//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Oh Dear King, Am I Worthy So? // Story: Prince Spike // by B_25 //------------------------------// Spike strolled through Basilisk. A sway in his step as countless memories came to mind; all of them regarding the land he currently walked upon. Spike never really connect to his dragon heritages. Even in his younger teen years he disliked other dragons, and never gave into his greed -- not even once. Cloud was always on top of that, wasn’t he. I remember when I was about to amass my first hoard. Oh dang, was he pissed. Spike found himself thinking about his long-lost mentor lately, and he hadn’t known why. You could say it was because Cloud sent Spike here to do important things here and there -- trying to connect him to his roots. But then again; Spike had been thinking about him back at the castle. Though his current quest could be the cause for these thoughts to stir, as the Dragon King and Cloud were surprisingly close. I wonder what has happened to the King? More than likely…. he’s dead. Which is bad news if he is. I mean, he was a good dragon, but he had the strength to put all the dragons of these lands in their place. Now, we have a someone who was not only able to defeat him, but wants all Tatars to break lose. And I get to fight him. Great. Cole ran a claw through his smooth head as he gather his thoughts. Sadly, the odds are not in my favour. And even if I do beat him: who’s going to replace the King? I mean, I could, but the ‘Prince’ title is already worse enough. So not only do I need to somehow defeat this… whoever or whatever it is, but I also need to find someone to replace the King. It’s going to be a long day. Spike sighed as he continued to walk; pondering what to do about his current predicament. Spike had become glad that he had left his outfit back at the ship; as a heat-wave attacked the town. Spike though still carried his sword -- it clinging to his back. Spike received the sword from Cloud not to long before his disappearance, and had named it, “Green Flame” Spike withdrew the sword from it’s sheath, reflecting upon it. It was a large and heavy sword -- even for dragon-standards, as it was seven-and-a-half feet tall to be exact. Although to Spike: it appeared normal -- him being eight-and-a-half feet. The blade was a massive broadsword; notches running along it’s silver length -- though it had a tint of green. The hilt was silver with small inclined green lines running in circles. With a pommel of two half-dragons on either side spurring out a curved-flame.The guard was that of a dragon you’d see on ancient scroll. On the blade was engraved a green-flame, and on the other side a red-outlined pony To most, the sword would be impossible to hold. But to Spike, he could swirl it in between his claws. Garble wasn’t kidding when it came to dragon’s having strength. Now that I think about, it was in this town that you gave me this sword, wasn’t it, Cloud? Walking through the lands belonging to the species called dragons, were a pegasus, and a pony-hatched dragon. Although it was pony-hatched, the teenage dragon was still -- quite frankly -- a prick. Although he had something that differentiated him from other dragons, even if no one else saw it. Spike and Cloud had been walking in complete silence as they made their way to their destination. Spike, however, being one who couldn’t handle absolute silence, tried breaking the ice. “Huh. I always knew the Dragon Lands is a land without music. Wouldn’t you agree, Cloud?” Spike asked, as he looked over to his mentor. He did not reply. Huh, I guess he’s taking this whole thing serious. “You alright, Cloud? You seem... tense.” Not a word again. Spike sighed and gave up. Though to his surprise; Cloud stopped trotting. “Spike, I know as a teen you're going through this nonchalant phase. But I would very much appreciate it if you actually acted like a gentle-drake today. Especially seeing how we’re going to be under the grace presence of the Dragon-King. So please: don’t make him your foe.” Cloud said. He then took a seat on the paved road. While listening to his words; Spike noticed that he seemed … tired. He waited a few seconds before talking. “Well, you know what they say: ‘Call no being a foe, but never love a stranger.’” Spike quoted as he began to walk again. Cloud had a small smile on his muzzle, as he too began to trot. “I forgot how much you liked quotations,” Cloud said in his usual tone. Spike smlied at the words. “Yeah, there’s just something about them. You can receive the greatest advice from the smallest sentence. I can’t really explain it. It’s like a secret pleasure I have -- especially when I read a good one. Heck, I actually keep a small book for the best of the best.” His mentor smiled. “I agree completely. It something so small; yet so wise.” Unfortunately, their pleasant conversation came to an end. As in the distance stood a mighty colosseum. Spike studied it from afar. “So, this is the place, huh?” Spike asked as he pointed a claw to it, lowering his arm afterwards. “Huh, kinda big. Personally, I think he’s compensating for something else.” “If you use that tone around the king; I’m not responsible if he just steps on you,” chuckled Cloud. “Seriously? He’s that kind of royal prick that if you aren't nice to them, they get all sore-loserish and kill you? “Actually, he’s really not like that; or even that royal in general. He’s probably the strongest and wisest dragon I know. Although if you do somehow manage piss him off; you can say goodbye to your