The days that followed in Equestria were ones of relative peace; Jasper didn’t make much of public appearances after Discord was frozen, but his presence was felt. Many ponies dared not to give him glares anymore out of fear; the fear of banishment beyond the mirror…or worse lingered in their minds. Jasper did however go about making changes. Firstly, he decreed that royal taxes were to be implemented to fund weapon and castle defence construction. Many ponies were greatly opposed to this idea, but obeyed. Secondly, he decreed all banners and remnants of Celestia and Luna’s rule in the castle were to be stripped away and replaced with his own crest. His crest depicted two gold scimitars crossed in an X; upon their point of intersection was the gem of ages. All of the royal guard armor was given slight upgrades. They covered more of their vital spots and reflected the Spartan armor of old, which he personally found amusing on them. Captain Flash Sentry was among a very small hoof full of guards who hated the way things had changed. It especially tore him up inside to see how Twilight and her friends had suffered at his hands, even Sunset Shimmer laid in the dungeon comatose.
Though he would never say it within earshot of Jasper, he utterly despised the human and hoped he would get his in the end. But his training forced him to be loyal to the ruling monarchy and from what he’s seen; insubordination against the human would not be taken likely. So for now, he would suck it up and bear with it. Though, word through the grapevine was that Jasper took some time from his royal duties to enter the library’s restricted section and research ancient magic, hex’s, charms, runes, you name it. Not only that, but that black dragon would never leave. Ignatius was more like a protégé than an assistant; he hung on every word and lesson that was given to him. Never once did he leave Jasper’s side when he roamed the corridors or when he attended to his studies and royal business. Speaking of the young black dragon, he was currently dressing in formal attire for the royal summit. Both he and Jasper waited with eager anticipation.
Ignatius straightened his red tie and knocked on his proverbial big brothers door, “Are you ready yet Jasper? The envoy from the summit will be arriving with our escort soon.”
The door opened silently as the king stepped out, Iggy widened his eyes in shocked awe. Jasper was clothed neck to foot in solid gold armor. The armor a marvel of the crafter’s skill, smooth edges was seen on each and every single plate. Engraved with care on the pieces were arcane looking lines and swirls. The left and right shoulder pads had four small curved adornments reminiscent of spikes upon them. On his left forearm plate were six small blade like protrusions that curved toward the floor, and atop the back of his left hand were two slender curved blades three inches longer than an index finger.
Ignatius took notice of the blades, “What are those for?”
Jasper calmly walked past him as a vermillion cape billowed behind him, “For…personal dealings up close.”
“Cool,” Ignatius glanced at Jaspers posture and mirrored it quickly, “So, are you excited.”
Jasper gave a wiry smile, “Immensely. Remember though Ignatius, a ruler masks his emotions until the appropriate time. Never let them betray you for if you do, then you’ve lost.”
Ignatius nodded absorbing the wisdom like a sponge. Before he continued down the hall, Jasper stopped for a moment and placed a gold circlet upon his head. Upon doing that, a beige unicorn stallion with a blonde mane dressed in azure robes approached with a hesitant bow.
“My lord, your carriage waits.”
Jasper nodded slowly, “Well met envoy.”
The envoy smiled as he followed the two, “My lord.”
Jasper cast a glance at the envoy, “Might I ask why the dragon is attending?”
“Simple,” Jasper placed his right hand upon Ignatius’s head as the Gem of Ages gleamed, “He is my assistant and my protégé, and I trust there won’t be any qualms with this?”
The envoy got sweaty upon noticing the gem, “O-of course not.”
Jasper approached the open door of the carriage and sat down with a quick, “Good.”
Ignatius was beaming at being acknowledged as someone closer to Jasper then his assistant. In a way, Iggy saw Jasper not only as his father but big brother. He would do anything to earn Jasper’s respect.
*
The carriage ride was one of silence and contemplation. Jasper gazed out the window as the foothills below rolled steadily by below them. Jasper’s mind wondered back to that time when he had defeated Discord and blew a fuse. Never before had that happened and no matter where he looked, no book held the answer to what he sought. What bothered him most was that he was suffering nightmares; this had caused him to lose some sleep, though he was holding quite well. Every time he would close his eyes, those shades would torment him. He would also catch a glance of a familiar shape on the horizon gazing at him with glowing white eyes; it was time she and he had a chat.
“Envoy.”
The pony glanced over, “Yes?”
“Wake me when we get there.”
*
Jasper glanced around the dark landscape. It was a twisted perversion of Canterlot and he knew full well what lay outside. He glanced out of the stained glass window that was to his right and coiled away. The dark shades outside shrieked inhumanly and churned, waiting. Jasper narrowed his eyes as a familiar feeling of his armor and gauntlet met him. He turned his head and gazed at the door as he ripped a decorative spear off the wall, time for action. Jasper roared as he surged out the door and smashed a shade into wisps. He raged through the infested streets smashing the shades away, the shades that would get past him would rip away at his armor. When they got underneath, their ice cold claws slashed through his skin. Jasper tried to block it out, the horrible wails, the icy sting of their very touch akin to frostbite incarnate. He would then sluggishly slash away the shades and advance further, only to be met with a swirling mob that tore into him. He yelled in anger and pain as he glared around him. Without warning his right hand shot through the icy cold cloud of black and grasped something solid that gasped suddenly. His voice was hoarse, but firm.
“Got you bitch.”
The cloud dissipated to reveal a weak looking Luna.
“I had a feeling this would happen,” Jasper tightened his grip on the alicorns throat, “WHY are you doing this.”
Luna glared daggers at the human, “Though I would enjoy doing this deed, tis not my doing. These creatures are a present force personified, even now they wait to consume you,” she sneered, “they continue even now on the fringes of your senses.”
Jasper clenched tighter as Luna gasped in agony, “I’ll break your neck in two.”
Luna spoke choked, “You cannot. I am not really here, you cannot kill me here.”
Jasper smiled maliciously as Luna perceived his eyes flash red, “You’d be surprised what you can experience mentally, some have died from mere sensory overload from intense nightmares. So yes Luna, I can’t kill you here and now but,” he leaned forward as his eyes flashed red once more, “You’d be surprised what you can live through.”
*
Jasper smiled contently in his sleep.
*
In Canterlot, Luna’s statue gazed vacantly onto the gardens of Canterlot. A lone droplet of blood bloomed from her eye and dripped down her face like a tear.
*
Twilight was thrashing on the ground in agony as an immense high pitched noise tore away at her mind and soul.