//------------------------------// // Legend meets Goddess // Story: Little Dragon in a Strange New World // by Zeryurijin //------------------------------// The scene unfolding the throne room was depicted as the following: Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's meeting with Ambassadors Sapphire and Steelwing were interrupted when an unknown intruder forced his way into the room, hoping to seek an audience. Now as the purple dragon stood there taking in his surroundings he had a distinct feeling the two ponies at the end of the room were far different then the ones he encountered during his stay here. Eyes cast over to the snow white one, the pale pastel colored mane and tail, which like her dark counterpart, seem to flow and weave on its own accord. Royal regalia adorned her body, while grand wings and an even imposing horn was noted. A sun was emblazoned on her flank, signifying her cutie mark and what her abilities were. Most of all were her own eyes, gazing back with calm intensity much like the suttle feel a prelude to a potential storm should its power continued to be fueled by the conditions. Next were the ambassadors. Clearly both were stunned and unable to speak at the sight of this dragon, who so easily dispatched Celestia's guards without so much as breaking a sweat. More so was the strange hum of power that gathered before hoof before it was unleashed with powerful results. As for Spyro there was little time to even consider what to say. Soft groans, strained limbs and sore bodies, still wracked with the after effects of his Lightning spell. To top it all off, the sounds of hooves thundered behind him as more guards rushed to defend their rulers. Well, this is a fine mess you've gotten yourself into Spyro. Adding more fuel to the fire and doing a darn fine job of it to. No doubt the white pony is Celestia. The dragon and griffon must be the ambassadors. That leaves the other one, the midnight colored pony. Given their appearances are similar, I would have to say they are related. HALT! The dragon whirled around to see eight more guards clamber into the throne room. Unlike their fellow pegasi, these guards felt they had more umph, more fire in them and were heavily armored compared to the others. Elite guards then? Spike never mentioned these ponies during his quick run-through of the castle. They moved swiftly quickly surrounding Spyro all poised and ready to strike at the drop of a feather or whisper of a command. He hunkered down in response, his own body ready to counter anything thrown his way. While he would have preferred to avoid a fight it looked as though his chances of avoiding such was slim. "Fellas. I don't suppose we can discuss this in a peaceful matter could we?" Spyro asked. "By royal decree of Princess Celestia, you are hear by placed under arrest for invading her majesty's castle with the attempt to infiltrate and cause plausible harm. You also face charges for assault on fellow palace guards." "I guess saying self defense wouldn't fly by you pegasus, would it?" A cold stare greeted Spyro's visage as he exhaled noisily,"Didn't think so." They made their move. Spyro made his. At the throne room, Luna merely gawked as her sister's personal hoof picked Elite Royal Guards ganged up on the purple dragon. The alicorn quickly moved to Celestia's side and all but hissed in her ear. "Sister do something! They are going to tear that dragon apart and in front of the ambassadors no less!" "I doubt they will do very much to him, nor will he cause them real harm." she whispered back. "What?!" "Just watch dear sister." They all leap in unison, some attempt to pin him down like the last group. Spyro rolled quickly to the side, just as eight pairs of front hooves land on the red carpeting where he was once stood. For elites, they seem to follow their former commands routine with attempts to pin the intruder. Then again they were not unicorns, so magical restraints were not their strong points. Flight and speed with a little brute strength mixed in seemed more their style. speed also played a part as three broke off from the huddled group and charged the dragon. One went for a frontal tackle, two took quick leaps to the side in hopes of cutting off his attempt to roll his way out of this one. Spyro acknowledged their quick thinking and rushes the first elite in front. The pegasus guards braces himself for what he thinks the dragon is going for a tackle himself. Fool. The stallion thought as he recalled going through the harshest flight camp training ever written down in the barracks. He halted tumbling boulders twice his size with his chest alone. This shrimp of a dragon tackle would be like a feather and all he needed to do was wrap his forelegs around him and the dragon was as good as trapped. Just when the the space between then closed, Spyro reared up on his hind legs and grabbed the guard's helm. "What the?!" was all he managed to stutter before his sight went black. Spyro yanked his helm down, obscuring his view and temporarily jamming the helmet on his head. While he struggled to release his head