//------------------------------// // Sweetie's Little Steps of a Secret Life: Part 1 // Story: Equestria Lost: Dragons beyond time // by Tythen //------------------------------// "Hi Everyone!!!" A young girl greeted her camera with a wink, "Welcome to Little Steps of a Secret Life! My name's Sweetie Belle, and I'll be the one leading you, through a pace that everyone can learn, into a wondrous world untold!!!" "This video is the first of many that will detail a civilisation that no one here in Equestria or the world has never known!" Sweetie changed into a secretive gesture, "Ever heard of a land called Grastaea? No? That's understandable because this nation made themselves hidden to the world. I'm going to show you just how different yet powerful this land and its people are, and how they've managed to hide such a power!" "Listen, I agreed to help you with your history assessment by filming your vlog or documentary..." Another girl's voice, one with a refined tone, responded. "... But to think you'd be focusing your project on New Alberia... Let me warn you now Sweetie, you will lose me, the students, and the teacher, in what you are trying to convey." "The teacher said talk about a form of history. Isn't this what it is?" Sweetie responded, breaking her easy-going demeanour. "I chose here since it's the closest to our place, it doesn't cost any money to go in, and it's something I'm familiar with thanks to Flash and Ms Cleo. I've got all the marks ticked off for the perfect topic to discuss without boring or tearing my hair over it! And I know what you're going to say... This isn't a history recorded in the books. But isn't that the point of this vlog is all about, 'Little Steps of a SECRET Life'?" "I can understand that," a male voice intervened, "But the fact that this place isn't recorded in history is the problem here. What if it was from the future?" "What? Now you're being ridiculous here Flashy. Look at the Halidom, it's as medieval as it can get! Besides, time-travel isn't a thing, so how are you ever going to get a single person, let alone a castle, into the past? If you ask me, they would no longer be a thing in our future. Just like now!" Rarity sighed, "Well, I might as well see where this might lead." "I'll have to edit out that conversation..." Sweetie concluded with her sigh. Grastaea: An Overview "Grastaea is a nation like no other... A nation that has turned our medieval fantasy into reality!" Sweetie spoke, standing before the bridge to the Halidom, "What do I mean by that? Well, when it comes to the topic 'medieval fantasy', what are the things that instantly pop into your mind?" "Well, this is just my own opinion," Flash answered off-screen "But from what I've seen from pop culture: Magic, Intelligent animals like Dragons or perhaps a rather special Lion, and human-like races of drastic difference and culture such as Elves, Dwarfs, and the like." "Yep! Well... What you're about to see..." She pans her camera to the Halidom behind her, "has exactly all that!" "... I just see a castle." Flash answered, "no dragon, elf or magic." "This castle is one of the surviving landmarks of the Grastaean land, and with it contains thorough, rich and historical evidence of such things!!! This video will be going through four major points of Grastaea. Geography, Races of people, Dragons, And the Nation of New Alberia!" "I stand corrected. Let's go!" Flash responded, "Are you seriously playing along with this Flash?" Rarity sighed, "You're not the only one who's roped into this project. Scootaloo and Applebloom are going to edit it with Sweetie and she told me, 'go with Sweetie, get some good videos and pics'. If Sweetie ever complains about my behaviour, Scoots is going to tell my mum, and getting a lecture or worse from mum is the last thing I want. EVER." "Seems like Scoots has you wrapped around her little finger for a family friend." Big Mac chuckled, "It is a blessing to call Mrs Allgood and Mr Shutter my honorary Aunt and Uncle and Scoots as an honorary younger sister. Besides, she's honest that this work is important to her progression in academics, so I couldn't say no. Otherwise, I'd be besmirching that honour. Granted, this is just between us and no one else." Flash laughed, "Known each other since kindergarten too?" Big Mac prompted, "Hey!" Sweetie snapped, "you're wasting precious recording minutes! I hate having to cut things you know!" "Then I'm sure you have