//------------------------------// // Dragon Oracles // Story: Skylanders X MLP // by Skylander545 //------------------------------// The Dragon Lands are a volcanic region of Equis that's exclusively home to the dragons as the name suggests. It has volcanoes, caves, hot springs and treacherous paths that would mark the end of any unfortunate adventurer. But the real wonder is the Mountain of the Oracles, which is the home of the Monastery which houses the Dragon Oracles. While most of the dragons dominate, the Monastery itself is a place of peace and tranquility, most dragons would go to the monastery to seek answers from the Oracles. As for our heroes, they were climbing the steps towards the monastery itself and that's where we are now. Spike and his friends have climbed up the steps, found etched tablets showing the history of the Oracles and how they came to be. They also fought some giant spiders that seemingly camped out until they found prey. He also learned a new power called ‘The Voice’ from Sentinel Roxen, the leader of Dragon Knights who serve as both lookouts on the path and protectors of the monastery. From what they have witnessed and heard from both tablets and the Sentinel, the Oracles bestowed the Voice on very few dragons, most with the voice are Knights of the Oracles. The fact that he himself was taught this power was surprising, but still they still have a few more feet to go as they spotted a building jutting out from the side of the mountain. Spike’s eyes widened as he said, “There it is - the Monastery of the Oracles, we’re here, guys.” Smolder looked at the monastery in awe as she stated, “I’ve heard stories of this place, but never thought I'd be walking up to it!” Starlight realized, “The Oracles must be real powerful dragons to not only teach those Knights to shout, but to live in a place like that.” The trio made their way up to the monastery, although Spike’s senses kicked in again when he heard a skittering sound. But when he turned in the direction of the sound, he briefly saw those six eyes again. Ever since they entered the Path, he had a feeling that they were being watched by someone or something - eager to see how they progressed. While it's true that they fought giant spiders and encountered the occasional Lava Toad, there was still one creature they have yet to encounter - The Spider-Woman. From what Spike was told, when the creature first appeared, she would set web traps and scare pilgrims, now she would stalk pilgrims as they felt a sense of uneasiness whenever they journey up the path. Once the trio climbed the steps of the monastery, the two sentinels that guard the doors looked at the weary travelers as one of them bowed, “Welcome, Brave Travelers. The Oracles have been expecting you.” The second guard said, “Your journey was not an easy task, given the circumstances of the spiders. But here you are now, Prince Spike of Equestria, Apprentice Starlight Glimmer and the Native Smolder at the Monastery of the Oracles.” The two dragons soon placed a claw on the doors and pushed them open, allowing the trio to enter the temple. It was no surprise that it was witnessed by those six eyes as she spoke, “Oh my, Prince Spike had made it into the Monastery, although I am curious as to why he's here.” She soon skittered away into the shadows. The group entered and made their way down a path where a few robed dragon monks were seen meditating or studying with the young knight initiates. The monks took notice of the group as a few of them spoke the words “Dovah Kulaan” to Spike as they passed. Starlight took notice as she whispered, “These Dragons…they're talking about you with those words, Master.” The Purple Dragon noticed, “From what I can tell, it means ‘Dragon Prince’ in dragon tongue.” Smolder whispered, “You are the Dragon Prince of Equestria after all.” The trio passed by more monks and Knights as they made their way towards an opening which showed very little stalagmites and had several walls in the dragon dialect on the sides of the room. A few monks near the walls turned and bowed their heads as the trio passed while a few Knight Initiates were in awe at their presence, obviously knowing of the purple dragon’s involvement in saving their home. After being greeted by the temple’s inhabitants, the trio looked at the four statues that occupied the room. These statues depicted a Wyvern-like dragon, all depicted to be sitting on the platforms with wings hanging over the sides while their gaze was situated to the ground in the middle of all four statues. But the strangest so far, was the individual statues themselves as they inspected them from left to right. The Intimidating Dragon Statue had lots of spikes on its back, its scales were rough and its tail tip was like a dagger. This Dragon was made to look like a weapon, it is very intimidating. They turned to the next statue and were intrigued by it. The next Dragon Statue was a much more calming view than the first one. The many points that the group noticed about the statue was how it was displaying old age. It's missing a few chin spikes, its wings showed some tears, it was missing some teeth, its tail tip was chipped as well as one of its horns. Upon further inspection, Spike concluded that this statue is a symbol of wisdom as they moved on to