//------------------------------// // Ponies And Dragons. // Story: Ponies and Dragon Remade. // by SilentScarletNicole //------------------------------// The cry of Malefor’s demise echoed through the hollow cave as the ancients dragged him down into the glistening purple rock beneath their feet. Although Spyro and Cynder had killed the eternal, the demonic powers of Malefor’s demise still lingered on. After successfully completing the Golems circle, Malefor summoned the destiny of the purple dragons; deciding to announce the cleansing of a new world. An entire planet full of flora and fauna, was tearing apart into oblivion, and while millions upon the surface felt little much as a rattle, they had no indication of the disaster which was coming. In time mountains would fall and civilisations would crumble at the end of Earth’s time. Spyro and Cynder wondered why. Why did they still fail? Why can’t anyone be saved? They defeated the most powerful monster to ever roam their Earth, but in the end Malefor still won. Spyro knew of the purple ones destiny; deciding the fate of the world, to save it or to destroy it. But he never remembered tales of a purple one ever being capable of what he had to do. An entire world at the cost of one dragon’s life, he had no idea if it would even work, but he had to try. The only thing that was stopping him was Cynder. “You don’t have to do anything!” Cynder said. The yell in her voice wasn’t her usual stubborn tone, but more of a sad plea. Spyro looked at her in regret for pulling her along the entire time. He could see that for once in her life, she was expressing sad emotion. “Let’s just go!” she cried again, but Spyro still walked away, heading towards the centre of the cave as hot magma purged beneath them. “Please...” “Go where Cynder? There will be nothing left!” Spyro stamped the ground, “The world is breaking apart, but I think I can stop it. I think I’m meant to.” He looked at the black dragon in front of him. Through her emerald eyes he saw nothing more than a girl wanting her happy ending. Please leave. He thought, hoping Cynder could read his sub-conscious as it wailed in uncertainty, please leave and live for me. Cynder only continued to stare, the sound of a cracking earth breaking around them where they stood. “Then I’m with you.” With no time to argue, Spyro rose into the air, his entire body disappearing under the purple glow appearing around him. At first nothing had happened, just a young dragon rising into the sky while a planet collapsed. Cynder began to doubt the obvious, until a sound of a weak bell echoed the cavern. At that moment, It wasn’t the sound which shocked Cynder; but the absence of it altogether. For when the chime rang, silence was held, and as it burst from Spyro, the earth, in fact time as well, felt as if it were moving at an incredible rate. Cynder noticed the ground beneath her as she saw the ghosts of the ancients ‘swimming’ underneath. They were swerving under the land where Spyro floated, reacting towards Spyros’ desperate plea to save the Earth. Cynder looked back up at her floating companion, his scales shining brightly. She noticed that he was suddenly unconscious, yet his body still remained in the air. Cynder once served as a tyrant killer under Malefor’s power, been a slave of Gaul, and was told by her own kind as the most demonic monster to roam the skies; In those years of her younger life, Cynder never knew how to feel cared for. Her childhood was cursed; Malefor had corrupted her to age into an adult while only a young’un, giving her power which seemed beyond natural. She was a freak accident to others, completely discriminated and hated for her alliance to the dark master. The resentment caused Cynder to become in complete denial of care and love, she hated the words. “But you helped me Spyro. Even though I tried to leave, you searched for me. You helped me leave my past behind, but now I have to leave you?” Cynder became mad, “It’s not fair! I stuck by you as well Spyro, just like you did to me! We both defeated Malefor, and I deserve to be happy!” She lay on the rocky floor and sobbed while the planet around her still began to crack. She didn’t care about saving others anymore; Cynder was going to die anyway, trapped in the centre of