//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 Catastrophe // Story: Scaled Heights // by Zephyr Spark //------------------------------//             Spike launched the final ice arrow into the target. Rainbow Dash slammed the timer. Ponyville waited in the bleachers to hear his newest score, eager for the results.             “Thirty-five seconds,” she declared to a round of applause. “That’s five seconds off your original record.”             “I need to do better,” Spike murmured.             “We’ll get there,” Dash patted his shoulder. “You’ve got this.”             Volunteers rolled out a fresh new target and replenished Spike’s ice arrows. He readied himself for Dash’s signal to begin. Before she could blow her whistle, a trumpet sounded across the field.             “That’s the town meeting call,” Dash exclaimed. She turned to the spectators, “Everyone needs to head to Town Hall immediately.”             All ponies, her and Spike included, promptly made their way off the field and towards Town Hall. As Spike and Dash drew closer, they found Twilight, sitting in the front of the aisle beside Mayor Mare. Spike recognized a pensive, nervous expression on Twilight’s face. When he came into view, she grabbed him in a tight embrace.             “Twilight?” He gasped, “What’s going on?”             “It’s terrible,” Said Twilight. “Fillydelphia’s City Hall burned down.”             “What?” Spike exclaimed. “How? When? Is anypony hurt?”             “Thankfully, no pony’s been lost but—,” A horn sounded from the stand, silencing Twilight and calling every pony to attention.             A messenger with a grievous face took the stand.             “Ponyville, I ask for you to be quiet so I may deliver some tragic news. At 3 am in Fillydelphia, City Hall erupted in flames. Ten ponies were injured, including the mayor, who is currently undergoing treatment.             “According to police accounts, someponies saw dragons set the hall on fire before fleeing to Dragon Town. Currently, Dragon Town is under quarantine, no one in or out. Dragonlord Ember naturally denies that the dragons had any role in the crime. Nevertheless, she is searching her ranks for any dragons who could be responsible for this crime and has offered support to the injured citizens.             “If you have any information that could help us find these arsonists, contact your local authorities immediately.”             Spike felt a few suspicious eyes trained on him. When he turned, he could not find those eyes. Twilight followed his gaze. Ponies looked away from Spike the moment they saw her turn. She was certain none of them wished Spike harm or thought he was responsible. Nevertheless, an unsettling air permeated the room. She placed Spike onto her back, made sure everyone saw them leaving the hall together and return to the castle.     She wanted to tear out her mane. Had all her work getting every town on Spike’s side vanished in a single hour? “There’s still some time before the Games.” Twilight frowned. “Maybe I can get all of them back on his side before then.” She had no idea where to begin her task. No way would Baltimare approve of Spike joining the Games now. Fillydelphia was Baltimare’s neighbor. Worse still, since the Games were held in Baltimare, Spike would be facing prejudice from the now paranoid pony population. This seemingly small incident now threatened to spiral out of control if she didn’t do something.             She closed the castle doors and went to write a letter to Princess Celestia.             Spike tugged Twilight’s mane gently, “Why were they looking at me like that?”             Twilight stopped, “Who?”             “Come on. You saw those ponies giving me funny looks. What’s wrong with them?”             “They’re just scared, Spike.”             “Scared?”             Twilight sighed, “It’s the first time in years that dragons attacked a city.”             Spike was silent for a moment. He could relate to their fears. But he didn’t understand why they looked at him like he attacked Fillydelphia.             “I didn’t do that.”             “I know,” Twilight tried to smile as she rubbed his head. “And I’m sure deep down they know too.”             “Then why were they looking at me like I did do it?”             “Like I said, they’re afraid. That keeps them from thinking clearly.”             “But why are they afraid of me? Because I’m a dragon?”             Twilight did not answer. Try as she might, she could not begin to fathom an honest response that would spare Spike’s feelings.             “How could they do that?” Spike’s throat constricted. His eyes felt red with bitter heat. “Yesterday, they treated me like a hero. I can’t believe they’d look at me like I’m some monster.”             Twilight stroked the back of his neck.             “I didn’t want this,” Spike cried. “It scares me too.”             “I know, Spike.” She nuzzled against her friend’s forehead. They sat there for minutes, until Twilight felt that Spike had calmed a bit.             She kissed his forehead.             “Give them some time to process everything that’s happened,” Twilight whispered. “They’ll be back to normal before you know it.”             Twilight wished she could believe that. Somehow, she had a feeling the worst was yet to come.             “But why would dragons do this?” Spike asked. “They’ve never gone after ponies before.”             “I don’t know,” Twilight replied. A scowl formed on her face. “Do you think it could’ve been Garble?”             “Maybe. But Ember’s been keeping him under her claw. I don’t think she’d let him slip away.”             “I guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Said Twilight.             Spike walked home from his archery practice through the market streets. Some ponies avoided making eye contact with him or walked on the other side of the road, though this was not too common. Most still greeted him or acknowledged he was once Dragon Ace, but he couldn’t forget the extremely few spiteful ponies who now thought he was enemy number one. He actually missed the days when they didn’t even think about him. At least then, they didn’t act so distrustful.             He was so lost in his thoughts, that he did not notice the pony stomping towards him until he ran into their legs. He apologized, but the pony looked hostile, making Spike uneasy.             “Hey, can you tell me why dragons attacked Fillydelphia?”             “I don’t know,” Spike stammered. Everyone seemed to have vanished from the streets, leaving him alone with this aggressive pony. He tried to walk away but the pony blocked his path.             “Haven’t we treated you all well enough? We’ve let you do your thing. Heck, we let you come into our kingdom and live with us. Why would you do this after all the nice things we do for you?”             Spike frowned, “What do you mean ‘you?’”             “You know, dragons.”             “You shouldn’t lump all dragons together.”             “Why not?”             “Because,” Spike struggled to remain calm as they glared. “It’s not fair.”             “But dragons getting away with crime is?”             “No.” Spike said, glancing down the street, hoping someone would save him.             “Just tell me why dragons suddenly think they can attack us and get away with it?”             “I don’t know.”             “You don’t know?” The pony growled and stepped towards Spike, “You mean you don’t see anything wrong with it?”             “No,” Spike extended his hands and retreated, “I don’t know what those dragons were thinking.”             “You don’t know why your own kind did this?”             Spike’s back touched a building. He could not back away as the pony approached him. His heart hammered in his chest. He wanted to close his eyes and wake up at home.             “Spike!” He glanced down the road where he heard the familiar voice. To his relief, it was Applejack raced towards him with Winona barking. The pony so fond of his power over Spike cowered, and bolted into an alley before Applejack could clobber him. She stepped between Spike and where the stallion had fled. She screamed, “Let him be, ya hear?”             Spike had no doubt she could run down the stallion if she wanted, but she turned her attention to him.             “I’m sorry, Spike,” she knelt down. “He didn’t hurt ya, did he?”             “No.” Spike managed that much.             “I was out shopping with Winona. She must’ve heard ya cause she lead me around the corner. I heard ya talking to that jerk,” Applejack explained with a huff. She readjusted her saddlebags, heavy with apples and bits. “He had no right to say all that.”             She realized Spike had not said a word, his distraught expression saying everything.             “I’ll get ya home, okay?”             They walked in silence to the castle until Applejack handed Spike an apple.             “An apple for your thoughts?”             Spike took a bite. He shrugged.             “I didn’t know what to say.”             “Of course ya didn’t. No pony knows why these things happen.”             “What was I supposed to say when he lumped all dragons into one big, evil mess?”             Applejack knew a lot of things, at least when it came to apples and farming. She was an expert at farming, and could help anyone with farming problems. However, politics and speech were not her area of expertise, so she was ill equipped to help Spike. She labored over her answer before giving her honest opinion.              “You’re not evil. Ya defended your kind, right? I think ya did the right thing.” She let out a sigh, “Some folk just don’t know how to be grateful.”             “But why did that pony think I can speak for all dragons?” Spike raised his voice. “I’m just one dragon, who’s lived my entire life with ponies. How could I know why other dragons attacked Fillydelphia’s Town Hall?”             “Ya shouldn’t.”             “Exactly. I mean has anyone ever asked you why …” he paused a moment to search for an example. “Why ponies are mean? Like that guy talking to me? Or evil like King Sombra?”             She shook her head. “Can’t say I’ve ever had to defend ponies as a whole before. Least not in speech”             “And that’s another thing. Why is it that when a pony does a bad thing like Sombra, no one starts thinking ponies are evil? But when a dragon does something bad, suddenly all dragons are wicked?”             “Huh, I never thought about that.” She shrugged. “I mean, Sombra was just one bad pony out of millions.”             “Alright, I’ll admit that a lot of the dragons I’ve met besides Ember aren’t the nicest,” Spike said. “But they never enslaved an entire kingdom. One of them wanted to become Dragonlord to steal pillows. Pillows, of all things. That can’t be nearly as wicked as Sombra conquering an entire nation, Starlight stealing cutie marks, or Nightmare Moon starting that eternal night.”             “Didn’t Garble want to start a war with ponies?”             “He’s one dragon!” Spike said. “Look, remember when you and the girls had to stop that dragon from smoking up the town?”             “Yeah. What about him?”             “Twilight said he didn’t attack when Rarity tried to take his treasure. He only got angry enough to attack when Rainbow Dash bucked his face. And even then, Fluttershy could talk him down and reason with him. He could have blown you all away, but he didn’t. Why does everypony only ever talk about mean dragons instead of wondering if maybe they’re not so bad? Why should ponies get a free pass and dragons don’t?”             “I suppose it’s cause most of Equestria is ponies. We would defend our own. Sometimes I reckon that means making dragons look bad.”             Spike sighed, “Knights always have to slay the dragon right? I’ve been dealing with those stupid fairy tales since I was born.”             “Just remember I’ve got your back. And so do Twilight and Rainbow Dash. Not to mention Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Starlight.”             “It’s saying something when all you can really do is be there for me.” Spike smiled weakly, “Well, thanks anyways.”             Spike headed to his room and pulled out a comic book. He felt emotionally drained and decided to retire for the evening.             Fillydelphia Hospital bustled with frantic doctors and nurses, who did their best for the ten victims, while also reassuring the families of the victims. Said families had pestered the medical staff for updates on their loved ones, demanding to see them. One mare, Caramel Breeze, planted herself in the hospital waiting room and refused to leave until she saw her brother. Even when her employers at the Four Clover Hotel in Baltimare implored her to return to her desk job, she insisted on staying for at least another week. Her dream of hosting the Equestrian Game athletes seemed like a distant memory.             Silver Shine’s heart went out to the frightened mare. He understood the fears of worrying for family all too well, especially in a hospital. His daughter was one of the unfortunate victims, having worked at the Town Hall.             A stallion walked up to Silver Shine and whispered in his ear, telling him that someone wanted to speak to him, alone. He led Silver into an office and closed the door. A white unicorn with a yellow mane, black suit, and a royal demeanor looked out the window. His eyes fixed on the smolders of Town Hall, where anti-dragon protestors and counter-protestors argued.             “Amber Gem was a hardworking mare,” the stallion said. He never turned his gaze from the window as he spoke. “Bright, young, so full of hope. Instead of playing around like her friends, she decided that this summer she would intern at Town Hall. Everyone who worked with her loved her. Said she made sure the politicians knew the plights of those with no voice, especially dragons. She was actually the one who convinced the council to consider legislation that would desegregate Dragon Town. She worked overtime, trying to help make Fillydelphia a better place.”             The stallion bowed his head.             “I know her,” Silver nodded. “My daughter mentioned her. Called her a brilliant, forward thinking mare.”             “She was there too, wasn’t she? I’m so sorry,” the unicorn said.             The stallion finally turned around. Silver Shine’s eyes widened. A gasp escaped his throat.             “You’re—.”             “Prince Blueblood, yes.” He gave a courteous bow, which Silver returned. The prince gestured to a chair in front of his desk. “Please, take a seat.”             After another bow, Silver Shine sat down. Prince Blueblood closed the curtains and pulled up his own chair.             “I wanted to ask your opinion,” Blueblood explained. “You’ve been living in Fillydelphia all your life and had dealings with Dragon Town. I understand you’ve had some personal issues with dragons. Three years ago you were quite vocal about your unpopular beliefs.”             “I was grieving for my wife. I acted on my heart without thinking about what I said. I’ve done my best to make amends for some of my radical claims.”             “So you no longer believe that dragons present a threat to ponies?”             “No, I do. Fire breathing lizards that can go feral and grow massive from too much greed, it’s not safe having them around ponies.” Silver Shine shrugged, “My kids didn’t agree with me, believing that dragons, at least those in Dragon Town, wouldn’t hurt us.”             Prince Blueblood pressed the tips of his hooves together, “Silver Shine, my auntie and I have had similar disagreements about dragons and ponies. But both princesses believe dragons can be our friends, equals, and even … disturbingly enough, our special someponies.”             Silver Shine scowled. His nose crinkled as though someone shoved a three-week dead fish up his nostrils.             “Dragons are gaining political influence. Last year, three dragons were almost elected to Equestria’s royal council. You see why that’s problematic? Dragons owe their allegiance to the Dragonlord first, not our government. It would be splendid if we could let them join our council and befriend them, but I fear it would be naïve to believe we can ever completely trust them. Especially as politicians, since their greed could make them easier to bribe.” Prince Blueblood chuckled ruefully, “But my views have always been in the minority ever since Princess Ember became Dragonlord.”             “Sir.” Silver Shine raised an eyebrow. “What do you want to ask of me?”             “You’ve seen the protestors? That’s their state right now. Imagine in a few weeks, when they see a dragon at the Equestria Games.” Prince Blueblood shook his head. “You understand my concerns? I fear they might attempt to harm that dragon or Ponyville. You used to know Fillydelphia’s dragon haters. Do you think they would be bold enough to take action?”             “Well.” Silver Shine’s eyes narrowed. He considered the vile insults the mob shoved at the dragon supporters, how most ponies avoided going near Dragon Town. Then he thought about the dragon’s archery that could stop him from reclaiming his title.             “Dragons pose a threat to all of us,” he murmured. “But I’d say the protestors and counter-protestors could pose an equal threat. Many of them could become frenzied and crazy, willing to go to any length to show they belong in their group. If they had the opportunity, yes, they may try.”             “I see.” Prince Blueblood nodded. “Perhaps, the Games should be postponed till next year.”             “No, please no,” Silver Shine exclaimed. “This is the last year I’ve got to compete. I won’t be able to next year, for…” his eyes fell, “Medical reasons.”             “Once again, I’m sorry to hear of your misfortune. I don’t want to cancel the Games either if only to show them we will not be intimidated by these actions. I’ll tell the council how much this means to you and try to convince them to proceed with the Games,” Blueblood promised. “A few of them owe me some favors. I suppose it’s time I cashed in.”             “Thank you.” Silver Shine wiped his eyes.             “Thank you for lending me a moment of your time,” Prince Blueblood bowed. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to do an interview.”             The door opened to let in a mare with a microphone and a stallion with a camera. Silver Shine excused himself back to the waiting room. As the mare approached Prince Blueblood, he flashed a charming grin at the camera.             “What are you doing filming a pampered prince like me for?” He smiled at the flustered mare, “I should be filming you.”             She laughed and proceeded with her interview.             “Prince Blueblood, in the wake of recent events, will you allow the Games to continue?”             “Of course,” his suave voice reverberated in the room. “As the Game’s Patron, I refuse to be intimidated by acts of arson. I feel that if we back down, it empowers the fear.”             “And what will you do about Ponyville’s dragon archer? Many are demanding that he be removed from the team roster.”             His lips curled into a half-hearted smile, “I’ve already conducted an investigation of his background. I have recommended Ponyville’s team leader to consider removing him for this event. Not permanently, of course. Hopefully by next year, some of this tension will die down and there will be less threats to his, and Ponyville’s safety.”             “You believe their lives are in danger?”             “Possibly.”             “How has their Captain responded to your request?”             Prince Blueblood’s smile evaporated, like a puddle under intense heat. The rainbow-maned pegasus appeared in his mind with her terrifying scowl, her response haunting his memory. “Listen Prince Blue Bonnet, you’re going to hop on that train, go home, and never step hoof in Ponyville as long as you live. And if you so much as look at my friends or call Spike a threat, I’ll grab your stupid horn and shove it right up your—”             “Well,” Prince Blueblood shrugged at the reporter, “She said no. In rather crude terms.”             “Could you elaborate what you mean by crude?”             “I could,” Prince Blueblood said. “But the censors wouldn’t approve.”             The reporter chuckled, with a bit of discomfort.             “You mentioned conducting an investigation into the dragon’s background,” the reporter prompted.             “Purely for security reasons,” he clarified. “Under any other circumstances, it wouldn’t be necessary.”             “Yes, well, did you find anything that could support a case to ban the dragon from the Games?”             “I’ve only found what everyone already knows,” he said. “A few years ago, he grew big from greed and went on a rampage, where he single-handedly beat the Wonderbolts.”             “Why hasn’t anypony brought charges against him for violence and willful destruction?”             “You’d have to ask Ponyville. In any case, we will consider any options necessary to ensure the safety at the Equestria Games. Even if it means forbidding anyone who might pose a threat to the Games.”             “And do you anticipate forbidding Ponyville? Or the dragon?”             His lips curled into a smile. “If need be.”