no hesitation cutting off your recording now." Rarity rebuffed, "you concluded that clip pretty well!" Geography of Grastaea "This is the nation of Grastaea!" Sweetie Belle focused her camera on a large map within one of the Castle Rooms. "Just look at the size of that land!!! And with such diverse landscapes too! As you can see here, we've got deserts, seas and oceans, volcanoes, forests, and even dark wastelands! Here are the major cities you can see here." "This..." She pointed to a castle surrounded by green forests, "is New Alberia! The forest surrounding it is called the Mistholt! Its neighbour forest here is called Rovetelle forest, which just outside a small town with the same first name!" "Get the ball rolling, talk about New Alberia." Big Mac reminded, "Oh! Right! This entire forest area, as well as the villages close to it, is governed by the Kingdom of New Alberia! It was run by Prince Euden, the second-youngest of eight in the Royal Alberian Family. He's known by many Ephitets, but the most common ones are the Dragonblood Prince, Shining Light, or even Dragon Slayer!" "Hmm... A little problem there. If Euden's running an entire nation, wouldn't that technically make him King?" Flash interjected. "Ms Cleo told me he doesn't care about honorifics and titles," "... Okay then." Flash shrugged, "Next, we have the Dyrenell Empire." She pointed to another castle and city on some flatlands further south to the Halidom. "This city area was where the formal original Kingdom of Alberia, named Sol Alberia, resided until after his youngest son, being Prince Euden, left his care. He brought down the Alberian Standard, Politics, and Ideals, and replaced it with that of Dyrenell's. When King Aurelius passed away, his youngest kin took his place. That is Zethia, known as the Auspex of the Nether." "Auspex of the Nether? Dyre-nell Empire?" Rarity repeated, "Forgive my assumptions, but that sort of title and name screams Darkness and Evil!!!" "And yet such a nation exists, it's certainly frightening..." Flash played on, "I bet they'd be the one that would wage war on the other nations!" "Hey!" Sweetie pouted, "colourful comedic commentary for later! I don't want to spend time cutting things out with Scoots and Applebloom!" "Sorry," the two teenagers apologised, "Anyway, next is Saint Lotier, northwest of New Alberia and closest to the Ocean." Sweetie guided, "This is ruled by Zacharias. Lord of the Aquapolis." The teenagers, true to their word, did not make any quip or commentary. "Then we have Valkaheim, the City of Flame. Ruled by the Crown Prince Leonidas. The firstborn of Aurelius." Pointing to a city located near an area adorned with volcanic scenery. "Hey um... What--" Flash began to speak, but his mouth was clamped shut by Rarity, who shook her head as a sign to be patient. "And lastly, we have the Radiant City Chanzelia, ruled by the Inferno Chelle, thirdborn of Aurelius and former Alberia. Here next to the wide Egan Desert." She pointed to the last spot. "As you know, we're going to be talking lots about New Alberia first, so stay tuned!" "May I ask a question?" Flash called out, "Yes?" "May I ask why there is a piece of thread surrounding New Alberia and a large part of its surroundings?" "Ah," Sweetie jumped, "I'm glad you mentioned that. The area that the thread surrounds is the estimated area of Grastaea still existing today!" "Really? Well dang... Archaeologists and Historians are going to have a field day if they ever find this place!!!" "Sweetie, cut out that entire part about the string." Rarity commanded, "I've just talked to Ms Cleo regarding your filming. You said that you promised to play this as a museum of the Grastaean Era, not the actual history site! Or rather... You just broke that right away in your beginning video clip now that I think about it!" "Okay!!!" Sweetie responded, "Hmm." Flash mewed as he examined the string-surrounded area. "A lake, a volcano, a mountain, and tons of Ruins... I wonder if we'll visit them?" Races of Grastaea "Yep. I'm not pulling your leg. The land of Grastaea has many different races of people, and it extends further than our idea and definitions of Race! If you can be so kind..." Sweetie Belle took something off-screen and held up the picture of bone anatomy of a Human, Sylvan, and other humanoid races. "Ta-da!!!" Sweetie introduced, "Cool right? Now, let's start with the most common race, Human. Pretty much like us in how we