Prologue: Archmage’s Private Lesson
I walked down the halls of Canterlot Castle, heading for the Royal Gardens where I was to meet a group of students for a special lesson.
Many things have changed in recent years. The scars of the last war have almost faded, and I do what I can to aid everyone I can. Griffon, minotaur, changeling, dragon, I aid all. Many think me insane. Many think me a saint. I will tell you this though, I am no saint.
I have caused my share of trouble in the past. Even to this day I try to make up for my mistakes.
I continued to walk through the castle as my mind roamed free.
My mind continued to think about my past and the war that had befallen Equestria.
“Archmage, the students from Dodge Junction are here and waiting for you.” a guard told me, that had come up from behind.
“Thank you, I’m heading to them now,” I told the guard, turning down another hall that lead straight to the Royal Gardens.
I came out into the gardens moments later and noticed a group of young ponies surveying the statues. I smiled to myself, I’ve always enjoyed talking to the young ones.
I waved to the chaperone of the group so he could settle everyone down.
“Alright everypony. The Archmage is here. Gather together,” the stallion said.
I watched as all of the ponies gathered together. There were only ten today.
“Hello my little ponies. I am Sunset Shimmer, Archmage of Equestria. If you all would follow me. We can begin within the ‘Hero’s Path’.” I said to everyone, turning around and walking away from the gardens.
I looked back to the group as I continued to walk, seeing everypony following me, I began studying each of the students. Six fillies, four colts. Three unicorns, five earth ponies, two pegasi.
“Alright my little ponies. Can anyone tell me why you’re here today?” I called out.
“To learn about the past.” One of the colts called out.
“That is right. While most of you will think the past is dull, and meaningless. I can assure you, with no past, we have no future. We all learn from past mistakes.”
We stepped through the hallway leading to the ‘Hero’s Path’ and soon found ourselves within.
“Can anypony tell me what moment you are here to learn about today? I’ll give you a hint, it made a major impact on us.”
“We were told you would tell us about the ‘Dragon War’.” One of the unicorn fillies called out.
I smiled at the filly and said, "That's right, my little pony. Today you are here to learn about the events of the 'Dragon War' as we call it or the 'Drekon War' as the dragons have named it." I looked across the group of students and noticed a lot of them were confused. "I can see many of you are confused. Please ask me anything you want."
“Why do the dragons call it ‘Drekon War’?” One of the pegasus colts asked.
I smiled, understanding why he would ask.
“Drekon is Draconian for Honor. The original intent of their war was to bring honor back to them after they failed when Discord first rose to power,” I said loud enough so all the students would hear me. “I’m sure Princess Celestia has already told you about Discord’s rise, the last time you came here for a lesson.”
I continued to lead the students through the ‘Hero’s Path’ leading to the newest grave that was added after the war.
“If Discord was such a bad guy, why do you and the princess’s let him move around so freely?”
I smiled at the young filly, understanding where she came from.
“Because, little ones, we all believe in second chances,” I told them, continuing to walk down the path. “After Discord’s reformation, he has only done things that have aided Equestria and those that live here, though he does still play pranks on everypony, but they are just in good fun. And I myself was given a second chance and thats why I stand before you today.”
“I think I understand now, Archmage,” the same filly replied.
“Now since we are in the ‘Hero’s Path’, I’m sure you all know I didn’t bring you here to talk about Discord. We came here today so you all could meet the ‘Dragon Wars’ hero. Both princess’s, myself, and High Lady Twilight all believe it was thanks to his actions, that Equestria still stands.”
"What did this pony do, Archmage?" One of the colts asked.
"I think the proper term you're looking for is 'Hero'." I said, smiling at the young pony. "This hero is not a pony, but a dragon who, instead of fighting alongside his own race, fought by our side."
I looked back and saw all the young ponies confused. One of them spoke up though.
"Why would he fight with us? I don't understand."
"He fought on our side because his 'mother' is a pony. He truly fought to keep her safe."
"How can a dragon have a pony as a mommy?"
I laughed softly thinking about what was said.
“They can’t. But High Lady Twilight hatched Spike when she took her entrance exam for Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns,” I said after my laughter stopped. “Since she had always looked after him and cared for him, Spike always saw her as his mother, and treated her as such.”
“What did he do in the war that made him a hero?”
“He did something only a very few ever have the courage to. He made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life protecting High Lady Twilight. When the Dragon King, Bahamut, saw his sacrifice he ordered his dragons to stop attacking.” I told them, looking away and not enjoying lying to them.
‘I wish I could tell them what truly happened after Spike died. All the princess’s are still afraid about what happened. We all agreed to not let the final moments of the war be public knowledge though.’ I thought to myself.
“He had never once seen a dragon throw their lives away for a pony, and to honor Spike, he called a Cease Fire.” I continued speaking to the students. “Him along with both princess’s and High Lady Twilight, came to the agreement we know today as the ‘Dragon Pact’.”
“The treaty that ended the war right?” One of the unicorns called out.
“That’s correct little one. And we have arrived,” I said stopping before one of the graves. A statue atop a pedestal portrayed a dragon in armor holding a lance. “This is Spike, Centurion of the Firelands, as he looked in the final battle.”
“How did the war start?” One of the young ponies asked.
“How would you all like to hear the story of the ‘Dragon War’?” I called out.
All the students smiled and nodded their heads. I smiled back at them. I always enjoyed when I could get young ponies interested in the past.
“The ‘Dragon War’ started eight years ago........”