//------------------------------// // Act 1 Verse 2 // Story: Dragon's Descent // by Compendium of Steve //------------------------------// Act 1 Verse 2 “Politics really isn’t my thing” Six p.m. rolled around, and I was back on duty for the summit. By then the debates and panels were winding down, so the castle was pretty much bereft of its earlier buzz. All that was left were a few private audiences between foreign dignitaries and the princess, which I’d be attending as her bodyguard. First one was with a representative of Yakyakistan. Nothing all that big, just discussions for possible trade options to bolster relations between our two countries. Wound up settling on armor trading, maybe getting a few yak smiths over to Canterlot. A good twenty minute discussion, give or take. The one after that, though, was where we get into the beginnings of our (and presently, my) troubles. As you might’ve guessed, it was a meeting with an emissary from the Griffon Kingdom. Originally it was one of those sob story kind of histories: former glory fettered away into squalor and stagnation, with just a bunch of busted buildings and nests on a mountaintop to make up their capital. Then ten years ago, they got their act together and started restoration, bringing them to a semi-industrial state in only a few years. Improved military, a proper monarchy, snazzier living spaces, and a dominion that neared half of Equestria’s (mostly around that mountain of theirs). And of course they made improved vehicles and weaponry, as you got a preview of. As for the meeting, it started ordinarily enough. Just Twilight, the emissary sitting across the little negotiation table flanked by two well-armed (and armored) griffon guards, and yours truly standing close to Twi. Cuz really, that’s more than enough protection you need against some hulking eagle lions. With tea and some of those little biscuit cake things between them, Twi began with the usual pleasantries. “First I want to thank you for coming to represent your kingdom for this summit, ambassador Gavin. I hope you are finding it to your liking.” “It is adequate enough,” he replied a little too curtly for my tastes. “Somewhat overcrowded for my preference. There's hardly any room to stretch my wings.” “I'm sorry to hear that. I'll be sure to take that into consideration in planning next year's summit.” “That would be appreciated. Now about this meeting, you have received letters from my station in the weeks prior, correct?” “Yes I have.” “Excellent. Then there'll be no sense dallying and we can cut to the chase. Regarding certain territory my lordship would like to add to his kingdom.” “...The territory that was formerly the Crystal Empire, to be specific.” “That's precisely it.” Oh boy. If you recall my history lessons, you’d know the Crystal Empire is a pretty somber, touchy subject, what with the massacre and regicide and ensuing war and all. Not long after Chrysalis and the changelings were dealt with, the Crystal Empire was declared a memorial site, to be left uninhabited in memory of the tragedy that had taken place. This meant losing a lot of valuable resources, but you can't be stingy where sentiment for the dead is concerned. Unsurprisingly, not everyone in the world had those same sentiments. For the past two years the Griffon Kingdom was looking to take up that unused land and have been pestering Twilight about it almost constantly. Yet time and time again, the answer was always the same. “Then you are also aware of its status as an Equestrian memorial.” “But of course, your highness. However, my king and by extension the rest of the kingdom feel it is a sorry waste of resources. As you are aware, our borders are expanding, and all that land can go towards additional housing, not to mention a boost to economy as far as mining goes. It can even be put to farming use, or into trading outposts. There's a wide range of utilization for that land if handled properly, which my lordship and his advisors are vastly capable of doing.” A nod from Twi before she put on that “duty” face to say, “That may indeed be so, but as I’ve told the previous representatives, as well as the numerous requisitions sent to me otherwise, that land was host to a terrible tragedy which remains a painful memory to most of my citizens. Me, and by extension the general will of the populace, believe that to tread upon those grounds as though nothing had happened would be disrespectful to those who had died. Even if I were to re-establish it as a functioning part of Equestria, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’d be willing to set hoof there, be they average citizen or economist. Until we get to that point when the majority of my ponies are comfortable with what has happened, that land will remain a place of mourning, not to be encroached upon by anyone.” Yep, pretty much the same answer. To that the beaky diplomat gave his own nod, though from the way his neck muscles were tightening, it wasn’t out of empathy. “Understandable. Yet, is