work, live, and socialise!!! Seems to have no change compared to our human bodies today, that's one for the evolutionists to deal with... But let's get to the more cool things. You've noticed that the other type of humans has distinct features yes? Well, the second-most common type of human-like race is the Sylvan. As you can see, some notable features you can tell are their bunny ears, a little fang that's often visible. Socially wise, they're known as 'Children of the Forest' and are known to live in forests or near lakes rather than cities, though some Sylvans do choose to live in villages or even towns, sometimes co-existing with humans. They're good at foraging and hunting! Oh, and they've got an awesome fashion statement that all the clothes they wear reveal their belly button! Now, the next race here is the Qilin! Now, these types of people are as elusive as it gets! They have small villages all around Alberia but is extremely hard to find, and even if you do, expect to be chased away! Now, these type of humans have antlers on their heads, but more so their feet are not that of Human and Sylvan, but more like hooves! Next, we have the Rokkan, and they're known for being strong and making great weapons and buildings..." "You're sure you're fine with this Cleo?" Rarity whispered to the Healer, "if anyone gets curious, they'll be dead set on finding you." "I have only told you that I am sylvan by word, but if I never said anything like that, would you take me like a sylvan?" "... I'll admit your hair ribbons cleverly covers it up, you're not showing that cutesy fang, and you're not wearing any navel-revealing clothes... Okay then!" Rarity shrugged, uneasily. "If you ask me, I think Sweetie Belle's doing a pretty dang good explanation for this segment, and even without a script. That shows she has some really good communication and improvisation skills." Flash complimented, "Really?" Rarity arched an eyebrow, "Eeyup." Big Mac nodded, "she's like you! You truly are sisters!" "Oh! Why thanks!" Rarity laughed, "that's... Quite a compliment! I'm proud to share one thing that my sister seems to be good at!" "Yep," Flash nodded, "and not a single thing for us to quip or make fun of!" Dragons "Ready your ears everyone, because we are about to learn one of the most important figures of Grastaea, and they are Dragons." Sweetie Belle spoke in a motivational and suspenseful accent, standing in front of five well-refined paintings, "These dragons are smart and wise, as they are powerful, revered and represented as nature themselves. Many dragons represent many parts of nature, but I'll be focusing on five prominent dragons known as the 'Greatwyrms' and have control of an element each." "The First Greatwyrm is Midgardsormr, the Windwyrm." Sweetie Belle gestured to the first painting, a Dragon as Green as the element of Wind, presenting his fearsome power through his roar and mastery of winds. "This big boy is one of the wisest of the Greatwyrms and one that can control the weather. Mr Lord of Storms here!!! Due to being wise, he's on the stern and rigid side, but I guess that what you have to be if you want to be fair!" "Weather is a powerful factor in war. Impacts the morale of soldiers, sabotages the strongest of war machines, and turns the safest battlefield into a death trap. Should Midgardsormr ally with a nation, that nation will bend such a factor to their favour." Flash answered, "He always likes to say 'Victory will be ours!' For the adventurers as motivation." Cleo responded, putting on her best impression as the Windwyrm. "The next one is Mercury, the Waterwyrm, a female dragon might I add." Sweetie laughed as she went to the next painting, a two-horned Dragon on all fours, roaring as she weaves the element befitting her title with grace, "also known as the Aquatic Guardian, this fair Greatwyrm has been protecting Saint Lotier ever since its christening! She's also an advocate for protecting the sea and its many lifeforms under that watery surface." "Aw man... I feel sorry for her since Saint Lotier is no more..." Big Mac lowered his head in respect, "She was never fond of humans and sylvans due to their intentions of polluting the sea, but I've seen many campaigns and ways to protect water today, so perhaps she may not hold that hostility as much as she did before," Cleo answered, "Our Third Greatwyrm is another female dragon, is the Passionate and Hot-headed Flamewyrm, Brunhilda!" Sweetie