the Earth with the dead corpse of her love. The thought of Spyro’s mangled body in her arms made a tear shed from her eye. “I loved you, Spyro.” The Earth now began to rebuild, the sounds returned. The earth roared a mighty moan as cracks that once encircled the entire core began to seal again. Barricades upon barricades of rock crushing up onto one another as a once doomed world breathed life once more. Cynder looked around her, recovering herself from the fallen tears, and saw Spyros’ great sacrifice in motion; attracting the binds of the Earth together once again. The moaning continued, the planet healed.....and a black dragon flew to Spyro’s rescue. __________________________________________________________________________________ Among the chattering of locals in Ponyville, the markets crowded among a street, attracting customers and public eye as they sold their produce. A yellow Pegasus galloped through Ponyville, hyperventilating in panic as her wings seemed to be locked in place. The Pegasus was stopping at nothing until she came to the market stalls. The frightened pony, Fluttershy, came to a halt while she looked at the calm and peaceful crowd going about their day. “Excuse me everyone! I-I need you all to listen.” Fluttershy called, but having a shy voice made it impossible for others to hear her. Already knowing where the yelling was getting her, she sighed in disappointment and moved on to plan B- finding Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy tried to zip through other ponies browsing the stalls. “Excuse me.......uhm, could you? Oh, thank-you.......oh excuse me...” Fluttershy nervously trotted through the crowd in a quick pace, she was eager to get somewhere. A few more apologies and excuses later, she was through the market. The pony then began to squeal as she galloped once again through Ponyville. “Rainbow Dash!” her soft voice squeaked, hardly grabbing the attention of the ponies she bypassed, in fact they wouldn’t even have noticed her if it weren’t for her frantic running. It took quite some time for the shy Pegasus to reach the tumble of clouds shaping Rainbow Dash’s home. Flying was something she was use to, moving on foot was not, even if she was afraid of heights. She looked at her wings and attempted to expand them. She gave an upset huff after noticing that they were still stuck. She returned her gaze to the floating home and noticed how lifeless it looked. Fluttershy had a feeling something was wrong, but was too scared to even think about it, “What if it got here first? What if it ate her? Is it still here? Is it watchi-“ “Fluuuuuuuuttershy!” A creature called from above. The sudden call of her name spooked Fluttershy as she darted behind a tree. “Fluuuuuuuuttershy!” The suspiciously ecstatic voice called again, but the startled Pegasus was too scared to even look around her cover, “N-n-n-No-one’s! I saw a Pegasus pony fly somewhere over there!” A small twig floated in the air, obviously by Fluttershy’s hoof. “Yes! that’s right! So uhm....don’t come any closer because....because I’m just a....tree.” A hard landing was heard, like a huge basket hitting the ground. It made Fluttershy’s stomach drop. Her heart raced, the monster was here, it had eaten Rainbow Dash and now it wants seconds. Oh my goodness, oh my goodness- Fluttershy began to hyperventilate, and if it weren’t for the pink pony that jumped in front of her she would have fainted. “Watch ya’ doing behind the tree Fluttershy? Are you playing hide and go seek? Can I play? Who else is it? Are you the last one hiding I promise not to tell anyone!” Pinkie Pie said. “Pinkie Pie? What are you doing here?” Fluttershy felt embarrassed at her once again melodramatic retreats. “I’m sorry, I heard a something big land and I thought it was the monster.” “Don’t worry Fluttershy, there’s no scary monster here!” Just me and Gummy.” A small toothless green alligator appeared from Pinkie’s mane. Feeling more relaxed, Fluttershy hopped up, looking behind the tree and to her surprise saw Twilight’s hot air balloon. “Pinkie Pie why do-“ Gummy and I are going to have some fun!” Pinkie Pie leaped into the balloon, starting to rise towards Rainbow’s home. “Yes but why-“ “And don’t you tell anyone what I’m doing ok? It’s a surprise for rainbow