//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 "Among Dragons" // Story: Equestria Noir Season 2 Case 7 "Song of Ran'sea" // by Jacoboby1 //------------------------------// Chapter 2 “Among Dragons” I felt like an ant among a sea of giants. Each dragon was about as big as a castle, all of them with claws, spines, scales and slitted eyes that looked down at us with a mixture of shock, contempt and fear in some of them. The cavern was large enough to accommodate them, even the larger dragons could barely even reach half way to the ceiling. I imagine this allows for them to fly around for exercise. I didn’t see many small dragons among them, they all had to be the adults, or at least young adults. My thoughts were interrupted by a loud booming voice, “What is going on here!” The crowd of dragons parted and standing before us was a huge adult dragon. His scales were a dark shade of violet, his spines were rather short and looked like they were made of brownish stone. There was less of a sheen, more of a roughness to him that wasn’t present in most dragon’s I’ve seen up close. His yellow eyes gazed down at us, “I’ll admit, in all my time of living, I have not known any ponies so bold as to enter our sanctuary.” His voice was gruff, and a more than a little intimidating. I felt Ran’sea try to hide behind my head. Something tells me she didn’t come here with her relatives’ knowledge. “We should kill them where they stand!” A spindly black dragon with beady eyes and a malicious grin said. “Car’buncle! They have violated our sanctuary with the very air they breath! We should not suffer this outrage!” “Peace Tru’sent” I heard a female voice say, gruff but definitely more reasonable sounding. Out from the crowd stepped a dragon with red orangish scales. Her spines were similar to the leader, only they seemed to be crystal like. Her violet eyes glared at the spindly black dragon, “Have you ever stopped to wonder how they got here? Our sanctuary is not common knowledge among pony kind. Plus, if they were really hoping to cause trouble, then they would surely be more well equipped.” The black dragon huffed, smoke pillowing out of his nostrils, “I can’t imagine our chief hearing this nonsense.” “If he wants to sleep in the cave,” The orange dragoness said, giving what looked like a sly glance at the leader, “He’ll listen to his mate over some rat looking to get favor when it isn’t due.” The violet leader smiled and said, “Well said Li’zael, you bring up fair points and I will try to keep my right to alone time.” He gave a dragon version of a chuckle and then became serious and gruff again. He looked at each of us with scrutiny. “You are right, only one of them could be classified as a warrior among the ponies. As for the rest…” The orange dragoness spoke up, Li’zael?, Yeah, that was it. Li’zael spoke up as she looked at Twilight, “This one has wings and a horn, like the princesses.” Twilight smiled and gave a respectable bow, “I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, recently crowned and am honored to be in the presence of…” The violet dragon kept his gruff appearance, “Car’buncle, head of the Northern Clans, know it well...pony.” “Car’buncle!” Spike said, popping out from behind Twilight. The entire group of dragons gasped in shock upon seeing Spike. The black dragon spoke up, “Not only do they defile our home, they have the gall to throw one of our own hatchlings in front of us!” “Silence Tru’sent!” Car’buncle bellowed. He then glared down at us, and then at Spike. Car’buncle tilted his head and said, “Have we met before wyrmling? You look familiar…” Spike rubbed the back of his head, “Uh, I think Ran’sea should explain this one…” he said nervously. “RAN’SEA!” Li’zael yelled. I felt Ran slowly climb off my back. The white dragoness looked up at the dragons with a look of guilt in her eyes. “Uncle Car’buncle, Aunt Li’zael, twas I who brought them here.” “You brought them here Ran’sea?” Li’zael said, and then shook her head. “Child you had us all worried sick! Did you even think about what Ele’sium would’ve felt if she knew you were gone!” “Forgive me Aunt,” Ran said with a sigh. “I only went because Far’seer said I’d find something important in those new pony lands.” “You should know better than to just march into pony lands without telling us,” Li’zael said, her violet eyes narrowing. “But I did find something