Friends, Forgiveness, and Magic
Secret of my Dragon Quest
“Hey. Hey, Chrysie. You awake?” Gilda said as she poked the changeling queen.
Chrysalis yawned and rubbed her eyes. “Gilda, what are you doing in my hive this early? Did someling let you in?”
“Never mind that. Come on, it’s a three-way big day!” Gilda said.
Chrysalis yawned again. “Three-way big day? What does that mean?” Her eyes widened. “Wait, now I remember!”
“There ya go!” Gilda flapped her wings and flew out of the hive. Chrysalis gave her own wings a buzz and flew after her.
Within minutes, they had arrived at the Peaceville library. Nightmare Moon answered the door and ushered them inside. “You two are the first ones here,” she whispered.
Discord teleported into the library, this time without a flash of light. Rainbow Dash appeared with him and hissed, “I told you your way was slower!”
“Be silent,” Nightmare hissed. “The key to a good surprise party is that the birthday boy is unaware until the last minute, before the trap is sprung.
Rainbow gave her an odd look. “Way to make a party sound spooky.”
A pink balloon floated into the library before it expanded into Pinkie Pie. “She’s not wrong though. Surprise parties need to have the element of surprise after all!” she giggled.
“Silence,” Nightmare hissed again.
“Oh, right. Don’t worry, I’m a black-belt in Party-Fu,” Pinkie whispered. She snapped her fingers and donned a ninja costume.
Trixie and Rarity snuck into the library next, with Sunset Shimmer hurrying after them. “Sorry we’re a bit late. I had to get a few things ready for sapphire season. Can you believe how close Smog’s birthday is to this year’s dragon migration?”
Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “What’s sapphire season?”
Sunset smiled. “Every few years or so, the dragons of the world go on the great dragon migration. Usually at the same time they go on their journey, I get a few special crystals and gemstones that come out around this season. Super soft sapphires and other precious stones that grow in Clear Crystal Caverns, soft enough that pony teeth can bite into them without breaking. It’s kinda like eating pop rocks mixed with rock candy and a little ice cream flavour. It tastes a little different to dragons but they absolutely love it. Besides them, King Sombra himself loves sapphire season. He’s visited a few crystal farms, even my own on one occasion. But now that’s I’m the Element of Knowledge, there’s no way our king would go to any other farm.” Sunset grinned. “I’m gonna be a rich mare by the time this season’s finished.”
“Oh. I thought for a second it was like cider season.” Rainbow smiled as her mind drifted to a fond memory. “Every cider season back in Clouds-Edge we got a few new bottles of sweet, delicious apple cider in the marketplace.”
Chrysalis smiled. “We get cider season in Peaceville too. Other cities in Everfree may get their cider from Apple Pie Incorporated, but we’re lucky enough to get ours from Sweet Apple Acres. It’s a little fresher, but they also run out really fast every year.”
“Fresh apple cider? Ooh, that sounds awesome!” Rainbow beamed.
“Keep your voices down,” Nightmare whispered. “Smog hasn’t come down yet, but that could change at any moment. I’ll go upstairs and keep him distracted. Discord and Pinkie, you two get the party ready. And remember, today’s about making Smog happy so please don’t set our home on fire.”
“What if he wants a little fire?” Discord asked.
“Ooh, yeah! Dragons like fire, right?” Pinkie said.
Nightmare frowned. “Trixie, you’re in charge of making sure these two maniacs don’t burn down my library.”
“While Trixie is a great and powerful unicorn, she’s not a miracle worker. But Trixie will do her best.”
Nightmare nodded and went upstairs. She saw Smog getting out of bed and stretched his arms out. “You’re up early,” he said with a yawn.
“Yep. I wanted to get an early start on practicing a new spell,” Nightmare said.
“Did I hear voices downstairs?” Smog asked he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
“Nope. Now come watch me cast a spell.”
“What about breakfast?”
“Breakfast is overrated,” she said with a slight twitch. “Come watch me cast spells.”
“See, this is why we sleep in. So you’re not tired and cranky,” Smog said as he reluctantly followed Nightmare into her study. Inside a glass case was a blue parasprite with red eyes.
“Now today I want to continue working on temporary transformation spells that use other creatures as the template. So I’m going to turn both of us into parasprites for about two minutes.”
“Okay then. Ready when you are,” Smog yawned.
Nightmare’s horn glowed as she levitated the glass case away from the parasprite. She shot a beam of magic at herself and Smog, and then at the parasprite. Insect-like wings either grew out of them or replaced their normal wings as their bodies and limbs shrunk. Soon, Nightmare Moon was a black parasprite with blue-green eyes and Smog was a red parasprite with yellow eyes. They smiled and buzzed around the room, getting a feel for the temporary bodies. Smog enjoyed being able to fly for a few minutes. Soon the spell wore off and they turned back to normal.
Nightmare used her magic to teleport the parasprite back to the Equestria forest before turning back to Smog. “So, how do you feel?” she asked as she levitated over some notepads.
“About the same as the last time you used that spell, a little tingly but nothing else. Still, it was fun flying around for a bit.” Smog smiled. “Hey, remember when King Sombra taught you that spell and he turned you into a dragon?”
“It was a very enjoyable and educational experience,” Nightmare said as she remembered that day. “Although I probably should have been more careful with those gems. Brushing my fangs was a pain in the neck for weeks.”
“Wouldn’t that be pain in the teeth?” Smog asked. She was about to answer him when a winged clock appeared in the room, buzzed loudly, and disappeared.
“Ah, yes it was. Now then Smog, I’ve got a surprise for you! Can you guess what today is?” she said.
Smog gave her a glare. “If you say that you woke me up early because of ‘re-shelving day’, I will slap you.”
Nightmare gave him a smirk. “Funny.” Her face relaxed back into a normal smile. “Today’s not re-shelving day. Follow me.”
They walked downstairs where Rainbow, Rarity, Pinkie, and the other Elements all sang, “Happy birthday Smog!”
Smog gasped. “Today’s my birthday? I totally forgot! Wow, this is a pleasant surprise. Thank you all for this completely unexpected party!”
Sunset frowned. “...You knew we were gonna be doing this, didn’t you?”
“Well, duh. It’s hard to forget your birthday and easy to spot the clues for a surprise birthday party,” Smog said. “But you went to all that trouble so I figured I’d humour you all.”
“Aw! But surprise parties are the best! Except when it makes you think your friends are ignoring you! Oh, that’d be awful! I know I’d want my birthday party to be super-duper fun with no sad faces!” Pinkie said. She snapped her fingers and made a calendar appear, floating in front of Discord’s face. “Hint, hint,” she said with a friendly smile.
“My dear, your own birthday isn’t for a while. Let’s concentrate our efforts on today’s party, shall we?” Discord said.
“Okie Dokie Lokie. Now then…balloons!” she sang as she snapped her fingers and made party supplies rain from the ceiling.
“Streamers!” Discord sang as he snapped his fingers and followed suit.
“Cakes and pies!”
“Chocolate and candies!”
“Drinks and alligators!”