that truly the state of things with your citizens? It has been six years: ample enough time to pay respects to the fallen. Although it was a considerably heinous act that brought an end to so many lives, the rest of the world moves forward. When our kind experience tragedy we pay our respects, but do so in a manner to allow us to stay current with the march of history. Our kingdom simply wants to progress things, rather than let it be bogged down in overwrought sentimentality. Do you not find it feasible to focus on the benefits of the living than on maintaining a prolonged vigil? You must realize it’s rather absurd when you look at it from our, or anyone else’s point of view.” Hoo boy. Of course, Twilight’s all calm and collected. It wasn’t the first time she was talked to like that. The years of stoicism she exercised really does wonders in keeping one’s emotions in check (I should know). Not missing a beat, she responded. “It may seem absurd to those living outside of Equestria, ambassador, but we ponies value the lives of one another very greatly. The ones lost that day weren’t just allies, but also friends, family, all dearly loved. They were precious to many, and to have them taken so suddenly is a shock that isn’t easy to recover from. Griffons may be hardened to these kinds of things, but ponies require time to heal. And lobbying to have them ‘move on’ won’t speed it along. I’m sorry, but my position on the matter is unchanged, and will remain so until such time as fitting for my subjects.” The ambassador just “tch”-ed, then said, “I’m curious as to how long that will be. Another six years? Ten? Or perhaps forever? With you being immortal, it wouldn’t surprise me if you to hoard it until the end of time.” “However long it takes is of none of your concern—” “It is when it gets in the way of logical enterprise!” He slammed a balled-up talon onto the table, the rattle of china filling the air. So much for diplomatic decorum. “Our lordship finds it troubling and infuriating for progress to be halted simply because you ponies are slaves to your emotions.” “Yet you seem alright with sacrificing composure for your own.” Sick burn. His feathers ruffled, the ambassador coughs some posture back into his tone. “Your continued refusal to even consider making negotiations for that territory has been testing my king’s patience. Our kingdoms have had a good understanding of one another ever since the griffons reclaimed their former glory, but this ongoing truculence is steadily making diplomatic entreaties like this increasingly distasteful.” “If it is resources you seek, we can negotiate possible trade options,” Twilight countered, very calmly. “We have ample industry and goods to match what the Crystal Empire had to offer. As for residential purposes, surely there are unclaimed areas near your borders that could make do just as nicely.” “Peh. You fail to understand that griffons do not simply ‘make do’. Making do was what led to our culture stagnating into a pitiful collective of ramshackle nests. Your ‘alternatives’ can undo all we have accomplished, the pride we had regained, and condemn us back to that former miserable state.” “Not to belittle the gravity of such an outcome, Gavin, but that may be something of an overreaction. Being denied some territory surely cannot mean an utter halt to the rest of your kingdom’s expansion and enrichment.” “Hmph, you seem to be forgetting something of our reborn culture, princess: what a griffon seeks, they take. Be it by politics, good favor or force, when we have our eyes set on something, it inevitably becomes our own. Then again, it probably isn’t a surprise that meek livestock like yourselves wouldn’t be aware of that, given that they’re ruled by a sheltered, bleeding-heart cripple!” “Watch your tone there, turkey,” I said while simultaneously pulling out my blade and leveling it at his pompous beak. His guards take hold of their own weapons, but hold their ground. Smart move on their part. “I suggest you go back to talking nice, or our Diamond Dogs will get white meat on tonight’s menu.” The birdbrain regained his cool pretty quick. “You should have better hold of your dragon, princess. I’m not one of your book thieves.” Twilight waved a hoof to have me withdraw. I did so, and with my sword put away she looked to the ambassador. “He can be impulsive at times where my well-being is concerned. However, I’m no fragile sheltered pony. I’ve witnessed bloodshed and grave sacrifices and, yes, I have been responsible for quite a number of them. This means I’m one hundred percent certain when I tell you that the former Crystal Empire will remain in Equestria’s possession, and no amount of requisitions or harsh words will persuade me otherwise. You can take this—feel free to pass this along to your king as well—as a lesson in humility.” Nice. The ambassador took a couple of seconds to recover from that, tapping his talons on the table and fuming with suppressed agitation. “I didn’t want to mention this, but our meeting was