touching it. This line showed the same results, the sphere and mass of cloud were of different size once again, this time they were the same size of that of a normal dragon. Sabarius repeated the process a couple of times, all of them throwing the same results as the previous ones including the size differences of the spheres, before long he arrived to the ninth line and touched it. The result was different this time, instead of the mass of cloud inside the sphere Sabarius was greeted by a black form with shining white eyes, this form was barely smaller than Celestia herself, the details on it were limited but he was able to see pointy spikes, long sharp-looking claws and a strong pointy tail.
His eyes narrowed as he studied the form for a couple of seconds, he tried to tap into it but got nothing in return, not even rejection, it was as if it didn’t exist at all “Or doesn’t exist, yet.”, Sabarius looked at the form for a couple of seconds more before moving to the next line, after touching it the same result as the first ones greeted him. He continued on his task until he reached the fourteenth line, the result was similar to that of the ninth one, but there were two great differences, this form was about the same size of that of a normal dragon but it had color, he was actually able to see it’s entire form.
A big green wingless dragon with powerful muscles, thick scales, pointy spikes and a big maw, the usual signs of a dragon succumbing to greed. And the second difference, and probably the most important one, he could feel it. Using his powers to tap into the sphere he was welcomed and showed the memories of a certain day the little dragon had lost control over his emotions, he saw it all and more than that, he could feel all that he had felt that day. Once the memory attached to the form ended, he saw the fears and hardships Spike had to suffer through to maintain his emotions under control, and his fight to regain the trust of the ponies in the town he lived.
Sabarius was taken aback once again, now it all made sense, all of these lines were not some kind of hidden power as he first thought, these lines and forms actually represented what he could become in the future, this only proved that what Celestia, Twilight and Spike had told him about The Book of the Dovah was completely true. He just stood there watching the representation of Spike’s greed, glancing every now and then at the other spheres (specially at the ninth one), the remaining lines and the sphere in the center. He continued his walk touching the remaining lines without even looking up to see the results, once he was done he halted “Twenty two lines.” he said to himself as he looked up to see the remaining spheres.
Five of them were just a mass of cloud in different sizes, but another three held forms inside the spheres. The first one was strange to him, judging by size alone the form was a little bigger than Celestia, the strange part though was that this figure was bipedal. It didn’t have the level of detail of the greed form one but he was able to make out a very broad chest, powerful muscular arms, big sharp claws, big thin yet pointy spikes, a long powerful tail and firm muscular legs. The second was even stranger, it was chubby but not in a bad way like some dragons tended to get, its chubbiness was almost fitting to the size this form had, just as big as him or Euphrinos, its legs short but very powerful no doubt. The third form was disturbing to say the least, it wasn’t a solid looking form but it wasn’t just a mass of cloud like the rest either, he could make very little out of it, aside from the wicked smile plastered on its ‘face’, for some reason that smile made Sabarius look away, it didn’t scared him or anything like that, he just really didn’t like that smile.
Sabarius tried to tap into all three of these new forms but was once more unable to feel anything from them. Frustrated, he bent down as much as he could towards the center sphere, only now noticing that the lines got thinner as they neared the center sphere. The falling tears of the small dragon inside gave him little time of stillness as the ‘ground’ waved the moment they made impact on it. After a while he saw small strands of color attached to the lines that had the spheres with forms inside them; said strands only visible near the center but only the sphere holding the greed form had a lively shimmer of color.
“Greed…,” the great said to himself “feeling, need, situation, outcome, Celly said the dragoness inside the book made it very clear to always be in control, then if that sphere represents greed,” he gave said sphere a quick glance “then what do the others--no, not only feelings and control, there must be something else, something I’m missing.” The dragon sit down bringing up one of his claws under his chin, he pondered long and hard, trying to figure out what was he missing, it was clear to him now that the young dragon feelings were a dangerous weapon if not controlled, yet with all he had seen so far he could tell Spike had better control over his feelings than he claimed to, most likely was that Spike had enough experience to handle them so well.
“Experience,” he took another quick glance at the greed sphere, he smirked “that was not a memory, it was an experience, then that means the other ones represent other experiences and not only a feeling.” Sabarius closed his eyes and summoned all the memories of the young drake he could, except for the black one, he had no desire to experience that again, quickly and surely he started to sort out each memory orb floating around him, trying to find any kind of clue for at least another one of the forms in the other spheres, his search soon found one such memory, this one memory was the moment of his hatching. Sabarius saw the moment when Spike was born into the world and just seconds later he was transformed for several seconds into a gigantic, docile-looking, chubby dragon.
His eyes darted to the sphere containing the chubby dragon form “A quick experience barely remembered, only something the inner mind could perceive. Now I understand, that’s why your greed form is open to me, you experienced it for almost a day and you had to deal with the outcome. You only manage to worry me more by the second, Spike Solaris.”, narrowing his eyes he continued his search for any sign of the other forms, he had no time to see all his memories, instead he focused on the longer and heavier ones. After several memories with no result for his search only one remained, a single scream of pain in the distance marked the beginning of the memory. And Sabarius saw what Spike had done just mere hours before his arrival.
