//------------------------------//
// Epilogue 
// Story: Spike: The Dragon Princess 
// by IndiBrony 
//------------------------------//

A mysterious, shadowed figure cautiously made its way through a cold, dark hallway. The translucent curtains drawn across the windows made the colourfully tinted light so dim that features were nigh impossible to make out.

"You're here..." a familiar female voice echoed throughout the room. "Report."

"The Princess failed." the unknown figure responded with a deep, booming voice. "Almost everything unfolded as it should, bar a few circumstances. Espoir created conflict as instructed. Depaix was thrown from power, but unfortunately, Duciel and Nett were not dealt with and took control after his banishment."

"What happened?"

"The King fought back more valiantly than expected, Nett escaped, and Duciel was nowhere to be seen."

"And the map had already informed Twilight of the danger by this point?"

"Correct."

"What happened when she arrived?"

"Nett kidnapped Spike and placed him on the throne in place of the missing Princess, causing some... difficulties; it would be impossible for the Captain to assume control with both Nett and Duciel in the palace. Our only option was to escalate the situation. Espoir provoked King Lydda and his men to attack. The Dragon Realm was on its knees until the Captain came to finish the job. The Manifest Crystals we held should have given us a clear advantage, but two things we hadn't counted on: one; Duciel not only had her own Crystal, but she had also been meeting with Princess Angelica and provided her with one, and two; the eruption of the volcano. The Captain let his guard down and ended up getting himself killed."

"Unfortunate..." the female replied with little concern. The lack of compassion behind her voice startled the unidentified male, causing him to pause his explanation of events. "Continue." she insisted.

"When the volcano erupted, Duciel gathered the Manifest Crystals and rallied everyone to help save each other." the figure stepped forward; the light reflected off a blue gem on his neck. "I fled the scene with mine... and that's all I have to report."

"You've done well. Unfortunately, the humans remain a threat. We shall discuss how best to deal with that threat in the morning. Until then, I suggest you get some rest; our work is far from done, Vacité."

The dragon bowed, "Of course, Princess Celestia." he replied, acknowledging his instruction.