“Presents and dancing buffalo!”
“Clean library! Please,” Nightmare interrupted with a frown.
“Yeah, yeah. We’ll clean up afterwards. Now then, party hats and games!” Pinkie cheered.
“That’s all great, but can ya get rid of the gators and buffalo?” Rainbow asked as she stared at the dancing creatures. “They’re creeping me out.”
“Aw! Okay, Dashie,” Pinkie said as she snapped her fingers and made the party a tiny bit less chaotic.
“Hey, I’m curious. Why’d we invite the ‘Trickster’ here today anyway?” Gilda whispered to Sunset.
“If we’re going to be friends with her to stop her from taking over Everfree, we need to include her in events like this. Besides, didn’t you ask for her help during that flood?” Sunset whispered back.
Gilda frowned. “Only because Discord wasn’t answering and she was my second best pick in terms of fixing the dam fast. And can we not talk about that? Still trying to get over Mare Do Well and everything.”
“Sorry,” Sunset whispered.
“I like to whisper too,” Pinkie said as she appeared behind them wrapped her forelegs around them. “But enough of that! Party time!”
Smog grinned as his friends handed him the gifts they brought. “Wow thanks guys! It’s usually just Nightmare, Luna, and King Sombra who give me birthday gifts. This is the biggest pile of presents I’ve ever gotten!” He grabbed one of the lighter presents and opened it. He gasped as a heart-shaped red gem fell out. “A fire ruby?”
Sunset smiled. “Yep. I don’t get them that often, but this has been a lucky year for crystal growths. I thought you’d enjoy it.”
“It looks delicious,” Smog said as he stared at it.
“Oh my!” Rarity stared at the fire ruby. “Why this gem is a marvel! At least twenty karats!”
Pinkie raised an eyebrow and held up a bowl of carrots. “Not that kind,” Discord whispered to her. She shrugged and swallowed the bowl whole.
“Oh, I hope it’s as tasty as it is beautiful Smog. I’ve never seen anything so stunning before,” Rarity said with longing in her eyes.
Smog stared at her, then back at the fire ruby. He sighed and handed it to her. “Here, you take it. I’ll just end up eating it, so it would mean more to me if you got some use outta it.”
Rarity shook her head even as she stared at the fire ruby. “Oh I couldn’t! This is your birthday present, and I can tell you want it more than I do!”
“It’s fine. Friends help friends, right?” Smog said.
Sunset frowned at Rarity. “I don’t think it’s fair to give away a birthday present that I gave you just ‘cause she’s making puppy-dog eyes at it.” She sighed and smiled. “But I probably have at least one more fire ruby I can let go of.” She pointed a hoof at her friends and said, “But my supply is limited so don’t get any ideas!”
“A limited supply? Oh dear, I hope you have enough for sapphire season,” Chrysalis said.
“Ah darn it,” Sunset said as she glanced at the clock. “Listen, I’d love to hang out more and party with you guys but I gotta set up for today. I’d normally never do this but this is my biggest day for business. So…?”
“It’s fine Sunset. We’ll catch up with you after my party. Save some room for me, I plan on buying the biggest sapphires you’ve got!” Smog said.
“Great, thanks, see you there!” Sunset called behind her back as she hurried out of the library.
The party soon went into full swing. Smog played games with his friends, unwrapped more presents, and laughed when Discord and Pinkie put on a small play, which involved dressing up like Starswirl the Bearded and making broomsticks dance around. Eventually Pinkie had to leave early with a bathtub full of leftover balloons and streamers as she had ‘a dozen or six more birthday parties to plan,’ in her own words.
Over at Clear Crystal Caverns, Sunset was setting up for when the dragons came to visit Peaceville. Sunset inspected her booth one more time before she went over and began talking to the Flim Flam brothers. “Okay listen up you two. I already have Sunflower and Screwball gathering all the highest quality crystals they can find. But I want to step up our game this year, especially since we’re likely to have a bigger crowd. Screwball came up with an idea to try baking a few of the crystals into sweets, instead of having them plain. Do you think we can make crystal cupcakes, peridot pies, sapphire sugar roles, and whatever else?”
“First of all, may I say that we love the names you’ve come up with so far,” Flim said
“And second, might I add that you can count on us! I’m sure if we reset the modifications of our Super Sapphire Speeder, we can-”
Sunset raised a hoof. “Hold it. Did you two work out the bugs in that thing?”
“Um…” the twins said.
“Then we’ll just have to work with our magic. I’m sorry, but until we get your invention fixed it’s a pile of junk and you know it.”
Flim rubbed the back of his head. “No need to be rude about it.”
Sunset’s ears flicked as she heard a distant roar. “Well sorry, but there’s not much time to be polite! That roar will be the first of many if we can’t keep our dragon customers happy! Now let’s move out!”
“I kinda feel like he’s showing off at this point,” Smog remarked. He and his friends watched as King Sombra and his assistant Garble arrived in Peaceville, riding on the back of the great dragon Spike.
“That was awesome!” Garble said as he hopped of Spike’s back. “I finally got to ride Spike! The mightiest and greatest of all dragons!”
“Yes, yes. I am something, aren’t I? Ah, the lovely lady Rarity. It is good to see you again, my dear.”
Rarity smiled nervously as Spike leaned his huge head down to look at her. “Oh my. You do know how to flatter a lady, great dragon Spike.” Spike’s eyes drifted to the fire ruby that Rarity was wearing around her neck with a gold band. “Oh, you’ve spotted my new necklace? Quite lovely, don’t you think?”
“Indeed. Only the finest of rubies for a most beautiful mare.”
“That’s enough from you,” King Sombra said as he climbed off Spike. “Be careful today Spike. We don’t want to accidentally smash someone’s home with that tail of yours.” The king smiled at the Element bearers and their friends. “Good morning to you all, and happy birthday to you Smog. I hope Nightmare got you something other than a new stargazing telescope this year.”
Smog snorted. “Yeah. A book.”
“Shut up Smog,” Nightmare said. Her ears folded down and she blushed as King Sombra and Spike chuckled.
“Ah yes, Smog the young dragon. Are you and your friends prepared for sapphire season?”
Smog’s eyes widened. “Who? M-me? You’re asking me?”
“Do you see any other dragon named Smog?”
“N-no I don’t, oh Spike the Stupendous. And y-yes. I’m excited for sapphire season.” Spike smiled.
“You have nice manners. That’s very important in young dragons. I invite you to come join Sombra, Garble, and I in enjoying the sapphire season. Today, we shall all feast like kings!”
Smog grinned. “I can’t wait!”
Discord floated up to Spike. “Ah, good to see you out and about again. We haven’t seen you since that whole Vengeance business, and before that not since we first met in your old cave. How are you dear Spike? Stomach’s okay?” Spike nodded.
“The hateful spirit that possessed my Sparky, as well as the lovely lady Rarity and spirited young Gilda, was restless at first. The Pink One has given me more ginger ale on the few occasions the pest tried to stir in my stomach, and the spirit has fallen quiet since.”
