//------------------------------// // eight // Story: Jump of the Iron Dragon // by tosety //------------------------------// Yes! Tallic stopped by this morning! Nurse Redheart came in and woke me up so I could talk to him outside my window. “Here is the gift I promised you last night.” He said, holding a piece of metal up to the window. Nurse Redheart cautiously took it and brought it over to me. I could barely contain my excitement as she carried it over. It was a chestplate, kinda like what the royal guard wear, but simpler. “Can I try it on?” I asked, examining it reverently. Even though it was simple, it had an elegance in its simplicity. Even more awesome, it was shaped like my cutie mark. “I think we need to have Doctor Pulse take a look at how you’re healing first.” She said with a sad smile. I was sorely tempted to beg her to let me right now. “So, what did you think of the taste of my scale?” Tallic asked me as I ran a hoof across the chestplate. I sat and thought for a while, distracted by the same humming vibration from the chestplate as that scale. “I can’t describe the taste. Maybe... strong? With a little bitterness?” “I completely agree.” Tallic chuckled, a twinkle appeared in the eye he had pressed up to my window. “I find carbon adds a sweetness, silver tastes swift, copper tastes flexible, and ores are a medley of flavors. You said she wanted to make me cupcakes?” I don’t think Tallic’s too comfortable with Pinkie Pie because he got a little frightened for a second when he mentioned her. “Yup” I answered. “Well then, I would say that a combination of silver and copper shavings would round out the traditional cupcake, and steel balls would make a nice replacement for blueberries or chocolate chips in the batter.” He said with a chuckle. While we were talking, Applejack stopped by with a bag of bits for Tallic. I used the distraction to see if I could bite off a piece of the scale he gave me last night. While visiting with Steelskin, Applejack stopped by with payment for my little help yesterday. I asked her to take it to the town hall and present it as partial payment for the cobblestones I tore up the previous evening and the destruction of the front lobby of the hospital. After that, I took my leave, grew my battle armor, and headed for the field I would be meeting the knight in. He was sitting in the middle of the field. I banked my wings and glided into the field, landing right in front of him. “So, are you ready to try for your revenge?” I growled in lieu of a greeting. I watched him closely, wary of any hostile intent in his body language. He was tense and ready, but I recognized the stance as watchful rather than preparatory. “Revenge isn’t worth the effort, what I’m after is a... lasting solution. We can work this out here as civilized beings or we can fight, a fight you’re guaranteed to lose even even if you kill me. So words or weapons, what’s your choice soft scale?” Rage swelled up in me as I tore up the grass wishing it was him. No. It does not matter how much he is asking for it, I should refrain from ripping his limbs off... On second thought, he is asking for it. “Nice test, squishy.” I chuckled. He visibly relaxed and I started liking him despite myself. “So what’s the deal? What about me makes you want to introduce me to the hardest surface possible at high velocities?” He queried, still acting gruff and disagreeable.. I thought for a moment as to how to proceed. “My reasons have been twofold. My specific ‘deal’ was the fact that you, my crunchy friend, are a reasonably dangerous opponent and I had just destroyed the entrance to the hospital and was carrying away two ponies.” Matt’s helmeted head tilted at my statement, but made no attempt to interrupt. “Apparently you have not heard of the events of yesterday yet. Little Steelskin got crushed by a tree and I did not have the time to reason with people or ponies. I needed someone pony size with medical training before I could even pull the tree off him. I assumed you would have shot at me if you realized I had just demolished the hospital and was carrying off two ponies. Was I wrong?” I took his silence as agreement. “My second and more general problem with you knights can be summed up with one question. How many heroes do you know who would not kill to have a dragon head mounted above their mantle? I have yet to jump to a reality where at least one of you knights-” “I keep telling you, I’m not a knight!” Matt started getting irritable and I noticed his hand twitch towards his sidearm. “There’s no castle and no king that I’ve sworn fealty to. I. Am. Not. A. Knight!” “I have dealt with many unattached knights. Kings