//------------------------------// // Part I: Chapter 4 // Story: Wings of Friendship // by Xonology //------------------------------// Before Twilight was taken to the arena, I trust that she can handle herself. She faced worse does, I’m worried that she can’t defend herself without magic. After all, she put all her time into improving her magic. Hopefully, it won't come to that. The guards brought Celestia to a place that resembles a dungeon. As soon as they reached a cell, they chained her talons to the wall. Her wings were bonded to prevent flight. Kestrel was chained next door. The guards would occasionally taunt Kestrel and she would attempt to retaliate by clawing at the prison bars and growling. Though the guards would leave unscathed. She could hear the cheering and fighting, including the screams of death right outside her cell. She could only imagine what Twilight was seeing in that death arena. Soon it grew quiet and the atmosphere tense. She could only hear a dragon approaching her cell. She stared at the dragon looming over her. It was a SandWing, she wore a necklace with an insignia of a red and yellow shimmering sun. Celestia recognized that mark. “Sunset?” she said weakly. “You’re here? And not in Equestria?” She had a cold tone. “I— I wanted to see you again, please come back.” Celestia pleaded. She glared at Celestia, “If you wanted me to come that badly, why didn’t you come to get me all those years ago? You knew you could, why didn’t you?” “I didn’t have a choice, I had to look after Equestria.” “While you were taking care of your precious Equestria, who do you think looked after me? Not you...” “But— no one else could look after Equestria in my stead. I had no one else!” Celestia exclaimed. Sunset looked away and said “Whose fault do you think that was? Why are you alone?” Celestia started to cry. Luna was gone because of her actions. She caused her sister to become emotionally unstable, she couldn’t control Nightmare Moon. It was her fault she was gone for all those years. It was my fault, it was my fault... “It was my fault...” she repeated. Sunset walked away. “Goodbye, Celestia...” As Sunset disappeared into the dark hall, Celestia screamed out. “It was my fault! Please, Sunset! Don’t leave me again!” She could hear the voices again. It was your fault. It was your fault. It was your fault. They repeated over and over. Then, darkness. “AHHHHHHH!!” “Celestia are you okay? You sound like you’re about to die.” Kestrel sounded irritated and worried at the same time. Celestia didn’t respond right away, she was too occupied trying to process what just happened. After collecting herself, she finally answered back. “I’m fine, I was just... thinking about something.” “All that screaming didn’t sound fine to me.” you could taste the sarcasm in her voice. “I told you, I'm fine,” she said sternly. “Sorry to break it to you, you're not convincing anyone.” Celestia hung her head low in defeat. “How about this? I'll ask you a question, then you can ask me. Deal?” She thought about it for a while. Maybe this could be a chance to get some sort of information. “Fine... I play your little game.” “Who are you to be the type to cross paths with Scarlet?” “Well, I have been isolated from any other dragon since birth. I never really knew anyone else.” Celestia lied. “Now, let me ask you. What is your involvement with those uh, dragonets back at the cave?” Kestrel huffed with annoyance at the mention of those miscreants. “I was supposed to watch those little devils until they were ready for the prophecy. Oh, the mighty ‘Dragonets of Destiny’. They were nothing but a migraine.” Some key information to take note of. Celestia thought. Kestrel broke Celestia's train of thought. “What are you thinking of anyway? I mean, what were you thinking of that made you scream that much?” “Well, I was thinking of... an old ‘friend’. I just really miss her, and maybe I was the reason she never came back. I wanted her to come back so badly, I thought she would come back, but maybe she's was waiting for me? And maybe she thought I left her. And I was scared that I was going to lose another...” Kestrel went silent, she didn’t expect this kind of answer. “Well, it isn’t my place to say. But if you ask me, she would be better off living the life she can make.” “But I can’t shake off the feeling that I let them down. It is all my fault, it all went bad because didn’t do anything. All I did was watch and wait for something to happen. Maybe she is better off without me...” Celestia wanted to cry her eyes out, but this isn’t the time nor the place for it. She wiped away her tears with her claws. “Anyways, ever since we encountered you at that cave opening, it sounded like you and Scarlet