Sabarius decided he had witnessed enough as the memory ended, he was lost inside his own self, trying to wrap up everything he had learned up until this point, yet one question shouted at him above all else.
“What...what, in the name of the Divine Creators, does the center sphere stands for!?”
Sabarius freed Spike’s mind that instant.
Part 1 End.
Author's Notes:
Special thanks to all who read this, I love you all guys/gals!
*This chapter is only proofreaded with slight editing, since my usual proofreader is a bit busy anyone who can take the spot for this chapter (maybe even as an editor if they so wish) just ask me*
Spike part 2
Spike part 2
***Gryphos---Unknown***
Winda knocked at the door of a great mansion her face showing a blank expression until a maid opened the door.
“Captain Winda?” the griffoness maid asked cautiously. Winda only nodded. “Please enter.”
Winda obeyed and followed the maid for a good ten minutes through the enormous mansion, until they reached a couple of doors guarded by two griffons clad in armor. The seal of the Wing of Steel family proudly marked on said doors.
The guards pushed the doors open to let Winda walk through, once she was inside the room the doors closed behind her harshly.
“We were afraid you had failed.” a voice in front of her said. “But it seems you were successful, Winda.”
“Of course I was.” Winda replied with a small smile before bowing. “I bring news from my Lord Wrath.” she got up showing a disturbingly wicked smile. “He is free once more and as of now, my Lord Wrath is in command of the alliance concerning our actions against the Tyrant, the foolish sister and the Mad God. Everything else is of no concern to him.”
A loud chuckle followed by a series of soft laugh echoed inside the room. “Lord Wrath is free, now our plan can proceed as expected. And don’t worry, we were going to grant him full command of our actions against the Sun Whorse anyways.”
“You have done as we asked Captain Winda--”
“With all due respect, ma’am. But I’m General Winda now. Our Lord made it so.”
“Of course.” the voice said calmly. “Go to our Lord with these,” the voice said tossing a bag to Winda. “It shall provide instant communication from now on in both ends of the Alliance.” Winda bowed again before turning around. “Before you go, general Winda. I have to ask, was it our Lord who attacked Canterlot two days ago?”
“Of course it was him! Only my Lord is capable of doing such an act after being released from his imprisonment! He crushed that heretical hatchling with his own claws!”
“Is that so?” another raspy voice said. “Because we received a report just a few hours ago that the pet lizard of the Tyrant is still alive.”
Winda opened her eyes in shock. “T-that’s impossible! My Lord told me he killed the heretic personally!”
“It seems the lizard has some sort of ability that regenerates him, it already survived our previous attempt to render the Element of Magic useless; no doubt the work of Discord or the Elements of Harmony.”
“You may retire, general Winda. We will be in contact for when phase three begins.” Winda said nothing, silence reigned in the room until the gryphoness stormed out and the doors close once more. “Brothers and Sisters, against all odds phase one has been an outstanding success, now we can begin phase two.”
“But sister!” a grave voice began. “Now that Lord Wrath is free shouldn’t we wait?”
“Powerful as he may be, Sabarius and Euphrinos are still a present threat, one I doubt he can overcome easily without his hoard, which we still don’t know where it is. And Eukrarius is nothing but a pawn.”
“Not to mention yesterday's little visit from general Gomboro to our dear king and queen, it seems phase two will be hard to achieve at this point.” a troubled ‘hhummmmm’ noise echoed for a second. “And the pet lizard is starting to annoy me, his meddling has been troublesome to say the least.”
A feminine voice chuckled. “I wouldn’t worry about that or the pet lizard, brother. We can execute phase two in exactly three months.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“The Equestria Games.”
“Oh, of course, the games. Perfect timing indeed. Ahhhh,” the voice let out a loud content sigh. “I love when everything falls into place so perfectly.” there was a collective laugh around the room for the briefest of moments before continuing. “Death to the sun Tyrant.”
“Death to the sun Tyrant!”
-----------------------------------------------***************************************
*Equestria- Canterlot Royal Guard Training Grounds*
It was early morning, the sun was barely starting to rise, the birds weren’t even singing yet and the chant of a lone rooster could be heard in the distance. But that didn’t stop Discord from keeping his order to train the guards of the palace. The guards, on their part, kept their stoicness as they stared firmly to the front trying their best to ignore the Draconequus wearing a military uniform with his back facing them.
One guard gulped.
Discord turned around and began to walk in front of the guards. “If fighting is sure to result in victory then you must fight!” Discord said loudly to the dozens upon dozens of solar and lunar guards formed and present. “Now, can anyone tell me who said that?” silence.
