Chapter 18: The Blushing Bride and her Lucky Groom
’COME TO ME DRAGON! ANSWER ME!’ Again and again the voice boomed out through Drake’s shattered mind, calling him.
’That voice! That voice brings the pain. No more.’ Drake whimpered softly trapped in his own mind. The fear, which held him prisoner, fueled every time the voice called out to him.
’No more. NO more. NO More! NO MORE!’ He whispered to himself, his thoughts growing stronger each time he said it. Then, from the depth of his psyche, a roar rang out across Drake mind, cutting through his fears.
’I answer to no one.’ Drake yelled out defiantly, his mind pulling itself together.
’You are mine, dragon. Come to my aid!’ The voice commanded angrily, but weariness sapped its strength. For a moment, the connection faltered.
’Voice, I know you. I name you Chrysalis, loser, a failure, whom snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, losing to the very thing that gave her strength. You hold no sway over me bitch!’ Drake responded his mind his own once again, feeling from his body slowly returning.
’Come to me Dragon! I bound you to me! Resistance is futile!’ Chrysalis commanded once again, rage clear in Drake’s mind.
’No. Resistance is voltage over current,’ Drake said softly, holding back a laugh as Chrysalis confusion bled into their connection. ’I am my own Dragon. If I come, it will be of my own free will; not because you demand it, scion of lust. Lick your wounds. Leave me be.’
’This isn’t over! I’ll make you regret-‘ Chrysalis yelled. Whatever else she might have said was lost as Drake began to wake-up, causing the connection to fail.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A pale sun rose to usher in the morning. Throughout the city, rubble and lingering smoke showed where the fighting had been the fiercest the day before. Celestia viewed the scene from her chamber’s balcony with a mix of relief and sorrow. On one hoof, her ponies were safe. On the other, she’d been beaten; only the luckiest of happenstance prevented a changeling victory.
Fluttershy met the sunrise with a very different scenery. She’d decided to stay with Spike and watch over Drake during the night. The two of them eventually fell asleep in the garden. Fluttershy, at some point during the night, snuggled close to Spike taking advantage of the warmth he naturally gave off, seeking to drive away the chill of night.
As she woke in the garden, she could hear her the birds singing and chirping, welcoming the new day as they would any other. Fluttershy slowly, so as not to disturb Spike, slipped away and began to stretch. She jumped when a growl emanated from Drake, muffled by the bandages that covered his face.
Cowering behind Spike, she carefully glanced over him at Drake. Suddenly, he stood up tearing at the bandages, thrashing about, and beginning to hyperventilate. As he began to flap is wings haphazardly, Fluttershy’s mane started whipping about. She ducked down behind Spike.
“Spike! Spike wake up,” Fluttershy begged, softly pushing his shoulder gently. Drake continued to thrash, now flailing on his back. The bandages were torn enough his growls sounded more like to mumbling and grunts of pain. “Spike something is wrong with Drake. You need to help him,” Fluttershy said a bit louder, pushing more forcefully.
Finally, Drake ripped the last of the bandages from his face. He unleashed a primal, and took off into the sky.
“Where is she? Where is that bitch!” Drake shouted, waking Spike and much of Canterlot. Spike shot up, spotting Drake circling above the garden calling out for Chrysalis. He caught Fluttershy off guard and accidently knocked her over.
“Calm down Drake! It’s over! The battle is over!” Spike called out as he climbed towards Drake.
Fluttershy righted herself and watched from the ground as the dragons met in the sky. For a moment, it looked like Drake wouldn’t listen to Spike. After a few tense minutes, they returned the ground. Drake kept looking around as they descended. It looked like he was expecting something or someone to attack him. After they landed next to each other, Drake seemed agitated, as if the tiniest thing would set him on a rampage.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Waking up had not been a pleasant experience for Drake. He remembered little of his dream aside from Chrysalis’s presence, but he remembered her torture. He woke believing she had blindfolded and gagged him. Even once Spike explained what had happened after the battle, he still felt uneasy.
’Dammit! I was beaten. Not even to a draw or close fight, the bug straight up stomped me. I’m going to have to figure out a way to resist her magic before I fight her again,’ Drake thought. He noticed something pink in his peripheral vision. Turning to get a better look, he saw Fluttershy shaking in terror, unable to flee towards the castle because Drake and Spike where in the way.
“Um... Hello,” Fluttershy squeaked in panic when she realized Drake was looking at her.
“Hello, you wouldn’t be Fluttershy by any chance would you?” Drake asked; glad to be meeting one ponies he already knew so much about.
“Ye-yes, h-ho-how do you know my name?” Fluttershy whimpered, backing away as she curled into a ball.
“Oh, lucky guess really. Spike has told me about all his friends, in great detail. Haven’t you Spike?” Drake said as nicely as possible while nudging Spike who wasn’t paying attention to him and Fluttershy.