had history. And by the looks of it, it isn’t on the good side. So I ask, what are you guilty of? What is your involvement with Scarlet?” “That's technically two questions, but both pretty much have the same answer.” Kestrel took a deep breath. “You see, it started many years ago. I had a rather large egg than normal, and it carried two dragonets. One had too much fire and the other too little. It is normal SkyWing tradition to kill off these types of abnormalities. But I wanted them to live, so I flew away.” Celestia stayed silent, she can empathize with her in a way. “I flew away to find a safe place for my children, unfortunately for me, Scarlet managed to follow me. When she found me, she proposed that I kill one of my dragonets and she will let the other live...” “Did you actually kill one of your own?” Celestia asked. Kestrel didn’t answer, as she continued her story. “I ‘drowned’ the one with too little fire and sent his body to go along the river. Then Scarlet decided to betray her own words and she commanded her soldiers to kill the second and take me, prisoner.” “Wow, Scarlet is as bad as she appears to be.” Celestia tried to lighten the mood, slightly succeeding. “But there's more, I tried to flee with the only other dragonet I had left. But her nature with having too much fire gave her Firescales. It is as literally as it sounds. When I flew away, her Firescales hurt me and I had to leave her so I was able to escape.” Kestrel sounded like she regretted what happened all those years ago. But she was unable to come to terms with what she did. “Maybe if I did something different. I would still have my dragonets. Scarlet provably killed her.” Kestrel went silent before saying, “Celestia, if you lost a daughter and you had the chance to be with her again, would you take that second chance to be part of life again?” “If I were you, I would take it. As for now, I don’t think I deserve it.” “Since you asked me a question already. I'll ask you. Do you still love your dragonets? If you do, take any chance you can get. Life is only worth living if you spend it with dragons you care about.” “I do,” Kestrel said softly. “If you get the chance, apologize for not being there for them. Make up for the lost time. Remind them that you love them, no matter what.” The room fell silent, you could only hear short breaths coming from the two dragons. “Thank you, Celestia, I hope you resolve whatever problem you have.” “You too, Kestrel.” “I probably won’t live considering how Scarlet runs this place.” Kestrel and Celestia shared a brief silence until Kestrel spoke up once more. “You know, you might be one of the first SkyWings I can tolerate.” “Uh, thanks?” Celestia didn’t know what else to say. “I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow.” The pair ceased communication and fell asleep. Oh Luna, if only you were here to keep the nightmares away. The Next Day Celestia woke up to a loud metal banging. “Wake up you useless salamanders! The queen wants to talk to you.” Three guards entered the cell, two removed Celestia’s chains while the other waited outside. They took Celestia to the throne room. As they approached the door, she could hear arguing inside. When Celestia entered, she heard Scarlet speak. “Ah, looks like my next appointment is here. If you could speed up your complaining, it would make me happy.” What were they talking about? What is happening? Celestia wanted to ask so many questions, Twilight looked to be thinking to herself. Then she spoke. “Why not just send in Clay? He is a MudWing and I’m pretty sure you never had one in your arena before.” I wish I knew what was happening, but Twilight knew what she was doing. I should leave her to it. “Hmm. That's a great idea! Why can’t all of you be as smart as her? Prepare him for the arena. And you.” She pointed at Celestia. “You can take the place of the one who dies next. But before you go, we need to have a small talk.” Scarlet waved at the guards to escort the dragonets out. “Dismissed.” Celestia was left alone with Scarlet. And Twilight left to return to the arena. The doors shut close, and the SkyWing queen spoke. “Now. Let’s get down to business.” “What do you want with me?” Celestia spoke clearly and neutrally. She knew aggravating the queen would only lead to something worse. “Oh? Can’t I have a casual talk with a fellow SkyWing?” She couldn’t hide her smug look. “I know how this works, just get to the point. A scowl formed around Scarlet’s snout. “I guess it couldn’t be helped. I don’t know who you are, or if you are associated with the Talons. It also seems that we have no record of you at all. As if you just appeared out of nowhere.” “I wasn’t born in the Sky kingdom, but I won’t say any more than