intended to be his lordship’s final attempt at direct diplomacy. Personally, I didn’t think your stubbornness would come to that, but that’s how it is.” He stood up from his seat, forcibly pushing the chair back over the floor with a harsh groan. “There will be no more talks on the matter, I can tell you that much. But heed my words that once our king hears of this, relations between our two kingdoms may not stay favorable for very long. For the time being, however, I bid you good evening and farewell. My entourage will not remain for the rest of the summit.” He took to all fours and headed out, twirling one of his talon to have his guards follow along. Once they left, Twi gave a deep sigh before looking to the door and projecting her voice. “Send in the next dignitary, if you would kindly.” No time to rest on her laurels just yet. There’s still two or three more foreign petitioners clamoring to share a word, and everybody loves a princess. ************ It was little over an hour later before the private discussions ended, allowing Twilight to walk about the castle freely for the evening, still wearing the gilded horse shoes and the amethyst necklace from those meetings. That’s really the only thing she wears out and about; very simple, modest, and the right amount of subtle regality (like Celestia’s style). I stuck by her side, of course, upholding royal duty even when she said hi to passing representatives and guardsmen and castle staff alike. Pretty mundane stuff, but inevitably the unpleasantness from earlier would rear its unsightly head as we walked down a corridor leading off the main hall. “I say the summit has gotten off to a really good start, Twi. Real good work,” I said to her, just the two of us pacing down the tiled floor. “Yes it has. I honestly didn’t think so many would be so eager to have it back, but just seeing the turnout has removed whatever doubts I had for future summits. May have to work on finding more accommodations next time, though.” “Heh, yeah. Still, with so many ponies excited to talk politics in one place, I say this was a long time coming.” “That it was. It fills me with no end of joy, and even pride, seeing them come together like this. Almost like how it used to be.” She sighed. “Though I wish things went a little more smoothly with ambassador Gavin.” “You were courteous in telling him no. His fault he wanted to be a sore loser about not having his way.” “Which was further exacerbated by you drawing your sword on him and making that threat. All he did was insult me.” “I didn’t like the tone he was putting on. Gotta keep things in check for your benefit; you know how I am.” During Twilight’s Apology Tour, we stopped by the home of a withered old earth pony and his grandkids in Hoofington, whose daughter was executed for housing a book smuggler. He managed to clock Twilight’s muzzle before she got a word out, with a speed that should never be found in an octogenarian. Cut her cheek and loosened a molar, but being ever the gracious ruler she made me withhold my claw. Plus, it would’ve also been in bad form to cut down a crying, grief-stricken geriatric while his grandchildren were present. But after that, I made sure not to risk another cheap shot landing on her, ever. “Yes I do. Still, this is an important political event, and it’s just as important to keep a level head, even when others choose not to. Not saying that you’re the temperamental sort, Spike, but we don’t want to give off the wrong messages.” And I have years of experience in that field. “I know. Politics and government can make people all kinds of emotional. I know those assemblies in parliament often break into yelling fests every other month.” Twilight sighed. “That’s true. Passion is good for your work, but consistent civility would be nice. You know, I forget the last time I had you oversee a proceeding.” “Months, and nothing about them entices me to come back.” “But they’re quieter and more focused when you’re there.” “Exactly.” We shared a laugh at that. Some Royal Guard ponies passed by around us at an intersection, and I wound up bumping the flank of one of them. I muttered an apology, but slowed my steps when something felt off. I glanced back and noticed the guy in his golden regalia had stopped to look at me a few seconds, moving only when one of his buddies called to him. Thing was, this was far from the first time I caught him doing that. Every now and then when I’m about the castle or around the premises I see this same white-furred, blonde-maned pegasus eyeballing me, either as a momentary glance like what had happened or sneakily through some hedges or junk as if I wouldn’t notice. You probably already know who this is, but at the time I was a bit sketchy of him. It had been a common thing those first two years after Celestia’s death for the guardsmen to give me the stink eye, oftentimes coming up to confront me, be it with words or angered hooves. Had a few scraps (non-lethal, thankfully), and eventually those who resented me got it out of their