Equestria Noir 2
Case 7
“Song of Ran’sea”
By Jacoboby1
Chapter 1
“Hey Dragon Sister”
Perspective: Private Eye
“Again darlings!” Rarity cried as she stood on the sidelines of the room. Once again Twilight and I tried to walk forward, balancing books on our heads. We’ve been at this for a good two hours now. The goal was to have us learn to walk like royalty or whatever. Sadly, no dice so far. Spike was also watching from the sidelines, probably betting in his mind how long it will take for a book to fall.
I gave Twilight a look as I tried to balance the book. It started wobbling the moment I took a step. Twilight tried to maintain her own balance, before one of her wings shot out and hit me on the muzzle. I fell onto my back.
Twilight stood over me, “Sorry! Sorry! Stupid wings!” She said, the book then slid off her head and landed on my stomach.
“Well,” I said, levitating the books aside, “Nopony ever said being royalty was easy.”
“Darlings I wish you both would take this seriously,” Rarity said, trotting over. “The Princess Summit is in two weeks. If you two don’t make a good impression none of the royals will take you two seriously.”
“They already don’t take them seriously,” Spike said, walking over, “but who cares what a bunch of stuffy alicorns think anyways?”
“Thanks for the help Spike,” Twilight said, “But we really got to get everything down. There’s just so much to learn. I wish used my time better to learn all this stuff.”
“Hey,” I said, levitating the book back onto my head, “We’ll get through this alright? I just hope Tailspin’s alright with us being gone so long.”
“Your dad is looking after him,” Twilight said. “Tailspin should get to spend time with his dad.”
“At least it’ll keep the grandchildren talk to a minimum,” I grumbled.
“Less grumbling about royal heirs, Private,” Rarity said, levitating the book onto Twilight’s head. “More preparing! Now remember! Heads up straight! No royal slouches when being presented!”
Part of me missed the days when Twilight was just a regular unicorn. Back then, the most we had to worry about was getting an assignment from Celestia. All of that changed when the wings sprouted. I was hesitant to get behind it at first, but after receiving a divine kick in the teeth I learned to accept this new life. It wasn’t going to be easy, that much was certain.
Ever since Twilight came back from the mirror it’s been almost non stop training in one form or another. Voidera had me constantly practicing alchemy, combat, and other activities a Princess’ mate should know. Twilight on the other hoof almost always had somepony getting her to do something. Whether it be Celestia teaching her royal etiquette, Rainbow trying to teach her flying, Pinkie asking for suggestions for the after party, all of them put a drain on her that she hid well. Suffice to say, the beds are more than comfortable after a hard days work.
The door opened before Twilight and I could begin our rounds again. Flash Sentry stepped in, the guard had a grim look on his face. Twilight and I set our books aside and we walked over to him.
“Any sign of Shimmer?” Twilight asked.
Flash shook his head and said, “No, we tried tracking down the train she teleported onto. It went to Manehatten and we lost her there. It was almost like somepony was covering her tracks for her.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“We couldn’t find any witnesses that say they saw where Shimmer went after leaving the train station. We tried asking around but it was almost like she vanished. Probably teleported away, there’s little we can do about that,” Flash said with a sigh of defeat.
“Keep looking,” I ordered. “Shimmer is probably lost and confused. She suffered a hell of a lot in that mirror, I don’t want to hear about her being found in a ditch somewhere.”
Flash nodded. “Alright, but I’m not making any promises,” He said, and then turned to leave.
Twilight frowned as she left and said, “There’s no way she could just vanish like that by herself.”
“I smell a rat,” I replied, “but there’s nothing we can do until somepony sees her. We put her in missing ponies, somepony will come forward eventually.”
“I know you want to get out there,” Twilight said, putting a hoof on my shoulder, “but we’re needed here. We’ll let the guards and police look for her.”
I sighed, “You’re right.”
“Now that that’s done,” Spike said, walking forward and holding up the books. “Back to the show?”