that,” Celestia said vaguely. “I see. Oh well, if you aren’t one of my subjects, then you are just a free corpse I can use to test my Champion. So on my hatching day, I plan on placing you against my Champion. So I suggest getting a good rest before that.” “You may leave,” Scarlet commanded the guards to escort her out. As Celestia walked past the door, she could hear Scarlet shout. “And do remember to be thrilling.” She laughed to herself as the door shut. Tomorrow “Hey, get up!” The SkyWing guard shouted at Celestia. She saw Kestrel missing from her cell. “Wheres Kestrel?” Celestia asked. “Trial. She will die eventually. You’re moving to the arena today, hope you like death.” he said with a laugh. As they approached the arena, she could hear Twilight ping her in their link. ‘Celestia, You’re here! What’s going on down there?’ ’ Nothing to worry about Twilight, it is Kestrel’s trial. She is one of the Dragonets of Destiny’s caretakers.’ Celestia said. ’ I’m glad you’re fine, I was so worried something bad happened.’ ’ Twilight, I can handle myself. You should worry about Kestrel. From what she told me, Scarlet isn’t fair in giving out judgment at all.’ ’ At this point, this doesn’t even surprise me.’ Twilight sounded like she experienced Scarlet’s ruthlessness in the arena. She couldn't blame her, Scarlet is insane. Celestia heard a voice call out to the crowd. “This dragon, Kestrel, once of the SkyWings, stands accused of the highest treason— disobeying me. Vermilion speaks for the prosecution.” The dragon named Vermilion began speaking the story Celestia heard from Kestrel. How she disobeyed Scarlet by sparing her children from her wrath. Though the opposing dragon named Osprey argued that Kestrel had followed her orders but Scarlet reversed her order and it forced Kestrel to flee. Scarlet ruthless as ever only declared that as queen, she could do as she pleases. This angered Celestia, it would not be fair to her subjects if this kind of judgment is what they have to live with. A part of her wanted to speak up but remained silent as she waited for her verdict. There was a heartbeat of silence. “Sounds guilty to me,” Queen Scarlet said cheerfully. “We’ll execute her tomorrow. And while we’re at it, let’s execute him, too, for boring me.” She pointed at the dragon Osprey. Celestia couldn’t believe what she was hearing, but then again, it was Scarlet they were talking about. She couldn’t just kill Kestrel like that, even more so since Kestrel did follow orders. Scarlet was a monster for executing a dragon assigned to defend another. You are literally killing someone for doing their job! Then she heard a voice near her. “No!” She saw an orange blur dart towards the center of the arena. “It can't be true! Tell me it isn't true!” “Oh, yes,” Scarlet said maliciously to Kestrel. “Didn’t I mention she’s still alive? And working for me?” She turned her fierce yellow eyes on the orange dragon. “You’re not supposed to be here.” This was Kestrel's daughter? She wasn't dead but served as Scarlet’s puppet. Celestia didn’t know if she were happy at the fact that Kestrel’s daughter is alive or angry that Scarlet had been using her to kill multiple dragons in the arena. “You lied to me! You told me she was dead!” Queen Scarlet sighed. “Look at the trouble you’ve caused,” she said to Osprey. “Peril, dear. Would you have wanted to know your mother was alive somewhere, raising other dragonets and wishing she’d killed you instead of your brother?” Celestia was enraged, Scarlet was insane. She had no excuse. She was better off dead. ’ Celestia, are you okay? I felt you were distressed.’ ’ I'm sorry Twilight, I just— feel so angry. She can’t just do whatever she wants. Especially to her own subjects. But what does that make you? For putting your own sister through her struggle? Celestia felt like she was about to burst into flame from her anger. After a while of thinking to herself, Kestrel’s daughter, Peril, spoke up. “I want to stand for her,” Smoke hissed from Scarlet’s nose. “What?” she said slowly. “I call upon the tradition of the Champion’s Shield,” Peril said. “It says the queen’s champion may stand forth for any dragon sentenced to execution. If I can defeat the next dragon you set me to fight, you must let her go free.” She looked into Kestrel’s eyes for the first time. “I want to stand for my mother.” Queen Scarlet’s yellow eyes were small slits between orange scales. “Now where,” she hissed, “did you hear about that particular law?” “I read about it.” “Oh, please. You whose talons burn right through the paper.” She eyed Osprey. “No! Nobody—” Peril was cut off as Scarlet grabbed Osprey and ascended faster and faster. “Stop! It's not his fault!” She tried to give chase. Then