//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: True origins // by Digitalis //------------------------------// In the Northern Wastelands, far, far away from Equestria, in the kingdom of Draconia, there was a great commotion. A big grey dragon came flying towards the tallest mountain that was placed in the middle of the plain. He landed in front of the huge gates that marked the entrance to the citadel, guarded by two armored dragon guards. “I need to speak to the King. It is urgent.” The guards looked each other, nodded, and allowed the newcomer in, escorting him through the tunnels. Inside, there was a big bustling, as there were many dragons walking down the streets, busy with their own business. After a minute of walking they arrived at the entrance of the Throne Room. “Wait here” one of the guards spoke. He walked inside, and after two minutes he came out again. “You may speak with the King. Be hasty” And with that, the two guards left, leaving the grey dragon entering alone into the Throne Room. He stepped into the salon, and took a glance at his surroundings: it was a large room, each side with lines of guards next to the walls, which were covered in runes and hieroglyphics. At the other side, stood a large golden throne, with a black figure sitting on it. He quickly made his way until he was in the front of the throne, and kneeled down. “Your Majesty…” “Stand up, and speak.” The voice made the visitor shudder. It was a powerful voice, from a powerful and ancient being. He stood up, and took a look at the King for the first time. The large and muscular body was covered in black scales, black as obsidian, with a pair of leathery wings that matched the scales. His spines, contrasting the rest of his body, were a bright green. His eyes were red, and had a hard look that could pierce to the soul. Next to him was standing another dragon, a bit smaller, with light blue scales, white spines, and ice blue eyes. “Your Majesty, I had come from the great migration, and I had important news. I have seen a new hatchling this year.” “Why should I worry about a newborn from the outsiders? You know they are not welcome here.” “Yes, your Majesty, I know. But I have seen him breathe fire. Even if I could not see him from a short distance, I’m pretty sure it was emerald fire. I think the hatchling was Him” The King leaned up, interested. “So, you think you saw this hatchling breathing emerald fire, but you aren’t sure?” The grey dragon thought for a moment about what he had said, and mentally facepalmed. The King snorted, but kept thinking. It could be nothing, just a product of his subject’s imagination, but still… there could be a possibility… and it was something he couldn’t miss. “So, could you find out where is this hatchling from?” “I followed him, and heard that he was from a place called Equestria. A very small kingdom, really to the south, where is warmer.” “Mrrgh, I know what Equestria is, and which its inhabitants are. Those ponies live so isolated that I’m sure they think of us as nothing more than beasts. You have something more to say?” “No, your Majesty.” “Very well, then. You can leave.” “And…” as the grey dragon left, the King spoke again. “If you are right, I will be more than willing to reward you. But if you are not, and did nothing more than wasting my time…”he then passed a clawed finger through his neck, a sign that everyone knew that meant execution. The grey dragon gulped down and left. When the door closed, the King dismissed all the guards out of the room, and was left alone with his counselor. For the first time, the light blue dragon spoke. “My King, what do you think? After all this time, an opportunity like this presents… I don’t want you to lose hope again, but this is the closest trace we have ever had.” “I know, Sarr, I know. Even if it isn’t… No. Gather the Honor Guard, I’m leaving as soon as possible. You will be in charge until I’m back. It’s time to pay those ponies a visit” “Stick with me, I’ve got plenty to teach you about being a pony”, Spike said to his new phoenix pet, Peewee, before burping out a letter. “Hey, what’s this”, Spike let the hatchling on the table and picked up the scroll. It had the royal seal on it. “That’s weird, the Princess almost never answers back” He unrolled it and started reading: Dear Spike, While I’m happy to know that you have learned such valuable lesson, this may not be the best moment for it. I am still waiting for you in the castle. Haven’t you read my previous letter? I called you to Canterlot as soon as possible, there’s a really important matter at hand, in which you have a very important role. Ask Twilight to teleport you here, but she won’t be allowed to come with you. From what I could read in your letter, you wanted answers. This is now the chance to know who you really are. Please hurry, we don’t have much time. Sincerely, Princess Celestia. Spike was speechless, after all he had gone through, after accepting his friends as his family, he was now offered the chance to know his origin. This felt unreal, but the paper in his hands reminded him that it was was not a dream. ‘She told me to hurry. I shouldn’t leave her waiting’ “Hey, Twilight!” “Yes, Spike?” From downstairs came the voice of Twilight Sparkle, busy rearranging some books. Spike joined her. “Twi, the Princess sent me this. I think you should read it too” Twilight lifted the scroll and read it, her expression changing to one of shock. “S-Spike… I don’t know what to say. What do you think?” “Well, it seems that she needs me really much, I shouldn’t make her wait” “But Spike, do you want this?” “…I can´t say I want, but it looks that there isn’t other choice” “Okay, I’ll take both of us to Canterlot Castle. But Spike…” “Yes?” “Whatever happens, no matter what, remember that me and the others will always be there for you. We’ll always be your family.” Spike gently stroked the mare’s cheek with his hand before giving her a hug. “I know, Twilight, I know” Peewee came down chirping, and settled on his head. “That’s the egg? Daww, it’s so cute” “Hehe, I know. Okay little guy, you can come too. We are ready Twilight” Twilight nodded, and focused on the spell. A quick teleport to Canterlot shouldn’t let her too tired. Both of them teleported to the entrance of the castle and went to the guards. “Twilight Sparkle and Spike here, we’ve come here as Princess Celestia rewuested” The guards allowed Spike the entrance, but blocked the way for Twilight. “Sorry, only he is allowed in the Court” “But, but, I’m his tutor, I must be there.” “Sorry, orders from the Princess” Twilight sighed, defeated. Spike yelled from the hallway. “Don’t worry! I’ll be fine!” Twilight sighed again. ‘I hope’