“Sun Tzu said that,” he said leaning down towards a lunar guard pressing one of his lion fingers against his helmet. “And I’d say he knows a little more about fighting than you do, pal, because he invented it!” he let go of the guard and kept on walking. “And then he perfected it so that no living man could best him in the ranks of honor!”
Two royal guard in the back leaned against the other and whispered.
“Who is that Sun whatever guy?” one said.
“What is a man?” the other said.
“Who said that!?” Discord shouted springing two more heads from his neck, each one of the searching for the culprit. “Which one of you worthless excuse of a guard dare to talk without my permission!?” the three heads said in unison. Discord walked towards a solar guard mare until he was right in front of her and glared at her. “Was it you featherbrain!?”
“Sir! No sir!” the mare shouted back.
“Really!? Because I’m certain it was you!”
“Sir! No sir!”
“Are you saying I made mistake!?”
“Sir! No sir!”
“Then is that a confession, private!?”
“Sir! No sir!”
“Is that all you know what to say, private!?”
“Sir! No sir!”
“Do you like pancakes!?”
“Sir! No….w….what?”
“I like them with maple syrup and a sweet touch of butter, and you, private!?”
“I….I…..what?”
“What country are you from!?”
“What?” said the now very confused mare.
“Ah, you’re from What! Wonderful place if I say so myself, chilly in the summer and hot in winter, not as nice as Where though. I have a friend there, his name is Who, really weird guy.” Discord said leaving a poor confused guard mare (and most of the guards present) looking at him not sure of what to think of him anymore.
Discord continued his walk until he stopped abruptly in front of a lunar guard and glared at him too. “And what are you looking at, punk!?” the guard only gulped as he tried to say something but nothing came out. “Do you like me or what!?
“I….I….no…..sir?”
“Let me tell you something, punk!” Discord got up before growing three times his own size. “Let me tell something to all you useless, good-for-nothing, maggots! War has made me very paranoid and when somepony stares at me for long, it makes my chocolate agent kick up and gives me the desire to chaos something up! Because chaos is my business and business is goooooood!” silence met him as he returned to his normal size.
“Do I make myself clear, punk?”
The guard shook his head a little before answering. “Sir! Yes sir!”
“Do I make myself clear, maggots!?” Discord shouted at all the guards.
“Sir! Yes sir!” they responded in unison.
“Good, now each and every single one of you will do three hundred pushups, run, yes, RUN, one hundred laps around the perimeter of the camp, clear the obstacle course twenty five times, poolish your weapons and armor five times and finally do three hundred situps!” the guards let out a collective gasp at the insane amount of work they had to do. “And I want it done before lunch. Afterwards we will begin with the warm up!”
“You can’t do that to us!” a unicorn guard shouted outraged, a moment later Discord appeared before him looking down at him with a smirk.
“Au contraire, my dear pony. As your new commander in chief I can, I do and I will make you train until you cry blood, your bones turn to dust and your muscles cry out in agony each time you so much as wink, and in the end you will thank me for it!” the guard said nothing but glared at Discord. “All of you will taste what real training is! That reminds me.” he snapped his fingers and all wings and horns disappear making the owners of said appendages cry out in terror or surprise.
“No flying and no magic, for this is the first step in the R.E.P.T program! Real Earth Pony Training!”
“T-this has to be illegal!” a mare cried out.
“Mommy, I don’t want to be a royal guard anymore!” a stallion actually cried.
“Ha, finally ya’ll gonna see how we Earth ponies do things!” a content stallion shouted.
“I’m reporting this to the princess!” another one shouted.
Discord turned his head towards the one that shouted that and all cries stopped, Discord smirked madly before laughing out loud. “The princess? Who do you think gave me permission, private? Let me put this clear to all of you now. I own you. I own your manes, I own your flanks! You will learn to be true Royal Guards, I will teach you the true meaning of it! If you want to leave you can do so at any moment, just keep in mind that only worthless cowards will walk through that door!” he said pointing to a gray door in the middle of the training field. “And once you cross that door there is no turning back.”
The guards said nothing for a couple of seconds until the Ex-General Red Shine step forward. “You’re crazy.”
“Yes. I. Am!” Discord shouted at the ex-general who only glared at him before returning to his post. “Now go and begin your exercises.” the guards grumbled and cursed their new commander in chief as they made their way to the training field and begin their duty. “Lieutenant Discord!”
“Yes, commander Discord?” a copy of Discord wearing the exact same outfit but with a lot less medals and plaques appeared next to him in a flash of light.
“Keep both eyes on them, make sure they don’t slack off, and if they do….you know what to do.”
“Sir! Yes sir!” Discord said as he followed the guards up-close.
Discord smiled before snapping his fingers and disappearing in a flash of light.