of their own castles and seekers of their own fortunes and glory. They have been the ones most ready to kill me for the glory and treasure of it.” I got in his face as I responded to his protest. They have also been the dumbest. I thought to myself, showing a rare bit of restraint by not adding that intended insult. Matt was about to reply when we heard galloping and shouts from the far end of the field. “There it is!” “That’s gotta be the dragon that’s been terrorizing Ponyville!” “Stay strong, ponies, it’s big, but we can take it.” “Looks like one of those hairless diamond dogs is engaging it.” About half of the ponies were unicorns and all wore golden barding. “Looks like this reality is no different.” I growled. “Do you think they will listen to reason?” “It’s worth a shot. They know me better, I should be able to keep them under control, maybe.” Matt stepped towards them, waving. “It’s okay, relax. I’ve got everything under control.” Oh, yes, that is why they called you a ‘hairless diamond dog’, whatever that is. Needless to say, they did not even acknowledge his existence and charged straight at me. The ponies charged in on three hooves while holding spears with their spare foreleg while the unicorns set up a perimeter and started charging their horns. I responded by sweeping the ponies to the side and taking to the air. The unicorns fired mana blasts at me which I easily dodged. The magic level, while higher than human mages, was nowhere near the strength of Twilight’s. I breathed a sigh of relief, knowing I would not need to take any of these as real threats and could concentrate on showing them non-lethally why you do not mess with a dragon. Looking down, I saw Matt making an absolutely miserable attempt to calm them and decided I should intervene. I landed, knocking the unicorns into each other. A couple lucky magebolts hit me in the chest, hurting slightly more than I expected. They must be more focused than I had originally believed. Luckily, still completely harmless. Roaring, I made ready to cause them some pain in return when Matt drew his weapon and, to my surprise, began to swing it towards the attacking ponies. Suddenly, we were all brought up short. ”Stop!” A voice boomed louder than most human tech amplifiers. ”Thou shalt all refrain from further violence in our royal presence!” Two alicorns descended to the plain. One was pure white with a pastel rainbow of a mane and tail, the other was dark blue with a mane that sparkled like the night sky. Their ornaments were both regal and understated, consisting of a crown, torc, and hoof coverings. The grace of these two were fitting of the “Princesses Celestia and Luna” I had heard about. I smelled anger radiating off of them and half expected them to vaporize the soldiers, and possibly attack me as well. The dark one had an aggressive posture, while the white one was calm and gentle in her demeanor. Strangely, it was the light one that was radiating anger to the point of an intent to kill. “Captain Stoutheart, Please explain the nature of this confrontation.” The white one spoke with a gentle voice to match her soft demeanor. Still, there was the smell of anger that left me concerned for this captain. I may well be able to hold my own against these goddesses if it came to a fight, but I knew I would have precious little warning when they attacked. “My princess,” The stallion was visibly shaking as he stepped forward and bowed “You sent us here to detain the rampaging dragon, did you not?” “I am sorry, but you misunderstood our command. We requested that you come here to assess the situation. We wanted you to find out the truth of the reports of a rampaging dragon. We find it hard to believe that this town has been attacked when there is no visible sign of damage.” Again, her voice was soft and gentle, but now, I sensed the quiet steel behind her words. This goddess had the greatest presence I had ever seen. Even the fire dragon king, Igneel, could not hold a torch to her. “But...” the stallion stammered. “Please take this squad back to the outpost, Lieutenant Stoutheart. I shall visit when I am done here.” Lieutenant. I almost winced when I heard the demotion. Stoutheart’s head drooped as he walked back to his bruised and battered soldiers and led them back the way they came. I found myself feeling sorry for him despite myself. He was a broken man that may well have lost all respect from his squad. I noted a hint of sadness in the eyes of the princesses as they watched him lead his men away. The smell of anger also dissipated quickly as she turned to face me. “Greetings, Tallic, I am Princess Celestia, and this is my sister, Princess Luna. Thank