Chapter Two...
The Dragon Amano
Luna tumbled through the air, the cold wind smacking her face. She spread her wings and immediately slowed to a graceful glide down to the ground.
When her hooves touched the stone, Luna knew there was something wrong. This place was dark, cold, and empty. This was no Equestria.
“Nightmare Moon,” Luna growled. “Where have you sent us?”
“Oh, just a place where you can be trained. Did you really think I could get you back to Equestria?” Nightmare Moon chuckled.
“You said you would-”
“Get you out of the Moon,” the evil inside Luna sneered, cutting her off. “I never said anything about where you would end up. I have no control over that. But... look at this place! Amano really let this place go!”
“Who?” Luna asked, puzzled. Who was this Amano? Was he a pony of some sort who ruled over this new land, like Celestia?”
“Oh, don’t worry about it. Now, do you see large, towering buildings over to the west?” Luna glanced in the direction Nightmare Moon had mentioned. She did see large towers in the distance, but she could only see their tops. The rest of the buildings were shrouded in a black fog.
“Yes, we do, but what does it have to do with anything?”
“There’s someone there who can help us around here. His name is the Cloakmaster. When you first see him, you will be scared stiff. Literally,” Nightmare Moon chuckled. “But just explain everything to him, and tell him you’re a personal friend of Nightmare Moon’s”
“We don’t see how-”
“Just shut up and FLY!” Nightmare Moon screeched. Luna’s wings unfurled against her will and she shot toward the towers.
----
“So, I heard you watched the battle from afar,” Amano growled as Discord casually strolled up to meet him. “You could have joined in. Who knows? Maybe your stupidity would have gotten you killed, and we would all be freed from your incessant whining.”
“Oh, Amano,” Discord sighed, gently kicking a rock across the ground like a filly would after a long, hard day of school. “You know I’m not that stupid. And you know this whole world would fall apart if it were not for me!” He giggled and poked one of the black dragon’s scales. Yes, Amano was a dragon, but not one you would see in Equestria. Amano had a long, slim body that seemed to stretch on infinitely. His scales were long and smooth, and they covered most of his body. Another thing that made Amano different from other dragons was that he was able to control lightning, just as most dragons had the ability to use fire. He also had a particular dislike for gems, but loved to indulge himself on obsidian, and there was plenty of that in the Darklands. In fact, most of the ground was obsidian.
Amano snorted, sparks flying toward Discord. The Draconequus yelped, jumping back. “How about you get out, Discord,” he roared, lifting himself up off the ground. “Or I will fry you with a nice bolt of lightning!”
Discord chuckled nervously. He didn’t doubt that Amano would keep his word. “I will, Amano, but may I ask how I could find your cousin?”
The dragon pulled back. “And why should I tell you where Kolocto Wai is? Why do you even want to see her? She will appear as nothing but a terrifying monster to you. Or do you want to be living the rest of your eternity living in fear? Of course, I wouldn’t mind that...”
“Oh, you know I don’t want that, Amano,” Discord replied. “I just want to meet her. Just once. And if I do live in fear for the rest of my existence, then you will be happy as well. So, do we have ourselves a deal?”
Amano tilted his head, pondering Discord’s offer, then he nodded. “Very well. I will tell you. But listen close, for this will be the only time you will hear it.” Amano glanced around them to make sure they were alone. “The Cliffs of Aliona.”
Discord grinned. “Really? That shouldn’t be too hard to reach.” He turned and waved a paw. “Thank you, and goodbye!”
The dragon chuckled. “Stupid Draconequus,” he muttered as he took to the air and flew away.