-------------------------------------------------------------***********************************************
*Canterlot- Royal Guard Training Grounds- Discord’s Secluded Section*
“Why are we even here?” Rainbow Dash groaned. “Sure I get the whole ‘gotta be prepared’ thing but training with the princesses seems like overkill for me.” she said with a huff. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Celestia said with a smile. “And I would’ve agreed with you just a few months ago, Rainbow Dash, but with all that’s happened lately it made realize that Discord is right.” she frowned. “We have grown weak and too dependent on the Elements of Harmony, and even though I trust in all of you to keep Equestria safe, I have neglected proper training, if any at all, to assure the safety of you all. I grew careless and confident that just because you are the Bearers nothing else was needed and what little aid I gave was sufficient, and for that, I’m sorry my friends.”
“Wow…...now I feel bad.” Rainbow said with a small chortle.
“Don’t be Dash, cause tah be honest it’s the truth.” Applejack glanced at the princess of the sun and smiled. “Ah’m happy and grateful fer yah honesty, princess, but Ah been meaning tah ask yah somethin’, may Ah?.”
“You may.” Celestia said returning the smile.
“What’s a Bearer suppose tah mean exactly? Yah and your sister were Bearers once, right?”
“We were.” Luna said at Celestias side. “But our knowledge is limited, before us the Elements were legends too, only our father knew about them. What we can tell is that they’re cryptic, the Elements are alive, in a sense, and they choose their Bearers accordingly. Something we don’t yet understand, and after our little incident with the book what little knowledge we thought we had was, as you say these days ‘thrown out the window’.” Luna’s expression turned sad. “When they chose us, both my sister and I, we felt their power and their presence, it guided us to use them against the monster that is Wrath.”
“Now that I think of it,” everypony turned their heads towards Fluttershy. “When we fought against Nightmare Moon I felt something warm and cozy inside of me during the time. Something like a, like a…. like a spark.”
“Yeah.” her five friends whispered in unison, agreeing with the shy mare.
Celestia nodded. “Yes, the spark is what, to our best comprehension, call the link between the Elements and the Bearers, we don’t know much about it since the day we became the Element Bearers none other claimed the title.” Celestia giggled a little before smiling. “You six are probably better informed than we on the subject, even after thousands of years as their Bearers we ever only used them three times.”
“Only three times?” Twilight asked surprised before realization dawned her. “Oh, you’re right, once against Wrath, once against Discord and the third time against……”
“Nightmare Moon.” Luna finished for her. “When I embraced the Nightmare the Elements neglected me, taking shelter on my sister.”
“And as I used them to banish Luna into the moon, the Elements abandoned me not before whispering that they would return once more in the coming centuries.” she said leaning against her sister, nuzzling her in the process. “I selfishly tried to find the Elements of Magic, but to no avail. Then, a thousand years later, you six came and took your rightful place as their Bearers.”
“What we do know is that the Elements are a weapon of good, they somehow seek the best course of action against their foe or target.” Luna said sitting on her haunches. “They injured the Monster greatly but did not kill him, they turned Discord into stone and they, instead of purging me from the Nightmare, sensing the corruption was deep. They instead sent me to the moon, where the grip the Nightmare held would decay over-time.”
Luna hit the ground angrily. “Everyday I felt the demon grow weaker and weaker until its hold over me was as thin as paper, letting the Elements save me from it.” Luna neighed furiously. “I can’t believe we were such fools to trust a vile demon.”
“There, there Lulu, it’s in the past.” Celestia said wrapping a wing around her sister lovingly. “Forgive yourself already.” the rest of the presents smiled at the sweet moment in silence for over a minute until Celestia spoke again.
“There are a few, how can I say this? Perks, yes, let’s go with that, the Elements grant their Bearers with, or at least I hope so.”
“Like what!” Rainbow said bluntly with a smile on her face, earning a hit in the back of her head from Rarity. “Your highness.” she finished as she glared Rarity, who had a big happy looking smile, and rubbed the back of her head.
Both sisters giggled. “Well, in theory they all should grant enhanced stamina, tolerance to disease and weather, enhanced strength, endurance and healing. Of course we may be wrong about this since we are alicorns. But have you noticed any of these subtle changes in your daily lives?”
“Now that you mention, your highness, I believe we do.” Rarity said rubbing her chin. “Ever since we became the Bearers we’ve been capable of feats we never could before, minor things really, but still present. Now it really makes sense why Applejack was fine during her, ehem, incident with the apple harvest after just a few hours of rest, even after days of working herself to the breaking point.”
“Or Rainbow suddenly becoming faster and extending her training cycles and routines so much.” Pinkie said.
“Or Twilight taking so much damage, quite constantly might I add, and be fine in just a few hours!” Rainbow said.
“Or Fluttershy being capable of takin’ care of so many chores and animals daily.” Applejack said.
“Or Pinkie having so much more energy than ever.” Fluttershy said quietly.
“Or Rarity carrying a gigantic----”
“Never.Speak.Of.It.Again.” Rarity said loudly as she glared the princess of Friendship.
“Sorry, he-he, well, a you-know-what on her back almost effortlessly instead of using her magic.” Twilight said a bit nervously.