the next statue. The next statue looked like a regular Wyvern-type, but Starlight did pick out a row of spikes that went from the neck to the back of the dragon. There were also some shaded areas on the statue, almost like it was supposed to have color to it. After that, she moved on to the last statue. The Last Statue held Smolder in a very shocked state because of the way that statue was built. Not only were the horns curved forward, the dragoness also noticed a rip in the statue's underbelly, exposing a few bones in the process. It's wings were also torn as well, but unlike the Old One, this statue was the statue of an Undead Dragon. Starlight could only ask, “How exactly do we speak with the Oracles?” Spike had figured from the history tablets they passed up the mountain, he figured that it had something to do with greeting with respect. So he lowered his head into an elegant bow and called out, “Oracles of the Dragon Lands, Bearers of Great Wisdom and Great Power, we have come from Equestria to seek your advice and answers. We wish to speak with you all. Please hear me answer our prayers!” Upon saying those words, there was a rumbling sound from the four statues as their eyes began to glow. Each statue’s eyes were a different color, starting from the war statue which had glowing red eyes, the old one’s eyes were glowing green, the colored one’s eyes were ice blue and the undead dragon’s eyes were an abysmal purple. Soon enough, a voice spoke, “Drem yo lok, Greetings, wundeniik.” The trio looked up and saw the old one glowing which signifies that it was talking to them. Spike asked, “You are the Dragon Oracles?” The Old One stated, “We are the Oracles and the only Dov of our kind. I am called many things from Grandmaster to the Old One, but I am Paarthurnax. My fellow Dov are Odahviing the Hunter, Durnehviir Dovah of the Dead and my brother, Alduin the Deposed World Eater.” The statue noticed, “I sense a familiar essence within you, one that has not been felt in years.” The statue made the connection, “Ah I see, you were the egg that the Alicorn Kulaas brought before us. I see that you have grown to be a bright young dragon.” Spike asked, “I heard that story many times of Mom coming to the monastery and meeting you.” The third statue, Odahviing began to glow and stated, “We sensed her curiosity when she stepped into this room with your egg.” The Undead Dragon, Durnehviir did the same and spoke, “We gave her the knowledge of what to expect and when you would hatch.” The first statue, Alduin began to glow as it spoke in dragon, “Mu hiif ek ahrk drus faan ek Monah wah hi.” Spike understood what he was saying, “The reason why she took me in after I hatched was because of how I needed a mother.” The statue gruffed, “At least you know our tongue, not all pony-raised Dovah are arrogant. Paarthurnax told the war statue, “Cease your Galv, Brother. Now is not the time for you to Faazrot.” As soon as his brother calmed down, he asked, “We may have been expecting you, but why did you seek us out?” Spike stated, “We were told that you might know the locations of the other Temples of Elders which were dedicated to the Ancestral Dragons.” Odahviing, knowing this outcome stated, “Then it has begun…” This confused him as he asked, “Begun?” The statue stated, “Decades ago, seven unusual dragons arrived in this world, teaching many races the ideas of unity. We felt their Lu Silkun, their magic essence and were indeed powerful as their seven temples were built, they would visit us often for our advice and they would enjoy tinvaak with us. In that time, the dragon you call Malefor, attempted to invade this world and both the Elders and the Pillars of Equestria defeated him by casting him back to his world. Although it was only a temporary victory for both Elders and Pillars, for it was when a prophecy was foretold. Malefor's Return to Equis.” Smolder pointed out, “Malefor has the Hippogriffs' home kingdom under siege right now. I think that prophecy has fully been realized by now.” The dark statue then spoke with annoyance, “We are already aware of the war, yunklin. Malefor's return was foretold, as was the emergence of the new Zuwuth Unadaan.” Smolder asked with confusion, “Zuwuth Unadaan?” Paarthurnax stated, “The Zuwuth Unadaan, which are referred as the Elders Chosen are the seven natives of Equis, one for each race and it was these seven who stood alongside the Haar, the Pillars when they cast Malefor back to his world, long ago. But in doing so, the Seven Elders fell into a deep slumber as their own students disappeared into legend, only their artifacts have been referenced throughout the course of time.” Starlight asked, “But do you know where the temples are?” The Undead Dragon soon spoke up, “We know the location of a temple, right here in these very lands. Not all temples were lost to time, we have been protecting this secret for centuries in case an agent of the Vul In, the Dark Master attempts to uncover it.” Spike guessed, “Or a Purple Dragon, driven to defeat Malefor, would come to seek out the Elders?” The Undead Dragon spoke with acceptance, “You seek to defeat the Diist Jen Dovah, the First Purple Dragon in your tongue, to end his reign of terror forever and it is you and those who follow you, that should know this secret.” The four