Chapter 7
“Wait wait..... So one thousand years ago, Celestia sent her OWN SISTER..... to the moon?” I asked in disbelief. I am SO going to have to talk to Celestia on how to properly treat siblings.
“Well, Princess Luna was corrupted into Nightmare Moon because of a evil being known as the ‘Nightmare’. Nightmare Moon then tried to have the world into an eternal night, and to rule Equestria all by herself.” Firewing explained to me. “Princess Celestia had to make a very hard decision at the time: Either protect all of her kingdom and her little ponies from Nightmare Moon using the elements of harmony herself, or try and reason with a possessed goddess. She made the decision to save all her little ponies, but the princess was devastated by having to lose her sister. That is until recently, when Nightmare Moon escaped and the new elements of harmony users used the elements to turn Nightmare Moon back into Princess Luna.”
Wow........ This world’s history is kinda fucked up for a little girls show..... I really wish I was back home watching it now. Still, those... Element of Harmony? I’m kinda curious on how those work. Maybe if I ask nicely, Celestia will let me see them.
Before I could ask more about how he knew so much about Equestrian history, I smelt a very distinct smell of...
“Smoke? Is there a barbecue going on nearby? No, smells more.... deadly. I can’t place my finger on it... What do you think Rex?” I asked the white dragon, as he was lazily flying backwards.
“Hmmmm, I smell it too. In fact....” He then turned and flew straight up to see if there was any signs for the unusual smell. Now, in the Badlands, there’s usually always smoke and fire in the lands, but where we were walking, we were in the Equestrian border, almost to Rex’s hoard. From my understanding, Equestria has green grass and clear blue skies, nothing about smoke nearby. So that’s why it was a surprise, that while Firewing was telling me more of Equestrian history, I started to smell the smoke..... but from where?
“I see smoke.” Rex shouted as he was making himself back down to ground level. “It’s due south-west from here. I could easily reach there by air.” He seemed to be thinking about something as he looked between me and the direction of the smoke. “Hey gramps, think you can take Komodo here to the hoard, you know and introduce him to the gang. I’m gonna quickly take a peek on what's going on.” Oh hell no.
“Like hell I’m going.” I said, standing my ground. “I’m just as curious as you about this and no offense, but I rather not meet a whole hoard without its leader around. So I’m sticking with you.” Ok, that was bullshit. I really just have hope that the village would have Drew alive in it. Doesn’t hurt to try looking for him now right. I just hope he’s not the reason for the fire...
Rex examined me, debating whether he should bring me or not. Firewing looked like it didn’t really matter for him, as long as he still went back to the hoard to get some rest for his wings. They started to look much better than when I first saw them, but still looks like they are unable to fly.
“Alright then. Gramps, think you could tell the hoard I’m going to be a bit late, and that we might also have a new potential member with us.” Wait really?
For a few moments, all there was between the three of us was silence, until the elder finally spoke. “If that’s what you believe is for the best. I’ll tell the others, just don’t be gone for too long or Safyre might start to worry, and you know how she gets when she starts to worry.” He then started his trek towards the hoard.
Rex then turned and glared at me,and spoke when Firewing was out of earshot. “So you really don’t remember anything other than your name?” Oh shit! He’s on to me! ABANDON SHIP! ABANDON SHIP!
“Nope, not a thing.” I said, keeping the best poker face I could muster. “Other than what happened after I crashed, I don’t seem to remember anything much about this place.” Partial truth, I really don’t know much about this whole darn world other than what they told me.
“All right then.” Rex then turned and flared out his wings. “If you can’t beat me to the smoke, then you’ll just have to start walking back towards the hoard." The hell! I can't even fly! That so bull! "I’ll even give you an hint, use the dragon language.”
With that, Rex then said some rather peculiar words.
“Ieiumium volans”
That’s what I heard at first, till my mind started to understand what he was saying.
‘Fast flying!’