eye!” Spike chuckled. “Alright. Well, let’s get this whole ‘Is this pony raised dragon doing well thing’ done with.” X X X The duo now approached the colosseum. Spike halting at the massive doors. He looked up to where a handle hung up high. He compared that length to himself. If there’s one thing I agree with you Cloud: is that staying this size is for the better. “I’d start being more formal if I were you Spike,” began Cloud. “You are a Prince after all; you will be showing an example not only to the king, but to everyone around you of where you come from and the environment you live by. You very well could be the reason to a treaty between our species.” “Shouldn’t I be formal all the time then?” responded Spike. “Well, seeing how it’s you,” - Cloud couldn’t help but be a bit sarcastic. “All the time wouldn’t fit you.” “Agreed.” “Though, I’m serious Spike. If this test goes south: you're going to be forced to study in these lands for a long time.” “Don’t worry. We’ll put on one Tatars of a show for our Majesty!” Spike yelled as he kicked the colosseum door open. Inside the building, were many colossus pillars holding the roof up, and a carpet of the finest silk spread across the floor, leading into many trails that into led into many rooms. But if you were to continue straight, you would see a staircase that led to a massive throne, and a massive dragon to go along with it. This dragon, being the most noble of all throughout all of the lands, was known as the Dragon-King. The King spoke with another dragon close to his size; his eyes then beginning to lay upon the duo. “Ah, Cloud!” the King exclaimed with his stretched-claws. The caramel-coloured dragon who’d had been speaking with the King previously stepped out of view. Cloud trotted before the king, then bowed before him. “There’s no need for that Cloud, especially if you're a friend! As young Spike here can see.” The Dragon-King took notice to the creature who had not fallen to his knees in praise, and was impressed by both his bravery and stupidity. “Told ‘ya Cloud, the king just wants us-” A claw hung over Spike’s head, it plummeting to the ground in an instant. Spike, however, had just withdrawn his sword just in time, and upper-slashed the claw; buying him a few seconds to roll out of the way and into safety. “Hey, claws off!” Spike said as he stood up, dusting his sleeves off before turning around and pointing at the king. “Unless you’re buying me lunch first.” Feels like I've said that line numerous times now. The king laughed in amusement. He looked to his hand and found even more amusement, as he displayed it for all to see. “He even manage to give me a small cut!” At the sight; guards began to surround Spike. Though the King dismissively-waved the injured claw. “Now, now. I’m quite alright. Actually, I’m better than alright; I’m impressed.” He brought down his large and lengthy head and studied Spike more intensely. “Bold, yet stupid; courages, yet terrified; humorous, yet thoughtful.” He turned to Cloud. “I see you pony-folk have done a splendid job at raising a kindred of my species.” “Thank you, King,” said Cloud as he bowed. “Hey, pops!” Spike interrupted. “The king said you need not to bow; so what'cha doing?” Cloud glared at Spike, he only smiled. “Although, Cloud.” Everyone watched the King once more. “His attitude could still use some tweaking.” Spike turned to the King -- a claw in the air, an index claw pointing high up. “Whoa, whoa! I know I might not be the nicest dragon around. But I’d still consider myself better than some other dragons -- or even ponies!” The King looked Spike once more. “Spike, you're a dragon. Your instinct is to be bad -- evil. How could you be nicer than a race of ponies?” “... It’s what's on the inside that counts?” “Your inside, demands to steal, kill, and have everything you desire. In other words, greed.” “Okay, fine; you got me there. That voice never shuts up. But besides that, I actually want to do good for the world, while others would like to watch it burn for their own pleasure.” “Who are these, ‘others’?” Spike lowered his head, closing his eyes as he released one small chuckle, before looking back up at the king. “Ah, nevermind. In the end, anyone can think what they please, if it make’s them feel good about themselves. All I need to do is get the job done in the best way possible, and keep my mouth shut.” A small smirk appeared on the kings lips. “Anyway, old pegasus, you ready to rock?” Spike asked, as Cloud took a bit of offence to the drake’s words. “Ah, I see you two already have some anger towards each other. I think it’s about time you started the test.” The king sat back on his throne, as his two claws came together. Spike chuckled, as he kicked his foot back, kicking the tip of his sword up -- it ascending in the air. Spike then caught the sword and used the momentum to swing the sword in a three-sixty -- which caused his cloak to flap. Upon finishing, he struck the floor and held the bald there as he watched Cloud -- his Cloak now settling. Cloud brought out his sword, attaching it to his arm, and then pointing it at Spike -- who arose his sword as-well and pointed it at Cloud. “I see you're still working on your, ‘moves.’” “Of course. A big factor in battle his how stylish you look.” Cloud chuckled at the comment. “I see you're still flippant as ever.” “Hmf, caring about things is just another weakness.” Spike began sprinting at Cloud, who did the same. “I’m sure you would agree?” The two swords met, as the battle between student and teacher began. “I couldn’t agree more.”