Twi and I rolled our eyes collectively. Before Rarity could give us our cue, a crystal pony guard entered the door. “Your highnesses, I hate to interrupt…”
“No,” Twilight said, “it’s okay, what do you need?”
“There appears to be a situation,” The guard said. “Apparently a farmer’s house is being eaten…”
All four of us blinked at the same time. Rarity was the first one to speak, “Did I hear you right darling? A beast is devouring a crystal pony’s house?”
“Don’t look at me,” The guard said with a shrug. “That’s just what he said. He’s down in the courtroom right now, he keeps talking about the beast being a horrible terrifying dragon.”
“A dragon?” Spike interjected.
“You’re sure?” I asked.
“None of us have been down there yet,” The guard replied. “We came to you because nopony in the empire has seen a dragon in the time since we’ve gotten back. You four have had the most experience with dragons if Princess Cadence is to be believed.”
“A rather droll experience,” Rarity said, shaking her head.
“We’ll check it out,” I said, levitating over Silver Wolf and slinging it onto my back. “If it’s really a dragon, we’ll yell for the guards.”
“Yes sir,” The guard saluted and left.
Spike hopped onto Twilight’s back and said, “No way I’m missing this!”
“Spike are you sure?” Twilight asked. “The last time you met dragons well…”
“Darling,” Rarity said, “what Twilight is trying to say is, maybe it’s not the best idea for you to be there.”
“Hey, I met my dad the last time we saw dragons.” Spike said, standing his ground on his surrogate mother/sister’s back, “No way I’m missing a chance to learn more about who I am.”
Rarity closed her eyes and said, “Alright, I’ll be along shortly. Cadence has asked me to help with trying to simplify the headdress process.” With that, the fashionata trotted out the door.
“Looks like another adventure,” Twilight said. “I guess we could use a break from worrying over the summit.”
I nodded, “Let’s see this fearsome beast then.”
______________________________________________________
Why do all the houses, here, look like they were grown? The house is what looks like a huge chunk of rose quartz, but more opaque, with a door, and windows carefully carved into it. Behind the house were rows of the native crystal berries. Wonder if Applejack has made a wager with those? The berry bushes were, a teal rather than the usual green.
All three of us walked up to the fence to find...not the fearsome beast we were told…
It stood about the same height as Spike, it’s scales were white, if she stood outside the barrier she would almost blend in perfectly. Her spines were smooth and the same green...as Spike’s…
It looked over, green slitted eyes looking exasperated. Then she spoke in perfect Equish. “About time somebody else showed up!” It yelled, her voice melodious, but very cross. Judging by the voice, I had to guess this dragon was female.
“Uh,” Twilight said.
“Look, will you please tell that farmer it was an honest mistake?” The dragon said exasperated. “I was walking through the wastes for hours! It’s a pain when you can’t fly yet!” She groaned in annoyance. “I was hungry, and I just happened to see his house. I walk over, expecting a quick meal, then I take a bite and discover it’s pure crystal.”
“So, you were trying to eat his house,” I concluded.
“The pony screamed,” She said, crossing her arms, “He kept calling me a monster and a beast, I barely come up to his chest. I tried to explain to the dear that it was an honest mistake. Then he goes galloping off like I tried to bite him.”
For some reason I’m getting a Rarity vibe off her…
“Well,” Spike said, “None of them have ever seen a dragon before.”
The dragoness stood stiff, she looked around Twilight’s neck to see Spike. Her eyes grew wide, “My goodness!” She said, covering her mouth with a claw. “A dragon riding a pony? How unusual!”
“It’s kind of fun actually,” Spike said, sliding down Twilight’s leg and standing on the ground. He then walked up to the dragoness, “Look, you gotta understand. These ponies have never seen what a dragon looks like in a thousand years. For all they know, we could’ve evolved to spit acid or something.”
The dragon just kept staring at Spike, her green slitted eyes blinking.
“Uh, do I have something on my fac…” It was Spike’s turn to stare at her. Suddenly...Tha’lan’s last request clicked in my brain….
______________________________________________________
“Spike…” Thal’lan said weakly “I don’t have much time to explain, but… find Ran’sea, your sister. She’s a dragon white as snow… with spines of green… like yours.”
