//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: A thousand years // Story: The Dragon and The Moon // by Dragon-Heart //------------------------------// The sun shines bright in a cloudless sky over the Everfree forest, the forest itself seems to be calmed in a calmed mood. The soothing river flows, birds hum their joyful songs, frogs croak, and a furious roar of a dragon echos out from a cave up a mountain. A shadow can be seen dashing out of the cave between the tops of tress, and lands into a run on the rocky floors,the dragon exits its cave in search of something. As it hovers near its home it spots movement near the trees, a young stallion with a brown coat, black mane flowing in the air with a red stripe in it, carrying a satchel, dashing through the forest. The dragon catches a glimpse of what is in the satchel, a glint shines from the inside; gems, at the realization that its treasure was taken, the dragon roars out in anger and gives chase to the stallion. *** As I look back after hearing the dragon roar, I couldn't help myself but taunt the dragon yelling out, "Come on girl, try to catch me!" I continued my dash zigzagging in and out out if the trees, past rivers, and through thick marsh. As the dragon's shadow passes over me, I stop under thick trees and wait, she hovers in the same spot before returning to her search elsewhere. I pause here a moment to check on the treasure that I scored, rustling through the satchel there are five sapphires, two rubies, two pearls, three emeralds, and a very beautiful blue fire ruby. Chuckling, "Well she has good taste in her gems," peering out to make sure the skies are clear, "No wonder the dragon earned the title of Fiercest Dragon." Carefully placing the gems back into the bag, taking a readied stance, listened to the wind...then dashes into the open only to realize the dragon was smarter than she looked. She hovers a few meters ahead of me as she pulls her head back, as wisp of smoke begin to curl out from her mouth. Halting to a stop, I change into a defensive stance, "Let's see how strong is your fire Red Eyes." as I yell out the challenge she exhales a large storm of fire towards me, "Hopefully I can time this right." the fire engulfs me. The dragon lands to search for the gems that were stolen from her, as she searches through the fire the gems were no where to be found. It's until the fire extinguishes that she notices a ball of green fire is still burning where the stallion stood, stares at it with curiosity wondering what it could be. The green flames start to disperse, revealing what's inside, there stood I looking different before being engulfed, taller, thinner frame, with eyes and wings that match those of a dragon's, "My turn." I leap up high into the sky, as I gain altitude I build up a powerful flame of my own inside my chest, the dragon looks up and prepares it's wings for flight, using all her strength she takes off after me. Hovering, I turn to face the dragon just as it prepared its own flame, I release a large green ball of fire striking the dragon square in the face. The dragon hits the ground with a loud Thud, still hovering being cautious that the dragon doesn't attack, finally landing back on the ground I recheck my satchel to ensure nothing happened to the gems. Satisfied I change back into my normal self and do a few stretches, I still haven't gotten used to whole changing experience, as I begin my trot back to Trade's Crossroad I hear the dragon let out a groan. Stopping, I stare back at the dragon as guilt begins to nag at the back of my head, You did it, you stole gems from a dragon. You who helped dragons long ago, now harming another. listening to myself always hits home, reaching into the satchel I pull out the blue fire ruby and place it against the dragon's head. I really am a softy. That is a very nice gem but I prefer a green one instead. Continuing my walk back, I kept my eyes locked onto the place that always connects with the moon, Canterlot. *** The wind blows softly over the balcony; it's almost soothing, but that roar and flash of fire over at the forest brings much concern. "Sister, is something troubling you?" startled I quickly turn around to face my older sister, "No, nothing." I try to keep a straight face to hide my worries "Luna." with no success "Sigh, There was a loud commotion and fire burning at the Everfree forest and it sounded like a dragon was involved." My older sister, Princess Celestia, was always so caring whenever I was worried about something and seem to always to have a solution, she smiles "It is probably nothing, I'll have some guards go and investigate the area." Feeling relieved I give a smile "Okay." "Come let us walk for a while." The halls in the castle always seemed big for me and always full of mares or colts going about their business. Many would greet us as we walk by, the guards would stand at attention, its always funny when we would catch one of them dozed off and they would stumble around trying to stand. "Have you been practicing your spell?" "Yes." that was not entirely true, I have been slacking a little even though I am the one to raise the moon. You probably already know who I am but I always prefer a formal introduction, I am Princess Luna, the mare who controls the moon. "Good, then tonight you will be able to raise the moon with no help." "Tonight?" "Yes." We arrived at the main hall where we were greeted by one of our researchers and his assistant. "Greetings." both bow their heads down, the assistant seem to be a little nervous to be here, "And to you Stargazer, what brings you here today?" "Ah, it is something that you might find very interesting, if you could please follow me.", "Of course, Luna will you be alright while I attend to this matter?" "Yes." , as she goes off with Stargazer, I walk out into the garden towards the fountain, I take a seat on its edge and stroke the water lost in thought, wondering about the commotion in the forest.