“Huh, oh yeah. By the way, you might want to brace yourself. It seems you woke everypony up.” Spike replied, pointing towards the castle he’d watching since he’d landed.
“It seems the weight of Equestria is about to descend upon us. Might I speak with you later Fluttershy, when you have a moment of free time?” Drake asked, knowing he needed to talk to her about Spike’s diet, if he was going to return to Ponyville, and to satisfy his own curiosity.
“That’s fine,” Fluttershy whimpered before zooming through the air to joining her friends in the crowd coming from the castle. Drake faced the oncoming tide and saw guards leading the pack. Shining Armor was at the front, some paperwork stuck to his face. The Elements of Harmony and Princess Celestia close behind the guards. Bringing up the rear, amass of nobles, functionaries, and other powerful ponies fell in behind the Princess. They’d slipped into her wake as she ran through the halls towards the garden.
Drake watched doing his best to keep a straight face as the guards began to set up around him. He stifled a laugh as one pointed out the papers stuck to Shining Armors face, and resisted to urge to facepalm when he saw a that somepony had insisted on literally rolling out a red carpet in front of Princess Celestia, holding her up while it was brought out. This allowed the crowd to spread out around her and the Drakes.
Beside Drake, Spike was fidgeting. Never before had he seen so many of Equestria’s nobility and wealth in one place. He remembered growing up around many of these ponies, where one wrong move or one wrong word could destroy a pony, not just socially, but also politically. When last he’d walked the castle’s halls, he’d been humorous and entertaining. Now, the looks of fear and anger he saw suggested that had changed. The cold calculating looks in their eyes and the hushed whispers, directed not just at the Drake but at him, told him he was being judged by the same standards as the others players in their games. The only encouraging thing he saw was Twilight and his friends next to the Princess.
By the time the red carpet had been rolled out, the crowd had organized itself by rank, official and unofficial. Princess Celestia stood before Drake as a herald introduced her.
“Here stands Princess Celestia the Harmonious, Day Bringer, Diarch of Equestria, the Generous, Headmare of Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, Champion of the Oppressed, Commander of the Pegasi, Princess of the Unicorns, Chancellor for Life of the Earth Ponies, Champion of the Canterlot Bowling Tournament, First Place in the Manehatten Pie Eating Contest, Head Judge of the Canterlot Dessert Completion, and Captain of the Baltimare Broncs. All bow before her majesty.” Drake facepalmed the ridiculous nature of what was happening becoming too much for him. The crowd gasped as their jaws dropped.
“Spike is he done yet?” Drake asked peeking out through his claws. When Spike nodded dumbly, Drake place his claw on the ground. He glared at the herald. “Firstly, was all that really necessary? Secondly, I’ll bow before none that’s not earned it from me,” Drake said, raising his voice and shifting his gaze to the Princess.
What happened next is best described as a total shit storm. The herald, named Hear Me, passed out when Drake started speaking. When Drake raised his voice for his second point the guards readied their spears. As what Drake had said sunk in, the crowd began yelling “Banish him!” or “Imprison Him!” A few yelled “Kick his flanks!” A couple yelled “He’s a monster! Slay Him!” One strange pony even called out “Marry Me” before being silenced.
Shining split his attention between keeping his guards calm and directing them to calm the crowd. Spike tried to walk over to Celestia but was met with spears. Celestia, for her part, just glared at Drake while Twilight told the Princess she would be happy to explain Drake the proper court etiquette. The rest of the bearers had looks of confusion, Pinkie Pie, disappointment, Rarity and Fluttershy, and even borderline hatred, Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Taking advantage of the clamor, Drake mouthed to Princess Celestia a single question.
“Where’s Luna?”
As the crowd showed no signs of calming down any time soon, Drake took the opportunity to speak with Spike.
“Spike, I know you are probably upset about what just happened-” Drake began.
“You think.” Spike interrupted angrily.
“Yes, yes I do. Look, the way I see it, they’re yours.” Drake said trying to get his thoughts straight.
“Huh?”
“Princess Celestia, Twilight, the others. They’re your friends, and you’ve been gone for what several months now. Take this time to talk with them and reconnect.” Drake said, poking Spike.
“That makes absolutely no sense.” Spike said shaking his head.
“Does to me. Beside, Luna is best Princess, and I am too tired for storytelling.” Drake said, yawning.
“But you just woke up!” Spike remarked frustrated, getting no answer as Drake laid down and closed his eyes. As they spoke, Shining Armor’s guards removed most of the crowd.
After thirty or so minutes, the storm passed, Shining Armor having forced most of the ponies that had no business being there in the first place out of the garden. After posting guards to keep them out, he returned to check on Princess Celestia and the dragon that made the day start so poorly. He found Drake laying down with his eyes closed while Spike was talking to the few ponies left behind.