Dash” A huge smile appeared on the pony’s pink face. “Pinkie why do you ha-“ “I’m going to use all this pink dye Gummy and I bought to colour Rainbow Dash’s clouds pink!” She busted out laughing at her own joke, Gummy popping his head up at the sudden noise. “Pinkie could you please lis-“ “But don’t tell her! I want to see her face when she gets back!” The pony began pouring a pink liquid from a large jar onto the clouds. At first it seemed like the dye did nothing, pouring through the clouds like rain before later shifting to a pink shade. “Zocura showed me this trick!” Pinkie Pie giggled. “Pinkie!” The irritated Fluttershy yelled, which for once actually grabbed Pinkie Pie’s attention. She stopped pouring and looked at Fluttershy who returned to her usual, apologetic manner. “Oh, I’m so sorry Pinkie Pie. Please, just go back to what you were doing.” “Ok!” and Pinkie Pie began to pour away. “Oh Wait!” “Ok!” “Well you don’t have to stop right now....” “Ok.” “But I need you to listen!” “Okey-dokey.” “Oh...well I can probably just come later maybe.” Pinkie Pie sighed. “Fluttershy if you keep this up I’ll never finish pinkifying Dashies home. What’s wrong?” “Well...I was walking along the- Wait do you where Rainbow Dash is?” Pinkie Pie looked at Fluttershy with puzzlement. “Don’t you remember? Twilight and all of them have gone to see Princess Celestia for brunch silly!” “They are? Oh....right. I forgot.” “Which is why I’ve got little time to do this!” Pinkie focused onto the dye flowing onto the clouds, pouring a careful amount on each. “So what were you saying?” “Well uhm... I was walking along edge of the Evergreen Forest, collecting some nice flowers I saw yesterday on a hill. Today I was planning to pick them, until a-“ Fluttershy gulped at the thought of what happened, “A huge explosion came out of the ground. I......ran before the monsters could get me.” Pinkie had floated to a higher point of Rainbow’s home, switching jars while Gummy leaned over the side chewing on a smaller bottle as the pink dye continued to fall. The mention of the word explosion interested Pinkie. “You saw an explosion? Awesome! We should go see how big it was!” “Oh no Pinkie Pie! We mustn’t do that at all! The monsters might still be there.” “Fluttershy, explosions aren’t monsters silly!”   “I know that Pinkie, but I’m talking about what came out of the explosion. When all the purple and black smoke cleared there were two......two.....” Fluttershy yeeped again, crouching  as low to the ground as she could, “dragons....” Pinkie paused from her work. Not from the mention of the dragons, but the smoke. “purple black smoke?” “Oh yes! and two dragons came ou-“ “Smoke with a purple-black colour?” “ Yes Pinkie Pie and two drago-“ “Are you sure it wasn’t black-purpley smoke?” “Pinkie Pie you need to listen to m-“ “Maybe it was purple smokey-black!” She tapped her chin in a moment of deep thought. “Hmmmm...” Fluttershy stamped her hoof onto the ground, “Pinkie Pie! Oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to yell again....” Before she could even continue however Pinkie Pie had already began floating back towards Ponyville. “Come on Fluttershy!” Pinkie called, “We need to send a message to Celestia!” Fluttershy yelled from afar. “Uhm.....why?” “Because uhh, I think Twilight would know more about this than anyone else, now come on!” “But Pinkie Pie,” Fluttershy sighed and lifted into the air, spending a second to look at her wings in relief that they were no longer folded, but expanding across the sky. She soared at her usual steady slow pace, which thankfully the air balloon was just as slow. She gently landed onto the cockpit of the balloon opposite to where Pinkie Pie stood looking below.   “Uhm, Pinkie,” Fluttershy asked her. “Did Twilight let you take her balloon?” “Of course she did Fluttershy!” “Really? It just seems...well....odd of her to give you her balloon just to do a prank...” Pinkie Pie turned her head at Fluttershy with a relaxing smile. “Why would I ever take something without a reason?” “Well there was that time with the parasprites...” __________________________________________________________________________________ Upon the balcony below Celestia’s quarters, Twilight Sparkle gathered with Rarity, Luna, Applejack and Rainbow Dash as they were treated to plates upon plates of cuisines. The round table sat the 5 ponies, aside from Celestia who had taken a visit up to her quarters. Princess Luna sat next to Twilight Sparkle. Even though they had first met as rivals, their friendship had blossomed quickly. It personally surprised Twilight that Luna was so kind and honest to her, it sometimes made Twilight wonder how in the world this young, beautiful filly could’ve corrupted herself into the terrible Nightmare Moon. “You should definitely try the fruit loaf with butter Twilight, it’s so tasty!” Luna exclaimed as she began spreading butter onto her own slice of bread. Twilight thanked Luna for the offer, immediately giving it a try. On the other side of the table two ponies could be heard as Rarity tried to teach Applejack the purpose of each utensil. “This fork here is for the salad.” “Mmkay.” Applejack observed each of the forks that lay neatly next to her plate. She was picking up each one that Rarity picked, analysing it like some unknown artefact. “And this one next to it is for the larger salad.” “Al....Alrighty then.” “And this fork is for smaller salads, but also salads which are larger than the salads needed for the first fork I showed you ok?” “Sure.” “Now remember to pay attention here. This spoon is what you use for the salads.” “Yep. That one I can remember!” “And now this spoon here is for the larger sala-“ “Ok you’ve lust me sugarcube.” Rainbow Dash simply giggled at Rarity’s struggle to make Applejack understand the manners of royalty. Swallowing her food, Rainbow put her hoof on Rarity’s shoulder. “Listen Rarity, there’s no way you can make Applejack anymore lady-like than she already is. I say we should just chowder down!” “I hear ya Rainbow!” Applejack exclaimed as she roughly did up her napkin. Rarity quickly attempted to fix it for her, but then noticed the smirk coming from both ponies. “Heavens no,” She willowed, “Don’t you two even dare!” She began to edge herself away from the middle of the two glaring ponies as the tension built. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash shot their heads at the food ahead of them. “Brunch down munch down!” Both the competitive ponies suddenly began digging into the banquets, pulling off whole bowls of food and crunching it down themselves, ignoring the necessary utensils of forks and knives which lay around their plates. Twilight gasped at her friends reckless motives, she turned to Luna and was about to apologize, suddenly noticing she was laughing at the two. Twilight was slightly relieved that Luna was considerably fine with her friends being so wild. “At least they’re not having a food fight like last time” She said to herself, before chuckling at Rarity who struggled to restrain Rainbow Dash and Applejack’s activity. “You are so lucky to have such fun friends as these Twilight,” Luna said, but looked up at the balcony nearby in the castle wall. “What’s taking my sister so long? Celestia would love to see this.” Twilight couldn’t help but smile at Luna’s compliment. She was right, Twilight was lucky to have met these great ponies, and no-one could ever replace them. Today was just another typical day with the mane 6, as some ponies began to call them. The mailmare had told them it was because Twilight and her friends always seemed to be up to something, whether it was by themselves or in a catastrophe together. “Wasn’t she only dropping up to her quarters for some letters?” Twilight asked insightfully. “Yes, I might just go up and see what’s wrong. You don’t mind do you?” “Luna you’re a princess! You don’t need my permission to leave.” Twilight politely shooed Luna away, “Now go and tell my mentor to hurry up.” “Thank you Twilight” Luna rose up to the balcony of Celestia’s room. Her departure caught the eyes of Rarity. She stomped her hooves on the table.“Now do you see what you’ve done?” She shot an eye at both Applejack and Rainbow Dash, who were leaning back onto their chairs as Rarity raged. “Luna AND Celestia have left this banquet because of your disgusting behaviour! I can’t believe you too!” “Relax Rarity, she’s only leaving to see what’s taking Princess Celestia so long.” Twilight added from the other side of the table, making Rainbow and Applejack’s guilty faces disappear. “Well that’s a relief!