The celestial sisters nodded in unison. “Other than that we are ignorant of any other effect they might possess, except for Honesty as it can detect a lie as long as the Bearer is present, I should know, I wielded it.” Luna said ending with a sad smile.
“What about the Element of Magic?” Twilight asked looking at her mentor, who only shook her head. “I always thought being the Bearer of the Element of Magic made my magic stronger or that it would explain my affinity to all kinds of magic.” Twilight said a bit sad and relieved at the same time.
Celestia got up and extended her wing to touch Twilight’s chin tenderly. “Your power is yours alone and so is your talent, I still don’t know how the Element of Magic chose you as it Bearer. Maybe it’s because you’re a very powerful magical being. Maybe it’s because of your pure heart. This I do not know, nor I wish to. The Element chose you worthy before even I met you, and I’m glad it did, my faithful student.”
Twilight blushed a little in embarrassment as a warm smile formed in her lips.
“Are you quite finished already? I’m running on my third barf bag as it is.” said a familiar voice around them.
The God of all that is Chaos appeared as a hole open on the ground in front of them, emerging ever-so slowly from said hole still wearing his military outfit while holding a few papers on his hands.”
“The employes you sent yesterday Celestia should be arriving at Applejack’s farm in a about an hour, as well as the letters informing to your quiet, charming little town of your future and prolonged absence, girls. I’m sure Angel will do just fine while you stay here, my dear Fluttershy.” he said taking the stack of papers up to his mouth and with a swift move ate them. “Now that we have that out of the way, we can finally begin.” a wicked smile formed in his lips as he swallowed his meal.
“Ladies, when I met you I thought of you as weak, meek and fragile, and I was proven wrong in a very humiliating way.” Discord gave them a respectful salute as a single tear ran down his left cheek. “When you set me free I discovered the magic you call ‘friendship’, and I’m glad I did.” he said smiling softly at Fluttershy who blushed a little as she tried to hide behind her mane.
Suddenly his expression turned dark and angry. “But only now I see I was right when I first met you. You, all of you are weak, meek and fragile! You’ve won every time thanks mostly to luck, but that won’t cut it anymore!” the six mares gulped loudly. “From this moment onward I will take it upon myself to train you, and train you good I will. I can’t promise you anything other than that all you’ll know from now on is going to be pain and suffering!”
Snapping his fingers his outfit was gone. “First things first, you two.” he said pointing at the royal sisters. “Come and stand beside me.” the mares did as told. “Your training will be a bit different from what I’m going to do with these two slackers here. They only need to re-learn what they lost. That’s why--hhhhnnnnnngggg!” Discord grunted as another smaller version of himself emerged from his chest.
“Hiya!” the mini-Discord said as it landed on the ground, barely bigger than Spike himself.
“This mini-me will take care of you seven while I take care of these two.” he crossed his arms before scanning the area. “Is Spike still with Sabarius?”
“Spike shouldn’t take long now, Lord Sabarius did say he had a gift for him.” Twilight said while flapping her wings a few times.
Luna glanced at the garden Sabarius was still talking with Spike and doze off remembering yesterday events.
“Princess Luna.” a night guard called to her upon their arrival to the castle. The guard bowed to his princess and company before continuing. “I have a report to deliver.”
“Speak.” Luna ordered.
“Chancellor Sabarius arrived a little over two hours ago. He is currently located on the Royal Gardens, Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight and Prince Spike are keeping him company as we speak.”
Luna smiled broadly. “Tis a joyful occasion! Thank you, guard. You may retire.” the guard bowed again before flying into off. “I haven’t seem him in so long! Come friends, we must present you our godfather!” the night princess said making a *squee* sound of happiness.
“Your highness and princess Celestia have a godfather? I never knew.” Rarity said confused while she and the rest of her friends walked just behind Luna. “I thought your only living relative was that scandraul of Blueblood.”
“Sabarius. I’m sure I’ve heard that name before.” Fluttershy wondered to herself before looking up to Discord. “Wasn’t that the name of an old friend of yours, Discord?”
Discord groaned. “Sabarius and I aren’t friends. We don’t even like each other, but at least we ‘tolerate’ one and other.” he said before looking down from his pink cloud sofa to Fluttershy with a smile. “And yes, you remember correctly, my dear Fluttershy.”
“Another alicorn? Ah thought there were only four of yah, yer highness.” Applejack asked.
“Please friends, just call us Luna. About your question, friend Applejack, our godfather Sabarius isn’t an alicorn. He’s a dragon.”
“A d-d-d-d-dr-dragon!” Fluttershy said fearfully, coming to a halt instantly. “I th-think I’ll j-just s-st-stay here!”
“Worry not, friend Fluttershy. While the size of our godfather is intimidating, he is also one of the two remaining Honor Breed dragons left.” Luna declared stopping and looking back at the cowering mare.
