//------------------------------// // The Arrival // Story: Spike's Kingdom // by Guardian Dragon //------------------------------// Dragon Lord Spike wakes up and remembers the party he celebrated with Thorax and the other Dragons last night. Thorax is now an official member of the Dragon Lands, the first Changeling to become a citizen and perhaps not the last, with many possibilities of more Changelings seeking change after years of drought and sadness. Dragon Lord Spike feels Ember's claws wrapped around his waist and smiles, remembering the fun the two had when everyone feasted on the appetizers Discord conjured with his magic. Spike takes a deep breath and slowly removes Ember's claws to fly quietly to the next room and discuss with Discord or at least one of his clones possibly awake for their arrival in Ponyville. Spike arrives in the maze labyrinth, following the arrows to Discord's quarters to discuss approaching Ponyville in style or by modes of transportation due to his blunder yesterday of arriving unattended without notice. After ten minutes, Spike enters Discord's inner sanctum, where personal thought bubbles filled with dialog speak loudly. A clone of Discord wearing a mafia business suit and hat is at the end of a wooden conference meeting table, drinking a hot mug of chocolate milk while smoking a cotton candy cloud cigar. "Greetings, Dragon Lord Spike," The clone of Discord inhales his candy cigar after drinking his hot chocolate. He wonders what's on the young Dragon Lord's mind since today is a critical, involving Friendship. "Morning, Discord," Dragon Lord Spike chuckles at the new persona from Discord's clones. He appreciates the new tone with each conversation the duo has. "What is on your mind, Dragon Lord Spike? Have you decided to decline the get-together in Ponyville from yesterday's fiasco?" "I'm not postponing nor withdrawing the meetup. I'm going forth with my objectives to elevate Friendship in Ponyville. I sense the Princesses may present themselves to Thorax as a token of Friendship, opening a new chapter filled with possibilities of seeing the good in every nation, no matter what percentage many will say." "Your optimism meets no bounds, my friend," The clone respects Spike's decision-making. The outburst from yesterday, regretting it wholeheartedly, and yearning to undo the rude remarks spoken when his emotions took control. "I want to apologize to Twilight about how I reacted when something possessed me to say what was said yesterday," Dragon Lord Spike look at his claws, still shaking from the realization during the trip back home. He sighs greatly, hoping that history won't repeat itself. "I'm sure Princess Twilight Sparkle thought hard and invoked theories left and right to own up for her mistake, apologize for her behavior, renew her relationship with you as friends, and be open-minded with Thorax, creating the first bond between Equestrian Pony and Changeling." "You know, Discord. I believe today will be a great day," Dragon Lord Spike extends his left arm, opening his claw to call for his Bloodstone Scepter. In a few moments, the magic within the Bloodstone Scepter answers his call, flying towards Spike's claw for him to grasp and twirl it. "What time do you want to fly?" The clone of Discord transmits a telepathic message to the original using a memory-link spell. "An hour after having breakfast with everyone," Spike rubs his belly. "I can go for bacon and gemstones." "I'll initiate the breakfast buffet," The clone of Discord opens a portal, leaning back on his chair to fall back and prepare the meals necessary for every Dragon and Changeling. The breakfast bell chimes within Canterlot Castle, and many maidens and butlers knock on every guest room where many Dragons slept after having an off night. The revelation of Dragon Lord Spike coming to Ponyville with friends and reuniting with many siblings lost during the Dragon Egg raid years ago; also the unfortunate event that allowed many Royal Guards to unleash their barrage of spears upon the Dragons, injuring eleven in total, has the Princesses on edge, especially the possibility of knowing Queen Chrysalis' objectives from Thorax later today. Princess Celestia raises the sun after her sister, Princess Luna, lowers the moon, allowing a new day to begin with hopes of no disasters. Princess Celestia made it official with several Royal Guards of the Pegasi platoon to fly carriages for the injured to Ponyville; Princess Luna hoped the Draqonecuus would accompany Dragon Lord Spike and their friends to Ponyville to help relieve the pain from the eleven injured Dragons and restore their flight. Princess Celestia and Luna commanded their cooks to bring the breakfast buffet to the throne room, allowing every Dragon to partake and enjoy Canterlot's finest cooking. It didn't take long for every Dragon to walk and hover in the throne room, gazing at the beauty of the stained glass windows, pillars, and decorations. Most Dragons are disappointed that gemstones are not for breakfast; however, that won't stop them from enjoying their meal with the Princesses as they are more excited to go home. Although seeing the happy faces of many Dragons to reunite with long-lost families, the