After letting the Bearers know to not wander around and to stay out of the library Harmony wandered the city himself trying to clear his head.
Everything about this dragon was off. He was doing things that he had never heard of a dragon doing and he been around them long enough to know. Sure the knowing of Discord and himself made sense. It was probably something that the Spark dragons added to the spell to mitigate a certain instinctual problem that all dragons have. It still didn't explain the way Golden Heart treated Discord to the way he was treated... His head went sideways for a while so he lay down to easy the sudden dizzy spell.
After waiting for the spell to pass he splashed some cold water on his face from a pump he found.
Okay okay let's go over this again. One, he immediately calls me brother. Dragons only call each other brother under two conditions. First, if they really are brothers which only can occur before the Choosing not after. Second, if they have high respect for the other dragon. It is rare but not unheard of as I have met dragons that called each other brother. I know for a fact it was not after seeing each other for the first time. Of course the first "alone" meeting we have he gives me his Hoard Name! Brother is rare; Hoard Name is rarer still. Of all the dragons that I have met none have given me theirs and of the few that were willing to answer if they had given another their Hoard Name none had.
Two, he didn't kill me for my guidance of the Choosing and I know that he knows that I know of the consequences. This makes having him give me any respect really strange.
Three, he treats me almost like that gang of teenage dragons at the migration treated each other... Like clutchmates. But that makes no sense for an adult to do that... I might have thought it may have something to do with being a fellow Keeper but he tolerates Discord as any dragon would which is barely below murderous rage.
Ugh, it must be a part of the dragon code that I'm not aware of...
Harmony kept going over everything he knew trying to see if he could find the pieces of the puzzle that he was missing. It was only by the third day that he finally just gave up for the moment. The time for the meeting had arrived and he need to gather his Bearers.
"Harmony you look absolutely nervous." Rarity observed seeing Harmony walk in the dwelling that the girls had been sharing for the past few days.
"We are about to do something that is extremely dangerous..." Harmony shuddered violently as a chill went up his spine. "If any of you slip up..."
"We will not slip up." Twilight stated matter of factually even though inwardly she was just as worried as Harmony.
"Well we had better get going then its not wise to make a dragon wait." Harmony wished he could get the lump in his throat to go away. Twilight's assertion that they wouldn't slip up was not giving him any relief. Harmony took the lead while Discord made sure that Fluttershy didn't try to hide.
They walked down some side streets before turning onto what appeared to be a main boulevard. The buildings seemed to be in better shape in this part of the city. As they moved along the buildings became bigger and more opulent.
Soon they were standing in a grand square. The spiral tower from before stood in the center. On opposite sides were two identical looking buildings in the shape of a cone lying halfway into the ground.
“Welcome to the heart of Hourglass. To the north is the Council Building…” Twilight perked up at that. Something about they way he said it made something in the back of her mind twitch but she didn’t have time to think further before Harmony continued,” And to the south our destination for today: The Grand Library.”
If Twilight wasn’t perked by the words “Council Building” she sure was when he said library.
“Okay any questions before we go in?”
“What should we expect?”
“The Hoarding can make a dragon a bit more... irritable… I think… I’m sorry I don’t have much information on this part of a dragon’s life. What I do know that it is odd that this one was so short… Remember to not help or interfere from any possible attacks real or otherwise, verbal or physical that may occur. Do not address him unless he speaks to you first. Fluttershy I know you are scared as this dragon is not Spike but stay strong I will make sure to protect you as will Discord.”
“Hey what about us?.” Rainbow angrily snapped showing off some fighting moves.
Both Harmony and Twilight facehoofed. “Leave the protecting to beings who have a remote chance. This dragon is not a pushover and could easily overpower both Discord and me and I’m an alicorn and he’s a draconequus. You are but merely a pegasus who has yet to get her wings here. Don’t kick a hornet’s nest unless you like to be stung.”
“And these hornets can kill.“ Twilight added.
Harmony activated the mind linking spell but decided to speak this outloud. "Oh before I forget.. Bearer of Magic, try not to drool."
Pinkie and Rainbow stifled a giggle at this. Twilight had to suppress the urge to smack them. Discord looked skyward trying to look innocent but failing.
Harmony sighed took a few cleansing breath before calling out through the main door of the library, “He of Hourglass as requested I and my charges are here. May we enter your domain?”
“You may, but refrain from touching the books.”
“That’s a new one…” Harmony commented to himself before noticing the look on Twilight. “The phrase is usually ‘do not touch my hoard.’ The use of the word ‘refrain’ is not usual either.”