from his now burdensome head decoration, Spyro turned his attention on the remaining seven. He somersaulted back, avoiding the two others whom tried to sneak in for a take down, watching them bounce off one another with little reaction. Tougher then a dragon's scales these fellows probably played for keeps. No wonder they were saved for last. Let the small fry move in to slow down their quarry then come in and finish the job with style. Spyro noticed they were pushing him back too. The dragon was backpedaling as they closed in, finding himself moving closer to the throne. Not too bright, if they are putting their rulers at risk. Unless there was some hidden ploy he had yet to pick up on. Oh wait.... the two ponies on the throne... they had horns as well. Horns meant they knew magic which meant.... Spyro yelped as a soft aura enveloped him freezing him in place like stone. Sure he could breath and still talk if he wanted to, but his limbs, tail, wings and other muscle groups were not responding. "Thank you, my faithful guards. Please.. .gather your comrades and depart. I will call upon your services later." "Your majesty? Is it wise to leave such a dangerous dragon in your care? We've seen what he did to the others just now, surely." "I appreciate your concern, Captain Highwind. As you also know, thousands of years of protecting my ponies and this kingdom has made me anything but soft and feeble." Celestia replied. The one in charge bowed before giving a salute,"Apologies my Princess." He turned and barked out the orders. The seven group up once more and they marched as one taking their fallen comrades with them as they exited. The doors slammed with a loud bang with Spyro levitating there just watching the display. He found himself being flipped around and then tugged with ease until he found himself levitating a few feet from the white pony in question. Those same eyes that held that intense stare had softened, but Spyro doubted the mild irritation of his actions were unnoticed. "Purple scales with red hued wings, yellow spines along the head and neck with two horns. Pale violet eyes and a knack for elemental magic. These are the words Twilight described you as. Am I wrong Spyro?" "Your majesty please! Be lenient with him he was only.." Sapphire tried to speak. "Ambassador Sapphire, Ambassador Steelwing. I ask that you leave my court temporarily. I have words to speak with this dragon and this dragon alone. My guards will summon you when we are finished." Dragon and griffon traded uneasy glances but complied. They bowed and then turned tail exiting the same fashion as the elites, the huge doors opening and closing once more. Celestia, Luna and Spyro were alone. Any more soldiers stationed within immediately left without word. They knew their Princess when she expected a private meeting and were not one to disobey an indirect order. The aura around Spyro faded and he dropped like a stone. Landing on all fours, he shook himself off only to feel Celestia standing over him lowering her neck so their eyes met. There was a distinct feeling of dread creeping in his belly. One could say the alicorn was not happy with him right now. "What part of 'stay out of sight' did you not understand, Spyro? Were my words misinterpreted by Twilight when she relayed the message from the letter I sent her?" Spyro snorted then pushed her muzzle back much to her surprise,"With all due respect, your highness. I don't like secrets kept from me. especially when they involve me. Yeah, you know the hidden message you wrote in your last letter addressed to your student and her alone? I read that. I'm not some pet you can simply hide behind some curtain while you hold your meetings. I may be a guest in your world. But I have as much as a voice as any of your fellow pony citizens." "Then as a guest and 'citizen' Spyro, when a order is given, you oblige and follow it. Not disobey. You infiltrated my castle un seen, attacked my guards, interrupted an important meeting between two ambassadors and for what? Just to be heard. Clearly you do not see the delicacy of the situation you find yourself in, child." "Ch... child?!" Spyro stammered. Celestia bore down upon him again those eyes almost piercing into his soul,"I've lived many centuries, Spyro. Seen things that no mortal could content or understand, dealt with such travesties your world would not survive one of them. Dragons hatch, grow of age then wither away. The same can be said of my ponies and griffons. The one thing that will never change will be of me and my sister. Until time itself ends our lives will forever go on." I...Immortality? But that's a myth! Volteer said it himself, immortals never existed! Could he have been wrong all this time? "Luna will escort you to my chambers. You are to remain there until I am finished. You are not allowed to leave, allowed to roam, allowed to THINK of even trying anything in that skull of yours. And you will not speak to any pony until I am through. Are we clear?" Spyro could have said no, refused to listen and continue to press his point. Yet something about Celestia dared