systems one way or another. But this guy had the look of wanting to face me, yet never going through with it. I thought that it’d wind up being trouble when he finally did at the time. Yet I turned my focus back to looking forward and staying with Twilight. No sense getting her to worry for my bum sake. Instead I told her I had to take my leave. “Dinner with Sweetie Belle and Rarity, right?” she asked, already knowing that’s what it was. “Yup. Have me some of that top quality fashionista cuisine.” (i.e. a whole lotta lettuce and soup. Good thing Sweetie will be on hand to expand the menu) “That’s good. I wish I could join you, but I need to look over some things for tomorrow before hitting the hay early.” Good ol’ studious and responsible Twilight. About time she took her own sleep needs into account. “I’ll be sure to tell them you said hi. Maybe bring some leftovers in the morning.” She covered the giggle with a hoof. “You don’t have to, but if you insist.” To that I shrug and nod, then turn away down a hall toward the exit. “And don’t forget you need to get up early as well!” “I gotcha,” I said while waving with my back turned. The rest of the night was uneventful: got home, dressed down, headed to Rarity’s to meet with her and Sweetie Belle, nice dinner, come back home and chill. The last two days of the summit also went by without a hitch, save an unruly drunk legal aid and two college pals engaged in some high stakes arm-wrestling (wouldn’t have been so bad if the two weren’t highly competitive minotaurs). And really, nothing of note happened after the closing ceremonies, and for days to come. So I’ll skip ahead to when things took the turn. ********* Nearly two weeks later, I was down in Ponyville having something of a picnic outside the Carousel Boutique. Spur of the moment kind of thing, having just come by with Sweetie to visit her folks when Rarity offered us some snacks and drinks out on the lawn of her home. It was a little past noon and a mostly clear sky, the sun shining and making everything idyllic as hell. I was having me an MLT (mustard-lettuce-tomato), chilling at a picnic table in needlessly elaborate yet tasteful tablecloth. Sweetie was next to me with her bit of salad, and across from us was an extra pair of young guests: a unicorn and pegasus, to be exact. “How is school going along for you both?” Sweetie asked them, idly poking a crouton with a pink-encased fork. “I’m doing good in track, alright in other classes,” Pound answered over his daisy sandwich, trying to disregard the sister pushing against his side. “Might try out for the team when they become available.” “Can you believe that? A pegasus going for track. A pegasus!” aforementioned sister said, hovering one of her family’s trademark cupcakes in her own shade of blue. “He hardly even uses those wings while at school, or even going to and from there or anywhere. It’s almost like he’s afraid of flying.” She chomped her treat with the voracity akin to a certain hyper mare (as in just one flippin’ bite). The Cake Twins had continued to live and grow up in Ponyville with their parents, learning to take care of the business as they steadily got closer to adulthood. Pound’s bulked up slightly with a minor growth spurt, but is still a soft-spoken colt. Unlike his sister, the little bragger she is. They still see me as a friend, despite me having… you know. They accepted the circumstances just like everyone else in that regard. I’m not quite the idol figure to them nowadays, but they at least keep themselves in check (mostly) whenever I come around. That’s bound to change when puberty hits them like a freight train. “Nothing wrong with improving yourself in different ways,” I said idly over a biteful of sandwich. “Makes one more adaptable, open to new things. Good idea to try things out when you’re young and can afford to.” “Plus he wouldn’t be the only land-based kind of pegasus. Fluttershy’s pretty well-acquainted with the ground,” Sweetie slyly pointed out. “But with wings you can go more places and be above everyone. What I’d give to just flap up over a crowd. And here he is wasting those extra limbs of his, taunting me whenever he decides he’s too lazy for the stairs.” “I only fly up or down them if I’m in a hurry, Pumpkin. And I get flight training in the summer and workouts with Rumble.” “Bare minimum stuff, bro. I’d be flaunting those puppies every chance I got.” The filly then tapped her chin in thought. “You know, with how well my magic’s been coming along, I bet I can master self-levitation by graduation. Then I can become the family flier and spare you its burden of responsibility, my dear sweet Pound.” “How considerate of you,” Pound deadpanned, a tone utterly lost on his self-praising sibling. All the good for her if she can pull it off with full control, unlike the first time she took her magic for a spin right out of the crib. Still makes for a funny story… dammit, reminding myself of her again. By grace of good timing, the hostess had trotted up to the table with