you for not killing any of those guardsponies.” I was quietly amazed at her. There have been few realities I have visited where a ruler would see me fighting their troops and thank me for not killing them. As she approached me, an aura of motherhood washed over me. I found myself reabsorbing my battle armor and kneeling before her. Matt, for some reason, stepped well back from the princesses, turning his visor crystal clear, and called out a greeting to them before begging his leave. “I’d love to continue our discussion at a more relaxed time.” Matt said to me as he prepared to depart He seemed strained. The Princesses responded by bidding him farewell, before turning once more to me. “I am deeply regretful for the actions of my guardsponies, Please forgive the less than warm welcome.” Said Celestia warmly. “I have no hard feelings against you or your subjects for I recognize how my appearance can lead to faulty first impressions. In fact, I feel sorry for Lieutennant Stoutheart.” “I, too, am pleased to make your acquaintance, most compassionate Tallic.” Luna interjected. “I have been in contact with little Steelskin and have seen your concern for him. Also, do not be too grieved for captain Stoutheart, he will be restored to his position quickly, so long as his attitude allows.” As Luna’s aura enveloped me, I felt a surge of honor and loyalty. I caught myself as I almost pledged my fealty to her on the spot. Her presence made me want to follow her into glorious battle. I shook my head to clear the magical influence. Whereas Celestia was a ruler that could be counted on to care about her subjects, Luna struck me as a ruler who could be counted on to lead her subjects in battle and rally them to her cause. “My thanks for those kind words, Princess Luna. If only the director of the ponyville orphanage shared your views.” The two of them looked uncomfortable. “My sister has told me of your compassion for Steelskin. She has even seen some of what his subconscious has picked up, so we know of the... qualms of Miss Sweetheart. Sadly, we have found that it is inadvisable to meddle too much in the affairs of our citizens.” She paused for a moment as a wry smile spread across her face, replacing the slight frown that appeared at the mention of Sweetheart. “Though, my sister has her gentle persuasions that may very well have the desired effect.” She changed her demeanor from motherly to regal. Not much of a difference, mostly just posture. “It has come to my sister’s attention that you wish to adopt Steelskin. Why, may I ask, do you think you would be a good father for him?” She asked pointedly but smiled encouragingly. I hesitated for a moment to hold back the influence of their auras. “The child has suffered so much pain in such a short period of time. My heart goes out to him... I also sense a strength in him that I can, if given enough time, grow into a mighty force of protection for this land.” I proceeded to tell them about the dragon civil war and how those of us who rejected ‘the rule of might’ taught humans how to harness our powers to fight alongside us. I blame their auras for the looseness of my tongue. “So you wish to teach one of our little ponies this dragon magic? How do you know that a pony will be able to learn this?” Celestia asked. “There are two key components to learning it. The first is an affinity for magic, which seems to be inherent in all of you equines. The second is an emotional bond between dragon and student. I have taken it upon myself to give him magically imbued scales for the current hope of helping his recovery from the grievous injuries he suffered while protecting his friends. My heart breaks at his loneliness and I wish to take the position of guardian in his life. In my home reality, little value was ascribed to children, so adopting one was merely a case of finding a runaway or abandoned little one and declaring him to be your son. Here, I expect it to be much more difficult, if not impossible.” “Please tell us what you would ask of us for help towards this end.” Luna offered, stepping forward, but having an inscrutable expression on her face. As she approached, her aura of command increased exponentially. “I would appreciate any help you could give in my attempt to adopt Steelskin, but as my species, and the fact that I am, to use Twilight Sparkle’s term, a ‘jumper’, I believe the best I can hope for is to be a mentor or older sibling to him. To put it another way, any way of allowing me to help assure his ability to rise above the trials he has so recently faced would be my request.” Hmmm... Despite speaking before I was ready, I had little regret over my request. I