Belle presented the third dragon painting, a dragon with the most fierce yet smooth of flames, looking confident and carefree as she effortlessly displays her power of fire around her claws. "Now this is one Greatwyrm you do NOT want to mess with! She is known for her untold wrath, much like the rage of fire itself! But just as fire has many symbolisms, the Flamewyrm herself has kindled a new fire... The fires... Of Love!!!" She spoke in a seductive tone, "You know... I'm quite interested in meeting this Dragon." Flash chuckled, "As a fellow lady, I would advise playing with her heart, especially for a Dragon. I'd rather have you as you are now than complete black ash." Rarity warned, "Our Penultimate Dragon here is the Lightwyrm Jupiter!" Sweetie moved on to the fourth, "I know what you're thinking though, why is it that this Dragon looks like a bird than a reptile? Your answer, I have no idea myself. But hey, never judge a book by its cover! This feathered dragon with a beak is a ferocious wielder of the Heavens and skies, capable of raining down lightning on his foes as you can see from that electrifying power from his claws and talons! But the 'book cover judgement' doesn't end there. He may be a Wyrm that masters light, symbolised as a force of good, but this dragon's anything but! He's most capricious, self-indulgent, and well... There's no way to sugarcoat it but to say he's an absolute jerk at face value!" "Yeah, I'm quite curious myself..." Flash spoke from the sidelines, "I understand Dragons may differ, but only alike to reptiles. This one looks like it's based on birds." "Would you like to see more?" Adagio whispered in his ear, "you may be quite surprised in more ways than one..." "Woah, when did you appear?" Flash jumped, but remembered to keep his voice down, "I just came back from blowing off some steam on some fiends at the Waterscour Ruins. What are you guys doing?" "Helping Sweetie Belle's assessment, filming a history project." Rarity answered, "And you're thinking of using New Alberia as a source?" Adagio raised an eyebrow, "We'll see how it goes..." Rarity responded, "if it doesn't go well, we delete everything, and find her a new historical source." "Alright then... Now before I forget, why don't I show you more dragons?" Adagio asked, "And now the last of the Greatwyrms! Feast your eyes on the Shadowyrm Zodiark!" Sweetie turned to the final painting, "this dragon of rotting flesh and bone is the Master of Shadows, capable of using the powers of darkness to draw his foes into the void of defeat. He is considered to be the strongest of the Greatwyrms, and yet for a dragon who has the looks and the power to bring forth death, ruin and decay, he is a dragon with the kindest heart and acts with unselfish love." A tear ran down her eye as she cried, "a tragic tale to befall one as kind as him... To be known as a vile beast of darkness! Decayed and corroded from the humans' hatred of him!" "I'm not surprised." Big Mac spoke, "The wielder of Darkness has a heart of Light. Ironic compared to Jupiter." "What a poor dear... To have a beautiful heart, but a tarnished look..." Rarity also began to cry, "Hmm..." Cleo looked at Rarity with great interest. "But anyway! These dragons play a big part in human life, and that shall lead to the next topic! New Alberia!!!" "HOLY--!" Flash yelled out of nowhere, "Flash!?" Sweetie jumped in shock at the teenager's cries, "What's wrong? You frightened me there..." "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! JUST WHAT DEFINES A DRAGON IN THIS WORLD!?" Flash bellowed, "I told you." Adagio smirked, "You would be surprised in more ways than one..." "What's this about Dragons?" Sweetie prompted, "I was going to let Bird-looking dragons slide, but then this crazy nation has deemed a freaking Unicorn as a Dragon!" "WHAT!?!?" Rarity yelled in astonishment, "HOW!?" "I don't know... But apparently, this Unicorn has dragon claws instead of hooves, a barrel covered in scales, and her mouth seems to have sharp teeth!" "Wow... That... Does sound crazy..." Big Mac nodded slowly, "Oh, but it doesn't end there... Do you know what counts as a dragon? THIS!" Flash pulls out his phone and showed two pictures of dragons. "A-Am I seeing this correctly?" Rarity asked, "those two look... Human, with draconic features. The red male one looks to have dragon wings and a tail, and the female has wings, a giant flag, a white tail with