“Where can I find her?” Spike asked desperately.
“Her clan had moved far to the north,” he went on. “Near a place called… the Crystal Empire, but… that was years ago. Search for her Spike… she will… help you.”
____________________________________________________
Spike spoke after a moment of silence, “I know you from somewhere.”
The dragoness put a claw out, slowly touching Spike’s cheek. She blinked her green eyes and said softly, “You’re...real…”
Spike blinked again and said, “Your name, what is it?”
“...Ran’sea.” The dragoness said after a long pause.
Spike’s face went from shock, to thoughtfulness, to sheer joy before he outright embraced the dragoness, “Ran’sea!”
She embraced him just as tightly, tears falling from her eyes. “Oh Spar’kran! I didn’t want to believe I was the only egg to have survived! I knew you were alive! I knew you were somewhere! Oh my brother!”
Twilight and I smiled and leaned into one another. Ran’sea and Spike looked at each other and let go of their embrace. Ran’sea then looked up at us, then back at Spike. “Spar’kran, what are you doing with these ponies?”
“It’s kind of a long story.” Spike said, rubbing the back of his head. “The short version is that my egg was found and sold to Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. Twilight’s magic hatched me, she’s raised me ever since.”
“All this time,” Ran’sea said, shaking her head, “You were among ponies of all things. Had I known Spar’kran…”
“Don’t sweat it.” Spike replied, “I knew you were out here somewhere, but, Twilight said it’d be a bad idea to search unless we had more concrete locations.”
“But it seems destiny did the job for us,” Twilight interjected.
“How did you find out about me?” Ran’sea asked. “Oh, there are so many questions Spar’kr-”
“It’s uh,” Spike interuppted his sister, “It’s just Spike, Ran’sea. Spar’kran is my dragon name but, I still need to get used to it I guess.”
Ran’sea smiled and said, “Whatever you prefer, my dear brother. Spike does have a certain, how do I say, ‘to the point’ vibe about it.”
“I have so many questions Ran,” Spike said, “How long have you been out here? Did you know about dad? Where are you sta-”
“THERE’S ONE QUESTION THAT NEEDS ANSWERED HERE!”
Twilight and I parted as a very angry Rarity stomped over. She used her magic to pull Spike aside and glared at Ran’sea. “I don’t know how it is with dragons. But among ponies we have a policy. When Spikey Wikey is dating somepony, all dragonesses and other mares back off!”
“Uh, Rarity.” I tried to say.
“Whatever are you talking about darling?” Ran’sea said, crossing her arms.
“So you are a dragoness!” Rarity said. “Trying to steal Spikey Wikey behind my back! The nerve!”
Ran’sea covered her mouth, trying not to giggle.
“Uh Rarity,” Spike said, still being held in Rarity’s blue magic.
“Yes my dear Spikey Wikey?” She said, looking over at him.
“Three things,” Spike said. “One, it’s great that you’re jealous, it means you care. Two, you kind of can’t be, because that’s my sister Ran’sea. And third...you just mentioned my pet name to her…”
Rarity looked at Ran’sea, who was still trying not to laugh. A blush formed on her cheeks as she gently set Spike down. She gave a nervous laugh, “Um, haha, well, this is quite the predicament.”
Jealous Rarity is jealous as they say…
“Forgive me,” Ran’sea said. “I just was not expecting Spike to have gotten such an adorable nickname.”
“According to Dad it's a family trait…” Spike grumbled.
“So you are Ran’sea,” Rarity said. “Do forgive my, outburst from earlier. I am quite protective of my Spikey wi-I mean, just Spike.”
“It is quite alright,” Ran’sea said. “If I had a mate, I would feel protective of him as well.”
“You aren’t shocked that I am dating Spike?” Rarity said, tilting her head.
“It’s not as uncommon as you think.” Ran’sea said. “Dragons always take prized mares every now and again.”
“Priz-what!” Rarity said indignantly.