“You know, you can call us only by our names, Luna.” Rainbow said hovering over the small group. Doing a rapid backflip she landed just inches away in front of Luna, a big enthusiastic smile on her face. “Sooo….How big?”
Luna smirked. “Biggest dragon there is. Have you seen an adult dragon up-close?” Rainbow nodded. “More than twice its size.” A soft *meep* was heard while Rainbow’s smile grew even more, while the other three mares actually gulped.
“Pfffft, I can be bigger if I want.” Discord mumbled moping.
“But worry not, friends. He is very nice. As nice as my sister, maybe even more so.” a collective sigh of relief and a low ‘laaaaame’ echoed in the hallway. Luna leaned down to where Fluttershy was, her face hidden by her ample mane. “We...I promise you will be safe, Fluttershy.”
It took almost a whole minute before the shy mare stopped her trembling and peeked outside her mane. “R-really?”
“Yeah, Sabarius just looks scary. But deep down he’s nothing but a big softy.” Discord said almost mockingly.”Angel is just a bunny but he’s way scarier than Sabarius. Seriously though, that rabbit really gives me the creeps sometimes.” Discord knelt and picked the yellow pegasus up. “And I promise I won’t let anything hurt you, my dear friend.” he said giving his best and most sincere smile (which made him look very creepy by the way).
Fluttershy smiled back sweetly at her draconequus friend, red tainting her cheeks briefly. “A-alright, then. I suppose I’ll go. I mean, as l-long you’re there, if that’s okay.”
“Certainly.” Luna said quietly and slowly, her gaze bouncing between Discord and Fluttershy while they kept on staring into each others eyes. “Let us make haste!” she said, finally breaking the spell between the two.
“Quite.” Discord said before coughing a few times. While the shy mare just hid behind her mane once again.
The rest of their walk was spent in relative silence aside from the quick observations of Pinkie and Rarity. Upon reaching the entrance of the garden twelve guards stood at the ready for any event. In the background they managed to see a yellowish covering most of said garden.
The guards, upon seeing the princess of the night, step aside while giving a small respectful bow. A minute later the group of seven stood outside the barrier.
“Whoooaaaaaa.” Rainbow said amazed. “Now that is one huge dragon.”
“A moment please.” the night princess said before closing her eyes and calling upon her magic. A few moments later the last rays of the sun were gone, replaced by the beauty of the Equestrian night and the light of the moon. With a soft groan a small section of the barrier was replaced by a blueish shimmer. “Come, my friends. Let us meet my sister, nephew and niece in law.”
The group said nothing and just walked through the blue shimmer. Once the last of them was inside the barrier the blue simmer disappeared. Fluttershy yelped loudly upon seeing the impressive dragon up-close, trying her hardest to hide behind Discord.
“Is that...is that my little Spikey-Wikey sitting on the claw of your godfather?” Rarity pointed with her hoof at the raised claw of the dragon, a small patch of purple barely visible on top of it.
“You’re correct, Rarity.” Twilight said coming from behind a bush. “It’s good to see you girls!” Twilight said smiling at her friends before walking up to them in a big group hug.
“Why is the humongous dragon sleeping?” Pinkie said breaking the group hug. “And he isn’t moving either, that’s so weird, I move a lot when I sleep! He kinda looks like a rock. Maud would like him!”
“Who?” Applejack asked.
“One of my sisters. My big sister. She’s the best big sister ever!” Pinkie said loudly making a *squee* sound as she smiled.
“He’s not sleeping, Pinkie Pie.” Celestia said coming out of the same bushes. “I see you already told our friends our relationship with Sabarius, Luna.”
“Of course, dear sister.” Luna said looking up at the dragon. “It seems we arrived in a good moment. How long has the trance taken? Ten maybe fifteen minutes we suppose?”
“For almost an hour, actually.” Celestia said calmly.
“Art thou serious?” Celestia nodded. “Th--You seem very calm about such an event, sister.”
“I admit it’s starting to worry me, but given the current events that have unfolded not much can surprise me now.” silently everybody else present agreed on her logic.
“Still, dear sister, godfather Sabarius has never taken so long before, not even with us.”
“Pardon me princess, but what in the hay are ya talkin’ about? And what is yer godfather doin’ to Spike?”
Celestia shared a quick glance with Twilight, then to unmoving Sabarius and Spike, before sighing and sitting on the ground. “Sit down everypony.I believe we have enough time to tell you everything.”
*Thirty minutes later*
“So yer godfather is inside Spike’s mind tryin’ to find somethin’ good or bad with him?” Applejack asked before taking a sip out of her juice (provided by Discord of course). “Why mah juice never tastes like apples?” Discord merely shrugged.
“From what I could understand that seems to be the case, Applejack.” Twilight said.
“But…...but he’s not really going to take Spike away…..right?” Fluttershy asked worriedly.