statues soon began to glow as the trio were soon transported to a battle as the Oracles stated, “When Malefor attempted to conquer these lands during his push, the dragons were strong, but none were as strong as the Kaagiik Dovah, Ruler of Infernos, one of the Elders.” They saw a large black and red dragon fighting off the forces of the Dark Master’s Army, either swiping them away with its tail, stomping with its claws or burning them down with its fire breath. It proved itself to be a fighter as the dragons drove the enemy back towards the mountain which served as a base. It was there that the Ape Chief attempted to fight the Ruler of Infernos as the Oracles continued, “Kaagiik was stronger than the average dragon of Equis, every time the dark armies moved forward, Kaagiik would be the one who would strike. It was because of him, Malefor's campaign on the Dragon Lands ended when the apes were in full retreat. The Ruler of Infernos and the Elders played a part in the final battle where Malefor was cast out and where he, like his brethren, fell into a deep slumber in his temple.” The trio watched as the dragon sat in his temple as he connected with his brethren before launching a massive attack which drew the very core of their powers, Aether as it combined with his fire ability as Malefor was struck with the combined powers as he was soon cast back to his world. After the attack, the dragon slumbered in his temple as its artifact, the Red Wings of Kaagiik settled in its final resting place as the Oracles stated, “Kaagiik’s Temple was built on the very peak of the mountain where the spiders roam, where the Masters of the Voice shout to the heavens…” Soon enough, they were back in the Oracles Chamber as Spike asked, “The Temple is here?!” The dark dragon stated, “We have kept this secret for generations since Kaagiik was the type to enjoy his solitude as he watches over the mountains from his temple.” Smolder asked, “But the Oracles Path leads up to the monastery, how do we get to the peak?” Paarthurnax stated, “The path to Kaagiik is treacherous, the gate to his temple lies through this very chamber. Although, an important Kostim Miil will assist you as your Grah-zeymahzin, your ally.” Spike understood what they meant, considering that getting to the peak requires passing through here. The temple not only served as a place of peace, but it housed the path to Kaagiik until the Purple Dragon found something odd - the phrase Kostim Miil which he remembered was Dovahzul for two words ‘Spider Woman’ that's when it hit him like a ton of bricks as he asked, “The Spider-Woman? She's here?!?!” A chuckling sound soon filled the air as a voice echoed throughout the chambers as the sound of skittering legs were heard, that's when a voice spoke, “I guess Roxen was right about you...you are very interesting.” They soon turned to the source and saw three pairs of eyes as Spike asked, “Are you…” She answered for him, “I am the Spider-Woman and I’ve been watching you, ever since you started climbing the steps. You have gotten my attention after you and your companions dispatched those spiders with ease.” Paarthurnax stated, “You can step out of the shadows now, you will be assisting them in this endeavor.” The eyes soon moved forward as a figure took shape, it was everything that matched the description of the Spider-Woman. A humanoid woman with the body of a spider, she had silky light purple hair as some of it covered her eyes, she was wearing a black dress as it hung over her torso, clearly she meant to seduce unknowing travelers. But her shape alone made Starlight stutter as she said, “You're...you’re…” But Spike finished for her, while feeling a sense of deja vu, “You're an Arachne!” (Flashback) At the Golden Oaks Library, it was set some time after the Discord Incident and returning the Soul Gem Omnitrix when a young Spike was drinking a juice box when he came across Twilight reading another book, although this one caught his attention when he read the title, “Mysterious Creatures of Equestria? Isn't this a book about monsters?” The unicorn stated, “Monster is a term associated with unidentified creatures, but this book explains all the creatures that were catalogued and recorded throughout history.” She pointed her hoof to one section, “Like this one for example…” It was a picture of a half-human woman, half-spider as it strung up unsuspecting victims with her webs as she continued, “It's an Arachne, it's said to have a human torso with the legs of a spider, isn't that interesting!” The baby dragon stated, “In some cases, it still looks like a monster since we haven't encountered any of them. We’ve dealt with evil nightmare tyrants, rogue dragons, hydras, parasprites, evil princes and a troublemaking Chaos God; they seemed like monsters, but we never met anything like that.” Twilight stated, “You had that watch which turned you into various creatures and you say that we never met a real monster?” She read her book and stated, “The thing about the Arachne is that they died off hundreds of years ago.” Spike shook his head, “Sometimes books can be wrong, I will prove to you that the Arachne are still alive.” Twilight rolled her eyes as she sarcastically said, “If you can do that, I will buy you lunch.” Spike, eager to get food, stated, “You're