“Some dragons snatch mares every now and again and claim them as treasure. Honestly I never saw the appeal in it, too much maintenance,” Ran’sea said. “Though, I doubt Spike snatched you.”
“More like she snatched him.” Twilight interjected.
“Well,” Rarity said. “I am no prize that Spike snatched up. I am a lady that he wooed with his gentle and sweet nature.”
Ran’sea smiled. “Good to know my brother is in good, in this case, hooves.”
“Thank you darling,” Rarity said with a smile.
“Now that we have the misunderstandings in order.” Ran’sea said, then walked over to Spike. “Spike, I would love to introduce you to Uncle Car’buncle and Aunt Ele’sium. They would love to meet you!”
Spike’s voice got excited. “I have an aunt and uncle!?”
“Yes,” Ran’sea said. “Car’buncle is our father’s brother. Ele’sium is our mother’s sister. We also have a cousin from Car’buncle and his mate Li’zael, his name is Smog’krok. Oh I can’t wait to introduce you!”
“Do they live nearby?” I asked.
“Just up the mountain a few miles from here,” She said. “It’s about a half a day’s walk.”
“Why did you come here in the first place?” I asked.
“Because Far’seer said so,” Ran’sea said. “She said I’d find something here on this day. I went, despite Aunt Ele’sium’s protests, and found my brother. That is enough to lend credence to her.”
Twilight looked at me. “There are some ponies that claim to be able to see into the future. But most of them had about as much credit as Trixie.”
“Either way,” Ran’sea said, “I’m here, Spar’kran is here, I can have him meet our family.”
“Great!” Spike said, he then ran to Twilight and hopped up and down, looking like a kid begging to go to Disneigh World. “Can we go Twilight? Please! I have to know where I came from!”
“Are you sure they’d allow us in?” Twilight asked Ran’sea.
“I’m sure if I explain things to Uncle Car’buncle, he’ll let you in,” Ran’sea smirked a little as she said, “He has a soft spot for his little niece.”
“Like somepony I know,” Twilight said, giving a knowing glance at me.
“Well, Spike, you write a letter to make sure that Celestia knows where we are going,” I said. “I’ll snag some gear from our room and we’ll be ready to leave in about an hour.”
“You’ll also explain to the farmer about the mistake?” Ran’sea asked.
“I think we can handle that,” Twilight said.
“I shall remain here then until you all return,” She said.
As we were about to leave, Spike ran and gave one last hug to Ran’sea. The siblings embraced one another for a long time. I could feel the love those two shared, despite this being their first meeting…
I felt the same way with Tailspin…
___________________________________________________
Twilight and I returned with saddlebags on our backs. We explained to Celestia where we were going. Celestia said it would be a great opportunity to learn about dragons and their culture. Luna seemed a little hesitant to see me leave again, but I assured her we’d be safe with Ran’sea being our host.
It’s nice to know she cares...but I worry about Luna sometimes.
From there, it was a simple matter of packing food, water, and some winter gear for the cold. I didn’t add much to my clothing except for Twilight’s scarf that she made for me about a year ago.
Twilight was wearing simple ear muffs, a scarf and her saddle bags. Even being a princess she liked to keep things simple and practical.
Spike was practically jumping on Twilight’s back as we walked over. “I can’t wait! I wonder what my aunt and uncle are like? I bet they’re huge! Just like dad!”
“Okay slow down there,” Twilight said with a laugh. “Just try not to kick okay.”
“Sorry Twi,” Spike said, calming down a little. “I’m just really excited to see my family! Dragons that knew my dad that aren’t crazy killers.”
“Let’s just hope we’ll have an easier time here than with Shar’drel.” I said, leading the way back to the farm.
Ran’sea hopped off the porch and walked over to us. I spoke first, “We got the matter settled with the farmer. He’ll be fine, but he may be traumatized for a little while.”
“I do hope we can put that little incident behind us.” Ran’sea said, walking up to us.
“Yes! So that we may move forward meeting Spikey Wikey’s family!”
We all turned...and I rolled my eyes...