him to even think of acting against her. Different from any dragon or creature he had encountered during his travels, it was clear Celestia would play for keeps and he doubted that even with his knowledge of the elemental arts, he would barely singe a single hair on her mane. Gritting his teeth, but seeing how absolute her orders were, the dragon merely snorted and nodded. "Good. Sister will you be so kind?" The alicorn motioned to the midnight colored pony to her left. "Of course, sister. We shall see you when you have finished." Luna rose and stepped down, bading the dragon to follow. He took one last glance at the sight of Celestia sitting there, not moving as her eyes remained fixated to him, waiting for him to make another mistake. He turned and followed the dark alicorn down the pathway towards the door. "Sister before its too late, inform Sapphire and Steelwing they may enter once more as well as my guards." Luna bowed slightly,"It will be done. I look forward to hearing the outcome." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Moon goddess and dragon spoke little as they were heading towards Celestia's chambers. Luna tried to strike up some conversation, but Spyro was not responding. Either he was not happy for being so silenced easily, or the dragon was lost in thought. Luna kept from grinning, but let a small smirk play across her muzzle. Always the same with big shots in Equestria. Thinking they could come in whenever they want and expect to be heard. Only when they felt her sister's presence where they so easily cowed and meek, did they truly understand their position. She was a force to be reckoned with. The pair came before a set of doors, two guards posted at either side. Both saluted to Luna, eyes quirked at the sight of Spyro with her. "Princess's orders. He is to remain in her chambers and is not allowed to leave under any circumstance." Both nodded in unison, opening the door to their ruler's room which Luna and dragon entered. She stood by the doorway as he stepped into the center, then turned around and stared at the dark alicorn. "You should count yourself lucky, Sir Spyro. Celestia has been lenient with you. Try not to irk her any further. For both your sakes." Luna closed the doors and Spyro found himself alone in the chamber. Eyes glanced around and took in the sights. It seemed similar to Twilight's library almost. There was a desk on one side of the room, complete with a stack of scrolls, quill and inkwell. Book shelves adorned the far end, lined with many tomes, both new and aged. Various contraptions, instruments and other objects decorated the room, much like Twilight's. Of course the bed at the end made the unicorn's look like a patch of dirt. These rulers sure lived a pampered life. Or when ever they could. A dresser and mirror tied every thing together, a small jewelry hutch sat upon the surface, open and vacant. Clearly a housing for what ever adornments were removed for the night. While Spyro was half heartedly looking around, his reflection on the mirror warped and twisted, the features darkening and blurring out. Soon a shadowy form of himself was there, blank eyes staring intently at its half. My, my we certainly put on a rather impressive display. The way she handled you, how long before we have a leash and rope around our neck, barking like some common pup? "Don't start. I've had enough with one lecture I don't need another. Not from the likes of you anyway." The dragon grumbled. Oh yes, I can imagine you like getting your tail handed to you on a regular basis by some... beast. The great Spyro, slayer of Malefor and savior of Avalar, brought low by some prissy, frilly, girly ruler over a bunch of four legged little blobs of color. The dark half yawned almost bored, admiring its claws for a moment. Spyro ignored him for the better part until its hollowed voice started up again. So between the dragon ambassador and the griffon ambassador, which side do you think will attempt a coup and try to take us? My gold is on both. While dear Sapphire may sound trust worthy, there is something about her I find off. And let us not forget the proud Steelwing. A weapon he calls us. How admirable. I really should thank him some day. Spyro said nothing and turned around, ignoring his reflection. It stared at him in a mixture of mild annoyance and amusement, before striking up another conversation. So between us, what did you make of that ghastly stone creation in the garden? For a ruler who seems to enjoy the arts and culture of her kind, that mocking abomination of creature parts certainly clashes with her artistic tastes. And that faint aura. Seems Celestia has a few dark secrets herself she's been keeping from her fellow subjects. Or they mostly know and dare not speak about it. What do you think? "Heck if I know." The dragon muttered. Eyes cast down on the marbled floor, the large circular rug in the middle drew his attention as it bore the same symbol on Celestia's flank. "Have to admit. It did feel strange. And creepy." The doors opened drawing his attention to the princess as she entered. They