vines, and long sharp dragon toenails! Given what she's wearing, she looks more like a female knight than a dragon!" "Say hello to Prometheus and Jeanne d'Arc!" Flash introduced, "two of many powerful 'dragons'!" "With those names and looks!? Oh hell naw!!!" Big Mac shook his head, "ah object, that ain't a dragon!!!" "Sorry Big Mac, but that's the truth..." Adagio shook her head, and then a nasty thought crossed her mind, "Or are you trying to hide something else???" "Sweetie, stop that recording!!!" Rarity yelped, New Alberia! "Following the importance of Dragons, both Dragons and people have strived to co-exist with each other, rather than fight for dominance. Some are revered as deities, while others treat them as really good companions and friends! The nation of New Alberia is one such nation that upholds the bond between dragons, royalty, and people. Prince Euden and his brothers and sisters have a special bloodline that allows them to make solid pacts with Dragons, benefiting both. What makes him stand out, however, is that only his siblings are pactbound with one or no dragons, while he has forged pacts with countless of them!" "You've got competition 'Mother of Dragons'!" Rarity chortled, "But it's not just dragons he's all buddy-buddy with. Many a Human, Sylvan, Qilin and Rokkan have sworn loyalty to him, and let me tell you, their stories are crazily diverse! Some were former bad guys and assassins, others were faithful men and women of the cloth or justice, those who wade in the middle like mercenaries or travellers, and even those who's main talent isn't even fighting! And trust me on this one... They joined the prince because he wasn't the strongest in strength, but the strongest in heart, ideals, and openness to all. Cliché, I know, but true. And if I want to let you in on a secret... This young little prince was bullied and tormented by his other older siblings. How cruel is that? And yet, the only thing that grew in the Prince was his benevolent heart! You'd think you'd hold a grudge if your older sister forced you to be her horsey!" "Horsey huh?" Flash laughed, "I remember how much Scoots always wanted me to play Horsey with her, and I'd give her a ride upon my back. Hearing her laugh and giggle is so much fun, she complimented me that I was just as fast as those racing horses!" "Aww, that's cute!" Rarity smiled, "now that doesn't sound as tormenting as young ones having to give their oldest ones a ride!" "She still remembers the times, but she rarely asks me to play with her now," Flash continued, "We all grow out of childhood activities, eh?" Big Mac laughed, "Yeah, but more so she's trying to atone for her guilt from how she played horsey with me. We weren't just simple horse and rider, I was equipped as the racing horse and she was fully equipped as the jockey." Tears ran down his eyes as silence followed, "Okay, maybe I gave too much information, but still, I will go through any pain and suffering for Scoots' enjoyment in her childhood innocence. Despite guilt though, she'll admit she had lots of fun." "Well..." Sweetie lowered her phone with an awkward face, "good thing I cut recording before you started talking about Scootaloo." "Dude, ah want to feel pity fer you," Big Mac spoke, "But y'all need to know how to keep a secret. Ah'm sure it'll hurt her if you keep talking about this... Right?" "I will... If she doesn't bring up any of MY embarrassing things at my wedding. If she does, this Horsey will make himself known at hers!" Flash responded, "You are a horrible friend!!!" Rarity declared, "No, let me correct that. You and Scoots are horrible friends to each other!!!" "I think you sound more like siblings than family friends," Sweetie responded, giggling. "Now I wish I didn't cut recording!" "Well?" Sweetie Belle asked, finished with her filming, "What do you think?" "Not TV historian material, but your acting and tone are pretty good! And not even using a script!" Rarity answered, "Thoughts?" "Your voice is very clear and precise." Flash added, "But you tend to talk more than you need. Vice versa, there are things that you should mention according to the marking criteria, but didn't. My advice is to review your video clips and formulate a script or at least a point of things you should mention, what you need to cut short, then film it again." "Sure thing! Thanks for your constructive criticism!" Sweetie winked, "Speaking about filming again... We still need