//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: What is friendship to a Dragon? // by Dragonheart01 //------------------------------// The barn door opened letting the sunlight in, making the girls eyes widen at what they were seeing before them. Surrounding Shen-lung was but a small bed of flowers, all kinds that were in bloom, swaying lightly by the cold winter breeze that entered the barn. The girls were speechless at what they were seeing. How was it possible for flowers to grow in winter and where did they come from? Even Twilight was speechless, never had she seen anything like this at all. Of course Twilight was a smart mare, who had a vast amount of knowledge. Knowledge that she knew and studied as a filly, surely there was an explanation for this. An idea, a theory of some sort, anything that could explain this phenomenon. Sadly no answer came to mind to the lavender unicorn, Twilight Sparkle was in a way stumped, as were her friends. Though Rarity found them to be very beautiful, though even she too was baffled by this occurrence. She however, could not deny the beauty these flowers held before her, recognizing different kinds of flowers from Red Roses, Moonlight, Blush Noisette, Clotilde Soupert, Ducher, Amaryllis, Bluebells, Moonflowers, Shooting stars, all of them were simply just divine. Making the alabaster unicorn wonder how these flowers that were so rare and divine grow in...this dusty old barn. However, their questioning thoughts were interrupted by laughter coming from the young fillies. Their attention was drawn in the center of the room, where Shen-lung had lowered his head to the young fillies level, “And that is how I learned to breath fire the wrong way.” He said chuckling at the memory of his youth. The fillies were in a fit of laughter, making Shen-lung almost regret telling his story, well almost. “Wait *gasp* wait!” Scootaloo laughed, trying to regain her breath. “I can’t believe *gasp* that happened!” Sweetie Belle giggled, trying her hardest not to laugh. “I never thought that could *gasp* happened to ya!” Apple Bloom laughing so hard she had to clutch her stomach. Shen-lung tried to glare at the girls, but failed as he too began to laugh. Filling the the barn with such laughter was making Twilight and her friends smile, even Rainbow Dash, though it was more of a smirk than a smile. But the laughter died when Shen-lung took notice of the girls presence, eyes narrowing at the girls that may have interrupted his happiness, well a small piece of happiness, but it was something he had not enjoyed in a long time. Sweetie Belle’s laughter died down as well as Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. They all wondered what had happen to Make Shen-lung look a bit uneasy, ”Uh, Mr. Shen-lung is something wrong?” She asked carefully. “No, nothing is wrong young one.” Shen-lung said gently, keeping his eyes on the group of ponies, ”Only that your sisters have come to see you.” Making the fillies turn behind them to see their sisters or for Scootaloo her caretaker and Idol. “Rarity!” “Applejack!” “Rainbow Dash!” Shen-lung watched as the fillies got up and ran towards their sisters and friends, the alabaster unicorn embraced her sister in a tender hug as did the pony with the stetson hat, hugging her sister with care. Now there was a another pony that Shen-lung did not recognize, it was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. Ruffling the orange filly's mane in a sisterly manner. “Are you alright Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked her younger sister. “Of course I am.” Sweetie Belle answered, looking up to her big sister, ”Why do you asked? Was it something I did wrong?” “No..well yes..well no.” The elder sister answered with a smile, ”I-I was just worried that’s all.” “Ok, then do you want to see the flowers Mr. Shen-lung made?” Sweetie Belle asked with a hopeful smile. “Of course I will, but only with my little sister.” Rarity said nuzzling her sister gently, earning a smile from her younger sister. “Apple Bloom, what were you thinking coming here in the barn!?” Applejack grasped her sister in a tight hug, ”I was so worried about ya.” “I’m sorry sis, I just wanted to give Mr.Shen-lung some apple pies,” Her sister answered struggling to escape her sister’s hug. “What?” Applejack released her sister, though still holding her, ”What do you mean you gave him apple pies?” “Yeah, my friends and I made some pies, and Granny Smith helped us make em.” Apple Bloom answered able to look up her sister, after the hug was finished. ”We wanted to thank him for what he’s done for us.” pointing her hoof to the three empty dishes. ”See.” Applejack followed to where Apple Bloom’s hoof pointed. Her hoof pointed to three empty dishes next to Shen-lung who was still silent, but was still giving his glare. Applejack looked to the dragon then to the dishes, ”You mean to tell me that he just ate the apple pies that you girls just made?” “Yup and he said they were really good. The best thing he had ever tasted!” Apple Bloom smiled. “Really? Well who would’a thought a dragon like him liked our apple pies.” Applejack smiled happy to hear that Shen-lung enjoyed the Apple’s family apple pie. “You alright there, squirt?” Dash asked, ruffling the young filly’s mane in a caring manner. “I sure am.” Scootaloo beamed up to her