important!” Ran’sea said, she walked over to Spike and said, “Aunt Li’zael, Uncle Car’buncle, this is Spike.” “An odd name for a dragon.” Car’buncle said. “Uh, it’s kind of the name I gave him.” Twilight said. “I raised him as my own after I hatched him.” “Most unusual,” Li’zael said. “Most ponies would simply smash the egg or serve it for breakfast.” “Not unless she wanted to fail the test,” I mumbled to myself. “The point is, that Spike here has another name,” Ran said, smiling at her brother. “One that we all should be very familiar with.” “And that is?” Car’buncle asked. Spike smiled and said, “Spar’kron” Again, a gasp erupted from the whole group of dragons. They then began talking amongst themselves in disbelief. Tha’lan’s Son is alive?! But I thought only Ran’sea survived… It seems Shar’drel was lying after all! I never trusted that witch! What is he’s the one who’s lying? Any dragon can claim to be his son! Look at his scales! Those spines! He has Fran’salel’s eyes too! He is their child! “ENOUGH!” Li’zael cried, silencing the crowd. Car’buncle glared at Spike, “If this is some fantasy or trick-” “It’s no trick uncle!” Ran pleaded. “I know it’s him! Just look at him!” “Unicorn magic could easily construct a lookalike!” Car’buncle bellowed. “You’re saying that this is my nephew? The one who was destined to come here!? The one who we all thought was lost!” “It is hard to believe Ran’sea…” Li’zael said. “I knew they were liars!” Tru’sent cried. “Keep this thing out of my sight…” Car’buncle said, about to turn around. Twilight sighed, “That didn’t go quite as planned.” “HEY!” All of us turned to look at Spike as he stomped his way towards Car’buncle. “Spikey Wikey wait!” Rarity cried, but I held her back. “Spikey what now…?” Car’buncle said, turning around. “Hey! I’m talking to you down here!” Spike yelled. Car’buncle looked down and said, “Came to try and convince me even more?” “I can’t believe this!” Spike yelled. “Eighteen years of not even knowing if I had family and this is the thanks I get? This is what it all was building up to!?” “Spike…” Ran said nervously. “No way am I going to walk away!” Spike said firmly. “I am Thal’lan’s son! I am his kid! I saw him die again before my eyes when that witch Shar’drel tried to use him for her own sick game!” “You claim this, yet...I find it hard to believe,” Car’buncle said. “My brother and I were the closest any two hatch brothers could be. If you plan to mock him by being a walking lie to what he was, then go find some other soul to torment!” Spike was quiet for a minute, and then said, “When he died...dad cried…” Car’buncle stopped in his tracks before he could turn to walk away again. “I knew Shar’drel was experimenting with evil magics...but a construct…? That is the only possible way...but how do you know it was my brother’s soul in that body?” Spike walked over to Twilight’s saddlebags, reached into it, and pulled out a small necklace, Thal’lan’s last tear before he died was on it. Carved into it were two swirling dragons, made by the souls of Spike’s parents, united in death. Car’buncle looked at is with scrutiny and said, “It is a dragon’s tear, that is certain.” “You believe me now?” Spike asked, sliding the necklace around his neck. Car’buncle was quiet for a minute, all were quiet during this exchange. Finally Car’buncle spoke and said, “Your father’s true name...what was it?” “True name?” Spike asked. “If Thal’lan were to die, he would’ve spoken his true name before his soul entered the beyond.” Car’buncle said. “We told each other our true names many years ago, now tell me, what was his true name?” Spike thought for a moment, gosh it was so long ago I barely remember it. But Spike never forgot it, I doubt he could ever forget what he witnessed. Spike looked up at Car’buncle and said, “Thallos Alan, Precursor to the Light.” Car’buncle’s face turned from shock, to thoughtfulness, to realization. “There is only one way Thal’lan would say that name aloud. It would have been as he was dying.” “So, you believe me?” Spike asked his uncle. “I want to believe it,” Car’buncle said with a sigh. “I want to believe that somehow I have a nephew. But, there will always be doubt in my heart. I’m not the kind to believe in miracles, but this is about as close to one as we can get.” Slowly, Car’buncle lowered his head down to Spike, he looked at Spike, almost like one