to talk about using the Halidom for your homework." Rarity spoke, "Your video performance is exemplary, and I commend tackling an assessment as early as possible... Which is why I kept my mouth shut until you've finished. You broke the promise that you won't display the secrets of the Halidom! Would your teacher even accept this?" "Rarity, your little sister is smart. You see, way before I asked Cleo for permission, I gave the entire lowdown to the teacher in charge!" "You what!?!?" The four older teens jumped in unison. "I made sure to be discreet... I talked about a medieval era where dragons existed and were revered... And she said go for it!!!" "Who's the teacher responsible???" Rarity asked with worry, "Ms M!" Sweetie answered, "She was quite passionate and adamant about doing the study on New Alberia, and I even asked if that was okay with her... But the moment she heard those three things, she said 'yes!'" "Forgive me, my darling sister..." Rarity lowered her head and slid a finger across her neck. "Wha, hey!!!" Sweetie gasped as the Siren grabbed ahold of her body and locking her in place so she was unable to move her arms and legs. Flash, with a face of profound sadness, calmly walked forward and nabbed the Crusader's phone from her hands, the camera responsible for filming. "I'm being honest when Ms M said was fine with it!!!" "Then give her my pardon too." Rarity added, "I understand your joy of exploring New Alberia, but not only will the school fail you for this, but you'll also be exposing yourself, as well as Cleo!" "No!" Sweetie pleaded, tears streaming from her face, "Please don't delete it! I enjoy doing this!!!" "I know..." Rarity nodded in acknowledgement, "that's why I will dedicate my work in helping you for another historical era of your choosing. Any history but Alberia!" "If I may intervene," Cleo jumped in, "Sweetie has performed rather well for an explanation of Grastaea. Perhaps instead of deleting it outright, why don't you allow her to keep the video for future references? Of course, now that I know a bit more of the situation, I believe it best if you find another history for your project, Sweetie, because making a documentary out of the Halidom will involve spilling its secrets and history. On the other hand, nothing will come to harm to your documentary!" "Really?" Sweetie sniffed, "Fair point." Big Mac added, "Seconded." Flash looked up with hope, "Even though it's not a qualified subject, I wouldn't want to get rid of Sweetie's desire that motivated her plan to tackle this assessment." "I really couldn't care either way." Adagio shrugged, "I was never part of this discussion." "Argh..." Rarity sighed through her teeth, "alright then Sweetie. You can keep them... But you're not using them as your project. Okay?" "Mmm... Alright then. Fine!" Sweetie pouted, "Don't pout! Your little joy will be safe on your phone!" Rarity cheered up, "Perhaps we can show Scootaloo and Applebloom later! And we'll go through more histories you can choose tonight." "Can we get ice cream first?" Sweetie pleaded, "Sure!" "Then I'm in!" Sweetie cheered up almost immediately. "May I come too?" Cleo asked, "You sure?" Big Mac asked, "I've done all my chores for the morning, and how else do I get meat if I don't go out to buy some?" "That's wonderful! I'm so glad you can come, Ms Cleo!" Sweetie jumped, "You should come along as well," Cleo turned to Adagio, "What? Urgh... I'm..." Adagio protested, "Please???" Sweetie pleaded again, giving big beady eyes. "Grrrr..." Adagio gritted her teeth as if a vein popped in frustration, then gave in. "Fine then." "Yay!!!" Sweetie jumped for joy again, grabbing both Cleo and Adagio's hand. "Let's go get ice-cream together!!!" "Hey Sweetie, can you send me your video clips?" Flash asked as the band of six sets off for the mist portal, "I can send Scoots information up ahead, and who knows? We may need to make a sequel to your 'Little Steps of Life!'" "Really?" Sweetie gasped with delight, "You really like them!?" "Maybe we need to touch up the Halidom first." Big Mac suggested, "If there were any blueprints of plans of some of the buildings, repairing it will be easy!" "I can help you with that..." Cleo answered, "But not without paying you first." "Naw. It's fine. Take it as thanks fer savin' us last week, and the gifts." Big Mac laughed, "You guys are obsessed with the Halidom," Adagio grumbled. Sweetie's Little Steps of Life The End...?