Trixie nodded. “Good. Trixie for one has grown tired of Eternity’s interference in Trixie’s life. Trixie hopes Gilda will be the last person that it haunts.” Spike growled at the thought of Vengeance.
“I grow tired speaking of the creature that separated my Sparky from me too. Sombra, Garble, I suggest you hurry to Sunset Shimmer’s crystal farm. Or else I shall devour ALL the crystals, leaving you with none.”
Spike smiled, flapped his wings, and flew off toward Clear Crystal Caverns. Garble walked over to Smog. “Come on little buddy! A big dragon like Spike can eat a lot of gems. We wanna make sure there’s some left over, right?”
“Right behind you!” Smog said as they ran towards Sunset’s farm.
“I’m curious, where’s Princess Twilight? Doesn’t she usually keep an eye on Spike?” Nightmare asked King Sombra.
“Spike has become a bit more manageable recently. As for Princess Twilight Sparkle, she is investigating a rather odd phenomenon. There has been strange volcanic activity lately,” the king said.
“Whoa, whoa! Back up. Volcanic activity? As in, kaboom and lava?” Rainbow asked.
The king smiled. “Don’t worry Miss Dash. There will be no volcanic eruptions any time soon. At least, it doesn’t appear so. Princess Twilight Sparkle, Countess Cadance, Captain Luna, and Corporal Blueblood have all assembled teams to investigate the strange activity. Their reports have been reassuring.”
“You need four whole teams to look into this? Three of said teams being managed by an alicorn? That doesn’t sound reassuring,” Nightmare said.
“There is no need for concern Nightmare Moon. Countess Cadance assured me that they have everything under control,” King Sombra said confidently. “Now then, can we move this along? Oh, I can already smell the crystals.”
Sunset grinned as she saw the growing line of teenage dragons, curious ponies, and even a few other creatures. “How did we make out?” she asked the Flim Flam brothers.
Flim levitated over some of the desserts they’d made. “We have a few barrels full, but not enough for this many customers. Hopefully these fine dragons and ponies don’t all ask for cake and pies to go with their gems. Are you sure we can’t raise the prices a bit?”
Sunset bit her lip nervously. “Maybe, but I’m worried that if we go any higher they’ll get upset.”
Flam came up beside his brother. “Well, let’s just do our best then.”
Sunset smiled. She turned to face the crowd of customers and announced, “Attention, everybody! Sapphire season is now officially open!”
The people in line cheered. Their cheering faded away into awed whispers as Spike flew to the front of the line, followed by King Sombra as the king flew through the air in his shadow form.
“Aren’t they cutting in line?” a green dragoness asked.
Another dragon gave her a look. “Dude, that’s the great dragon Spike and the pony king of darkness. If you wanna get in their faces, be my guest. I’ll visit you in the hospital,” he said.
She flicked her tongue at him with a hiss. “Well I wasn’t about to fight them idiot! I’m just saying…manners guys.”
Sunset bowed as King Sombra and Spike came to the front of the line. “Your Majesty. We are honoured to have you and the great dragon Spike as our first customers…even if you did kinda cut in line.”
King Sombra chuckled. “No need for formalities, my former student. As for the line cutting, well I’m sure these fine citizens will understand-”
“That we are kings and we can do whatever we want.”
King Sombra gave Spike a look. “I would have phrased that a bit kinder.”
“I guess two line-cutters are fine, as long as there won’t be anymore.” Sunset smiled. “Now then, what kind of crystals would you like? You may be interested to hear that this year we’ve also baked a few of our gems into sweets.”
King Sombra and a few other ponies looked up in interest at the cakes and pies that Flim and Flam prepared were levitated into view by Sunset. “Those do look interesting,” the king said.
Sunset fought to keep her smile up as she counted the number of intrigued ponies. More than she hoped for…or prepared for. “Of course.”
Sunset sighed in exhaustion as the last of the crystal-filled desserts were bought. “Okay to all the ponies in line, I’m sorry but we just sold our last peridot pie!” The ponies in line groaned in disappointment. Even the dragons looked a little upset. “Hey, cheer up everyone! We still have plenty of crystals left over; they just might not be as sweet. Now, can I help the next person in line?”
Sunflower walked over to her cousin. “Sunny? Bad news, our supply is getting low. We can go harvest a few more crystals but that would mean leaving these fine people alone.”
Sunset bit her lip nervously as she eyed the restless dragons. “Oh dear.”
Garble growled from where he stood in line. “They better get more gems soon.”
“I know what you mean,” Smog said as he jumped up and down behind him, trying to see past Garble and the other teenage dragons.
“Indeed. I’d like to be able to buy a few precious gems before they are all eaten,” Rarity complained as she stood behind Smog and Nightmare.
“Yeah! Save some for the rest of us!” Pinkie shouted behind her.
Rarity did a double take. “What the…when did you get here? For that matter, why are you in line?”
Pinkie grinned. “My Pinkie sense told me that a BIG surprise is coming here soon! I love surprises!”
“Hello dears. Oh my, I see that Miss Shimmer’s sapphire season is rather busy this year,” Mrs. Cake said as she and her husband walked over to them.
“Why, hello Mr. and Mrs. Cake! To what do we owe the pleasure? Come to break your teeth on a few gems too?” Discord asked as he floated past them, snacking on crystal cupcakes and peridot pies.
“You’re going back for more?” Garble said, glaring at him. “Save some for the rest of us!”
“That’s what I said!” Pinkie giggled.
“Oh no dear, we’re not here to buy gems. We were asked to ‘come see the show,’” Mrs. Cake said.
“The show?” Rainbow asked as she hovered in midair. She looked up as they all heard the sound of honks, bells, and whistles. A colourful and complicated machine drove over to the crowd, its wheels soon screeching to a halt in front of all the dragons and ponies.
Flim and Flam stared at the machine. “Brother of mine, I’m getting the strangest feeling that we are about to be made fun of,” Flim said. Flam nodded in agreement.
The machine opened at the top and two ponies jumped out. Nightmare and her friends examined the newcomers. The two ponies looked pretty young, maybe around Diamond Tiara’s age. The pegasus colt had a light yellowish-gray coat and brown hair. The unicorn filly had yellow coat and orange hair, with a small blue bow in her mane. The two ponies smiled wide and began to sing:
“Well, lookie what we got here, brother of mine, it's the same in every town,” the filly sang.
“Dragons with hungry throats, long tongues, and not a shard of crystal to be found
Maybe they're not aware that there's really no need for this teary despair”
“That the key that they need to solve this sad sapphire shortage you and I will share!” the colt sang.
“Well you've got opportunity
In this very community” they sang together.
“He's Pound!” the filly sang.
“She's Pumpkin!” the colt sang.
“We're the world famous Cake Twin Siblings!
Traveling salesponies unrivaled!” they sang together.
Pinkie Pie gawked at the singing ponies, her drop hanging open in shocked confusion. “Uh…what?”
Pumpkin kept singing, “Yes unrivaled, and that's exactly the reason why, you see
Nobody else in this whole place will give you such a chance to be where you need to be
And that's a new world, with tons of cakes!