closed as Celestia scanned the room, finding Spyro by her dresser. Her eyes darted from left to right, a look of puzzlement betrayed her otherwise calm features. "So am I your prisoner now, sentenced to some dungeon you have in store until this whole delicate situation blows over?" The dragon erked as she plucked him off the chair by her aura and plopped him back down before her. He snorted and rose to his feet, looking a bit peeved that she was tossing him around almost like a rag doll. "Twilight will arrive shortly to take you back to her library. I'm sending two of my elites as well and you will be under constant supervision. This is your once, only and last mistake you will ever make, Spyro. Once your elders create a rift between our worlds, you will be free to head home. Until then your being placed under house arrest." A small bracelet appeared before her and it snapped around his wrist. Spyro looked down then back up to the alicorn. Celestia gave a light nod, "Its attuned to you. And it will not come off unless I release it. An insurance policy in case you decide to pull any more foolish stunts. I WILL know where you are should you try and hide, so don't get any brilliant ideas." The doors opened once more and two of her elites showed up. Spyro recognized the captain and the other pegasus whose helm he yanked down. "Your highness, Twilight is waiting in the court yard for our little guest here." Captain Highwind said with a salute. "Thank you captain. You may escort our guest out." The pegasi bowed and approached Spyro. Seeing no other option, the dragon gritted his teeth and followed his watch ponies out of the chambers. He paused and turned to give Celestia a hard look, the alicorn not budging from her place. "I'm doing this for your own good, Spyro. Tensions are high as it is between Draconis and Gryf. Your unexpected arrival and showcase of your power has both ambassadors on edge. Let us hope it does not escalate any further." The alicorn motioned. The trio left and the doors closed, leaving Celestia alone in her room. Once she knew they were far enough, the alicorn turned and paced, looking in every nook and cranny. Her search came up empty leaving the ruler puzzled. "I swore I could have heard him talking to some pony in here earlier...." - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - If looks could kill, Twilight would have beaten Celestia for the champion cup of murderous looks. Fuming would be the polite terms given the pony's body posture and how she glared as Spyro appeared with both guards in tow. They saluted to the unicorn before Spyro entered the carriage Twilight following with the guards bringing up the rear. "I can't believe you! Of all the crazy, foolish, rock headed stunts I've seen any pony or dragon pull off, this has got to be the worst one yet! How could you, Spyro? I trusted you, the Princess trusted you, my friends trusted you! And what do you do? You break into the castle! The castle of all places!" Spyro tuned her out while the guards just gave small grins, enjoying the further lashing the dragon was getting from the smaller mare. The carriage lurched and was on its way back to Ponyville, complete with one furious unicorn mare, one deeply stewed Spyro and two elite guards who were looking to enjoy this task and maybe get a little payback for the insult said dragon caused them in front of their ruler. Back in her room, Luna found Celestia pacing in circles, her sister holding a tea tray in her aura. "Sister is everything alright? Spyro is under constant watch and will be with Twilight. He won't be making any more mistakes. The meeting with Steelwing and Sapphire went better then we both expected." The dark alicorn pointed, setting down the tea. Celestia looked back up at her sister,"Luna. When you looked at Spyro, did you feel anything off about him?" "Off? I don't quite follow your meaning sister. I felt the magical power he used and how different it is from ours. If that is what you are referring to, then yes. Is something about him troubling you? Did he show disfavor over the sentence you placed upon him?" The white alicorn shook her head. "No. Just... " She motioned for Luna to come closer, the midnight alicorn joining her sister at the center. "Before I entered, I was overhearing him talking. Brief as it was, it sounded like he was speaking to another pony or person. Yet when I entered my chamber was vacant save for him. And just as he left when I looked into his eyes I felt... something." Luna tilted her head,"Something? I'm afraid that is too vague, sis. Your going to have to be a little more specific for me to understand." Celestia gazed at her sister, a look of worry and a hint of pain in her eyes. "What I sensed in him was similar to what I was sensing in you. Before the Nightmare Moon incident." "Sis?" "I'm going to rely a message to Twilight to have her keep an extra sharp eye on him. There is something about Spyro that has me concerned. I don't want to make a mistake and have some catastrophe unfold in Equestria again. I will consult his elders. Maybe they will have some answers."