Princesses are more eager to meet with Thorax and learn possible secrets Queen Chrysalis might have shared with her armies regarding the Dragon Egg raid to uncover many clues to answer many questions. They hope Thorax is not a deceptive operative when they ask him certain specifics about Queen Chrysalis' purposes after the Canterlot Wedding Seige became a dud. Nurse Red Cross escorts the injured Dragons into the throne room after receiving a telegram from Princess Luna an hour ago. He explicitly told the injured Dragons to refrain from flapping under all circumstances to reduce swelling and otherwise increase the pain and create discomfort in the healing process. The Dragons grab plates of pancakes and different fruits since they are similar to gemstones. They gorge themselves with many servings since they aren't sure about the visitation in Ponyville, considering the change of plans once Dragon Lord Spike sees and greets the Dragons who got taken away during the invasion and raid. Princess Celestia and Luna ate well enough to focus on their interview with Thorax later today. They are hopeful to ask Dragon Lord Spike permission to speak with Thorax privately since the duo believes Thorax may have already become a citizen of the Dragons Lands and given immunity of some sort. Many younglings ate over five full-course breakfast meals, which concerns the Princesses about the residency the Dragons endured during their time in Dragon Town of Fillydelphia. Mina notices the Princesses' demeanors and explains that food within Dragon Town is sustainable and, at other times, scarce. They were taken away by the Fillydelphia Police Department when they felt Dragons were the culprits of many crimes. Mina's explanation made the Princesses sick to their stomachs with the horrid treatments Dragons received and went unnoticed all this time. Several teenage Dragons wanted and demanded gemstones as a substitute; however, the Princesses addressed the situation about not having edible gemstones since they are displayed as jewelry for their subjects to wear for fashion. Many Dragons irritatedly groan since gemstones are a luxury for the Dragons of Dragon Town. They hope to avoid those Ponies glimmering with their favorite food to elude possible interactions. After breakfast, Princess Celestia and Luna escort the Dragons to the front of Canterlot Castle, where many carriages are ready for transport. The injured Dragons are riding in style while Princess Celestia and Luna navigate everyone to Ponyville, hoping their coming will meet with Dragon Lord Spike and his friends' arrival. When Princess Celestia and Luna departed Canterlot, they informed everypony about enduring the day as usual during their escort and not to alarm any of their bodyguards to engage with the Dragons leaving Canterlot. It was a spectacle for many to witness many Dragons departing Canterlot Castle, similar to the Dragon Migration years ago. The Dragons on carriages barked orders at the Pegasi to fly faster since they were behind the others during the flight and for revenge. After breakfast for every Dragon and Changeling, Discord gathers Spike's friends and does a head count. Dragon Lord Spike, Princess Ember, Garble, Smolder, Clump, Maar, Fume, and Thorax are here; most other Dragons refuse to accept any Friendship from thieving Ponies, knowing they're the cause of the separation and senseless violence years ago. Dragon Lord Spike respects his subjects' deep personal feelings about Equestrian Ponies; however, he refuses to taint their image after the outburst he unleashed yesterday when he defended Thorax. After living most of his life under Pony's occupation, there's more good than iniquity. Dragon Lord Spike climbs on Ember's back, raising his Bloodstone Scepter, informing his friends to follow Discord to Ponyville. Discord wanted to teleport instantly to Ponyville to save time and effort; however, Dragon Lord Spike refrained Discord from doing so, so he wanted his friends to visit Ponyville after befriending the populous on their accord to continue to strive for greatness under the new way of life. Spike prays that no one decides to lynch Thorax since he's a Changeling and greatly feared by the nation. Discord leads the way uniquely to Ponyvile since he's not straightforward; he does zig-zags, loop-de-loops, barrel-rolls, dives, and ascension for fun. Thorax enjoyed the flight, laughing along with his friends and hoping that Ponyville Ponies would be as kind as Spike acclaimed them to be. Everypony in Ponyville has gathered under Princess Twilight's instructions to decorate the town to welcome Dragon Lord Spike, the Dragons, and Thorax. At first, Twilight Sparkle heard the backlashes from everyone when she announced that a Changeling was amongst the company with Dragon Lord Spike's visitation; however, it was Fluttershy who calmed the quarrels than Twilight and her friends. Her kind nature reawakened basic common sense for welcoming every creature with open arms and displaying fellowship to create new bonds. After the heart-to-heart speech from Fluttershy, it felt magical to decorate the town, like celebrating a holiday with friends and family. Twilight Sparkle is with Starlight Glimmer, checking everything according