Drake rested while Spike told his story in full detail to his friends, only growling whenever Spike began to talk about something he wanted to remain a secret, or reveal himself when the time was right. When he heard hoofsteps and the soft clanking of metal he opened one eye. He saw Shining Armor returning and motioned him over with a single claw.
Shining approach cautiously, everything Drake had done had been destructive or caused him problems. When Shining was close enough Drake could talk to him without disturbing Spike’s conversation, he asked if Cadence had been in the crowd. When Shining said no, Drake said, “Then why don’t you go, find, and comfort her. Take care of her and let her take care of you. Lord knows ya’ll have been through enough.”
“And leave you with the Princess and bearers of the Elements of Harmony, one of whom just happens to be my sister?” Shining asked, irked and suspicious.
“Dude, the Princess is insanely powerful. She’s beaten people far stronger than me. Your Sister is probably one of the top five most powerful beings in Equestria. Beside I’d never hurt them for reasons I’ll keep to myself. You, on the other hand, have a, what I assume to be beautiful, fiancé that was held captive while you were being brainwashed by our mutual chitinous acquaintance. I bet she would love to spend some time with you. Why don’t you spend the day with her rather than wasting your time here.” Drake answered. Shining sighed realizing the dragon was probably right.
“I don’t like you. I trust you. But, you are right about most of what you said. I’m going to leave you here. But mark my words, you do anything to the ponies over there and I’ll make you wish Chrysalis had killed you.” Shining said pointing at the bearers, the Princess and the few others that had been allowed to remain. Drake nodded once and Shining left. Of those to remain, there were three ponies worth noting. First was Prince Blueblood. He secured a place for himself by using his court influence to assist the guard in getting the others to leave. Second was Fancypants whom, thanks to his own connections and a word from Rarity, was allowed to remain. Lastly was Business Calendar - personal advisor of Princess Luna.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Spike’s tale was long in telling. At one point, food was brought out for everypony present. Gems were brought for Spike and Drake, though only Spike ate any. Drake, having not tried them before, felt making funny and disgusted faces, depending on what the different gems tasted like, would be a bad idea.
By the time Spike finished, the sun was well into its descent. Princess Celestia left first. She thanked Spike for sharing what had happened with her, and said she looked forward to talking to him about certain parts of his story at another time. She then left for the castle, others following in her wake.
Twilight told Spike there was a room in the castle for him. Spike told her that would be nice and followed her to track it down. As the other bearers fell in alongside them, Drake called Fluttershy over. When Fluttershy flew back towards Drake, Rainbow Dash stopped where she was to keep an eye on the two of them.
The conversation Drake had with Fluttershy was short. He started by thanking her for bandaging him. He then broached the subject of Spike’s meat consumption. While Fluttershy wasn’t happy about it, she explained that she understood, and promised to do her best to help Spike once they got back to Ponyville. After thanking her again, Drake asked her to send Pinkie and Rarity to meet him in the morning. Though it was an odd request, Fluttershy reluctantly promised to pass his request along.
That evening, Spike was with Twilight, retelling his story once again as she wrote every bit of it down, until Spike stopped her. He said he’d just give her his journal after he retrieved it the next day. They instead spoke of what had happened in Ponyville while Spike was away. Elsewhere in the castle, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack discussed their impression of Drake, and what they thought of Spike’s story.
In the throne room, Princess Celestia found herself dealing with nobles, who felt snubbed, after being kicked out of the garden earlier that day. Shining Armor, much refreshed after spending the day with his finance, was receiving reports from his subordinates relating to the cleaning-up and repairing of Canterlot, which he would then have to pass to the Princesses the next day. Cadence, likewise restored, was busy planning the rescheduled wedding now ten days out.
* * * * * * * * * * *
It may seem odd Drake wanted to talk to Pinkie and Rarity together. It did to Rarity, and Pinkie… well she was Pinkie Pie, but Drake had a plan. At least the beginnings of a plan to repay and thank Spike for trusting him and giving his all in everything they had done. When Rarity and Pinkie came out the next morning, Drake had the basics of the plan together.
“Hello ladies, how are you doing this fine morning?” Drake said with a grandiose wave at the sunrise when they reached him.
“I'm doing great! How are you doing? Are you feeling rampagey this morning? Or hoardy? Do you plan to ponynap…” Pinkie began to rant, only to be stopped by a hoof to the mouth.
“What she means to say is we are fine, but curious as to why you want to speak with us.” Rarity said, leveling a piercing stare at Drake.
“Oh that’s simple, he wants to teach us a song.” Pinkie blurted, removing Rarity’s hoof from her mouth, a large grin replacing it. “Well come on. What’s the song? Is it a fun song? A sad song? A square dancing song?” Pinkie asked pulling a fiddle out of nowhere.
“Pinkie what in the world makes you think he want to teach us a song?” Rarity asked dumbfounded.