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed before returning to her dog-like manner. Rarity glared at Twilight who returned the threat with a smile. Rarity pouted and attempted to eat her food respectfully between the two ponies gouging down. It was quite some time before the two royal sisters returned from Celestia’s balcony, both giving a solemn apology and returning to their seats. “I am so sorry for taking such a long time everypony, but royal duties have kept me quite busy these last few weeks. I was only just able to fit in this banquet recently, I hope you all forgive my rude manners for being late.” “Of course your majesty! But I think the only ponies who need to learn of manners in this table are these two.” Rarity grabbed the manes of the Applejack and Rainbow Dash, forcing them upright and properly on their seats, their mouths covered with crumbs and other salads. “It is quite alright my dear,” Celestia giggled, noticing Rarity’s surprised look, “Spending time with all of you is exactly why I enjoy young Twilight Sparkles visits.” She smiled at Twilight, who simply blushed at the response. “But I can remember there were more than just 4 of you. Where is the sweet Pegasus and young pink one I love so much?” Rarity was forcefully wiping Rainbow Dash’s mouth with a napkin. “Oh Fluttershy? Well she’s very busy this time of the year. Getting food and shelter for her animal friends of course, and she was telling me about some flowers that had bloomed the other day,” Rarity proceeded to do the same to Applejack, “She was planning on making a dandelion salad for her bunnies.” “Not even the princess herself can persuade that shy filly to leave her animals for the day!” Rainbow shouted as she already began eating some fruit bread, which made a new layer of crumbs on her mouth. Rarity scowled. “And what about the enthusiastic one named Pinkie Pie?” Celestia turned to Luna, “I know you’d love her Luna, she’s so.....Twilight what best’s describes Pinkie Pie?” “Honestly, I have no idea. First she’s super happy, then super crazy, then super serious, then super sad, then super happy again.” Luna leaned past Celestia to see Twilight. “But where is she? I was really hoping to see her today.” “Oh yes! Well,” She hesitated, “she was busy too....you know how Pinkie is!” Twilight gave a sarcastic laugh and clearing her throat for her friends to follow. “Yes!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, “in fact today is very special for her, seeing as she’s on her first date with Big Mac.” she gave a wink to Twilight. “Yes! It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Pinkie Pie so nervous,” Twilight turned to glare at Rainbow Dash, “They’re a really cute couple.” “Oh? Twilight is Big Mac the big stallion you’re always telling me about in your le-“ “A very cute couple indeed!” Twilight immediately focused on the plate of food in front of her. It wasn’t until she heard her brother’s name that Applejack finally took notice of the conversation. “What’s this about ma brother? Ow!” She felt a small pain on her leg as Rarity kicked her under the table. Celestia could easily see through their lie. “Well what a shame she has to miss out on this lovely feast, but still give her and Big Mac my best wishes.” She floated up her tea and gave a small sip, “So what prank does Pinkie Pie have in store for you this morning Rainbow Dash?” “I have no idea; she said it’s going to be something huge though! Oh crap.” By the time Rainbow Dash covered her mouth Celestia was already sipping her ‘tea of victory’. Luna laughed at her older sister’s successful wit while the other ponies shrunk into their chairs. “Honestly girls, sometimes I swear you mistake me for a tyrant.” She laughed at the thought before raising a muffin with her horn to eat. She noticed a colt in a blue wonderbolt uniform quickly fly out of her quarters, which reminded her of a special letter, “Oh Rainbow Dash I nearly forgot. While I was up in my room reading some letters I was visited by a Pegasus of the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash spat out her juice, “A Wonderbolt was here? How couldn’t I have seen them? Where are they! Was it Spitfire??” She began flying in the air, looking around for