Fresh baked and ready for snacking
“More sweets so that your dessert will never be lacking!” Pound added as he flapped his wings and hovered in midair. He floated down to join his sister and they sang together:
So take this opportunity
In this very community
He's Pound
She's Pumpkin
We're the world famous Cake Twin Siblings!
Traveling salesponies unrivaled!
Pumpkin’s horn glowed with light grayish-blue magic as she levitated herself over to the crowd of dragons and ponies. “I suppose by now you're wondering about our peculiar mode of transportation?”
“Our mode of locomotion!” Pound chuckled.
“And I suppose by now you're wondering, where are these promised crystal sweets?” Pumpkin asked.
“Any pony can make a claim and anybody can do the same!” Pound sang.
“But my brother and I have something most unique and superb
Unseen at any time in this big new world!” Pumpkin sang.
“Folks, it's the one and only, the biggest and the best
The unbelievable
Unimpeachable
Indispensable
I-can't-believe-able
Apple Pie, Cake Twin Super Duper Cupcake Maker!” the twins sang proudly.
“Yes, that feeling is not going away,” Flim mumbled. The Flim Flam brothers glanced at Pinkie who was still staring at the singing twins. They frowned as the dragons and ponies in the crowd sang along:
“We’ll take this opportunity
In this very community!
Please Twins, help this crystal acre
With your Super Duper Cupcake Maker!”
Pound flew over to Sunset and spoke normally. “Excuse me Miss Shimmer? My sister and I heard you were having a bit of trouble, so we went ahead and harvested more crystals for you! With your permission, we would like to buy your crystals and gems to use in our demonstration.”
Sunset gave them an amused smile. “Okay, let’s see where you’re going with this…opportunity, in our community.”
Pound smiled at his sister. “Ready Pumpkin?”
Pumpkin grinned as her horn glowed. “Ready Pound!
Let’s amaze, astonish and astound!” She fired a spell at the machine, causing it to power up and start working.
As the machine worked, Pumpkin explained its process. “Now here’s how the magic happens, my friends! Our Cupcake Maker will take the ingredients we throw into it and bake any kind of dessert you desire, at three times the speed it would take to bake normally! And it can work with crystals and gems too! Only the very best in quality, for all of our customers! Come on Peaceville, one more time!”
The twins came together and sang with the crowd:
“We’re saying you've got opportunity
In this very community
He's Pound
She's Pumpkin
It’s the world famous Cake Twin Siblings!
Traveling salesponies unrivaled! Yeah!”
As the song finished, Mr. and Mrs. Cake went up to the twins. “Oh, Pumpkin, Pound! It’s so good to see you back home!” Mrs. Cake cried.
Pound smiled. “It’s good to be back! Sorry mom, Miss Applejewel has been keeping us busy. But she asked us to come show off our product to Peaceville!”
Nightmare spoke up. “You work for Apple Pie Incorporated? Sorry but...you both seem a little young to be working.”
Pumpkin giggled. “My brother and I are child prodigies! We graduated from school and found our callings years ago!”
Pinkie stared at the twins in confused amazement. “Wow. Um…excuse me, I need to go home and process this…first Nightmare and Luna and…did not see that coming…” she mumbled. She disappeared with a snap of her fingers.
Pound and Pumpkin ran over to Sunset. “Excuse us Miss Shimmer! We heard that you’ve been looking to get a business tie with Apple Pie Incorporated. Miss Applejewel herself told us to tell you that we’ll go over the details and make a deal you can’t refuse!” Pumpkin said.
Pound spoke next, “To help you out, you can provide the crystals and gems and we’ll provide our Super Duper Cupcake Maker! And we love your idea for sapphire season sweets! Dragons and ponies alike can eat their super soft gems and crystals in any way they want! We’ll split today’s profits with you fifty-fifty, and figure out the rest later. What do you say?”
“A deal with Applejewel? It sounds a little too good to be true,” Sunset said.
Pumpkin’s eyes widened. “Oh, we would never take advantage your hard work here at Clear Crystal Caverns, if that’s what you’re implying!”
Pound nodded. “This deal will benefit both of us. And you can back out anytime you want if you feel like you’re being cheated. Miss Applejewel has always told us that honesty is our company’s policy. She cares deeply about the truth.”
Sunset smiled. “In that case, I will be happy to work with you.” She shook hooves with the colt and filly.
“My friends? Pardon me, but are you finished now? May I reveal myself?” a soft voice called out from inside of the Cake Twins’ machine.
“Oh, of course! Go right ahead!” Pound said.
A unicorn mare cautiously walked out of the side door from the vehicle part of the machine. Nightmare examined the newcomer. She had a white coat and a pink mane and tail. Statistically speaking, pink hair and a white coat were common among mares in Everfree. But this beautiful mare really made the look work, especially with the gold vest that she wore.
“Ladies and gentle-creatures, allow us to introduce our friend Miss Sunrise. We ask that you all please make her feel welcome,” Pumpkin said. “Now then, can I help the next customer?”
Sunrise’s gaze moved around the place, examining everything and everyone with great detail. Eventually she focused on Nightmare and let out a soft gasp. “Oh my goodness. Pardon me.” Sunrise walked over to Nightmare and smiled. “A warm welcome to you, Your Grace.”
“Your Grace?” Nightmare smiled. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever been called that before. Come on, you can relax. Aside from being an alicorn of the night, I’m not that different from you. My name is Nightmare Moon.”
Sunrise’s eyes widened. “Nightmare Moon? Oh my, that sounds like a rather fearsome name for such a well-mannered mare. Although your appearance does make me feel a little uneasy. Oh dear, I didn’t mean to offend you. I’m sure you’re not that fearsome.”
“Calm down. I’m not offended.” Nightmare said. “Your name is Sunrise?” The unicorn blushed a little and nodded. “Huh. I’ve got a friend with a similar name. Hey Sunset, come here for a second.” Sunset walked over to meet them. “This is my friend Sunset Shimmer.”
“A pleasure to meet you Miss Sunrise. Heh, with a name like that maybe we’re related,” Sunset remarked.
“Sadly, I do not believe we are. I have very few family members that I am aware of.” For a second, a sad and conflicted look passed over Sunrise’s face before she smiled again. “Pardon me for asking but I am quite curious…” She turned to face Nightmare. “The only alicorn I know of went by the name Luna. And yet another alicorn stands before me?”
Nightmare and Sunset blinked in surprise. “You…haven’t heard of me?” Nightmare asked.
“I’m afraid not. My home is very sheltered, and I was unaware of any current news that occurred in the outside world while I lived there. Recently I have travelled outside of my home. On the open road, I came across dear Pound and Pumpkin Cake. They were kind enough to offer me safe passage around Everfree in their spectacular cake-making contraption,” Sunrise patiently explained.
Sunset nodded thoughtfully. “Well, I guess that explains that.”
“What would you like to know about me then?” Nightmare asked.
“As much as you can tell me, if that’s not any trouble,” Sunrise softly requested.
“Alright. Where to start…” Nightmare smiled proudly. “It’s funny that you mention Luna. She’s my mom.”