Returning to the thought link he added. Come on let’s not keep him waiting.
Taking the lead Harmony walked into the main foyer. He cautiously entered a the hallway that was straight ahead. Everypony was looking about noticing all the details in the architecture. Murals and intricate carvings of the city hugged the walls. The tile floor seemed to be recently polished.
For an ancient ruin this place is oddly clean. Twilight commented stopping for a second by a mural showing some sort of carnival out in the square outside.
‘
It’s a dragon’s hoard. No dragon would allow his hoard fall into disrepair. Harmony exclaimed while looking around himself. Of course in this case he is restoring it.
Urging them forward they soon made it to the end of the hall where two large ornate door stood closed. Harmony knocked on the doors before slowly nudging them open.
“Welcome.” The dragon greeted them from the center of the round room. The books that had been lying in stacks that last time Harmony was here were now place in bookcases that lined the walls. Everything in here was scrubbed and polished like in the hallway. A very small pile of gems could be seen next to the standing dragon. The only other thing in the room as a small writing desk behind the gem pile, if you could call it that.
Hmm... Harmony thought. I think I have something that will allow us a bit more time here in Hourglass.
“He of Hourglass you might want this. It is crude but it still should be helpful.” Harmony passed a rolled up scroll in his magic that the dragon quickly catched and unfurled to exam.
Wait, where are his wings? Rainbow eyes went wide her mouth slightly open when she saw that the dragon was missing his wings.
I have no idea he also had no wings when I met him the night of his Choosing… Harmony answered.
Could it possibly be like why he was stuck as a hatchling? Twilight mused.
Possible, but I don’t know… I’ll will endeavor to find that out… carefully. Harmony eyed He of Hourglass who was still studying the scroll that he was given.
I hope it wasn’t a one time thing. I so want a flying dragon buddy. Rainbow pouted.
Why are we stuck on wings!? Applejack facehoofed.
Only an earth pony would think that. Rainbow commented rolling her eyes.
An’ wha’ is that supposed tah mean?!? Applejack angrily shoved her muzzle into Rainbow’s. Rainbow returned the gesture.
He of Hourglass lowered the scroll he was reading. He looked at the two angry ponies for a moment. Having enough he growled loudly stopping the argument between Applejack and Rainbow and making them along with the other bearers to cower a bit in fear. The dragon glared at them for a second before addressing Harmony, "He of Harmony will you tell your charges not to make it so obvious that you are using a mind linking spell."
"I..." Harmony backed up his ears flattening in fright. Fluttershy nearly fainted but Discord kept his clawed hand on her in such a way to prevent her from doing that.
The dragon soften his features a bit but being a dragon it was hard to see that change. "Easy, brother, I don't expect ponies to understand all the rules of interaction. Next time when you need to do that let me know. I understand you do that to aid them in avoiding 'faux pas.'"
Harmony relaxed but only slightly. Sweat still poured down his muzzle.
"Will you relax already?" He of Hourglass crossed his arms in amusement.
"Sorry He of Hourglass..." Harmony involuntarily tensed up again.
The dragon smirked, then swiped a claw at the over apologetic alicorn striking him square in the cheek, drawing blood.
"Why you smug little..." Rainbow Dash angrily began.
Twilight snapped Rainbow mouth shut before she could speak the insult. Hissing angrily, "Have you forgotten what Harmony said about trying to defend him 'from any possible attacks real or otherwise, verbal or physical'?"
But Rainbow was long gone in anger. Breaking out of Twilight's grip, "Let me at him! I'll teach that smug little mmph-" It took both Twilight and Rarity to hold her down. Pinkie nervously chuckled with both of her front hooves in squirming pegasus' mouth. The dragon just eyed the sight with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"A pony with spunk? You really have some interesting Bearers He of Harmony." He of Hourglass finally spoke smiling brightly. Harmony facehoofed getting a bit of blood on his hoof.
This is getting so out of hand. Harmony thought to himself wiping off the blood onto his fur. He yelled through the link Girls! Control yourselves. NOW!
He of Hourglass roared in laughter at the sight of the obvious scolding from Harmony. Harmony just sheepishly grinned blushing so hard that everypony could see it. He of Hourglass laughter only increased in volume and intensity making him clutch his sides from pain. "Brother you are sure something! You act like some sort of hatchling accidentally fire lettering a love letter." Harmony's coat completely stop moving and turned a deep crimson red.
Everypony at that point joined in on the laughter. Harmony was silently cursing his fur's color.