the SkyWing queen dropped the aged dragon. It appeared he had lost his ability to fly. As he approached fell, he soon met the cold stone. Soon followed a loud cracking and breaking of bones. Celestia stayed silent for the rest of the trial. She was horrified at the scene that unfolded before her. All her years of ruling a country, she never displayed that sort of ruthlessness. Even in combat, where it was necessary. She could never finish a defenseless opponent unless it force her to do so. But Scarlet was something else, she was a tyrant that murders on an impulse. Scarlet didn't argue to the Champions Shield law that Peril had called upon. Kestrel was imprisoned once again. And Peril was to fight whoever the Queen would choose. She soon realized that Celestia had to fight her. It was either killing Peril and Kestrel in the process or it will cost Celestia’s life. ’Celestia, I know you probably want to be left alone. But we still need to figure out a way out of this.’ ’I'm sorry I can’t be more of use Twilight. I failed you. ‘You didn’t fail me, Princess. I just hoped that I could do more myself.’ Both Princesses felt mentally drained, and they slept early. Later they were awoken by angry shouts coming from the palace. Some prisoners were making a ruckus and were silenced. Twilight and Celestia didn’t notice who was taken as they were still too tired from the latter events. They returned to their slumber. Morning approached, Celestia woke up early and so did Twilight. They had plenty of energy as they had rested for a long time. They both knew that they were to participate in the arena sooner or later. Unfortunately, it was today. Celestia saw multiple guards approaching Twilight. It only meant one thing. Twilight was headed for the arena. ‘Celestia, what's going on? What's happening?’ ‘They are taking you to the arena. Don’t worry, I can guide you as long as I am near.’ She assured Twilight. ‘Alright, I trust you.’ Twilight was carried off by the guards. The arena awaited her. As Celestia waited for something to happen, she could only think of one thing. Where are you Sunset? The arena was filled with many dragons, both in the shades of red and brown. She saw Scarlet along with a few familiar dragons enter the arena balcony. Celestia also noticed the rather large SandWing, her image spelled trouble many times. Vermilion fluttered down into the center of the arena. “Fellow dragons,” he called. “Loyal SkyWings and visiting MudWings and honored SandWing guests. We have a full slate of thrilling games today, so let’s begin!” “I decided that since it is my hatching day, that everyone here will have the opportunity to witness NightWings in all their might, battle some of their long-lasting rivals, the IceWings” Scarlet announced. “Since we had the benefit of capturing two, I thought that a little two-on-two battle would satisfy my subjects.” The crowd cheered, and many murmurs echoed through the arena. “...two NightWings?” “One of them might be of the Dragonets of Destiny...” “...I hope they survive...” Scarlet grew impatient. “Well let us begin our first thrilling battle!” Vermilion flew towards the center of the arena as he announced the first battle. “Down on the sands we have Starflight and Twilight of the NightWings!” The crowd roared with excitement. Celestia was hopeful that Twilight could handle this. After all, she was able to defend herself against the changeling attack at the wedding. But then again, she had her magic and her friends... Oh Twilight, I hope I made the right choice. “Since we captured two NightWings, they are expendable. So I thought we keep sending in IceWings until one dies.” Scarlet called out to the crowd. This isn’t good, I don’t think Twilight will survive that long. Or her companion for that matter. Starflight looked as if he couldn’t survive even the first battle. “Then for the first matchup, we have Flurry and Aurora of the IceWings!” Soon after, the battle began. ‘Celestia! What do I do?! Startflight here can’t handle a battle like this. And we are against two dragons of war!’ ‘Calm down Twilight, do what you do best. Observe and think of a plan of attack.’ Both IceWings darted forward for a quick strike at the two NightWings. “Starflight look out!” Twilight screamed. Both narrowly dodging the attacks, Twilight readied her counterattack toward Aurora with a claw slash at her chest but was intercepted by the other IceWing, Flurry. Vermilion started to commentate on the battle. “It looks like these war-driven IceWing duo is successfully cornering our two dark mysterious dragons.” He laughed. ‘I don’t know what to do! These two have incredible coordination! Starflight isn’t cut out for battle and I barely have any experience. Twilight called out. The battle was going badly, some of the crowd were worried about the NightWings for the fact that one was of The Dragonets of Destiny. The rest were craving excitement. She saw movement around the arena, black specks in the sky. Then multiple spears landed near the IceWings currently in a battle with Twilight and her friend. The two IceWings took a few steps back, not wanting to get hit. The large dragon hovered above the arena. “Those dragonets are ours.” Scarlet countered. “Ours who? We found those dragonets with Talons of Peace revolutionaries. Does that mean you NightWings finally chose a side?” Morrowseer glanced up at the sky, where a flight of black dragons was circling. “No,” he said in his deep rumbling voice. “I come only to claim these dragonets as ours. We will take them and go.” “Oh, will you? On whose authority? Would your mysterious queen like to appear and discuss the matter with me?” Scarlet said with a snarl. Morrowseer’s eyes glittered dangerously. “Do not anger the NightWings, sky dragon. Give us our dragonets.” “No! It is my hatching day and I want them to fight IceWings.” Within a moment, all the airborne NightWings descended and killed all the IceWings in the arena. Those defenseless dragons were killed to make a point. “There. We took care of your IceWing problem.” Moments after he swooped down and grabbed Twilight and Starflight. ’Celestia where are they taking me?! I’m scared… I don’t want to leave you! ’ it's okay Twilight, they will take you someplace safe. Considering they did all that trouble into rescuing you both. Their connection was severed once more as the group of dragons flew south. Scarlet looked furious, “Guards! Fetch my champion! If something is going to happen right today, it will be this!” the guards scurried to complete their tasks. “Oh and clean up that mess in the arena!” the guards quickly bowed and dashed to their assigned tasks. “As you all know,” Scarlet said suddenly, her voice regal and commanding as if mystery dragons hadn’t just swooped out of the sky to steal her toy, “yesterday my champion, Peril, offered to stand for the accused prisoner, Kestrel, in a Champion’s Shield. She will now fight a dragon of my choosing, and if she wins, Kestrel goes free. If she loses — then I suppose I’ll have to get a new champion.” Celestia was to fight the queen’s champion for Kestrel’s freedom as well as her daughter’s life. Celestia was still overwhelmed at the fact that she lost another. She lost Sunset and now... Twilight. She was powerless and she couldn’t protect them. She was determined to do whatever it takes to get them back. Whatever it takes. “I’m sure you are all thinking that my Champion, Peril is unstoppable. But I have a special guest today, and I know she won't disappoint. I felt something unusual from this dragon. This SkyWing is accused of attempted murder against the crown!” a few loud gasps ricocheted around the arena. Soon Celestia was down at the sand facing against her only known friend’s daughter, Peril. “I’m sorry Kestrel, I have to do this if I want to save them...” She looked at Peril, ready to battle for her queen and her mother. “You tried to murder the queen? You will pay!” Peril screamed. “How do you know she didn’t lie to you again,” Celestia stated. “Not that it matters, I have to kill you to complete my mission.” Celestia held a dense aura. Peril was stunned at her words, then she darted forward. Peril attacked Celestia multiple times as she sustained multiple burns. “I have to do this as well.” Peril said. “You won’t have the chance at winning!” Scarlet said. Celestia staggered backward as she was heavily burned. She couldn’t take another hit. Then she whispered to herself. “Whatever it takes…” it was loud enough for Peril to hear. Then seconds after, Celestia burst into flames. The crowd was shocked, Peril and Scarlet included. “Woah what happened there, Peril wasn’t even near her,” Vermilion commented. Then as the flames died down, Celestia’s burns disappeared and her scales were glowing with heat as hot as the sun. She wore the armor that she showed Twilight early on their adventure. Her eyes glowed yellow with irises as black as the void. Then she laughed. “My my Celestia, what have you gotten yourself into. What is this interesting place?” She smirked as she gazed at the SkyWing queen and Peril. Kill her. Celestia said. “I see. No time to chat then?” “Who are you and what happened to my toy?” Scarlet shouted. “I am no one’s toy! I am Daybreaker, God of the Sun!” she growled. Peril dashed towards her for a killing blow, only to have no effect whatsoever. “I’m sorry child, you have to die now.” Before she could strike her, a loud shriek filled the arena. And it was coming from