on!” (Flashback ends) After remembering that particular memory, he slightly chuckled, “Twilight gets to buy me lunch when I get home.” The Arachne looked at the Purple Dragon, “You are the Purple Dragon that I keep hearing about.” She chuckled, “Roxen wasn't exaggerating when he said that you were capable.” Spike asked, “That feeling of being watched...that was you? You were watching us the whole time?” She nodded, “I always know who enters the path and who is worth speaking to.” The purple dragon asked, “The Oracles said that you know the way to Kaagiik's Temple.” The spider woman sighed, “It's been sometime since I've been up there...ever since Kaagiik saved my kind from extinction.” Smolder asked, “What do you mean?” The arachne stated, “The carvings on the temple walls spoke of a Great War where my kind was caught in the middle. The First Descendant who you call Malefor was hunting anything that moves, the other Arachne were hoping for a miracle, then Kaagiik came to us. He was able to transport my people across dimensions and sent us to a new world. It was where I came from until a portal pulled me from my Honey’s attic and sent me here.” Spike asked, “Wait, you're married?” She shook her head, “No, but the man I’m with has difficulty when choosing a wife since I live with multiple homestays. I also preferred living in the attic, not a lot of thru traffic.” Starlight thought about how this woman talks about being in another world and remembered, “So the rumors surrounding the Arachne Extinction were exaggerated.” The Spider-Woman sighed, “Most would love to say that our kind went extinct because it's much easier than finding the truth. I'm certain that my presence would shake up this world knowing that we are still alive. I know now that I owe my life to Kaagiik for saving my ancestors, so in return, I will guide you to his temple where the Wings of Kaagiik rest.” Smolder stepped forward and asked, “So now that you're with us, what is your name?” The Arachne smiled, “My name is Rachnera Arachnera and I will be looking forward to getting to know you all.” She looked at Spike, “Especially you, Spike Solaris.” After it was said and done, the four stood before the Oracles as the four statues shouted, “GENUN SOVEN VEN!!” After that was shouted, the sound of a door opening was heard as the secret passage opened between Paarthurnax and Odahviing. Spike bowed his head as he said, “Thank you for helping us, Lot Nahgahzii.” Paarthurnax’s eyes shone as he stated, “Your path is clear, this world’s fate rests with you, Dovah Kulaan. But there is more to you and your Zeymahzin, your companions. Starlight Glimmer, former enemy now turned Prustmun, apprentice to Spike, your history was written with anger, despair, jealousy and determination. You intended to steal Qibiik Ziik, cutie marks in your language and replace them for equality, kidnapping the Skylander, Trail Blazer to lure Spike in to convert - only to fail. You soon attempted to erase his existence and his friendships from history where we know only one Lahzey, a wizard who made the spell to travel in time in order to perform the cloud walking spell on a stranded train.” That's when Spike remembered something, “Storm Breaker’s story of how he met Starswirl the Bearded...he was actually time traveling. It made sense because you’d have to be an Alicorn to live that long into Storm Breaker’s time.” Soon enough, Paarthurnax ended with, “In the end, you became his Apprentice, learning different skills from different teachers before learning how to control and project elemental energy from him while also reuniting with an old friend to save the Crystal Empire. Do you think that the path you chose before Apprenticeship was the right one?” Starlight asked, “How did you know about my history?” The statue stated, “It is visible in your aura, each step you take is a memory and we see your life, your struggles and your desires, no matter how dangerous. Now do you believe that it was the right thing?” Starlight thought about it before saying, “No, it wasn't. I was blinded by the fact that Sunburst got his cutie mark before me and I grew frustrated when he left. I grew envious and that led me down a dark path. But I have the power to make amends for my actions, ever since becoming Master Spike’s Apprentice, I’ve learned new things, new abilities as well as understanding the values friendship, teamwork and unity. My Master, my Teacher has been that guiding light - who led me back to my old friend and we saved the Crystal Empire from Malefor and the Frozen North. I left my past behind and it's only the future I should worry about.” “Studen, you don't fall back to being reminded of the mistakes you made. It depends on what you do now that would make a difference. Never forget that.” Odahviing took over, “Now Smolder, a young dragon who didn't want to go to Equestria and yet through your interactions, you have seemed to take a liking there. But you join this quest for questions about why you went there when the answers were completely obvious?” Smolder stated, “But when I went there, I was working with the Skylanders on preparing for this war. I hated that I had to go there, I had to go to school there and learn about the different Skylanders while also watching them train, I even had to listen to the rants of