to the list to ensure Spike's visitation is the best to welcome new friends and eliminate the hatred. They are trotting to Sugarcube Corner to inspect the treats they made. "Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. How are the desserts and appetizers coming along?" Twilight Sparkle enters the bake shop with Starlight Glimmer after seeing all of the desserts intact than many years ago when Pinkie ate everything the Cakes made. "Smoothly, also, Pinkie Pie is with Rarity, gathering gemstones for the Dragons to consume with our delectable treats," Mrs. Cakes says, adding frosting to a heart-shaped cake, hoping it'll express love for Thorax to eat to some capacity. "Appetizers are ready for taste-testing, Twilight," Mr. Cake brings a tray of sandwiches, muffins, strudels, puddings, and devil eggs. Twilight and Starlight taste each of the samples, grading them fairly, which results in perfection; the Cakes know how to craft perfection with their cooking. Rainbow Dash zooms into the Cake's bakeshop with imperative information; she seems uneasy about a swarm approaching Ponyvile. "Twilight! The Princesses are getting chased by Dragons!" "WHAT?!" Twilight and Starlight depart Sugarcube Corner, following Rainbow Dash to the mere sight of Princess Celestia and Luna leading a brigade of Dragons, not that they were getting chased. Everypony in Ponyville watches in awe and splendor as Princess Celestia and Luna continue to escort the Dragons like it was the Dragon Migration; the only exception is the Royal Guards carrying carriages for other Dragons like they are royalty. "Ooops," Rainbow Dash realizes that the Princesses were peacefully creating a voyage in the skies for the Dragons, hoping no one would dare to attack due to misconception. "Sorry for the misunderstanding, girls," Rainbow admits her fault; sometimes, another glance is what she needs before assuming the worst. "It's okay, Rainbow. I'm just surprised to see more Dragons arriving in Ponyville than I read in yesterday's letter," Twilight is eager to know about the sudden of Dragons the Princesses are escorting. The Princesses land in front of Twilight and her friends by Sugarcube Corner; the Dragons riding on the carriages smack the backs of the Pegasi platoon as some formal retribution when they got speared and suffered broken wings. The Royal Guards don't flinch but acknowledge the pain given physically and mentally; they understand what their brethren had committed last night during a misreading of the swarm. Pinkie Pie and Rarity return with wagons full of gemstones and become awestruck by the many Dragons present, not taking accountability for the possibility of over a hundred Dragons arriving. They are at least three-fourths short on supply. Mina is the first Dragon to approach Princess Twilight Sparkle; she's a bit nervous about making the first impression since last night's visitation went awry before it got calm. Before she can speak, sounds of laughter flood Ponyville, with Discord leading the charge like he's orchestrating a marching band. Dragon Lord Spike, Princess Ember, Garble, Smolder, Clump, Maar, and Fume are more surprised by the number of Dragons they don't know. Thorax is astounded by the many new friends he'll make with Equestrian Ponies, the Princess of the Sun and Moon, and the missing Dragons when they reveal the gruesome tale of losing Dragon Eggs years ago. Discord drops like a raindrop; he's shocked by the many potential Dragons going to reunite with loved ones who lost their family during the raid. "Dragon Lord Spike!" Mina and every Dragon around the Princesses watch their ruler descend from the skies, hopping off Ember's back with his jaw hanging. Mina now approaches Spike; she sees Smolder and Garble walking beside him. The trio locked eyes and smelled each other's scent. "No way..," Mina, Smolder, and Grable start tearing up; they know they're siblings, and there is no doubt about it. Maar approaches a silver Dragon with a broken wing, wrapped in medical tape for healing. He has two stubby horns on his head and red eyes. They sniff each other, and tears swell in their eyes. "Big sister..," Chad, the silver Dragon, reaches for his sister. "Little brother!" Maar grabs Chad and pulls him into a loving embrace; she was one of the younger Dragons who witnessed her family's egg taken by raiders. Princess Ember spoke with many Dragons about the newly established Dragon Lands territory and how Discord, the Ambassador of Dragons, changed the flow for entertaining purposes. Dragons in Dragon Land are more united with Friendship and Love, continuing to be their guide to happiness rather than spiteful and vengeful due to the raiding years ago. Discord confirms eighty-six from the one hundred forty-one eggs accounted for, which means fifty-five Dragons are still missing since he's not counting for the younger Dragons in their parent or sibling's arms. Dragon Lord Spike is moved by the many family members reuniting for the first time since separation; he uses his Bloodstone Scepter to locate his mother, only leading to some disappointment. Among the crowd, none of the adult-size Dragons has his likeness or any features to determine his brood. Instead of pouting, Spike celebrates