Duh fuck? What was that.... I actually understood what he said! That... that sounds like latin a bit actually... is that the ‘dragon language’ as he said.... I should try and use it as well... HEY WHERE DID HE GO?
As it turns out, when I was figuring out how I understood his words, he was now flying fast towards the smoke, taking a huge head start.
That bastard!!
Quick, think of some latin.....
….........
…..........
…..........
I don’t know any..........
….......
Well shit.
NO WAIT! I remember a language professor back at college. He was very strict and always demanded that we go faster. When he got really mad though, he started to speak latin, which was just really funny to me cause no one knew the insults he was trying to say. What was the word for speed though.....
“Is it... ‘accelero?’” I said, tempting fate. I felt different for a bit, until the feeling died away fast.
“I could have sworn it was ’accelero’. Maybe I have to say it a few more times. Accelero. Accelero. Accelero! Accel....” I continued to shout the word, starting to feel a growing difference in my body. When I finally stopped after feeling ridiculous for saying the same useless word over and over again, I noticed that my black shield were starting to glow brightly in the sun. What’s the deal with that?
“Ok, forget this. It’s obviously not working. I might as well just start run- HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!” I screamed as I just brought my foot down on the ground to begin my run towards Rex, only to have me blasting off at a breakneck speed. Thinking back, I realized when I kept on saying ‘Accelero’, I was apparently stacking up the energy for it in my shields, and when I finally used an action, this being running, I unleashed all that pent up energy from my shield, making me move at an un-FREAKING-imaginable speeds.
At first, I was freaking out as I kept on running, sometimes smacking into branches, breaking them off as I sped past them. Soon, I got my bearings and was laughing like a maniac. I mean COME ON, this speed is just so FUCKING COOL. I’m like Sonic with this speed! Hey wait is that Rex? Oh fuck yeah. Payback.
I was now focusing on catching up to the flying, cheating white dragon, who was within my sights and closing in. I was dodging as best as I could from trees, rocks, and the occasional animal that happened to be in my path. Thank god these animals are smart enough to get out of my way, else they would be roadkill.
I was soon under Rex, him being oblivious that I was even near him. I then shot past him, passing through a small clearing in the woods. I looked behind me to see his shocked look all over his face, probably not believing I’m actually going this fast. Then again, I barely am either. Hmmmm, lets rub it in his face at least.
“Your too slow!” I teased, bringing my thumb up to my nose and sticking my tongue out at him. Hehehe and they say you never really learn anything from video games. TAKE THAT, OVERPROTECTIVE PARENT!
Apparently all that did was push Rex to go faster, with a smirk and a large flap of his wing, he was now flying next to me. Oh hell yes, now its a race!
Neck and neck, we were now glaring at each other with a smirk on his face and a huge grin on mine. This is freaking fun! Oh my god! I don’t even remember why I was even running so fast. I could just keep running like this fore...
*WHACK*
…......
…........
Ow
….....
So... much.... pain......
…....
Fucking tree.
I should have watch where I was going, because if I do the math right: High speed + Stare off against Rex + Tree= Face first into said tree.... with my snout stuck in the bark.
I could hear Rex laughing like an absolute idiot behind me. I would have socked him if my face wasn’t stuck in the DAMN TREE! Maybe I should work on controlling my damn speed before continuing to do something like that... GOD I wish I could just burn this stupid tree. GET OUT OF THE TREE YOU STUPID NOSE!!
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After 10 mins of me cussing, bashing, then finally burning the tree with my fire hands, Rex and I were finally starting to get close to the smoke. We decided to both walk towards it to rest up after that little race we had, which I won by a nose (Thank you! I’ll be here all week). We were finally close to the smoke that we could start to feel heat coming from behind the last hill. Walking to the top, we were finally able to see the reason for the smoke.......
….....................and it was a horror to behold.
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‘Welcome to Dragon’s gate’ was what the broken stone sign said. The village itself looked anything but welcoming. Fires was everywhere: in the forest, around the stone gates, in the homes and buildings of the residents.