would look at an old photograph. “You have your father’s scales. You also carry your mother’s eyes and spines as well.” “You knew my mom?” Spike asked. Car’buncle laughed, “Of course I did, Thal’lan wouldn’t shut up about her.” “Uncle…” Ran said, tears in her eyes. “You did a good thing in disobeying me, Ran’sea,” Car’buncle said. “Had you not have left, you would never have brought your brother back with us.” Li’zael then turned to the other dragons and ordered, “Alright! Show’s over! Get your scaly hides back to doing something useful!” The dragons all listened to her and flew or walked away. Twilight wiped sweat from her brow and said, “That was a close one.” I nodded, wiping nervous sweat from my own brow. “I thought we were dragon bait for sure,” I said. “Where’s Rarity?” Twilight asked looking around for the white unicorn. “Probably fixing up to meet the in laws,” I said with a laugh. Li’zael walked over to our group and said, “Forgive our suspicions, you can understand why we found it hard to believe.” “In your position,” I said, “I’d find it hard to believe too.” Li’zael smiled and said, “I’m Li’zael, Car’buncle’s mate and second in command.” Twilight smiled, “I introduced myself earlier,” She then pointed at me and said, “This is my ‘mate’ Private Eye.” “Charmed,” Li’zael said. “A pleasure,” I said. “I must ask though, how would Ran’sea have known where to find Spike?” Li’zael rolled her eyes, “Old Far’seer’s probably where she got the idea from. She’s an oracle, or at least was one for a time.” “An Oracle?” Twilight said, “As in she can see the future?” “Past, Present, Future,” Li’zael said, “It doesn’t matter honestly, she just spouts out cryptic nonsense nowadays. She only seems to tell us a few things every once in a while. In any other dragon clan we would’ve tossed her out. But here we try to hold on to the ancient teachings of our people, and that means we have to offer her a place to stay until she meets her ancestors.” “That’s fairly honorable,” I said. “Not to some dragons,” Li’zael said, and then looked over at Spike. “Yes, I do see Fran’salel in you.” “You do?” Spike asked, looking up at the orange dragoness. “She was the sort who wouldn’t take injustice sitting down,” Li’zael said with a fond smile. “She would’ve done the same thing you did.” “Only she may have smacked me across the head with her tail,” Car’buncle said with a laugh. “That may be a little hard to do,” Spike said, looking at his own tail. “I doubt you guys would even feel it.” “I imagine you have many questions,” Car’buncle said. “Do I ever!” Spike said. Car’buncle chuckled, “All in time my nephew, for now, I have some questions of my own.” He said as he looked at Twilight and me. “I trust you are the ponies who are responsible for his care?” “He’s more or less our adopted brother.” Twilight said with a smile. “I’ve taken care of him ever since he hatched.” “For that we are very grateful,” Li’zael said. “So uh,” Ran said with a nervous smile. “Oh I’m still going to tell Ele’sium young dragoness.” Li’zael said with a stubborn tone in her voice. “Oh posh!” Ran said, kicking a stone in frustration. “I believe I have not formally introduced myself darlings!” Rarity came from behind me and she was dressed to the nines in a gem-festooned gown that sparked in the various light-sources in the cave. It was purple and green, as if in honor of Spike’s scales, but the gems had to have made that thing heavy. “I am Miss Rarity,” She started saying, “I am here to become acquainted with-hey!!” Suddenly Li’zael picked Rarity up in her claws by the skirt of her dress. Rarity flailed about as Li’zael smiled. “Oh, Spike, how thoughtful of your friend to bring us dinner.” “Dinner?” Rarity said, and then looked at the scales. “Oh uh, those are for decoration, actually.” “Shame,” Li’zael said, casually dropping her, Twilight created a cushion of magic to stop Rarity’s fall. Rarity landed on it and sighed, “Things are not going my way it seems ,darlings…” “No meeting with the in laws is ever perfect,” I said knowingly. At least she didn’t have to time travel.. “In-laws?” Car’buncle said. “Uh,” Spike said with a blush, “Rarity is my um, I guess you could say special somepony.” “A pony is your intended?” Car’buncle asked, shock in his voice. “Don’t be a boor Car’buncle,” Li’zael said. “Need I remind you that plenty of dragons in our history have taken on