Sunrise’s eyes widened. “Oh my. That…is news indeed.”
“Hey guys! How’s it going?” Nightmare looked behind Sunrise to see Smog, Garble, King Sombra, Rarity, Rainbow, and the other Element bearers walk over to meet them.
Discord teleported over to Sunrise. “Why, hello there! I am Discord, the king of all that is random and chaotic! I see that you have already met Nightie and Sunset. Shall I introduce you to our other friends?”
Sunrise looked back and forth between them all and lowered her head to the ground.
Their smiles faded as they noticed how quiet Sunrise had become. “Excuse me, my subject? Are you alright?” King Sombra asked.
Sunrise blushed and looked away. “My home is very sheltered from the outside world. It has been a long time since I have met so many new friends, especially so many who are not ponies. Forgive me, but I feel uncomfortable standing near dragons, griffons, changelings, and a draconequus. I suppose I am a shy little pony.”
“Say no more my dear. I know when I am being a pest. It’s just that I usually choose to continue being so. But since you are new in town, we shall give you some space. Although tomorrow, expect a little fun to come your way,” Discord said as he gave her a wink. He snapped his fingers, causing himself, Gilda, and Chrysalis to disappear.
King Sombra cleared his throat. “Nightmare Moon, I believe Garble and Smog have something they wish to tell you.”
“What is it?” Nightmare asked.
“I’m going on a quest of self-discovery. I need to learn what it means to be a dragon! And the only way I'm gonna do that is to join the dragon migration!” Smog announced.
Nightmare’s eyes widened “What? Smog what are you saying?”
Garble stepped forward. “My buddies and I stopped by Peaceville for Sunset’s sapphire season, but we need to get back to the dragon migration soon. And we think that Smog has been living with a bunch of namby-pamby ponies for too long. Um, no offence,” he said to Nightmare and King Sombra. “My point is, now that Smog is getting older he needs to learn more about being a dragon.”
King Sombra nodded. “I agree with Garble. Both he and Spike will make sure Smog returns home safe and sound in a few days. I believe this quest will be important for Smog. However, you are his guardian so the choice is up to you.”
Nightmare sighed. “I don’t know…”
“Come on, Smog deserves to join in. The dragon migration is awesome! Well, except maybe for the wrinkly, old bird,” Garble said.
“Old bird?” Sunrise said.
Garble grumbled. “Yeah, this really annoying old phoenix that keep crashing the party and pulling pranks. I’m down with a good prank as much as the next dragon, but that old lady never knows when she’s gone too far. Hate that thing.”
“If I may suggest something?” Sunrise said. “I do not know much about dragons, but there is much I have learned over the years. If he has lived among ponies, is it safe to assume Mister Smog has not met his real parents then?” Nightmare nodded. “Every child has questions about their parents, even if they are happy with their adoptive homes. If this quest is important to him, perhaps he should go. Just as long as he returns home to the ponies who care about him. Those are my thoughts.”
Nightmare smiled. “In that case, wait here for a moment.” Her horn flashed as she teleported away. Seconds later, she teleported back with a purple and green stuffed dragon doll held in her telekinesis. “I give you permission to go on this quest. Don’t forget Sir Dragon.”
Garble unsuccessfully tried to suppress a chuckle. “You still sleep with a doll Smog?”
“N-no! Nightmare put that away!” Smog hissed.
Nightmare frowned at Garble. “So what if he still hangs onto Sir Dragon? Smog has kept him since our childhood. Sure he doesn’t carry the doll around with him during the day, but he keeps it by his bed as part of our promise.”
Garble snorted. “What promise would that be?”
Nightmare smiled at the dragon doll. “That no matter what trouble we face growing up, we hold on to the memories we shared together.”
Smog shifted uneasily. “Look Nightmare, just get rid of it. I’m a big dragon now, I don’t need that old thing.”
Nightmare looked a little hurt, before she took a glance at Smog, Spike, and some of the other teenage dragons that had overheard them. “…Very well.” Her horn flashed and made the doll disappear. She smiled gently and said, “I wish you good luck on your quest Smog. I’ll see you when you return home in a few days.”
“Fear not young Nightmare. We will return. Smog, Garble, to me! Dragons! We have feasted well this sapphire season! Take whatever gems you can carry and fly with me! Our great dragon migration flies onward!”
The dragons cheered for Spike, their mighty leader. Garble flapped his wings, while Smog climbed onto Spike’s back. Soon the dragons had bought a dozen more bags filled with gems and crystals, before they all flapped their wings and flew away from Peaceville.
King Sombra sighed. “I suppose it is time I returned to the Crystal Empire. Farewell Nightmare Moon. I will see you and your friends another day.” The king turned into his shadow form and flew back to his empire.
Nightmare watched Sunset and the Cake Twins continue serving the leftover pony customers. “It’s going to be pretty quiet around here without Smog,” she sighed.
“Pardon me, Miss Moon? If you are concerned about feeling lonely in your home…perhaps I could stay with you?” Sunrise timidly asked. “I know it might be an inconvenience to you but I do not have any bits with me so I cannot at this time afford to rent a place. And I would like to get to know you better, if it is okay with you. I find alicorns to be fascinating creatures.”
Nightmare stared at Sunrise, before a smile found its way onto her face. “Well, I suppose you can stay with me until Smog returns. And I would be happy to answer any questions you have about alicorns and me. What would you like to know?”
Sunrise smiled warmly. “Absolutely everything.”
As Nightmare and Sunrise walked to the library, they passed by Chrysalis. Nightmare took a moment to ask her, “Chrysalis, how good are you at shape shifting into a dragon?”
Chrysalis smiled. “You don’t have to say anything else Nightie. If you can keep an eye on my hive, I’ll keep an eye on Smog for the next few days.” The two friends nodded in agreement before a green flash of fire consumed Chrysalis, turning her into a black and green dragoness. Nightmare watched her fly off before she left to invite Sunrise into her home.
Smog smiled as he saw all the adult dragons fly by overhead. He, Spike, and Garble had been flying for two whole days before they all stopped at a volcanic crater. There was a few bubbling puddles of lava here and there, but Smog wasn’t too concerned. From what he had read about dragons, he knew his scales would protect him. He saw two dragons wrestling and went over to greet them.
“Um, excuse me? Hi there. I’m Smog,” he said as he introduced himself to two dragons.
A purple dragon with a yellow underbelly sneered at him. “You sure your name is Smog and not Shrimp?”
Smog snorted. “Oh, real clever. Well I may be small but I can still scorch your sorry scales.” He belched out a burst of flames for emphasis.
A big brown dragon with red wings and blue horns sneered at him too. “Ooh, look at little peewee here. Thinks he’s such a tough guy.”
“Hey guys, leave him alone!” Garble shouted as he came to Smog’s defense.
“Garble,” the purple dragon hissed. “How’s life treating you, being the pony’s king’s pet?”
