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!”

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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.

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*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.

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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!”

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*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.

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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!

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