“She isn’t wrong.” Drake said, chuckling as Pinkie cried out for joy and Rarity’s jaw dropped. “But it’s not a song like you’re thinking either Pinkie. Before we talk ‘bout that let me ask you something. Do you know why Spike left Ponyville and ya’ll behind during the Dragon Migration?”
“He was going on a journey of self-discovery and met you. After that, the two of you went on an amazing adventure he told us about yesterday.” Pinkie answered, smiling and reenacting bits of what Spike had told them.
“Sure that is what happened, but not why.” Drake replied enigmatically crossing his hands and looking Rarity dead in the eyes.
“Alright then mister-know-it-all grand dragon why?” Rarity snapped feeling slightly uncomfortable with the way Drake was looking at her.
“Simple, two reasons. One, you looked down on him, treated him as if he couldn’t be fearsome, majestic or proud. Two, he’d never really met a dragon before and this was his first chance to do so.” Drake said, sitting back and relaxing.
“We never…” Rarity began but trailed off, not sure how to react.
“Spike is our friend we would never do that!” Pinkie yelled, effectively cutting Rarity off, as she jumped into the air and remained level with Drake’s face giving him the stink eye.
“Ask him about it then.” Drake answered slightly unnerved by Pinkie’s stare and blatant defiance of gravity. “Regardless his mindset when he set out was a mix of hurt, anger, and curiosity. Then, as you saw Rarity, he met me and I took him on a completely different course.”
“What do you mean as I saw?” Rarity stuttered eyes shifting left and right. “This is the first time we have ever met.”
“No need to lie, I know you, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash where in the Crackle costume. It was such a fine costume after all. How’d Spike have reacted if he knew ya’ll followed him.” Drake asked a smug grin on his face, until Pinkie started to give him the stink eye again, this time from the ground. Since no sound came out as Rarity’s jaw hung open, Drake figured he could continue.
“Now you know why he left. Would you like to know why he stayed with me when he could have left at any time?” Rarity’s look of confusion and curiosity coupled with Pinkie pulling out a recliner and popcorn, told Drake to keep talking. “He stayed with me because I offered him a chance to become strong. Strong enough to protect ya’ll from himself, and others.”
“Why from himself? He’s not a monster; at least he wasn’t before he went away with you.” Rarity asked angrily.
“Glad to know he was so well behaved his last birthday.” Drake shot back sarcastically. Rarity blushed and looked away, recalling Spike’s rampage as Drake continue. “I should thank you though. If you hadn’t snapped him out of his Greed then I would never have known it was possible to control it.”
Rarity stood shocked as Pinkie continued to chow down on the popcorn. “You were, and are, the biggest reason he came with me. That’s why I wanna teach you this song. But before I do, I have one question. Can you sing while dancing?” Drake asked lowering his head bit by bit until he was inches from Rarity who, shocked by the nature of the question, stumbled backwards.
“Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?!” She practically yelled.
“Simple, he wants to know if you can sing this song while dancing with Spike.” Pinkie explained, returning the recliner and popcorn to wherever it had come from.
“Seriously?” Rarity asked, stunned eyes switching between Drake and Pinkie
“Indeed. He did risk his life so you could get the elements. You are the main thing that allows him to control himself when he gives into his baser instinct. He has a massive crush on you, in case you hadn’t noticed. Oh and he isn’t the chubby little thing he was before either.” Drake listed off counting on his fingers pausing only to catching Pinkie and point out that he never made a promise not to tell Rarity how Spike felt.
“Oh. Well, I suppose I can sing while dancing with him.” Rarity said, nervously running a hoof through her main.
“Excellent. I’ll teach you the words and Pinkie’ll need to learn the tune so she can play the piano. By the way, is there any chance you know a spell that will pull a tune out of some ones memories?” Drake asked, only to be greeted with groans.
“What have we gotten ourselves into?” Rarity muttered to Pinkie before Drake began teach them the song. Agreeing that evening would be better since Drake wanted to keep it a secret, Pinkie and Rarity promised to come by and practice every evening from then until the rescheduled wedding with the condition Drake answer one question of theirs each night.
* * * * * * * * * * *
The next three nights and days went by relatively peacefully. Canterlot was rebuilt and cleaned, Spike reintegrated into life with his friends, and Celestia wasn’t able to get more than a grunt out of Drake, who in turn seemed to take joy stirring up shenanigans every chance he got. Drake flew over Canterlot causing a minor short-lived panic, met with the press, shadowed Shining Armor for part of a day, left with Spike to retrieve their things from their camp, and returned only to be met with paparazzi. Each night he slept in the garden under the stars, and every morning he woke up with a yell, scream, or some other form of loud noise.