Are you sure he's not "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" because he sure acts like he is. Discord commented through the mind link too far out of breath to say anything out loud.
Harmony had enough sense through his embarrassment to shoot Discord a look that caused him instantly stop laughing and gulp a bit.
Discord reassured him Don't worry I won't say anything about his past I don't need more bruises to go with the one around my neck.
You would do well to remember, He of Laughter, that he wasn't kidding when he threatened you the night of his Choosing.
Discord involuntarily put a shaking claw to his neck gulping again. He of Hourglass must have figured out what was going on between the two keepers as he growled and walked right up to Discord. "I suggest you listen to whatever He of Harmony is telling you otherwise I might decide to become a carnivore and try out draconequus meat."
Whoa He of Hourglass is not messing around is he? Rainbow spurted out though the link proudly.
He is a dragon remember? They don't mince words. Harmony stifling a laugh at a particular insult that He of Hourglass just gave to Discord.
Then why is he acting so much like uh.... Twilight mused but couldn't finish her sentence a bit sadden by it.
The way he was before? Remember that I said dragons remember only the emotions? Those emotions become the bases for the adult dragon's personality. Now you see why I was so afraid of bringing you all here your emotions in thinking that Spike is within that dragon might overpower your better judgment and get you killed. Having said that you should be proud Bearer of Magic. You raised him well.
At this Twilight burst into tears. Harmony sadly shared her feelings but showed no outward expression other than one of compassion for her loss.
"I... " He of Hourglass stopped his 'colorful' threats at the sound of Twilight crying. Turning to get a better look at her he asked. "What is wrong Ascended One?"
"Sorry, He of Hourglass, I'm just remembering something that is joyously bittersweet." Twilight sniffed wiping her eyes with her hoof. It was the truth even though she so wish to be able to explain it to him fully.
He of Hourglass walk right up to Twilight with the biggest smile that he could produce and picked up Twilight in a loving hug. Harmony's right eye just twitched at the sight. He of Hourglass put her down after a moment then whispered something in her ear. Twilight's only reaction was to nod happily wiping the remaining tears from her eyes.
After a bit the dragon dismissed them. Harmony thanked him as he gathered the Bearers and led them back to their temporary shelter. It was an interesting meeting with the resident dragon.
Even though things seemed to get out of hand the dragon seem to take it with stride. It bugged him still something was different about this dragon more so than the name would imply. He knew he would have time to figure it out as he was not going to go back until summoned. Given the ways of dragons(even with the unusualness of this one) it could be up to another month or so before then.
"Your role here has ended." Harmony stated once they had arrived back at the shelter.
"What?!" Everypony exclaimed at once.
"War is coming and you will be needed in Equestria."
"But what of He of Hourglass? And what of you?" Twilight asked.
"He of Hourglass will be based here as this is where his hoard is. As for me... Not sure..." Harmony awkwardly chuckled rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. "Us Keepers will need to discuss that so I have no idea what role and where I will be. But for now take some time to relax and rest to explore the city. Three days is not enough time to deal with the events of the past few months. I suggest, however, to stay away from the library."
"Why? He of Hourglass is a cool dragon. I was hoping...." Rainbow pouted flying up in the air without noticing.
Suddenly Harmony spoke through a mind link spell. Because you are likely to slip up given the similar personalities between He of Hourglass and Spike. I'm sorry but you need some space before interacting with him. Time to not see him as Spike but as He of Hourglass. Speaking out-loud he added, "It looks to me that you finally found your wings Bearer of Loyalty."
"Bearer of Magic what are you doing out here?"
"Just thinking Harmony." Twilight looked up to Harmony trying to gauge him. If she was having troubles with Spike's "death" she was sure that he was struggling as well.
"Mind if I join you?" Harmony stated smiling warmly down at her.
"Sure take a seat." Twilight returned the smile as she gave him permission to join her next to her.
They sat there for hours admiring the view of the city as the sun began its descent under the mountain causing the sky around the city to produce an array of colors. Twilight was the first to speak.
"You know even though he is gone I think that his spirit is within Golden Heart. I will make sure to stay in frequent contact with him... He... He..." Twilight sniffed a bit but continued, "He would have wanted that. While I will never forget him I know that Golden Heart will be just as strong as a friend and.... (a little brother too.)" She added slyly.
"That's my Bearer of Magic." Harmony said grabbed Twilight with his wings to hug her.
Twilight lightly shoved him in mock disgust. Harmony only laughed. He inwardly agreed with her feelings on Golden Heart but was not going to spoil the moment. For a moment everything was right again.