Rarity was muffled from head-to-flank in a very stylish heavy winter coat, scarf around her neck, and boots on her hooves. Her saddlebags were filled to bursting with who-knows-what, and while she looked stylish, her get-up looked very impractical.
“I’d have packed more, darlings, but I thought the terrain would be a scosche rough for my wagon,” Rarity said adjusting her scarf.
“Wagon?” Twilight said, shaking her head. “Rarity don’t you think it’s a little, excessive?”
“Excessive?” Rarity huffed. “Why, if I’m to meet Spikey Wikey’s family, I should want to look my best.”
“You look beautiful all the time, Rarity,” Spike said, smiling dreamily.
“Oh thank you, Spike,” Rarity said with a smile and a blush.
“Is this going to be a thing?” Ran’sea asked.
“Like you wouldn’t believe, Ran,” I said, “Why don’t you hop on?”
“To your back?” Ran said, crossing her arms, “Well, it would be better than walking. But you ponies are so tall.”
“It’s okay Ran.” Spike said, “Just keep your legs spread and move when they move.”
“Very well.” With that, Ran climbed up my trench coat and onto my back. “Not exactly the most comfortable position. But it feels natural for some reason.”
“It’s just for the trip,” I said. “Don’t get used to pony back rides.”
“He has to save them for Skyla when we get back,” Twilight said with a giggle.
“Now, Ran’sea,” Rarity said, “Do lead the way.”
“Onward then,” Ran said, pointing forward, with that, our group of five ventured past the barrier into northern Equestria.
______________________________________________________
The snow wasn’t falling today, that we appreciated. Our trek had us huffing it through snow drifts, over hills, and across a cliff on one occasion. Rarity would ask us to stop on occasion for this or that. But she kept the complaining low for the trip. I imagine it was to make a good impression on her future sister in law.
Hey, a guy can dream can’t he?
Our journey brought us up a small mountain and to a large cave. On either side were statues of dragons, bearing their teeth. “That isn’t ominous in the least,” I said. The cave was wide enough for a full sized dragon to walk into. This had to be how they got in.
“Our hiding place is underground.” Ran’sea said. “This is where I’ve lived for the last Eighteen years of my life.”
“Eighteen?” Rarity said.
“Yeah,” Spike said, looking over from Twilight’s back, “Turns out I’m legally an adult in pony terms.”
“Maturity on the other hoof,” Twilight said with a laugh, “Is another story.”
“Hey!” Spike quipped.
“Nice to know my brother was well cared for,” Ran said from my back, luckily she was about the same weight as Spike, maybe a little lighter.
I just hope Skyla doesn’t insist that “unca priwvy give wides!” when we get back…
All three of us unicorns lit our horns to illuminate the path ahead into the cave. “So what is this place?” I asked.
“About a thousand years ago,” Ran explained, “Spar’kran and my grandfather founded this place. Back then, there weren’t laws against hunting down dragons. So, he tried to find a safe haven for us all.”
“Celestia insisted that dragons weren’t to be attacked unless provoked,” Twilight said. “She didn’t want to see them die out before we had a chance to change them.”
“Thus the anti dragon hunting laws,” I said.
“They were instilled after grandfather helped some astronomer around that time,” Ran said. “The astronomer helped grandfather find this sanctuary. In turn, grandfather helped him find some magical artifact or something. This place is one of the few sanctuaries we have on this world. Here, there is a truce that states that no dragon is to attack another here. You are the first ponies in ages to see this place…”
We walked ahead, down deeper into the caverns. Along the way, crystals illuminated the path, along with torches and other items. I couldn’t help but get a familiar vibe about the place. I feel like I’ve walked here before…
Ran mentioned an astronomer...could it have been Eclipse?
The thoughts were put aside as we stepped into a large underground cavern. It was huge, the space looked like it could hold almost all of Ponyville inside it. The place was illuminated by glowing blue crystals, torches and the occasional bonfire. Carvings in strange characters and pictures dotted the walls and stalagmites.
But the most unnerving part...at least a hundred pairs of slitted eyes were upon us as we entered…
We have stepped into the world of Dragons...