the pony. “Sorry Rainbow Dash, but they had to leave before they could give you this.” From next to her came a small scroll. It floated across the breakfast table in front of Rainbow Dash, who nudged her plate out of the way. The scroll gently landed, and without hesitation Rainbow Dash rolled it open. “Oh my gosh. No....way!” beaming with happiness, she zipped into the air with the scroll in hoof, “This is the best day ever!” through her cheer Rainbow Dash was prancing around the others in the air. She stopped for a few seconds to inspect the letter some more, making her squeal joyfully, “And it has my own name on it!” “What is it Rainbow?” Applejack said, now more interested in something besides the food. “Come down so we can all see it dear!” Rarity waved her hoof to Rainbow’s chair, but she still remained in the air. Noticing that no pony would be able to see it at all, Rainbow Dash landed back in her seat with the scroll on the table. “Sorry, my wings kind of go on their own when I get excited.” Looking back at the scroll again, she spoke. “It’s a personal letter from the Wonderbolts!” All the ponies gasped aside from Celestia, who was smiling cheerfully at the manner. Rainbow Dash continued to enthusiastically investigate the scroll; turning it upside down, looking at the back, and wavering it from side to side. “Is it from Spitfire? Or maybe even Soarin?” The anticipation made Rainbow Dash fail to notice she was flying in the air again. “Well try reading it first.” Twilight said and motioned her to descend. Rainbow Dash landed back onto her seat, all the ponies leaning over to read the message. “Oh Rainbow Dash, it’s not a personal letter, it’s an audition form!” Twilight added. “Oh. Wait, so they want me to join them?” Rainbow Dash’s mouth was gaping open in amazement. “Not exactly, it’s just your chance to join the Wonderbolts.” “ Then what’s this down here?” Twilight looked below the audition form and saw a small note: Dear Rainbow Dash, The Wonderbolts have met you on many occasions presenting your experience in aerial feats. Because of this our order has finally offered you an audition into the Wonderbolts Beginner Brigade. I personally believe you will easily pass this test, so I hope to see you soon! -Wonderbolts “Oh my Rainbow, they must be very interested in you to write something like that.” Rarity said. She turned to Celestia. “Pardon me your majesty, but couldn’t the messenger have just dropped down here and given it to Rainbow Dash personally? It would seem more honourable that way.” Applejack had walked over behind Rainbow Dash so that she could read the letter, and was now messing with Dash’s mane, “Sound’s like sum pony from the wunderbolts gut a crush on Rainbow ‘ere”. Rainbow Dash bickered Applejack out of her mane, “What are you talking about Applejack? They’re the most talented fliers in Equestria, it’s not like they’d have time to see every pony they nominate.” She paused for a moment, “But who do you think it was? Spitfire?” A small giggle came from Celestia. “I honestly wasn’t sure why they refused to personally hand it to you Rainbow Dash. You are quite a ‘radical’ pony as they say” She began to blush as her giggles were becoming somewhat hard to control. Trying to hide them, she lifted her tea again, and raised another letter in front of her. All the ponies were puzzled by Celestia’s fraudulent behaviour. All except Luna, who seemed to know exactly what Celestia, was hiding. Celestia avoided their gazes and looked at her next letter, while Rainbow Dash returned to the conversation of her audition form, proceeding to flapping her wings for attention. “Now who has a pencil? I need to fill this out quick!” “Wait until we get back to Ponyville Rainbow Dash, we can fill it out after our appointment with the princesses.” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash slumped. “But I want to do it now! I can’t wait until then.” “Be patient sugercube” Applejack patted Rainbow Dash on her head, who responded with a grunt. As the ponies continued feasting, Celestia was still trying to finish sorting the last few letters she had, much to the help of Twilight. Noticing a tied scroll similar to Twilight’s letters, Celestia leaned away from Twilight’s gaze to open it. I must have been so busy that I didn’t notice this one pop in front of me this week, how ridiculous of me. After a short read on Twilight’s study, the white goddess shifted her eyes down at the purple pony next to her; these letters are getting shorter every week. Has my dear student finally learnt all there is to friendship? Twilight sat in her chair with an appealing peace, sorting a small pile of the princess’s letters and envelopes while enjoying the chatter shared across the table. Unaware to Twilight, a white alicorn stared down at her with worry. __________________________________________________________________________________ Silence filled the Ponyville library tree, except for the excessive tapping of Spike’s foot upon the wooden floor. An embarrassed Fluttershy and ignorant Pinkie Pie sat around the main room with the baby dragon. Still having the need to complain, Spike raised his voice again. “You know who’s going to get his head bitten off for this? Me.” Pinkie pouted at the remark. “Twilight isn’t going to bite your head off Spike, she doesn’t eat dragons.” Spike’s eye twitched, a rage quickly boiled inside him. He forced himself to settle down. Guess I set myself up for that one, he thought.  “Well could you at least ask next time before running off with Twilight’s hot air balloon??” This time it was Fluttershy who spoke. “We’re very sorry Spike; I promise this will never happen again.” Spike slapped himself in the face for the fourth time. “And for the last time Fluttershy, I know it wasn’t your fault, it was Pinkie’s! Stop saying sorry, you’re giving me a headache.” “Oh, I’m sorry.” “Stop it!” Fluttershy realized her mistake. “Oh shoot I didn’t mean to say that, sorry Spike.” “Oh for crying out loud!” He stamped away, mumbling as he picked up a pile of books to return to the shelves. It was his original chore before he heard a loud thump outside the library, revealing to be Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, who had welcomed themselves in without any consultation from Spike. Spike turned back down at the two ponies watching him. “I still need to get through morning chores, so when Celestia replies to your letter you’re leaving. Got it?” “Okay Dokie!” Spike sighed in relief. “Well that fixes that problem.” He said to himself. Time moved by again as Spike filled the shelves with books, all in their exact order. For being a baby dragon Spike seemed to be quite intelligent in remembering each books correct assortment. Pinkie Pie, with too much energy to stand still, walked around the room, desperately trying to find something to entertain her. Fluttershy in the mean time was having a ball with Owlalicious. “Who.” Fluttershy cheerfully called. “Who.” The owl replied. “Who.” “Who.” “Who.” “WHOOOO!“ A dash of pink flew by in between them, instantly startling both the owl and Fluttershy. “Who?” I mean, Pinkie? What are you doing?” “I’m bored!” the pink pony cried, “but I noticed you and Owlalicious were having a great time so I thought it would be really great too if I came in and made it super more fun by joining you!” A wide smile appeared from Pinkie’s face as she looked up at Fluttershy. “Well Pinkie Pie, would you like me to teach you how to speak owl?” Fluttershy asked. Pinkie Pie jumped at the chance, nodding her head excitingly. “Okay, now listen to how I speak. Then I want you to respond in the same way.....i-if you can of course, I mean if you want to try a different way that’s fine too.” Pinkie Pie gave a dull look. “I’ll take that as a ‘get on with it’,” Fluttershy, although nervous to try, became excited to teach Pinkie Pie. “Now, say it after me,” Fluttershy took some time to clear her throat, politely and sweetly pronouncing “Who...” Pinkie Pie nodded slowly, giving off an investigative stare at Fluttershy like as if she were some crime scene. The looks made Fluttershy uncomfortable. Closing her eyes, Pinkie Pie concentrated, staying still for a short moment. The unnecessary preparation was surprising to Fluttershy. “Uhm, Pinkie? I-i don’t think you need to try that hard.” “WHO!” A loud shout came which flew Fluttershy back. “Oh my! Well, that was.....nice...” Fluttershy’s eyes dodged around the room, “But try it a teeny bit quieter if you could.” “WHO!” “Yes almost. But....if you could....a bit