Idol, ”You gotta see what Mr.Shen-lung can do! Its so awesome, but uh...not as awesome as you Rainbow Dash!” “So that your friend there?” The cyan pegasus asked taking a good long look at Shen-lung. ”I was worried he did something to ya.” Scootaloo’s smile turned to worry, ”Yeah, well I’m sorry if I worried you and that I didn’t tell you where I was going. But Mr.Shen-lung is nice and well…I just hope you're not angry with me.” “Who me? No way, I’m not angry with you. I was a little worried about ya, Scoots.”Dash said looking down to Scootaloo with a smile, ”Besides if he did anything to hurt you I-” “You’ll do what pony?” Shen-lung growled, making the ponies shiver turn to him. “I probably give you a good beating if you hurt Scootaloo or her any of her friends.” Dash said with a smirk, ”I bet I can beat you ten seconds flat easy.” “Injured or not, I won’t be beaten that easily pony. I can beat you in less than five seconds.” The dragon growled smoke rising from his nostrils." Rainbow was going to make Shen-lung eat his own words, when Rarity decided to intervene. “Now, now Rainbow, I don’t think its necessary to anger our guest while he is recovery,” Rarity intervene, ”After all Applejack promised that no harm would come to him. Isn’t that right Applejack?” “I did and I intend to keep that promise.” The earth pony answered firmly, “And that goes the same to you Shen-lung.” The dragon only glared at the rainbow pegasus, but ceased the fire that was burning within him, ”I will keep my word, but know this pony. I may be a dangerous creature, but I would never harm a child.” still glaring to the cyan pegasus. Rainbow Dash huffed, still not trusting the dragon. But she can believe in Applejack’s word and can only hoped that this dragon would keep his promise. ”I don’t trust you.” “That makes two of us pony.” Shen-lung agreed, though still glaring. “But I want to say something to ya and I’m only going to say this once.” Dash explained. “And what is that pony?” The dragon asked waiting to hear her word. “Thanks” She answered her glare soften a bit. “What?” Shen-lung’s glare seemed to have vanished the moment he heard those words from the cyan pony.”For what?” “For saving Scootaloo and my friends.” Rainbow answered though looking in another direction instead Shen-lung. ”I mean if I was there I probably saved them myself.” Her friends could have rolled their eyes or groan at Rainbow’s boasting, but refrain from doing so, ”But I wasn’t so thanks for saving them.” Shen-lung snorted a puff of smoke, but he nodded to what this pony was saying to him. “ What’s your name pony?” “The name’s Rainbow Dash and I’m fastest pony in all of Equestra.” She declared with a smirk. Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, the fastest flier in Cloudsdale or Ponyville and possibly all of Equestria. A pony that absolutely refused to leave her friends behind and instead stay with them until she knew they were okay and out of harms way. She didn't get her Element for nothing. Of course Shen-lung knew nothing about that, but gave a nod to her name. Shen-lung was about to speak, when Sweetie Belle came rushing back to him, along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. ”Mr. Shen-lung can you show that trick you did for our sisters. Please.” The little unicorn asked sweetly, giving the dragon big pleading eyes. “Please Mr. Shen-lung it be nice if ya did.” Apple Bloom pleaded as well, giving him the big eyes as well. “Yeah it be great if you did.” Scootaloo agreed as well though she did give him the eyes as well. Making the dragon feel a little uncomfortable under their cute and pleading gaze. It almost made smile on the spot, well almost. It caused him to let out a low sigh, ”Oh alright, but I am only doing this for you young ones.” He gave in, though he gave a small smile. The girls cheered as their sister and friends came to them to watch, though Fluttershy stayed behind Rainbow since she was still afraid of Shen-lung’s earlier outburst. Surprisingly none of them notice that Skywind was missing. ________________________________________________________________________________________ From outside the barn Skywind dare not move from his spot. His brother was inside the barn, inside not knowing that his brother had come to see him. He was nervous and afraid, afraid how his brother would react. But he came here for a reason, a reason to see his brother and maybe perhaps talk to him. Anything was better than being alone and he was family. The only family he had left, besides their father. It was all he had left in this world and all he had to do was talk to his brother. Sadly things were not that simple as he had hoped for. For now he would have to wait. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Twilight and her friends watched as Shen-lung began his process of creating life. As he had done earlier, he had dug a hole using his claws. Having dug deep enough, Shen-lung brought his head down, taking in a breath and releasing it, softly spewing out a soft greenish cloud that entered the soil. Once that was done the dragon filled the hole with dirt. “That’s it? I don’t see anything special about a cloud that sinks into the dirt.” Dash said. “Just wait and see.” Shen-lung said never taking his eye away from the ground. They all looked down to see a green stem pop up from the ground. Growing and growing, reaching to its full height. Green leaves sprouted from the stem of the flower, but the flower had not bloom yet. Tentatively Rarity gently touched the flower and quickly redrew her hoof back, when the flower responded to her touch. Slowly ever so slowly the flower began to bloom, blooming into a golden star-shaped flower. The flower gave off a light that shined brightly, basking the ponies in its warmth essence. “My goodness! I have never seen a flower this gorgeous in all my life,” Rarity beamed at the flower with such happiness. “My stars…I’ve never seen anything like this at all!” Applejack whispered, but it was loud enough to be heard. “Its beautiful.” Fluttershy whispered no longer hiding behind Rainbow. The timid pony moved slowly next to Twilight, who was at a loss of words. Fluttershy sighed in happiness feeling her fears go away, feeling the warmth from the light that surrounded her friends. “I just don’t know what to say?” Twilight whispered, ”This is...This is….-” “Amazing,” Shen-lung finished. “Yes,” Twilight nodded. ”How are you doing this? Is this magic?” “No, not magic.” Shen-lung answered, his lime green eyes gave off a faint glow, ”Merely a gift that I was born with and it is a very special gift .” The light from the golden flower began to fade away and with it, its warmth. Shen-lung lowered his head, his snout touching the flower. Giving it gentle nuzzle, ”This is a very special flower, a gift that I wish give.” The dragon’s eyes locked onto the young fillies, ”At first I did not wish to give anything to you ponies…but I have received kindness. Kindness that I do not deserve, kindness that I have not received in such a long time. ” “Y-you shouldn’t say s-such a thing.” Fluttershy whispered but it was loud enough for the dragon to hear, “Everybody deserves kindness, e-even a d-dragon like you deserves kindness.” Shen-lung sighed deeply, ”No...I don’t.” “Of course you deserve it dear.” Rarity said softly, ”You did something that no pony could ever have done. You saved my life, my friends, and my dear little sister and that makes you a hero” Shen-lung shook his head, trying to rid of such thoughts, ”I am no hero.” “But you are aren’t you?” Spike asked. “I don’t know what I am anymore. I was a Gu….-.” Shen-lung frowned stopping himself from saying something from his past, ”I...I wish to apologized for my behavior earlier, especially to you Fluttershy. You and your friends have done so much for me and I have done so little. Which is why I have decided to give you girls this” Gently caressing the flower with his claws. The shy pegasus merely hid behind her mane. Half of her face hid behind her mane hoping to hide herself from the dragon’s eyes, but she manage to whisper loud enough for Shen-lung to hear, ”I-I forgive you Mr.Shen-lung and thank you.” To which the dragon nodded to her response. “You want to give this flower to us.” Twilight asked genuinely surprised by the dragon’s generosity and the apology that he was giving. ”But why?” “Because I was given a great gift,” Shen-lung said gently looking at the scarf that was around his neck. ”So I have decided to give you ponies this flower.” “Pfffft, what's so special about a flower,” Making Shen-lung glare at Rainbow, ”besides being a flower.” “It can heal any illnesses that one suffers from. A flower that can heal life or so I heard.” Shen-lung continued, ”Though I am not certain if it can heal life, but one never knows if the stories are true.” “So you don’t know if this flower can do as you?” The lavender unicorn asked curiously. “No I don’t,” Shen-lung answered truthfully. ”The choice is yours to believe if this flower can heal or not.” “Well I don’t know if this flower can do such a thing as heal a pony, but I thank ya for the gift.” Applejack said with a smile. “Thank you for the lovely gift you have given to us Mr. Shen-lung,” Rarity thanked with a smile. “Is there any chance you might make more flowers?” She asked hopefully. “Why the sudden interest R-Rarity?” The dragon answered trying to speak her name. Since he was not use to them yet. “Well I happen to have a gift for fashion.” Rarity answered, ”And these flowers of yours could do wonders for my shop.” “Uh, well I uh, don’t know about this ‘fashion’ you speak of, but you are welcome to use these flowers,” Shen-lung gestured to the small patch of green that surrounded him. ”I have no use for them and it would sadden me if these flowers were not put for good use.” Rarity nodded, ”Thank you.” “So what will you do now Mr.Shen-lung?