ponies as intended.” “Intended?” I asked. “As in, a marefriend or something like that?” “That may be the term for it,” Li’zael said. “Either way, it is nice to know that Spike shares his father’s attractiveness for white.” “Guess that explains Ran’s scale color,” I said. “Well,” Rarity said, getting back on her hooves and trying to salvage herself. “I imagine we have a great deal to discuss.” “Indeed,” Car’buncle said. “I’d like to meet this Far’seer dragon,” Twilight said. “Plus, if there’s ever a time where we could discuss dragon life and history, this will be a great opportunity to clear a lot of the misconceptions.” “Far’seer lives just over that way,” Li’zael said, pointing with her tail towards the north eastern side of the cavern. “Ran’sea’s guardian Ele’sium lives near there as well. Would you be so kind as to take Ran and Spike there? I’m sure she’d love to meet her nephew.” “We’ll take her there,” I said. “We have much to discuss later my nephew,” Car’buncle said. With that, both dragons flew away. Spike practically leaped into the air in excitment, “This is great! They believe me! I got to meet my aunt and uncle! I wonder what dad was like as a kid? There’s so much I want to know!” “Easy Spike,” Twilight said with a giggle. “You haven’t met all of your relatives yet, so take it easy.” “I just hope Ele’sium hasn’t fretted too much,” Ran said with a sigh. “I also wish that I had thought better about my attire.” Rarity said, looking at her slightly ruined dress. “Forgive my aunt Li’zael,” Ran said with a smile. “She’s rather, headstrong about certain things. Not unlike her son.” “Right, you mentioned I had a cousin.” Spike said. “Yes, though some days I wish that weren’t true…” Ran said cryptically as she walked away, we all followed after her, Spike riding on my back. _______________________________________________________ As we made our way towards Ele’sium’s place, that same feeling of being an ant among giants pervaded throughout. Dragons towered over us as they tried to walk without squishing us. Occasionally one dragon or another would stop and ask to see Spike. Spike indulged them but I told him we couldn’t remain for long. I felt like one of Raiden’s bodyguards that he had while he was still at the top. Raiden… I shook the thought of my ex best friend off and we came to a small cave situated in a cavern wall. Ran sighed as she stood in the mouth of the cave. “She’s going to pluck my scales out when I tell her where I went.” “Ele’sium is your guardian right?” Twilight asked. “She’s my mother’s sister,” Ran said, turning around to us. “She looked after me ever since I hatched. She’s practically the mother I never had.” “She sounds like a great dragonm” Spike said, hopping off my back. “She is,” Ran said, “A touch overprotective, but I know she means well. She and our mother were close.” “Naturally she’d want to protect her niecem” Rarity quipped. “Sometimes I wish she wasn’t so protective…” Ran started. “Ran’sea!” I heard a voice speak up. We all turned to see another baby dragon running over. He was practically the spitting image of Li’zael. Orange scales, violet, almost rocky spines, and violet eyes that looked on Ran’sea with relief. “Smog’krok?” Ran said, looking at him. The dragon ran over to her, huffing as if out of breath. “Where were you? I can’t believe you actually took Far’seer seriously!” “She said I was to look for something important, Smog’krok,” Ran said, crossing her arms. “Just because you're my cousin doesn’t mean you have to be Ele’sium’s watch dog.” “But Ra-” “Uh, hi.” Spike said. It was at this point the orange baby dragon looked around at all of us. Finally he looked at Ran and said, “I heard rumors that ponies were here, what’s the deal Ran?” “Smog’krok,” Ran said as she gestured to Spike with a claw, “This is my brother, Spar’kron.” “Just call me Spike.” Spike replied. Smog’krok glared at Spike, and got within inches of his face. “No way! Dad said that you died!” “Well, to be fair I didn’t even know you guys existed,” Spike said, trying to seem confident. “Nice to meet you cuz,” “Listen!” Smog’krok said, “I don’t know what game you are playing, but you stay away from my cousin you hear?” “Uggh!” Ran said exasperated, “Smog, for the last time, stop acting like I can’t take care of myself!” Smog looked over at Ran and said, “But Ran, you know ponies are all liars and cheats! They