Celestia hanged her head in defeat. “If its the best for my son, then yes.” looking up she saw her son sitting peacefully in Sabarius hand. “Everything is turning more…...complicated. As if we don’t have enough troubles and problems to face on our own as it is. Now that bastard of Wrath is back.” Celestia gritted her teeth as the mares, aside from her sister and Twilight gasped surprised. Rarity looking ready to faint.
“Wow! I thought the princess didn’t know how to curse!” Rainbow said before letting out a loud snicker.
“I’m sorry my friends.” Celestia said smiling at the still partially surprised mares. “But that, that monster brings back bad memories.”
“Tell me about it.” Discord said in a very low, dangerous tone. “I’m against the idea of killing, but if…..WHEN we see him again. I’ll kill him.” Discord snarled frowning and showing off his fangs.
“Not if We get him first.” Luna said angrily too.
“Whoa whoa whoa there everypony, time out! Why the sour mood all of the sudden?” Pinkie said looking at the royal sisters and Discord’s truly scary expressions. Even Twilight seemed to be very, very angry for some reason. “That dragon was a meanie but he couldn’t done some--”
“Pinkie.” Twilight said in a low almost chilly tone. “In the past that bucking monster killed thousands of living beings, several alicorns, tortured and ate Celestia and Luna’s mother.”
“----ohhhh……” Pinkie finished, her mane and tail losing a lot of their puffiness.
“W-what does she mean by that?” Fluttershy asked horrified. “Discord?”
Looking down at the nearly crying pegasus Discord closed his eyes for a moment before sighing. “Its...its something personal, for the three of us.” he turned to face the group. “We’ll tell you all about later, but not right now. I already told Spike and I guess Twilight knows, too.” Twilight nodded slowly.
“We’re sorry friends, I hope you can understand us.” Celestia said calming herself down.
“Of course yer highness.” Applejack said taking off her stetson in a show of respect. After a few seconds she spoke again. “Ah hope Spike stays. We have to apologize to him.”
“Apologize for what?” Twilight asked now calm to her friend.
“For being bad friends.” Rainbow answered. “We…..want to make it up to him somehow, at least a little.”
Twilight saw the expression of her friends face and hanged her head in shame. “You too realized it, huh?”
“Realize what, Twilight?” Celestia asked concerned.
“Just that we’ve been bad, if not terrible, friends to Spike. Especially me.” Twilight said while her friends looked to the ground in shame, too.
Celestia smiled at the sad group. “Twilight. Friends. I can assure you that--”
*GRAAAAAHHHHH!!!!*
Sabarius suddenly yelled, throwing his head forth supporting it with his free hand. The massive dragon breathed harshly,moaning, groaning and grunting with each inhalation. The group below got up upon hearing his yell and perfectly still while Sabarius quickly compose himself.
Spike on the other claw didn’t move or made any noise until a few seconds after Sabarius breathing was normal again.
“Uggghhhh, I feel dizzy.” Spike said holding his head with both hands.
The alicorn sisters took flight and hovered in front of their godfather, their faces showing true concern.
“Godfather Sabarius, is everything alright?” Luna asked.
Sabarius raised his head again, blinked a few times before looking around him, then focused on his two goddaughters. “I….don’t know,Lulu.”
Celestia looked to where her son was and flew down to get him, moments later she returned to her sister’s side with Spike on her back. “What did you see?”
Sabarius focused his gaze on Spike making feel very nervous.
“I saw many things. I’m not even sure what I saw.” Sabarius sighed loudly letting his hot, and rather nice, breath wash over all the present. “Hatchling, if any doubt was left on mind about you or your tale, let me tell you it has been eradicated after the…..the horrors, the joys and the inexplicable mysteries I’ve seen in your mind.”
Silence followed his words for several seconds.
“I’ve seen and experienced what you did in order to protect your mother. And so did I with your Greed.” Sabarius gaze turned hard and stern. “But I’ve also seen much more, yet so little. Your mind is like nothing I have seen before in my entire life. I felt a fraction of your hidden potential, your greatest joy and your greatest fear. Spike, it pains me greatly to say this but.” Sabarius sighed again, his expression now showing shame, and even pity.
“I can’t help you, in all of my power and knowledge, in any way possible. I’m, in fact, quite certain that taking you with me would result in disaster. I am sorry, but there is nothing I can teach you, not even the way of the Dragons.”
Spike hanged his head, a few hot tears damping the fur of his mother. “I-it’s alright, I’m k-kinda used to bad news by now.”
“Don’t be so easily brought down, young Spike. For there is another who might be able to help you find your way.”
Spike lit up as he sniffled away a few tears. “R-really? Who?”
“Discord might be able to help you.” Sabarius said making all eyes land on the draconequus.
“But he said I have to find my own way.” Spike said a bit confused.
“A commendable and truthful advice, young Spike. But I believe having a guide, and a master, to help you control or in your case, comprehend what you are capable of is the best course of action. Dragons are blessed because we know what we can achieve to become and what must we avoid. Everything else and what we do to achieve it is our own work.”