Garble smirked as he rubbed his knuckles against his underbelly. “Oh, you know. I do a few small errands and I get all the gems I can eat and pretty much whatever else I want if I ask nicely. And of course, the great dragon Spike lives in the same castle that I do so…yeah I’d say life is good.” He sneered at the other teenage dragons. “How about you Spear? Clump?” The other dragons scowled. “Yeah, thought so,” Garble said. He grinned as he saw two teenage dragonesses. “If you’ll excuse us guys. Follow me Smog, I’ve got a few friends for you to meet. Hey there ladies! Miss me?”
A dark blue dragoness looked up at them. “Garble. Haven’t seen you in a while. Who’s the hatchling?”
“Hey, Smog’s not that young. Smog, this here is Sapphire. The green dragoness is Emerald. Oh, and there’s Fizzle and Spines coming in now.
A teenage purple and green dragoness with a little resemblance to Spike flew over to them and touched down. “Hey there. So you’re the new dragon that Garble and Spike has been mentoring.”
“Well, I wouldn’t really call them my mentors…” Smog said nervously.
Spines smiled. “Relax little guy. We’re all just here to have a little fun.”
A white dragon with a pink underbelly and pink spikes flew over. “Yeah! We’re talking a whole day full of fire-breathing contests, tail wrestling, and King of the Horde!” he roared. “It’s gonna be awesome!”
“You got that right Fizzle! Let’s party dragon style!” Garble happily roared.
Spines smirked at them. “Now we’re talking! Just you wait boys! This year I’m gonna be Queen of the Horde!”
“Oh yeah? I’ve been building up my tail strength to beat that jerk Clump!” Sapphire said.
“That so? Hey Emerald! Think we can beat Spear in the fire-breathing contest? Or are you too girly for a good belching contest?” Fizzle teased.
“How about I beat both of you if you’re feeling a little cocky?!” Emerald hissed at him. But Smog could tell by the smile on her face that she was just playing along.
Meanwhile, a black and green dragoness shifted nervously as she eavesdropped on them. “What have I gotten myself into?” Chrysalis mumbled.
The dragons partied all day long. The next morning, Chrysalis was feeling exhausted and had fallen asleep. Smog was resting too but he had a relaxed grin on his face, plus a few gem fragments dotted around his mouth from all the gems he had eaten the previous day.
A flash of fire appeared in the corner of Smog’s eye. “Ooh, a new dragon. I love meeting new people. Well, are you going to get up and introduce yourself?” Smog sat up to look at the source of the voice. Standing there was a phoenix wearing a necklace with a rainbow-coloured crystal. The phoenix smiled as it made a few chirps. The crystal glowed as a musical, playful voice came out of it. “Hello there, my little dragon. I am Philomena.”
Smog stared in awe at the phoenix. He knew what they were, but he had never seen one up close before. “Uh, hi. I’m Smog. Um...how are you talking?”
“This crystal translates my chirps and squawks into words,” Philomena chirped as she pointed a wing at the crystal around her neck. “So, I haven’t seen you on one of these dragon migrations before. First time?”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing here?” Garble said as he stomped over to glare at Philomena. “Smog, is this wrinkly, old bird bothering you?”
Philomena chirped, which the crystal translated as a giggle. “Ah Garble. How lovely to see you again. As you can see I’m no longer old and wrinkly. I just had a burning day not too long ago and here I am! Renewed and fresh as a daisy!” she sang. Philomena hopped over to Smog and whispered, “Try to ignore Garble. He’s still upset that I won our last little prank competition.”
Garble growled. “Watch it you. Smog, take it from me: this bird is trouble. I know King Sombra says I’m a little mischievous but believe me when I say that I’m nothing like this troublemaking old bird.”
Philomena chirped cheerfully. “I didn’t come here looking for a fight, although I know you love your little dragon games. I simply wanted to extend a wing of friendship to this cutesy-wutesy widdle dragon.”
Smog grimaced. “Please don’t call me cutesy, wutesy, or widdle.”
Philomena giggled. “I’m just teasing you. I know you want to be a big strong dragon.” Her eyes sparked with fiery mischief. “Say, do you want to see something so cool it’s hot?”
“What are you doing?” Garble growled warningly.
“Nothing terrible my dear. I want to show dear Smog my collection of shiny trinkets. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?” Philomena chirped.
“That’s it? You just wanna show him your horde?” Garble asked.
“Oh, I wouldn’t call the little collection I plan to show him a horde. But you have the right idea!” Philomena sang.
Garble frowned at the phoenix before shrugging. “I guess there’s no harm in that. Smog, it’s up to you if you wanna follow her back to her little bird cave. Just be back here in an hour.” Smog nodded and chased after Philomena as she flapped her wings and flew into the sky with a few bursts of fire. After several minutes, they had reached a large cave not too far from the volcano.
Philomena gestured with a wing. “Go on. Take a peek inside.” Smog looked into the cave and stared in awe at all of the gold and silver coins, crystals, crowns, and gems that lay inside the cave. “Very sparkly, don’t you think?”
Smog’s jaw dropped. “Yeah. Look at all of this!”
“Believe me dear, I spend far too much time doing just that. Which reminds me…a cute little dragoness told me you had a birthday recently! Why don’t you take one of my shiny treasures as a present?”
Smog’s eyes widened. “Whoa, really? Um, thank you. Which one do you want me to have?”
“Who says it needs to be one?” Philomena leaned over and whispered in his ear. “Don’t tell anyone but this isn’t the only collection I have. I’ve been hiding treasures all over Everfree for…a long time now. So go ahead!” Philomena giggled as Smog began to dig through her collection. “I’ve always believed you’re allowed to be a little greedy on your birthday.”
Sunrise delicately sipped at her teacup of chocolate milk. “It has been a long time since I tried this beverage. I’m rather impressed by the taste of this chocolate milk. A fine taste like this takes care and devotion, something that I did not expect to find in a drink created within a single second.”
Nightmare looked up from her own drink. “Care and devotion? That’s not something I would use to describe Discord. I’ve always known him as a chaotic and carefree kind of draconequus. But then again, he does love his friends. He just hides that love behind layers and layers of irritating goofiness.”
Sunrise smiled kindly. “I know. You have told me much about your adventures, far more than I had expected. I thank you deeply for trusting me with some of the lesser known secrets behind the experiences you and your friends have shared.”
Nightmare smiled. “I feel like I can tell you anything. I don’t know WHY, there’s just something about you…”
Discord appeared before them with a flash of light. “Nightie, we have a situation taking place.”
Nightmare set her drink aside. “What is it?”
Discord’s ears briefly burst into flames before he wiggled them and put the fire out. “My ears were burning a few minutes ago as I sensed Chrysalis calling for me. I rushed over to see what trouble had tangled her tail, and she explained to me what happened. Smog has a rather…big problem.”
Nightmare stood up as her horn glowed to summon her armor. “Smog? What happened? If those other dragons hurt him I’ll rip them apart!”
“Whoa, easy there Nightie. Smog isn’t in that kind of trouble, rather he IS the trouble. It’s quite a funny story actually…”
“I’ll be the judge of how 'funny' it is myself, thank you. See if you can get the other Elements while we’re going there,” Nightmare said as she put her armor on.