paused my self-assessment to scrutinize their response to my request. Sadly, their masks were in full effect and their expressions unreadable. Suddenly, my mind finished processing what Luna had said earlier. “How have you been ‘in contact’ with Steelskin?” “Part of my duties as Princess of the Night is watching over the dreams of my subjects. I walk through them, observing and helping as needed.” “A dreamwalker?” “More of a dreamwarden, as I will occasionally influence dreams as necessary.” Luna glanced at her sister with a smirk. “Princess Celestia! It’s so good to see you!” Twilight came galloping up to Celestia and nuzzled her. “It is good to see you, too, my student.” The princess responded, returning the gesture of affection. I was admiring my new chestplate when Scootaloo, Rocky, and three other fillies came in, along with Pinkie Pie. I quickly took the scale I’d been chewing on and hid it under the covers. Not only was the taste something wonderfully unlike anything else, but it made the Discorded itching of my side and legs bother me less. I couldn’t even get at them to scratch because of that green shell Doc. Emerald put on them. “Now remember what Nurse Redheart said, nopony is allowed to touch Steely. He’s been hurt real bad and even a gentle touch in the wrong spot could be real painful.” “We know, Miss Pinkie.” They said in unison. “We came to thank you for saving Scoots and me.” Rocky said as he stepped forward. “Yeah, we thought that card was a lame idea.” Scoots said as she motioned towards my bedside table. “But mom and Miss Twilight said we should make it anyway.” Her face lit up when she mentioned her adopeted mom, and I swallowed down the sudden lump in my throat. “By the way, I’m Applebloom.” The yellow earth pony said. “And I’m Sweetie Belle.” Interrupted the white unicorn. Sapphire was the name of the grey unicorn. Wait, how did I know that? Nevermind, it didn’t really matter, I was suddenly feeling really proud of how I rescued them. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie was right next to my ear. “So, did Metallicana tell you what metals taste like?” She whispered deafeningly. “Ow.” I said, rubbing my ear, “Yes, Tallic has.” “Well?” “It’s not a normal taste.” I sighed and touched the scale I’d been chewing on. “He said that Iron tastes strong, silver tastes swift, and copper tastes flexible.” “Thanks so much! Air hug!.” I flinched backwards in my bed as she jumped at me, wrapping her forelegs around me without actually touching me. After that, she let me talk with my friends. “Please tell us about Tallic. He gave me a ride back here after Twilight teleported you. It was awesome!” Rocky said. Turning to Scootaloo, he continued gushing. “I’m real jealous of you pegasi. Flying is the coolest thing I’ve ever done.” “Yeah, well, it’s still real hard for me.” Scootaloo mumbled as she looked down and rubbed her hoof on the floor. “Hey, look what Tallic gave-” My attempt at changing the subject was broken by a coughing fit. “Look what Tallic gave me.” I finished, holding up the chestplate. “Wow!” “Cool!” “Awesome!” Amazing Rocky just stood there with his mouth hanging open in wonder as the girls went on about how beautiful it was. “It’s made from one of his scales.” Rarity commented, entering the room with Doc Pulse. “He got Stronghammer to make it last night and paid quite a lot to have it made quickly. Now, children, it’s time for you to say goodbye. The doctor needs to examine how Steelskin’s wounds are healing.” “Bye Steelskin, it was nice meeting ya.” “Bye.” “See ya, Steel.” “Later.” Sapphire was also really glad to meet me and hoped to see me soon. After she guided them out the door, she made her way quietly to my bedside and whispered, “All of us are immensely proud of you and I want to make sure you know that if you or Tallic need anything, don’t be afraid to ask. Also, as far as business advice goes, both I and Applejack will be more than happy to provide it. Please let Tallic know that one of those rods he used to pay Stronghammer could easily be sold for fifty bits.” Her eyes caught sight of my present. “My stars, This is beautiful... and so well crafted. Stronghammer really is a great blacksmith.” Rarity’s eyes glazed over in wonder as she caressed it. “This is an exceptional piece of work. I was wrong, he didn’t overpay at all.” She clutched it to her chest briefly, pausing a moment with a look of surprise, then gave it back to me. Inside fort Stonehoof Stoutheart was fuming in his quarters. “I can’t believe that that dragon made a foal out of me in front of the Princesses!” He griped to himself, pacing back and forth. “He’s gonna pay for what he’s done.”