“But you, the last Gemstone dragon, are different. Taking into account what that so called dragon queen said to you then we can never be sure what you can become, or what can we expect. Your three transformations tell so. We must take no chances and tread carefully, if not you may become that what you fear the most.”
“Wait.” Celestia said. “If you’re trying to dictate the destiny of MY child, then forget about it, Sabarius.” she turned back just enough to give Spike a small kiss on his forehead. “I don’t care what my little boy chooses to become. It will be his decision alone to make.”
Sabarius smiled. “Of course. I’m just warning him to be careful. Now,” he said looking up to the moon. “I’m awfully tired. I wish to share a private talk with you tomorrow before the sun rises, young Spike. I may be unable to directly help you, but I think a small gift will be useful.”
“Celly, Lulu, Discord. Wrath is back and I have a feeling something very bad is nearing to us. You must be ready to face anything when the time comes.”
“I’ll take care of it, it’s quite obvious they really need some major flank whooping.” Discord said crossing his arms.
“Good.” Sabarius yawned. “Sorry for not presenting myself.” he said looking down at the group of six mares (except for Twilight). “But I’m very tired right now. We will have another chance to meet properly, I’m sure of it.” Sabarius yawned again before closing his eyes and falling asleep almost instantly.
“Well!” Discord said clapping his hands together. “It seems I’ve got my work cut out for me starting tomorrow. Tia, Lulu, Sparkle Butt, Smokey. I want you ready before sunrise!”
“Ready for what?” Twilight asked confused.
“For your training, Sparkle Butt.”
“Don’t call me that!”
“I will until you earn the respect of your commanding officer!”
“But I--”
“And now that I think of it. All of you need it.” he said turning to see the other five mares. “I hope you’re planning on staying here for a while, cause you’re gonna train with us, too!”
“What!?” shouted Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow as the same time.
“Training Party!” yelled Pinkie.
“O-oh my.” whispered Fluttershy.
“Here he comes!” Pinkie shouted pulling Luna out of her trance.
Looking down the road she saw Spike running towards them holding something up with his left arm. Moments later the massive form of Sabarius flew over them with great speed.
“We shall meet again soon.” he said as he flew past them.
Luna smiled at her godfather and waved cheerfully as the dragon flew back to the Dragon Lands. Looking down she saw her little nephew had almost reach them, now he was close enough to see the object he was holding.
“It’s so garnish!” Rarity whined.
“Looks nifty.” Applejack observed.
“I-it looks dangerous.” Fluttershy said.
“Nice Pointy-Stick!” Pinkie cheered.
“He wave Spike a weapon!?” Twilight complained.
“Kinda looks cool.” Rainbow said.
“Hey guys!” Spike said finally reaching them. “Sabarius gave me one of his scales and turned it into…...whatever this is.” he said waving around a small, greyish green mix of a spear and a sword with ease. It was rather ugly, having no charm or style on it. But that didn’t took away the shininess of the weapon nor the extremely sharp point end and slightly curved body it had.
“That’s pretty and all, but.” Discord snapped his fingers making the weapon disappear. “Now it’s time for pain, that care of them mini-me!” Discord was gone in another flash of light along with the royal sisters.
“Listen up, maggots!” the mini-Discord said in a high pitch voice. “Because from now on, I will make your lives miserable. Let’s begin with the basics!” he snapped his fingers and a horde of Timber Wolves appeared all around them. The six mares and dragon’s jaws hit the floor. “First lesson: Survival.”
The Timber Wolves attacked.
*********************************************----------------------------------------------------------
*Dragon Lands- Unknown Location-*
“My Lord?” Winda said entering an improvised cave. “I...I’ve returned as fast as I could to give you this, its from our allies.” she said placing a bag on the ground. “Also, I have delivered your orders accordingly and they await your command.”
“Good. You’re proving to be useful, general.” Wrath said from the depths of the cave. “Yet, I sense fear and anger in your voice. Out with it.”
“M-my Lord….I was told that the insignificant whelp you killed…..is still alive. I-it pains me t-to say this but, before my arrival, I …...I confirmed it, that heretical hatchling survived.”
“How?” Wrath asked in a neutral tone.
“It seems the solar whorse ‘blessed’ that worthless scum with a potent regenerative power.”
“Thank you for informing me of this, general. You may retire, you must be tired.”
“As you command, my Lord. Does my Lord have further orders for me to fulfill before I retire?”
“Just get some rest.”
Winda bowed to the darkness of the cave before retreating. A few minutes later Wrath spoke again, this time to himself.
“No matter. Once I locate my hoard you will be of little consequence, Spike. But I will show you the consequences of your heresy. You will serve as the example of shame and weakness for all true dragons.” Wrath chuckled before coughing a few times. His throat still hurt.
Part 2 End
Author's Notes:
Thanks for all who read this!
Unfortunately this chapter is Un-Edited. Will fix it in the future.
You guys are aweome, keep on the good writing and reading!