“Perhaps I can be of some assistance?” Sunrise said.
“You?” Nightmare looked at her. “No offense, but what can you do to help? You told me you hate violence.”
Sunrise gave her a warm smile. “I know I am not comfortable around dragons, but Smog is your friend. And I’d like to think that we are friends now too. You have already given me so much kindness during my short stay here. While friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it’s also about accepting what our friends have to offer. And I do have some skills to offer you.”
Nightmare found herself smiling a little despite the seriousness of the situation. “Alright, you can come. Discord, take us to Smog.”
“Oh, that won’t be necessary. He’s outside, rampaging through Peaceville,” Discord said cheerfully.
The Element bearers stared up at Smog. The normally small dragon had grown HUGE. In fact, he looked like he was around Spike’s height. Comparisons were easy to make as Spike himself was there, trying to wrestle several items away from Smog. Luckily, most of Peaceville had been evacuated as the citizens fled away from the fight.
“These trinkets do not belong to you Smog! Release them!”
“Smog WANT!” the red dragon roared. The mighty Spike growled and shoved Smog, knocking him down. The great purple and green dragon slammed his heavy foot onto Smog’s chest to try and restrain him.
“I know you want it! I know the allure and temptation of greed, no one better! Do you think I have not felt the fire that blazes through you now? But you must submit Smog!”
“NO! Smog want!”
Smog breathed fire into Spike’s face, causing the older dragon to back away and release him. Smog stood back up and made a grab at a cart full of fruits and vegetables, before Spike tried to restrain him again.
“What do you suppose they call that particular hold?” Discord said as he sat in a floating chair, eating popcorn and watching the fight.
Nightmare glared at him. “…Are you just gonna sit there and watch?!”
Garble reached for the popcorn. “A joint lock? A hammerlock maybe?”
“No that’s not it,” Discord said as he shook his bag of popcorn. “You don’t know the name, do you?”
“Do something!” Nightmare shouted at him. “Snap your fingers and make Smog normal again!”
Discord smiled at her. “My dear, how do you know my magic can do that?”
Nightmare winced as Spike and Smog continued to fight. “Well…can you?”
“I dunno. Probably,” Discord said as he continued watching the battle. “But I don’t know if I should.”
“Yeah. Who would want to miss a fight like this?” a voice said. Nightmare looked up to see an unfamiliar phoenix flying down to them. She landed on the ground and reached for the popcorn.
Discord nodded. “There is that. And might I add, you forgot to say please Miss Moon.” He blew a raspberry at her, which caused a blueberry to roll off his tongue. “So there.”
“Well if you’re not doing anything, I will!” Rainbow said. She flew up and charged at the red dragon. “Cut it out Smog!” she cried as she kicked him in the nose. Smog flinched and rubbed at this nose, before growling and slapping Rainbow away with his tail.
“Ah darn it! Hold on Dash!” Gilda cried as she flapped her wings.
“Wait!” Sunset said. Gilda growled and flapped her wings harder even as Sunset and Trixie pulled at her tail with their magic. “We can’t go charging in Gilda! We need a plan.”
“Sunset Shimmer is right,” Rarity said as she and Chrysalis helped the wounded Rainbow stand up. “Smog is not in control of his actions right now, but he is still our friend.” She stared up at the out-of-control dragon and shuddered. “What sort of horrible curse could have turned poor Smog into this monster?”
Garble spoke up. “It’s not exactly a curse. It’s…how do I explain it?”
“Allow me!” Discord said cheerfully. “You see Rarity, Smog is going through strange new changes. He has reached a point in his life where he desires gems and other shiny objects. His body is growing and with that, he finds himself asking questions that make him feel a little uncomfortable...”
Rarity looked confused. “You’re making it sound as if Smog is simply growing up.”
Garble raised an eyebrow at Discord. “Eh, more or less. Greed-growth is something all dragons have. Smog had a birthday not that long ago, so he’s reached the age where greed-growth begins. I didn’t know he was that old, or else I would have warned him about taking too much too fast.”
“Your dragon friend is quite correct. Smog’s hoarding trait has gone unchecked.” They turned around to see Zecora walk up to them.
“You know about dragons Zecora?” Trixie asked.
“Yes. A dragon's heart is prone to greed, a steady diet to make growth speed. Then, the resulting bigger size only makes their hunger rise. But most young dragons are taught to resist greed’s allure, so that they will more naturally mature,” Zecora explained.
“What does that mean?” Rainbow asked.
“It means dragons start hoarding stuff to grow up, but they only take a few things at a time so that they grow a few inches instead of all at once,” Sunset said to her.
Nightmare rubbed her chin in thought. “So Smog must have stumbled onto a huge pile of treasure that forced him to grow all at once. The sudden growth in both size and greediness has made him confused and angry.”
“Confused and angry. Just like any other kind of puberty!” Discord said to no one in particular.
“Shut up,” Nightmare absentmindedly told him. Her eyes flicked up to the phoenix still eating popcorn. “Who are you anyway?”
Garble frowned at the phoenix. “That’s Philomena. She’s a trouble-making old bird that keeps inviting herself to the dragon migration. What are you doing here Philomena?”
Philomena smiled at him. “I simply came to observe the results of my work.”
“Observe...wait a minute…you took Smog to show him your collection of treasure! You’re the one who did this!” Garble accused her. Philomena giggled and nodded.
Nightmare grabbed Philomena in her magic and pulled the phoenix toward her face. “You did this?! Why? Tell me how to change him back!”
Sunrise’s horn glowed with a golden light as she pulled Philomena away from Nightmare. “Calm yourself Nightmare Moon. Getting angry at this phoenix will not save Smog.”
Philomena giggled as she flapped her wings and settled on the ground. “To answer your question, there isn’t really a reason why. I just thought it would be funny. It’s hard to find new things to amuse yourself when you’re immortal. As for your second question, I’m sorry to say that I don’t know how to change him back. Silly me!”
Nightmare’s horn glowed as she glared at Philomena. “How dare you…”
Chrysalis got in between her friend and the phoenix. “Please Nightmare. We have to focus on saving Smog. Revenge can wait until later.”
Nightmare sighed. “You’re right. Garble, you’re a dragon who managed to grow up without turning into a monster. Do you know anything that might help?”
Garble sighed. “I only know one way to stop a berserker dragon. You can trick him into doing something generous, or get him to remember a generous thought. I wouldn’t recommend that though, as it could stop him from growing up. Then he’d be a shrimp for years.”
Nightmare sighed. “Smog has always dreamed of growing into a great and noble dragon. I don’t know if he’d be happy with staying young forever, but I don’t see any other option.”
“If greed is a natural part of all dragons, perhaps there is another option,” Sunrise said.
Nightmare frowned at her. “I can’t have my assistant and best friend become a monster obsessed with treasure.”
Sunrise smiled serenely. “Not all treasure is jewels and gold, my little pony.”
“Um, if I could have your attention for a moment…” Rarity said as she stared up at the humongous Smog as he towered over her. Smog’s claw reached down and grabbed her. “Eeeeek! Put me down!” Rarity screamed.