On the fourth night Drake was settling down on hedge he had been using as a mattress, the same hedge he had knocked down during the battle, when a shadow passed over him, but as he looked up to see what it was the skies were clear. Shrugging it off as a stray cloud Drake went back to trying to sleep, flipping from his back to stomach or either of his sides. At the same time, in the highest tower, looking down on the restless dragon, stood an indigo mare being briefed by her personal assistant.
“So this is really the being that killed the hydra?” Luna asked, turning to face Business Calendar.
“And the one that sent the first warning if Spike, Twilight Sparkle’s dragon assistant, is to be believed.” Business said, shuffling through papers he was holding in his magic.
“He also fought with the changeling queen, but was defeated and left unconscious. Since he recovered from the battle, he has caused a near riot when meeting Princess Celestia, spoken with the press, taunted paparazzi and has been asking about Equestrian society and economy whenever he isn’t creating a ruckus.”
“Is he dangerous?” Luna asked glancing towards garden again before taking the different reports and notes into her own magical grasp
“Extremely, but I believe he wants to speak with you.” Business replied relinquishing control.
“You see when your sister went to meet with him, while everypony was in yelling I think I saw him he was ask her where you were. On that note, where were you, your majesty? You disappeared that morning to answer the message from Fort Bastion, but this is the first time you have returned since.”
“It should have been a simple matter, but I met with complications. I’ll brief you on them later, after we decide what to do with the dragon. You mentioned he wishes to speak with me?” Luna said, waiting for Business to nod before continuing.
“Then I shall go and speak with him.” Without waiting for Business’s reply, Luna jumped from the tower and glided down, landing softly a short distance away from Drake. Walking up to him slowly, so as not to surprise him, Luna mentally prepared what she would say only to have her thought interrupted by a snore.
Shaking herself from her thoughts Princess Luna noticed Drake’s eye were closed and his breathing slow and rhythmic. “Thou hast fallen asleep. Of all the-- You were awake just a moment ago.” Luna muttered, catching herself before she went off in a train of insults and profanity that would make Discord blush.
’Well I guess I can wait for him to wake up, or take a risk and wake the beast myself,’ Luna though moving closer to Drake who remained oblivious to the Alicorn creeping up on him.
’I am a Princess. I move the moon and stars. I wielded the Elements of harmony. I have nothing to fear from this seemingly civilized monster. He can’t be that sound asleep anyway. To Tartarus with it, I’m getting some answers now.’ Luna rationalized as she charged her horn and shot a small stream on magic at Drake, a little tickle of power, an arcane poke, to wake him up.
Drake’s response was to snap up and roar at Luna’s direction. Luna responded by yelling back with the Royal Canterlot Voice.
“Quiet, beast. Thou shalt show us respect.” At this point, everypony in the castle was waking up. The windows were lighting up and silhouetting Luna.
“Princess Luna?” Drake asked nervously crouched down, tensed, as if expecting an attack.
“Yes dragon, and you should know that it is appropriate to bow when meeting royalty.”
“Two things: One, I ain’t bowing to anyone that hasn’t earned it from me. Two, let’s go somewhere else if you want to talk. I’m assuming you’re the one who woke me, and I doubt you wanna be the one to explain why everyone else is waking up now.” Drake said, pointing towards the building levels of activity in the castle.
Luna was about to rebuttal when she heard guards shouting and hoofsteps pounding on the ground, running towards them. Deciding that she would rather not deal with the guard, angry nobles, and possibly her sister at that moment, Luna took off.
“Thou may be right. Quickly, follow us, and don’t crash into anything.” Luna told Drake, as she got airborne.
Drake took off a second behind her. Together the two of them flew away from Canterlot Castle and around the mountain, before landing on a plateau on the far side hiding them from view of the castle. Landing a moment after Princess Luna, Drake took a few deep breaths before facing her and asking, “So, what was so important you needed to wake up half of Canterlot to speak with me.”
“Dragon if thou does not start showing some respect I shall make you,” Luna replied with a scowl, refusing to rise to Drake’s bait.
“Now now Luna. I’m speaking to you. That’s more than your sister got. I don’t mean to seem rude but, you did wake me up just as I was getting to sleep, so how ‘bout we start over. I’ll go first.” Drake said, realizing that perhaps he was getting off on the wrong foot with the wrong pony to mess around with.
“Good evening to you madam, I am Drake, current lord of Forum and, with any luck, the one that will lead the rebirth of a dead nation. Who might you be?” Drake introduced himself with a flourish, leaving his hand out as he waited for Luna’s reply
Luna stood stunned for a moment, trying to decide if she should play along or force the answers she wanted out of Drake. Figuring that playing along wouldn’t hurt, she introduced herself.
“Good evening to you sir, I am Princess Luna of Equestria, Herald of the Night, Guardian of Dreams, and friend to those that walk the night.” Luna said mechanically hoping it was enough keep Drake talking.