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Rest I suppose,” Shen-lung answered with a yawn, revealing his sharp teeth. ”Is there anything else I should know before you ponies leave me in peace.” “There is actually.” Twilight added noticing they were one pony short, ”Where’s Skywind?” This made the dragon’s eyes widen in surprise. Everypony looked around, wondering where their large friend was, even Shen-lung was looking around. And that’s when they heard the hoof steps of a very large pony entering the barn. Shen-lung could not believe what he was seeing, there at the entrance of the barn stood his brother. Looking strong, healthy, looking the same as he looked years ago. “Its been a long time since I’ve seen you big brother.” Skywind said giving a small smile. “B-Brother.” Shen-lung whispered almost speechless to see his brother. “What he’s your brother!” “How come you didn’t tell us!” “Why is he here?” “Girls!” Rarity intervene, looking to the three young fillies ”Now is not the time nor place to ask such questions about Mr.Shen-lung’s family history. Don’t you agree Twilight?” Twilight nodded understanding Rarity’s point, ”Girls I think its best we leave these two alone.” Walking towards the the entrance of the barn. The others soon followed, leaving Shen-lung where he was. “Twilight.” Rainbow whispered, ”Are you sure its a good idea to leave these two alone. I mean doesn’t this feel a little weird to you?” “Maybe a little.” Twilight admitted, ”But I do know that Shen-lung and Skywind want some privacy. So let’s at least respect that and leave them alone for a bit okay.” Making Rainbow nod to her reason. The Cutie Mark Crusaders gave a small protest in leaving Shen-lung alone, but a quick glare from their sisters was enough for them leave. Skywind watched as the fillies and mares left the barn, shutting the door behind him. Leaving him and his brother alone. It was a silent and awkward situation between the two brothers. So many question were coming to their minds that the brothers did not know where to start. Shen-lung took a long look at his brother noticing some changes. No longer was he the little brother he used watch over when they were young. What stood in front of him was now a large and imposing stallion. His mane was much longer, shinier, healthy meaning that he proper care of himself. His muscles flex and contracted, due to his strong breathing. Now his wings were large, strong and healthy much like his own wings, except for them looking injured like his own. Making the large dragon wonder what sort of training he had went through to attain a strong physique. He almost shudder at the thought of what his teachers did to his brother, no doubt he must have went through the harsh training his masters had given to him when he was young. Skywind also took a moment to examined his brother, noticing some changes as well. He was much bigger than he was before, though not as big as the elders back home. His body was covered in bandages, bandages that were wrapped around his arms, his legs, his neck, and even his large wings. Looking at them made him shiver at what sort of pain his brother must have went through to get such injuries. The large reptile’s scales shown signs of neglect, no longer shining like they used to and his claws were rather dull, though not as sharp as they use to be, they could still do some damage. Still the silence was beginning to become uncomfortable so the to break the ice first was Skywind, ”Its been a few years since I last saw you brother.” “Its has.” His brother nodded slowly, ”though I am surprise to see you here.” “I could say the same to you.” The stallion smiled, ”You haven’t changed a bit.” “Well that’s where you're wrong little brother.” Shen-lung disagreed, ”I haven’t been the same since…-” “The day you left our home.” Skywind finished with a frown.”I know.” “Then tell me little brother. Why are you here?” Shen-lung asked narrowing his eyes towards his brother. The pegasus sighed sadly, ”I wanted see you and…..I wanted to know if you were alright.” Shen-lung snorted, “Is that all? I figured it be something more important.” “But it is to me and if father was here he would agree too.” Skywind answered with a hint a of sadness. Shen-lung’s eyes soften at the mention of his father, “How i-is father?” “He’s doing very well.” Skywind answered with a small smile, ”He misses you.” “T-That’s nice to hear. How is everything back home?” The dragon asked. “Everything is fine. A little boring for father, wishing for some excitement to happen. After all he is the leader of the council. Things tend to be a little boring for him since he became-” “King?” Shen-lung added. “Well no not exactly. I mean most of the people in our city look up to him as a king, but he refuses the title. He always tells me that when one becomes a monarch, they tend to have power and when they have power there is corruption.” “So instead of having all power that he gives it to the Elders. Preferring it to be more of a uh… what was that word again? The Wise One mentioned it to me. It was a...Republic yes that was it.” “A republic? What is that?” The large reptile asked curious what that word meant. “Well its sort like a gathering, where the Elders gather other dragons father included, even the Wise One. Where they discuss issues about our city, trade, laws and such.” “Sounds boring.” Skywind chuckled, ”Father said the same thing, but its important if there is to be order.” Shen-lung slowly nodded, ”So how did father come up with this idea?” “Mostly from books that he read from the Wise One. You can learn a thing or two from reading a book, especially one as old as the Wise One.” Skywind answered. “Hmm, tell me.” Shen-lung asked, ”How are the Elders?” Skywind smiled, “They’re doing alright. They miss you as well. And if you are going to ask the Wise One misses you as well. In fact all our friends miss you.” Shen-lung chuckled, ”I bet they do.” Skywind chuckled, ”Believe me they do.” Then Skywind frown, ”Which is why I have thought about asking you this question.” Shen-lung eyed his brother, ”And that is?” “When will you ever return home?"