the victory of his fellow friends, crying in happiness when they reconnect with the stolen ones from the raid; he's moved by the loving embrace of family, making him yearn to find his mother someday as the Dragon Lord. Dragon Lord Spike diverts to Twilight Sparkle after watching his species create wholesome moments with long-lost relatives. "Hello, Princess Twilight Sparkle," Spike addresses Twilight's entitlement formally. "Spike, you can drop the formal approach," Twilight had hoped Spike would respond to her as a friend rather than royalty. "I'm here for elevation in friendship purposes, Princess Twilight Sparkle; also, forgive me for how I expressed myself yesterday. There were validations I didn't mean to expose. Especially reminding Starlight Glimmer of her iniquity to make a statement. Sorry for involving you in yesterday's rant, Starlight Glimmer; something that overcame me and possessed me into bursting in anger when I intended to sing to display the values of the Friendship I have with Thorax." "Apologies accepted, my friend; your outburst was a wake-up call for each of us. Also, we had thorough discussions about greeting new creatures into our lives, like how everyone would accept Thorax," Starlight says, pointing to the crowd slowly coming in contact with Thorax. Thorax stares at the many nervous Ponies inching closer to him; he takes a step back for breathing room when Princess Celestia and Luna approach him, showing no signs of nervousness or fear. "Greetings, Thorax," Princess Celestia warmly says, showing utmost respect and honor to welcome a new friend into her life. "Welcome to Equestria, Thorax," Princess Luna extends her front right hoof to shake Thorax's, hoping to create a new bond with him. Thorax accepts the Princesses' greeting and shakes Luna's hoof; the love emitting from the two causes Thorax to hiss, which scares the daylights of the crowd behind Princess Celestia and Luna. "Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry!" Thorax panics a bit, knowing from yesterday's experience would reoccur in front of Princess Celestia and Luna; however, he was wrong by witnessing the patience the Princess of the Sun and Moon expressed. "No need to fret; we understand how Changelings operate when emotions, feelings, and love surround you," Princess Luna reaffirms Thorax to avoid potential catastrophe among your species. "Also, if you would mind, I understand you want to partake in the festivities in Ponyville; however, my sister and I wish to speak with you privately," Princess Celestia hoped Thorax would accept her request to talk discreetly about Queen Chrysalis' motives regarding the Dragon Egg raiding and other hostilities soon. Discord overhears the conversation after helping Pinkie Pie and Rarity with their gemstone project by conjuring crates full of them; he telepathically sends a message to Thorax's mind. "If you feel unsure or uneasy with the Princesses during your conversation, reach out to me by saying my name in thought. I'll come and rescue you from the Princesses' advances." "Thank you, buddy. I hope it doesn't regard Queen Chrysalis since I was away for six months. I would hate getting interrogated due to my status as a Changeling." Thorax responds to Discord's telepathic message; he sounds nervous, with butterflies flying in his stomach. Thorax inhales deeply, focusing on the conversation with the Princesses. He stares at Princess Celestia and Luna. "Alright, let's talk." Princess Celestia and Luna escort Thorax to the Castle of Friendship for their private discussion; Princess Celestia will alarm Bright Light to join in the conference to uncover any secrets Queen Chrysalis may have informed Thorax before his departure to the Crystal Empire. Dragon Lord Spike feels concerned about Thorax walking with the Princesses; he approaches them about the situation. "Where are you taking Thorax?" "We asked Thorax to have a private conversation, Dragon Lord Spike. We will return shortly," Princess Celestia answers, hoping Spike would not revoke the decision made on Thorax's behalf. "Dragon Lord Spike." Discord telepathically speaks within Spike's mind regarding Thorax. "I'm observing Thorax's little forum with the Princesses and will rescue him when he feels uncertain due to temperamental topics." "Thank you, my friend." Spike exhales in relief, knowing Discord is surveying Thorax's chat with Princess Celestia and Luna. He figures the correlation to the Dragon Egg raiding identification; however, it was disclosed during last night's party when Thorax mentioned not receiving pivotal information about Queen Chrysalis' goals. "So, are we allowed to speak with Thorax privately, Dragon Lord Spike?" Princess Luna asks permission, hoping Spike will relent and authorize the discussion. "By all means, take your time with my friend," Spike replies, standing aside to allow the Princesses to escort Thorax to the Castle of Friendship. Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer approach Spike after watching the Princesses take Thorax away; Spike had hoped that everypony in Ponyville would be the first to express Friendship with his friend. Now, he's hoping that Thorax's conversation will be pleasant and no setbacks with hostility.