“There, that wasn’t so hard was it? Now I’m sure you’ve got questions for me, but before you start the interrogation answer me one thing. Where’ve you been the past couple of days?” Drake asked, lowering the claw he used to prevent Luna from interrupting him and getting comfortable.
“If I answer your question you’ll answer any of mine?” Luna asked suspiciously.
“Not everything, but I’ll tell you what I can.” Drake replied, motioning for Luna to get comfortable as well.
“An acceptable arrangement I suppose, but thou shall not interrupt me.” Luna said waiting for Drake to promise before beginning her tale.
* * * * * * * * * * *
One story later and Luna was standing up in shock as the second rudest being she had ever encountered bowed before her. “Well now, I must admit, that is an act worthy of respect.”
“You consider fighting, battle and war acts worthy of respect?” Luna asked disappointedly.
“No, I consider saving my friends and followers worthy of respect.” Drake replied sitting back down.
“You know those two crazy unicorns?” Luna asked in disbelief.
“Yes, they’re a bit ahead of schedule. They’re coming back into Equestria to find someone for me, so thank you for saving ‘em from the harpies. Though I’m disturbed to learn the harpies attacked at the same time as the changelings. Even more unsettling, they had the numbers sustain the operation for three days with those kinds of casualties.”
“Yes. Still, they were no match for the fortress or the soldiers there.” Luna reminded Drake.
“True, but what if ya hadn’t been there?” Drake asked. Luna thought for a moment but held her silence, prompting Drake to continue.
“See what I mean. Now ask your question, but understand, I have some secrets I want to keep, for now at least.” Luna thought for a moment, considering all she had been told and what little she had been able to glean.
“Why do you wake in a panic every morning you’ve been here?” Luna asked hoping to find some advantage she could use to get Drake to open up.
“I don’t know what you are talking about.” Drake replied, avoiding eye contact.
“Don’t lie to me. Every morning you wake screaming, yelling, or causing some other kind of disturbance. I want to know why. What haunts you? Tell me!” Luna commanded raising her voice just shy of Royal Canterlot.
“Alright, I’ll tell, I’ll tell. Are you aware I fought with the changeling queen and lost during the battle?” Drake said with a resigned sigh, pausing to wait for confirmation from Luna before continuing.
“I don’t remember much of the fight, but I do know that she tortured me. She left me lying passed out on the ground. I think she was planning to enthrall me because ever since she has been able to call out to me in my sleep. Even though I tell her to leave me alone, she comes back every night and tries to convince me to go find and serve her.” Drake explained frowning, looking more tired than he had all night.
“And when you wake up?” Luna asked softly, realizing that for all his bluster and appearance, that Drake was scared and hurt, even if he wouldn’t admit it.
“When I wake up, all I can think about is the pain she subjected me to during the fight. I remember that much, but you know the best part? I intend to seek her out. Just not for what she wants.” Drake said, a twisted forced grin worming its way onto his face.
“What do you mean by that dragon?” Luna asked slightly unnerved by the grin she was seeing, wondering if perhaps instead of scared, he was insane.
“I’m going to kill the Chrysalis.” Drake said almost playfully. Luna visibly losing some color in her features.
“Oh, I know she kicked my ass last time, pardon the language, but right now she should be weak. Once the wedding is over, I think I’ll go to her like she wants and put an end to her.” Drake said, his teeth flashing in the moonlight as he chuckled.
Now Luna knew Drake insane, a monster and a danger, but then she remembered what Chrysalis had done and tried to do. She remember the days spend fighting against Discord. She remembered how changelings had ruined well-laid plans, costing the lives of friends and allies. Instead of scolding Drake or threatening him, she asked one simple question. “How can I help?”
* * * * * * * * * * *
From that night until the wedding, every day was much the same. Drake would be found sleeping late into the day. Once he woke in the afternoon, he would find various ways to entertain himself, most of the time meeting with the movers and shakers talking, and if rumors were to be believed he was looking for investors, store operators, stonemasons, and every other type of pony needed to build a city. When these rumors reached Diligent Scribe, he brought them before Princess Celestia. The princess decided if they wanted to spend their money on whatever he was doing then fine, but did ask that an eye be kept on whom he talked to, along with how they received him.
Spike spent his time helping his friends prepare for the wedding, catching up old friends and connections in Canterlot looking to hear his story first-hoof, or the ponies who suddenly wanted to know him. He also spent time going through his journal with Twilight, since he had information in there that he promised to keep a secret. Likewise, he made Twilight promise not to read it without him being there. The one time she tried, Spike later found her tied up in party streamers hanging from the ceiling in the hallway outside his room.
* * * * * * * * * * *
On the day of the wedding, all of Canterlot was abuzz. Everywhere ponies celebrated, merrily toasting to the bride and groom hours before they married. In the castle, things were even more jubilant and hectic, but the wedding went off without a hitch. As the newlyweds were presented before Equestria and thanked the people for their love and kindness, no one noticed the blue shape leaving the garden flying away towards the horizon.