could’ve-” “He is my brother,” Ran affirmed. “He has father’s last tear, he knows our father’s true name. That can only mean that Shar’drel’s plot came about.” “You guys knew about her?” Spike said. “Shar’drel was a witch and a liar,” Smog affirmed. “For all we know, they could be working for her.” “Smog, use your brain for once.” Ran said with a sigh. “If they were really working for Shar’drel, then explain why her soul went to the beyond when Far’seer sensed it?” “I...uh…” Smog said, out of words. “You know as well as I do that she has the power to sense when a dragon leaves or enters the afterlife.” Ran said. “Don’t try to pretend that you were never told that by Aunt Li’zael.” “But, he can’t be him!” Smog cried. “A true dragon would never let ponies even touch them!” “You’re listening to Tru’sent again,” Ran said, shaking her head. “You know who he is, and you know what he wants. Have you heard none of Aunt Li’zael’s warnings?” “Apparently you’ve heard none of my warnings…” Smog said, stomping off. “Well, that went about as well as ever.” Rarity said, shaking her head. “I do love Smog dearly,” Ran said, faceclawing, “But he can be such a fool at times.” Spike shook his head, “What’s his deal?” “He’s just listening to Tru’sent’s idiotic idea of going to war with ponies,” Ran said with a sigh. “It’s like he wants us to go back to killing each other pointlessly. Smog is one of the few who take him seriously, sadly.” “Anyways,” Twilight interjected, “We’d better get to your Aunt. I think she’s been waiting long enough.” “Oh how droll…” Ran said, turning back to the cave. ______________________________________________________ The cave was bigger on the inside then the entrance would’ve suggested. On the inside was your typical pile of gems that were present in any dragon cave. Also inside, was a very cross looking dragoness. She wasn’t as large as Li’zael, she had white scales like Ran’s though. She also sported blue, very clean looking spines, and soft gold colored eyes. Her face sported a scowl that was clear even to a pony who barely understood dragon facial structure. “Ran’sea!” She said, her voice cross, but sounded curt and cultured. She looked down at Ran who was scuffing the floor with her foot. “I told you specifically not to listen to Far’seer! Then I wake up today to find you had ran off! Are you trying to give your Aunt a heart attack?” “No, Aunt Ele’sium,” Ran said, shaking her head. “I went, and I found Spar’kron!” “Spar’kron…?” Ele’sium then took notice of Spike. The white dragoness shook her head, “No it cannot be, ponies killed Fran’salel! My sister! Shar’drel only brought you back Ran!” “It’s, kind of a long story…” Spike said. We then spent the next half hour telling the whole story. From Spike being saved by a pony who had a change of heart, to the discovery that Shar’drel was the real killer. Then Twilight went on to explain her raising Spike as her own. Then we told of Thal’lan’s ‘return’ and reuniting with his son. Rarity was adamant to explain Shar’drel’s scheme. To revive Thal’lan so Shar’drel could have the chosen dragon egg. She also went on to tell of Spike’s near death before we saved him. Ele’sium didn’t talk much, aside from asking the occasional question or clarification of pony terms. Ran was also quiet, taking in the story herself. “So, that’s how we ended up here,” Spike finished. “To think Shar’drel’s madness extended to such a length,” Ele’sium said, shaking her head. “But, it does bring me comfort to know my sister’s soul is at peace with her mate…” “Ran’sea told us you were close,” I said. “As close as any hatch sisters can be,” Ele’sium said with a smile. “I was the elder sister, we were born to parents who died of a disease many years ago. I was practically Fran’s mother and sister. She and I did everything together…” “Well, at least you know she’s safe in, whatever the beyond is,” Spike said. “It is where all dragon souls go when their bodies parish,” Ran’sea said. “At least, that’s what Far’seer told me.” “Far’seer is an old windbag,” Ele’sium said, glaring at Ran’sea. “I forbid you to speak to her again.” “But Aun-” “We will not discuss this,” Ele’sium said firmly. Ran sighed and said, “Alright.” Then, Ele’sium raised her brow. Ran started for a moment and said, “I understand, Aunt Ele’sium.” What was that all about? Ran then looked at us, “You should at least talk to Far’seer, to