Scarlet. Her face was covered by a liquid that melted her face. The dragons in the arena all panicked and attempted to flee the scene, away from the danger. She saw those dragons Twilight and Celestia encountered at the cave they were going to escape. Daybreaker was about to finish the job when a SandWing appeared out of nowhere and approached the screaming queen. “This is for Thorn.” She said as she stabbed her barb into Scarlet’s heart. She died immediately after. She turned around revealing the familiar insignia around her neck. Then as quickly as she appeared, she vanished. Sunset? Celestia thought. She broke Daybreaker’s connection and regained control. “Already? But I was just starting to have fun,” she said as her body burst into flames, and there returned Celestia. “You, Peril. Let's get your mother and get out of here.” Peril nodded in agreement. They rushed into the palace dungeons where they found Kestrel still locked up. Peril quickly burned through her restraints and quickly headed towards the direction of the escape route the Dragonets of Destiny had taken. They flew down towards the river and saw the dragonets contemplating what they should do. “What about Starflight? We have to save him for the prophecy!” Clay said “We don’t know where they went, and it's less likely they are willing to give them up.” Glory countered. Celestia interrupted the conversation, “I know where they went, they flew south.” “Towards the Mud Kingdom?” Clay said confused. “No Mud head, probably the Rainforest. The perfect hiding place for those NightWings.” Glory hissed. “Wait wait, you are going to trust that SkyWing?!” Tsunami shouted. “They have Twilight, I have to save her.” her resolve remained strong. “Fine, but you,” she pointed at Kestrel. “What do we do about you?” “Kestrel! You’re alright!” Sunny said behind Clay. “No thanks to you, I have nothing to do with you miscreants. Let’s go Peril.” Peril hesitated. “I can’t, the black rocks!” Kestrel huffed a puff I smoke. “Tell me about them.” “You must know. I need them to survive.” “More of Scarlet’s lies,” she spat. “You don’t need anything like that.” “But I stopped taking them and got sick,” Peril said. “Poison in your food,” Kestrel said. “One of Scarlet’s favorite tricks.” Peril stared up at the palace. Should she go? Celestia patted Kestrel urging her. “Peril, please. Come with me. I know I failed you once as a mother, but I want to make it right to you. Will you give me that chance?” she pleaded. Clay approached Peril. “She is your mother, she may not be perfect, but it is better than nothing. She cares about you.” Peril stared back, “I will give you a chance, but only because I have nowhere else to go. Scarlet is dead and you are the only family I have left.” Kestrel cried to her, “Thank you, I will make it up to you. You won't regret it.” “Not to disturb this reunion, but may I ask where you got our eggs?” Clay asked nicely. Kestrel snorted. “Well, there’s no surprises with you. Webs stole your egg from the SeaWing queen’s own hatchery.” “Tsunami!” Sunny gasped. “You’re royalty! Just like in the story!” Tsunami twitched her tail, looking surprised and thoughtful. “Morrowseer brought us Starflight’s egg,” Kestrel said. “Dune found Sunny’s egg in the desert, hidden near the Scorpion Den. And our big, strong hero came from somewhere around the Diamond Spray Delta, near the sea, where the lowest-born MudWings crawl.” Clay turned to look at the river that flowed from the lake. His heart started pounding with excitement. His home — his family — they were closer than he’d imagined. “What about me?” Glory asked. Kestrel shifted her wings in a shrug. “I have no idea. I never cared where, because I knew you weren’t important.” after that argument finished, Kestrel thanked Celestia and flew away with Peril somewhere southwest. Sunny asked, “Do we have a plan? We need to get Starflight for the prophecy.” “We are going to the Rainforest, that's the only lead we have as of now,” Celestia said. “Could we pass by my home? I want to meet my family before we go find Starflight.” Clay stated. “Fine, but no more detours after that.” with that, they left to find Clay’s family at the Diamond Spray Delta. Don’t worry Twilight, I'm coming. Meanwhile. “Morrowseer, Queen Scarlet is dead.” A few dragons gasped in surprise. Twilight and Starflight were somewhat relieved that it could mean that the others had escaped. After a pause of silence, Morrowseer spoke. “This changes things, tell the Talons and Queen Blister. Change of plans, head back to home base and wait for further orders.” The group took Twilight and Starflight in the direction of the Rainforest. The group split as a dragon was to contact the Talons of Peace and another to Blister.