Well, now ex-residents. There were bodies littered all over the streets. Most of the bodies were that of ponies, the few exception being griffons and diamond dogs.
These bodies though.... were just gruesome. Most were on the floor, some being on the roofs of these homes, and they were just.... broken, torn, split in half, or just ashes.
As I walked through the the streets, watching the desolation of the fire engulf the village, everything felt like it was in slow-motion. There was what looks like a blue pegasus pony pulling her mate, a purple unicorn, through the streets, until a sudden explosion burst right in between the two. Their cries were mute to my ears, but I can see the horror look on the female’s face as she was separated from, what I presumed, was her lover. That is until a second explosion wiped both of the innocent ponies into oblivion.
I could have saved them....
They never did anything for you....
Doesn’t mean I couldn’t have tried.....
Too late now....
The smoke from the fire was filling the streets as well as all of the blood of the innocent. I saw random explosions happen all around me as I continued to go through the town. I was running now, not wanting to be like that poor couple that exploded near me. I took a right turn into an alley between two houses, hoping that I could avoid any other catastrophes. All those bodies....... All that blood....... I can't keep thinking about it or else I'll.....
*BLAAAAARG*
....... I've been known to have a strong stomach and have seen some very gruesome things, but this was just too much. I was now holding myself up with the wall, leaning over a now filled trash can as I try to forget what I just say.
"Hey, you ok?" I heard a familiar scratchy voice said close by. I responded by releasing more of my now empty stomach.
I was still trying to understand why all this chaos was happening. What's the cause of it all? Who is doing this? Why here? Why now? and more importantly....
"Why are we here?" I asked once I was able to catch my breath. Is it because I believe Drew will be here? I hope that not true anymore..... I don't want him to see all of this mayhem. Or be a part of it.
"We're here to see the cause of all of this smoke, but then you decided to run straight in this town. So I just followed you." He then looked towards the end of the alley from where we entered. "Shame about these villagers though. Last I remember, they never really cared about race here. Ponies, griffons, diamond dogs, even dragons were welcomed here, but by the looks of it, there are none that might survive this attack."
"Who the hell is attacking this village?" I was starting to get my bearings now, and my rage was returning as well.
"I didn't get a good look, but I believe there's an airship somewhere up there called the 'Avalon'. Could be those griffon pirates I heard so much about...... No this isn't their style..... so what if..." Rex's thinking was interrupted by loud screech followed by a voice from above.
*SCREEEEEEECH*
"Attention Dragon's Gate! Since you have failed to still bring in what we have wanted, we now have no choice but to erase your whole town from the face of Equestria! You all still have another 10 minutes till my patience wears thin. Do not take us for granted!"
..........
That damn voice...... That damn sword pony!
ITS THOSE FUCKING DRAGON SLAYERS!!!
WHY IN ALL HELL WOULD THEY ATTACK THEIR OWN PONY VILLAGE JUST TO FIND A STUPID.......
.......
What the hell do they even want?
"Well we know who and why now." Rex said, flaring out his wings again. "I don't usually do this, but this is actually a nice village and I really REALLY hate these dragon slayers. Komodo, help me evacuate all the remaining survivors to the hill we were just at, then we can take care of these idiots." He then shot up out of the alley and went towards a random direction.
I continued out of the alley on the other side to see a green pony child (a colt I believe), crying over two splinter filled ponies, while in a broken, unstable house that had the front half blown off. The house itself looked like it was barely standing itself, the only thing supporting it was a single wooden support beam, and by the sound of it, it was going to break any sec.
"HEY KID! Get out of there! The house is going to break any minute!" The kid apparently did hear me or didn't want to. He was still weeping over what I presumed to be his now deceased parents. I heard the beam over him *CRACK* as the roof of the house slowly start to fall.
I WON’T LET THIS ONE DIE!
”Accelero. Accelero! Accel...” I kept on shouting, hoping I could get to the kid fast. Lets just hope I am fast enough though, or else I'll see more innocent beings die....