decide for yourself about her.” “Alright,” Spike said, turning around. “It was nice meeting you.” We all turned to leave and Ran suddenly cried, “Spar’kron, wait!” Spike turned around long enough for his sister to hug him tightly. Spike smiled and hugged her back, I could hear Ran’sea say, “I’m glad you’re back, brother.” “I’m glad to be back, Ran.” Spike said, hugging her gently. “Oh Spike…” Rarity said with a smile, “Even to a sibling he’s only known for a day, he is just the sweetest dragon in the world.” ______________________________________________________ Ran pointed out which cave belonged to Far’seer. Ran stayed behind with her Aunt as we came to the cave. Rarity took a step in, and drew her hoof back, “All this dust, somepony could definitely help with a cleaning job.” “Something tells me Far’seer isn’t the most beloved elder,” Twilight said as she lead the way inside. We all followed, Spike walking with us. Unlike the other caves, which had gems or crystals to illuminate the area, this cave was almost pitch black. I had to light my horn to see even beyond my hooves. After about ten minutes, we came to the center cavern. There were no gems, no treasure whatsoever, instead, adorning the walls were thousands of carvings. I couldn’t recognize the characters, they appeared to have been written in some sort of other language. The characters appeared to be made of various claw marks and bizarre shapes. Twilight was going to have a field day in here. We stopped as we came upon the inhabitant of the cave. Before our eyes was a gold colored dragon. It was massive like most dragons, but seemed to be older than the others. Her wings had various holes and just sat there, not even flapping. Her scales seemed to not have the same shining hue that the other dragons had. But the most distinguishing feature, was her eyes...they were clouded… She was blind… She gave a smile and spoke in a voice reminding me of my grandmother. Sweet, wise, and filled with a gentle spirit. “You are Spar’kron, I’ve been expecting you.” “Wha!” Spike said in shock. Twilight looked up at Far’seer and said, “How did you know he was even here, your eyes…” “They see beyond what most see.” Far’seer said, “Although I appear blind, I see life not as what’s in front of me, but as it is. A thousand different lives intertwined with one another...past...present...future...it is all the same story. I just tell certain parts of it once in a while.” “We were told you were some kind of oracle….” I said. “Yes Preventus Eye,” Far’seer said with a smile. “You know my real name?” I said in shock. “It seems Dragons are not the only ones that bare two names. You have come here seeking answers about Spar’kron’s past. I have forseen this, so I told Ran’sea to head towards where I knew Spar’kron would be.” “If you could see into the future,” Spike said, “Why couldn’t you have saved dad?” “Because although dragons hear me, they do not listen,” Far’seer said with a sad sigh. “There was a time when the oracles were held in high regard. But, times have changed, none want to see the future as it is. They only want to know petty things, how to gain advantage over enemies, they don’t understand that I change the future by telling them what they want to hear.” “Hubris…” I said. “You are wise young pony,” She said with a thoughtful smile. “So, prey tell,” Rarity said, “What future can you tell us? I must admit I am curious.” Far’seer gave a small laugh. “Your future, Element of Generosity, is quite an interesting one. You will not have an easy one, but the rewards are great.” “I imagine that is all you are willing to say,” Rarity said. “I say things, but it is up to you to listen.” Far’seer said, a smile on her face. “What about me?” Spike said. “Ah, young Spar’kron.” She said. “Yours is a most interesting future...for you are part of the prophecy I gave many years ago.” “The prophecy about Spike becoming some kind of chosen one?” I asked. “Not now, but soon,” She said. “Though, if he remains as he is now, his greed will eventually consume him.” “I’ll grow big again?” Spike asked. “Yes, you have not bathed in the fire your mother was supposed to make for you.” Far’seer said. “You may have wings now, but you will become a beast if you continue to grow without the fire.” “Is there anything we can do to allow Spikey Wikey to grow naturally?” Rarity asked. “...there is one way.”