an annoying dragonfly. But after hearing the stories of Spyro and Cynder of how they saved their home and met the other original dragon Skylanders, I began to enjoy being there, surrounded by heroes. I just needed to get answers from you directly.” The statue stated, “You have learned the rewards of Fahdonmaar, of Friendship. The Skylanders fight as one due to how close they are, they watch each other's backs, whether it be Skylanders of dragon and pony, griffin and hippogriff, swordsmen and archers, they never let each other down. You have learned this from them and you are well on your way.” The dragoness asked, “To what?” The statue simply stated, “Your Dez, Destiny which lies with helping the Dovah Kulaan.” The dragoness nodded as Spike bowed his head, “Thank you for answering our questions. You have assisted us greatly in our quest.” Paarthurnax soon stated, “There is one last gift we give to you, Kulaan Spike. Sentinel Roxen has already taught you about the Thu’um, since the power of Unrelenting Force and Become Ethereal dwell in your tongue.” Spike stepped forward, “You wish to grant me another shout?” Alduin stated, “Not a simple shout, but the last two words of your two shouts granted by Roxen, Kinbok of the Kendaar do faal Nahgahzii. Each shout is more powerful when all three words of power are used. In our world we used our voices to dominate the mortals, but my reign was cut short by three mortal masters of the tongue and defeated. But reflecting on my past has distracted me which I apologize, I shall grant you with the second word of Unrelenting Force, ‘Ro’ means ‘Balance’ used to balance your shout to be more effective.” The black statue whispered the word as the floor cracked a bit, revealing the word as Spike stood near it as he felt the word echo in his mind as he learned the word. Once it was done, the statue stated, “I grant you the mindah, the knowledge of Ro and harness it to a Thu’um.” Like with Roxen, Alduin’s knowledge and understanding of Ro was granted to Spike as he felt the power of a thousand voices and shouted to the heavens, “Fus RO!!!” A more powerful blast emerged from Spike’s maw as Paarthurnax stated, “You have learned the second word of Unrelenting Force, now it's time for the third word of power, ‘Dah’ meaning ‘Push’ which gives your voice the strength to push your enemies off their feet. Most mortals in the ancient times of our world used this shout against hundreds of enemies before the disaster during the ancient war of our world. The statue whispered the word as the cracks formed the word of power as the purple dragon stood close as the word echoes through his head as the Oracle transferred his understanding of ‘Dah’ to the young dragon as the old one declared, “Now show me your Thu’um! Greet me with the full power of Unrelenting Force.” Spike was cautious for a moment since he was told to use his shout on one of the Oracle Statues, but Paarthurnax assured that he would not shatter. So, he performed the shout by using the three words, “FUS RO DAH!!” A powerful blast shook the room as the shout hit the Old One, but did not shatter, proving that he was fine. The statue said triumphantly, “Aah yes...Jahrii Zaan! The power of the Thu’um together with a descendant of the Meyruv, a fitting hilkaan.” Odahviing was next, “The Old One is glad to know of your abilities, but now comes for the second word of Become Ethereal - Zii means Spirit as your physical essence balances between this world as you wander like an unharmed spirit.” The statue whispered the word as the cracks formed the dialect as Spike did the same routine as the statues transferred his understanding of Zii into the purple dragon as Spike demonstrated the shout, “FEIM ZII!!” Spike’s form became ethereal as he looked like a spirit from the afterlife. As it was Durnehviir’s turn in granting the last word, “The last word of Become Ethereal calls for you...Gron which means Bind, this word means to bind the ethereal spirit to the mortal plane, granting you the power to keep yourself invulnerable for a while longer. For most, this full shout is for only the user, but you are the Jen Dovah, descendant of the Meyruv, the Ancestrals and your hil, your heart beats for your friends and family. As such, your natural talent of mastering your abilities would extend the full shout to those around you, having them become ethereal which protects them.” The Undead dragon whispered the word as Spike felt the word echo in his head as he stood near the cracked inscription. After that, the oracle transferred his understanding of Gron into the purple dragon as he felt the aura around him before shouting, “FEIM ZII GRON!!” Upon shouting the full thu’um, the aura expanded as Spike and his friends became ethereal as they looked in shock and awe as they were ethereal as Starlight stated, “Master Spike, we’re...ethereal…” Smolder was shocked, “We're like ghosts!” Rachnera was a bit surprised, “Huh, so that's what it feels like.” Smolder asked, “I guess there were plenty of ghosts back in your world?” “Yes and a headless reaper.” Once the shock of the shout wore off, the Old One stated, “Your path to Kaagiik’s Temple is clear, I wish you luck in your quest.” With that being said, the four made their way through the secret passage and began their journey to the peak.