That evening at the reception after Twilight sang the first song and the party was fully underway, the lights suddenly went off. A moment later they came back a spotlight on the bride and groom, another on a black grand piano that had appeared from nowhere with Pinkie at the keys, and Rarity with a microphone in a red dress that shimmered in the light. Pinkie began to play slowly in C minor as Rarity began her part of the production.
“This next song is dedicated to Shining Armor, Princess Cadence, the guard, and all the heroes of Equestria.” Rarity said giving Pinkie a brief nod and stepping away from the piano as she began singing.
“Where have all the good stallions gone and where are all the gods?”
As Rarity started the song Drake had taught her, Shining and Cadence began to dance slowly moving across the floor unsure of what was going on.
“Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds.”
The reception guests watched as off-duty guards found partners and began moving towards the floor.
“Isn’t there a white knight with a fiery soul, late at night I toss and I turn and I dream of what I need!”
Rarity used her magic to turn on all the lights as a band suddenly started playing picking up the tempo as a chorus adding their voices.
“Oh, OH, OHHH!”
Rarity paused for only a moment to double take, wondering were Pinkie found so many ponies to join in this.
“I need a hero! I’m holding on for a hero ‘til the end of the night. He’s got to be strong, and he’s got to be fast, and he’s got to be fresh from the fight.”
Reaching out with her magic Rarity pulled an open mouthed Spike to her.
“I need a hero. I’m holding on for a hero till the morning light. He’s gotta be sure and it’s gotta be soon and he’s got to be larger than life!”
As the chorus echoed her last line, Spike began dancing with her, moving awkwardly at first but quickly falling into the beat as the song continued.
“Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy. Some just beyond my reach there’s somepony reaching back to me. Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat. It’s gonna take an alicorn to sweep me off my feet.”
Spike chose that moment to spin Rarity, as all across the dance floor as more and more ponies joined in. Shining and Cadence danced with abandon, both joining in as Rarity started the chorus for the second time.
“I need a hero. I’m holding on for a hero ‘til the end of the night. He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast, and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight.”
As Rarity danced, she began to notice that Spike was surprisingly good at what he was doing, and while she still couldn’t believe what she was doing, she had to admit she was having an incredible time.
“I need a hero. I’m holding on for a hero ‘til the morning light. He’s gotta be sure and he’s gotta be soon and he’s gotta be larger than life.”
Rarity sang alone once more as Spike began to take more of a lead, throwing in twists, turns and any other move that came to mind, while on the other side of the floor Shining and Cadence did the same.
“I need a hero. I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night. Up where the mountains reach the skies above. Out where the lightning splits the sea, I could swear there is somepony somewhere watching me.”
Spike was having the time of his life. Confused beyond all get out but still having the time of his life. His eyes were locked on the mare in front of him, the rest of the world fading away. Her eyes drew him in, her words gave him confidence, and the feel of her against him as they danced drove him on to try thing he could never have done elsewise.
“Through the wind and the chill and the rain. And the storm and the flood. I can feel his approach like a fire in my blood. I need a hero. I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night. He’s gotta be strong and he’s got to be fast and he’s gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero. I’m holding out for a hero till the morning light. He’s gotta be sure and it’s gotta be soon and he’s gotta be larger than life. I need a hero. I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night.”
As the last note faded away, Shining Armor held Cadence in his arms both breathless and smiling. As Shining Armor stole a kiss, a cheer rose up. Elsewhere on the dance floor, Spike held Rarity in his arms his mouth inches from hers. His eyes locked on hers, hers on his, both lost themselves in the others gaze. Time froze and for a moment, it seemed as though he would go for it. Then as the cheer rose up for the bride and groom, Spike snapped out of the trance and released Rarity.
“Thank you for the dance.” Spike muttered, before hurrying away from the dance floor and getting lost in the crowd. Rarity watched him go with conflicted emotions. On one hoof, she only sang the song because she was guilted into it. Not to say she wasn’t glad everypony enjoyed it; just she hadn’t sung it because she wanted. On the other, she was disappointed Spike hadn’t kissed her. She knew he had a crush on her. She was a beautiful mare after all. He’d never get a better chance, so why had he hesitated? Why, if she didn’t care, did it bother her so much?
* * * * * * * * * * *
Spike was confused, embarrassed, and angry. He walked to the hedge maze and began to wander around, trying to sort his emotions out. Dancing with Rarity had been euphoric. The song she was singing seemed to be speaking directly to him. As he held her in his arms, he almost kissed her. Then the cheers had torn him from his euphoria and he had become scared. His fears she wouldn’t return his affections surfaced and pulled him back; he became embarrassed by what he had almost done. Confused, afraid, and embarrassed he’d run from the source of the turmoil he was experiencing. Now fear was gone, replaced by the anger and regret.