*CRASH*
“Hey kid...... this shit is really heavy as fuck...... think you can move out of the way now?”
I.....I actually made it...... I was now covering the kid with my body, my shield arms protecting him from getting any dust on him, while my body was covered with the roof and house debri. The only thing that wasn’t covered was my neck and face, which was now staring intently for the kid to move so I can get this all this wood and stone off me without harming him.
“Why....... “ The kid asked softly, still staring at his parent’s unmoving body. Why what? Why did I save you? Cause I really hate to see a kid cry or be sad. That’s why....
“Why did they have to die?” The kid finished as he then proceeded to cry with all his tear and might. Shit.... I don’t have time for this, this is getting extremely heavy now.......
…....
Sorry kid, but this is for you own good.
I did the best I could think of doing at the time: Grabbing the kid with my teeth from beneath my body, then tossing him ahead, away from the broken down house..... and his family.
I then lifted myself off, with the debri falling off my body as I roared. That.... was..... a heavy house. I then realized what I’ve done.....
I buried the child’s parents underneath all that rumble.....and the fire is now engulfing their bodies....
“NOOOOOO...” The kid shouted, limping his way to the now burning rumble. “DON’T GO! MOMMY! DADDY!! PLEASE NO!!!” I grabbed the kid before he could get himself hurt from the blazing fire....
“Rex!” I shouted towards the smoky sky, hoping for the white dragon to hear me. Soon, Rex flew down at high speeds, but stopped himself from crashing to the ground. His usually white scales were now covered in soot and black scorch marks.
“What is it?” He sounded very aggravated.
“This kid here, I need you to take him to the hill.” I handed him the crying child, hoping to get him out of all this destruction. “I’m afraid if he’s an orphan now.” Rex was surprised at first, then went to his calm face.
“Lets get you to safety, little one.” With that, Rex was off with the child screaming to be back with his parents.
….....
Poor kid....
….....
He didn’t need to see any of this......
I’ll make these damn assholes pay.
I walked down the street I was in to see three shadows in the smoke. One was a griffon, another a pony, and the last was that of a diamond dog.
*SWISH*
…....
Or half of a diamond dog.
“Stupid dog, made me look bad.” I heard a voice said.
The smoke soon cleared in the streets, revealing the shadows to be that of those damn dragon slayers. It was the griffin and the sword pony, Lancelot. By the looks of it, the diamond dog was just another civilian here, and since Lancelot didn’t get what he wanted, he took care of it.
The griffon then turned his head at my direction, going wide eyed at first, then an evil grin appeared across that stupid face of his. I swear he reminds me of the stupid old man back at the lake.
“Well lookie here. Seems we found that shield dragon again. You think we should tell him what we finally found, Lancelot?” The griffon turned to the earth pony, who was now staring directly at me.
What was weird was that when I looked at Lancelot, there was a green aura around him. Was that his anger? His power? I remember seeing that type of aura before..... but from where?
Lancelot just stayed quiet, his coat and armor now dirtied from the fire and smoke, staring at me with his red eyes...... wait, when were they red?
“I’ll take that as a yes then.” Heck replied, looking back towards me. “We finally found what we were looking for, and now we’re just cleaning up so no one knows what happened here. A certain drake told us you know who we have with us. A certain pegasus that goes by the name of Drew?”
…...........
….............
…...........
They have Drew........
And did all this damage just to find him.......
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…...........
….........
…..........
I’ll kill them...
I’LL KILL THEM ALL!!!
I’LL MAKE THEM BURN!!!
“Make peace with your gods.....” I said in an unusually calm voice. It was only temporarily though.
“BECAUSE I’M COMING FOR YOU NECKS!!!!!”
I flared my hands with the black flames, and ran with what leftover speed magic I had in my shields. I was making a mad dash at these assholes, and I swear on my life, I’m going to make them talk.....
…...Hell, even make them scream till they say mercy, and then......
…. I WON’T GIVE IT TO THEM!!!
"NO MERCY!!!"