softer?” “WHO!” “No Pinkie....It’s not bad, but not so loud okay?” “WHO!” Fluttershy’s begging kindness was starting to fade. “Pinkie I don’t think you-“ “I don’t understand. What am I doing wrong?” “You’re too loud; you’re sounding like you want to attack something.” “Really?” Pinkie turned to Owlalicious next to her. “WHO!” The owl retaliated with a slap of his foot, smacking Pinkie Pie’s face without any difficulty. Behind them a pile of books fell to the floor as Spike laughed hysterically. The dragon was distracted by the two ponies in time for him to notice the slap on Pinkie which had pulled him back laughing. He began to help himself up, clumsily reaching for each book as he tried to stop giggling. By now Fluttershy too was getting tiresome for the wait on the letter from the princess. Seeing Spike in a calmer mood than before, she walked forward and attempted to ask him something. “Um....Spike? Does Princess Celestia, you know, take this long to write back?” “Hold it right there sister.” Spike raised his hand in a ‘stop’ motion. “Never say that, it jinxes me. Every time somepony, especially Twilight, wonders what’s taking the princess so long to write back- bam, out comes the letter. It’s so annoying.” He looked down at the fallen pile of books, “and I don’t want to risk burning up another one of Twilight’s books.” Spike picked up more of the books. “I think being punished for leaving the balloo-” Spike roared an enormous belch as a green puff of smoke burst from his mouth. He only had a fraction of a second to drop the books, narrowly burning the corner of one of them. Spike examined the damage done to the book he damaged. “Oh man that was close!” He said. Fluttershy picked up the scroll for him. Pinkie Pie zipped to his side, followed by Fluttershy and Owlalicious, who peacefully sat on top of her pink mane. Pinkie juggled herself up and down as Spike unrolled the message, “So what’s going to happen? is Twilight coming back because I think she should come and help us oh and especially Rainbow Dash since she knows how to kick butt then again so does Applejack but Rarity could probably sit down and make them scarfs or something I don’t really kno-“ “Remain calm. I am sending soldiers to deal with the matter, please don’t interfere. The last thing I want reported is 3 of my young students closest friends injured from a dangerous beast.” The library was silent, moody with confusion. Everyone tilted their heads sideways at the letter in front of them. “Who?” Owlalicious asked. “You’re right Owlalicious, this does sound odd of the princess” Fluttershy tapped her chin. She then realised that the princess had ordered her, including her friends, not to intervene. The fact that Pinkie and Spike couldn’t force her to go see the dragons made her supportive of Celestia’s message. “Well it’s clear what needs to be done.” Pinkie walked in front of the group, speaking in an informative manner, “Celestia has gone loopy and doesn’t know what to do.” “While in complete disagreement with pinkie on the whole ‘Celestia’s sanity’ part, I say we go after them too.” He rolled the scroll back up." “No, we shouldn’t. I mean what if it’s a good idea? Soldiers are much stronger and braver than us....” “Yeah, but I’ve never had the chance to meet a dragon like me near Ponyville ever!” Owlalicious landed on Spike’s head. “Except when Owlie came by, and that guy was pretty stuffy.” Owlalicious returned to the mane of Fluttershy’s, “And if they’re only the size of a pony like you said Fluttershy, We could easily make peace with them!” Pinkie appeared from behind Spike and agitatedly nodded towards Fluttershy. “Yes but I just think the soldiers would be much safer.” Ignoring Fluttershy, Spike smirked while tugging an invisible moustache. “And if anyone knows how dragons act, it’s me! Now let’s go.” The purple dragon pointed to Owlalicious, who was snugging in Fluttershy’s mane, “You’re fine to take care of the tree Owl?” a simple hoot was all that was needed to respond.  Pinkie began to follow him as they headed to the door. Fluttershy however stayed still. “But Spike these dragons, They’re different from the ones in Equest-“ She squealed as she felt Pinkie Pie bite her tail tug her out the door, her hoof dragging across the ground to the grass outside.