a fresh pitcher of lemonade. “Now really, you two shouldn’t bicker over such trivial differences,” she admonished while pouring everyone a new round. “With the real world fast approaching, you should be working together, pooling your talents to overcome the hardships life will inevitably throw at you. A dynamic duo against the tide of adversity, as it were.” “Oh yes, I’d be sooo lost if I hadn’t stuck with my sister when I got into high school,” Sweetie said in that exaggerated style of sarcasm of hers. “You know what I mean, Sweetie. Really, being successful and independent shouldn’t give you an excuse to act flippant toward your elders. Especially those who gave you room and board for absolutely free much of your youth without quibble.” “Yeah yeah, I know, Rare. And I’ll always be eternally grateful for your sacrifice.” “You’re very welcome.” Back to her more sophisticated, stuffy ways. A brighter outlook on things, looking less worn down like you used to working those nights. She’s put on a bit of a pudge, but it adds a more matron-y look to her. Dunno if she’ll ever settle down or just remain single. Not that she’ll have to worry about me pawing at her door; those days of adoration had ended the moment I stopped being a Vanguard. We still make for good acquaintances, though. Always a good thing to keep bridges intact whenever you can. “Is Twilight keeping well, Spike?” Rarity asked me. “Uh-huh. Same old princess, same old life.” “Well it’s certainly not the same as it was over a decade ago. The library has lost some of its charm when she moved out, but it’s still a delight walking by there and seeing a class of fillies and colts playing and reading books. Especially when I happen to spot these two.” She beamed to the Cakes, who gave a uniform groan and eye roll. Yep, still kids where it counts. “And the way she does those little lectures and story times when she does come visit, it’s like something out of a fairy tale.” She went silent, then blushed before waving a hoof. “Oh just listen to me prattle on and reminiscing like an old mare. Though it would be nice if Twilight were to come around sometime soon.” Golden Oaks Library had done well for itself after its reconstruction. A unicorn from Trottingham was assigned as librarian after Twilight left. A very sweet mare, if absent-minded during downtime. Luckily, Owlowiscious stayed onboard as resident library aid/overseer to keep things in place. I offer him to come hang around us, but he usually declines unless there’s reading or mouse-catching to be had. I swear he’s about as tied to his job as Twilight was (though luckily without as much fatal devotion). “Yeah, manning the library for a day or two has always been among her favorite getaways,” I replied. “I’m certain she’ll make a trip down here around the end of the month. I’ll be sure to mention it next time I see her.” “Now don’t impose on my behalf.” “No imposing; just casual conversation. You know me, love.” “Now really, Spike.” We adults had a good laugh at that. Pumpkin looked to me as we were quieting down. “Been in any fights lately, Spike?” “Pumpkin, dear, that’s not the sort of topic to bring up—” “Had to wrangle some minotaurs a couple weeks ago.” “Neato!” “Please, Spike, you don’t need to humor her.” “Were they really big?” Pound asked with fresh interest. “Pound, please don’t—” “Larger than average. Made a mess out of two reception rooms. Would’ve torn through the summit if I hadn’t stopped them.” Those eyes of wonder, respect and envy. A real comfort when some things never change. “Did you get hurt?” “Naw, Pound. Ruffled my clothes, but he looked the worse for it in the end.” “How’d you take them down?” “I cannot believe this is what our pleasant picnic has come to.” “It’s actually pretty cool, Rarity. Let him explain.” “Honestly, Sweetie Belle.” “So, I managed to get to them in the middle of this arm-wrestling match that carried over into another room. Figured I’d separate them, so I made a running leap at the taller one and—” A gurgle in my stomach interrupted me. “Are you alright, Spike?” Rarity asked me as I rubbed my belly. “Yeah I’m fine. Just—urk—some indigestion. Should pass—” Immediately I let out a fiery belch, green flame filling the air over me to everyone’s surprise. Once the fires dissipated a lone scroll hung in the air before falling to the table. Rarity looked it over a moment. “Were you expecting a message?” “Is it from Twilight?” Pumpkin asked. I took hold of the parchment and gave it my own look. Fine quality, waxed seal. Definitely Twilight. “Yeah it’s from her,” I said as I got up from my seat, tearing the seal with a claw while turning and walking away. “What does it say?” Sweetie asked as I was in the midst of unrolling the thing. I remember the sun lighting up that bleached white material like a lamp, boldening the fresh black ink on the page. No formal or flowery greetings. A few terse sentences worth of information and instructions. Dire ones. As you guessed, that’s when breaktime ended for our happy kingdom.