“Hold on Rares!” Rainbow shouted as she flew up to kick Smog in the face again. The irritated Smog simply batted her away with a flick from his other claw.
“Someone catch her!” Nightmare ordered her friends. “I’m putting a stop to this.” While she teleported away, Trixie’s horn glowed and caught Rainbow in her magic. Soon Nightmare had teleported back into the fight with an object wrapped in her telekinesis. She flapped her wings and flew up into Smog’s face.
“Smog! Snap out of it!” she cried. Smog squinted as he tried to focus on the smaller creature hovering in front of his eyes. Seeing that the flying pony didn’t have anything shiny like the fire ruby that the screaming white unicorn possessed, he ignored her. Nightmare frowned as Smog tried to rip the fire ruby away from Rarity’s neck. “So that’s how it’s going to be. Hey Smog! I have something for your hoard!” Smog’s ears perked up and he focused his attention back on her. “I propose a trade. You give me back Rarity, and I’ll give you…this!”
Smog’s eyes widened as he saw Sir Dragon floating in Nightmare’s magic. He looked at the fire ruby around Rarity’s neck, then back at his childhood toy. His eyes softened and his claws relaxed. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief as the claws trapping her uncurled and let her free. Nightmare levitated Rarity back onto the ground before giving the dragon doll to Smog.
Smog carefully held Sir Dragon in his claws and stared at it like it was the most beautiful thing he ever saw. Slowly, Smog began to shrink back. Within seconds he had shrunken down to more or less his normal size. As Nightmare landed on the ground beside him, he smiled at her.
“No matter what trouble we face growing up, we hold on to the memories we share together. Right?” Smog said. He set Sir Dragon on the grass and leapt into her embrace. Nightmare and Smog smiled as they hugged each other.
Nightmare sighed happily. “Right.”
“Hooray! The dragon has been defeated and just like that, everything turned out alright!” Discord said cheerfully. The others stared at all of the destroyed buildings in Peaceville and gave him a look. “…What? A little glue and some bandages and you can’t tell the difference!” He snapped his fingers and made a roll of bandages appear.
As Discord began to tape the town back together, Spike walked over to them. The great dragon was in his smaller form due to wearing the amulet that Princess Twilight had created. “Well done young Smog. You have learned that a dragon’s friends and family are a far greater addition to his hoard than any gemstone could ever be. Now that you have come back to your senses, I must return to the dragon migration and then the Crystal Empire. May you grow into a great and noble dragon,” Spike smiled at Nightmare and the other Elements. “And may your 'treasure' grow with you.” With that said, Spike removed the amulet. As his body began to grow again he flapped his wings and flew away.
Rarity sighed. “My goodness. The fun never ends around here, does it? Thank you Smog for saving me from…well, yourself.”
“Thanks Rarity. Hey Discord, need any help putting Peaceville back together?” Smog asked.
“Nope! Good as new!” Discord announced as he admired his handiwork. Many of the buildings in Peaceville now had bubbles floating from the walls. “Or good enough, I can never tell the difference.”
“Good. I’m beat,” Rainbow sighed.
Chrysalis sighed too. “Same here. Nightmare, your library is closer. Could we...” At Nightmare’s nod, the Element bearers and their friends walked toward the library.
The library door opened as Pound and Pumpkin exited. “Oh! Nightmare Moon! Didn’t see you there. Sorry, we were just uh…” Pound glanced at his sister.
“Hiding from the dragon fight! Really scary that!” Pumpkin said.
“That’s fine. But...why were you hiding in my library?” Nightmare asked.
“We were also browsing for a book to borrow! But we didn’t see anything yet. Maybe next time,” Pound said as he smiled nervously.
“Oh. Okay. Um…” Nightmare glanced at her friends before turning back to the twins. “You didn’t go into the...basement or anything, did you?”
“No!” Pound and Pumpkin blurted out as they shook their heads. “Well thanks anyway Miss Moon. Bye!” they said as they hurried back to their Super Duper Cupcake Maker.
“Huh. That was odd. What’s in the basement?” Discord asked.
“Um, it’s nothing. Just some boring old party dresses and costumes I had as a filly,” Nightmare hurriedly said. “Can I get anyone drinks? Sunrise, do you want anything?”
She looked behind her to get Sunrise’s opinion. But she was gone.
It was nighttime, although the morning was fast approaching. Philomena sighed as she examined her collection of treasures. The cave that housed the other collection that she had shown Smog had been completely destroyed by his rapid greed-growth. Watching the baby red dragon grow big and fight the purple and green dragon had been a lot of fun the previous day. But now, that fun was over. She had to flee Peaceville before the villagers could organize and demand an apology from her. But here in this cave, she was safe. Safe to admire her treasures and think back on memories of long ago. Safe and completely cut off from the world.
Philomena sighed. “Safe with a treasure I can never truly share with anyone,” she whispered to herself.
“I doubt that. I think many things in life can be shared,” a voice said. Philomena looked behind her to see a white and pink unicorn. She was one of the ponies watching the dragon battle that day.
Philomena flew over to the unicorn and glowed dangerously. “How did you find this place?! Who are you?!” she demanded.
“For the past few days I have gone by the name Heavenly Sunrise,” the pony answered calmly. “Quite a collection you have gathered over the years Philomena. However, that crystal that allows you to speak is what really impresses me. Wherever did you find it?”
“This is my home. You’re not welcome here,” Philomena warned her.
“You said you can never share your treasure with anyone. But there is always plenty of love for every friend to share,” the mare said.
Philomena stared at her. “Do I know you?” The pony didn’t answer and just kept smiling serenely. “Seriously, who are you?”
The pony giggled. “You haven’t changed too much Philomena. You always were a mischievous and curious young lady.”
“…Only one pony would ever call me young lady…”
The pony smiled as her horn glowed. The gold vest around her body came off to reveal the pony’s secret. She sighed happily as she unfurled her wings.
Philomena gasped. “M-mistress?”
The alicorn smiled warmly. “Hello Philomena. It has been far too long.”
Philomena leapt down and hugged the alicorn’s front legs. “I…I thought I’d never see you again…I thought you were lost forever…” she sobbed.
“My little Philomena…you and I are immortal. Forever isn’t that long for us.”
Philomena stared up into her eyes. “B-but you’ve returned…”
“More or less. This body before you is nothing but a fraction of my magic, created for the sole purpose of spying on my little ponies and discovering what has become of MY kingdom. My true body is still imprisoned. But not for long.” The alicorn stared into her eyes. “My return is approaching. Soon I will face the fools who betrayed me. Will you serve me once again?”
“Yes,” Philomena said.
The alicorn led the phoenix out of the cave. “Do you swear yourself to my side?”
“Now and forever.”
“Will you be my companion, my familiar, and my friend?”
“Always.”
The alicorn smiled. “Then come, my dear friend. We have much to do.”
The alicorn held out her hooves and the phoenix placed her wings on top of them. The two creatures burst into flames as bright as the sun, and their fire flew away into the sunrise.