“You idiot! She was there in your arms. Why didn’t you kiss her?” He lamented to himself face in his hands. Sitting down where he was, Spike slowly began to cry.
“What’s wrong?” A voice asked softly, causing Spike to jump, having not heard anyone approach. Turning to face the voice, he was greeted by a concerned Princess Celestia.
“P-p-princess? W-what are you doing here? You should be at the reception. Ponies will start to look for you if you are gone too long.” Spike asked wondering why she had come after him and why she would care.
“I could ask you the same thing.” Celestia replied in a motherly tone, a smiling serenely.
“I just needed to some time to think.” Spike replied, looking down.
“About Rarity?” Celestia asked knowingly. Spike nodded slowly choosing not to speak, lest his words betray him. “Do you know where she learned that song, or why she sang it?”
“No, but I doubt it has anything to do with me.” Spike replied glumly, keeping his eyes planted on the ground.
“Oh but it does. She learned it from your friend Drake.” Celestia said, suppressing a giggle at Spike’s stunned reaction.
“WHAT!? What makes you say that?” Spike asked, now making eye contact with the Princess.
“I had someone watching him at all time Spike, I did not, and still do not, trust him. Regardless almost every evening he met with Rarity and Pinkie Pie. When I first heard it, I was concerned. Then I learned that he was teaching them a song. I was confused.” Celestia paused in case Spike had any questions.
“It may also interest you to know he was meeting with Luna every night as well. While they met, it was just the two of them alone at Luna’s request. She hasn’t seen fit to tell me what they did every night, but since she was in direct contact with him, I had her pry into why he was teaching two of the Element Bearers a song. What he told her was that it was as a gift to you. That it was the best way he could pay you back for what you did by trusting him.” Celestia said, watching the gears turn and the pieces connect in Spike’s eyes.
“So that song was for at me? B-but-but… Why would Rarity agree to help him with something like this?” Spike stammered more confused now that he had been at any point that night.
“I don’t know all the details. Those you will have to discover on your own, but sitting here and crying won’t help.” Celestia said gesturing for him to follow her back. As Spike fell in besides her, he realized he hadn’t seen Drake since before the wedding.
“Princess, speaking of Drake, have you seen him recently?”
“No Spike, but according to Luna he was leaving today for important business elsewhere.”
“Where? With who?” Spike inquired.
“She won’t say.” Celestia said before quickly switching topics as the two continued to the party.
* * * * * * * * * * *
After the party ended, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia met in Luna’s room, far away from any prying eyes and ears that may still be up.
“Are you sure this is a good idea Luna, letting Drake, who we know almost nothing about, go after Chrysalis? She beat him last time they fought,” Celestia asked quietly wanting to keep their conversation secret from the guards at the doors and any flies on the wall.
“Indeed, it is a gamble, but I have guards following him. Should he fall, I will go and finish her off, but I have faith he will win.” Luna said softly.
“What makes you so certain, what were the two of you doing together?” Celestia asked in hushed tone.
“Firstly, she will be weak after losing the battle and Shining Armor’s love. Secondly, we worked together to give him a fighting chance. Though, the long term consequences may be worse for him than the advantage it will give in this fight.” Luna said noticing the disapproving look Celestia wore.
“Sister, the changelings and the harpies were working together. Have you forgotten our fight against Discord? What if in his brief freedom, he gave commands to his creatures. Already reports of increased Diamond Dog activity are coming in, the changelings have struck us at our heart, and harpies mass on the border. Parasprite swarms are becoming more common and larger. How long until the Ogres wake or Envy returns.”
“Luna.” Celestia said, in almost motherly tone
“Don’t Luna me sister. We finally killed Pride and look at what that cost us, 1000 years apart. We can let Drake kill the current Black Queen and fight the chaos beasts for now. With luck, he will do all the fighting for us.” Luna snapped.
“Luna calm down. I agree there are disturbing things in the works, but I do not believe we should trust him. He is looking to kill her but we both know it isn’t so simple, she will simply be reborn into another changeling and the cycle will start again.” Celestia said exhaustedly.
“That is another reason why my guards were sent along. If he succeeds in that, they will find the new changeling queen and bring her here. If we are lucky she will be an ally, if not then I hope we have a dungeon deep enough.” Luna said coldly, ending the discussion
* * * * * * * * * * *
Two evenings later, Drake landed at the entrance of a cave leading into a strange rock formation with several spires coming out it. After folding his wings in and taking a moment to stretch, Drake walked into the cave calling out to its inhabitants.
“Hello-oh. Chrissy, you in there? I’ve come with an offer for you, and offer you won’t believe.” Without warning a squad of changeling dropped down from the ceiling surrounding Drake.
“Perfect.” Drake muttered preparing for a fight as the cave entrance slowly closed and darkness swallowed them all.
* * * * * * * * * * *