//------------------------------// // Chapter 24 // Story: Tale of Two Dragons // by Kind of Brony //------------------------------// Spike huffed as he ascended a hill on tired legs. The trek had been tough for the last couple of days, but fortunately uneventful. That being said, it was also boring, and while listening to his sister’s many tales helped break up the monotony, Spike was still a kid, and as a result, had that ingrained instinct to annoy adults. This was doubly true if the adult in question was an elder sister. Poor Amy was about to snap. “Are we there yet?” Spike asked, a smirk pulling at his lips as the dragoness growled. The first time he posed this question, it was a serious one, but it became a challenge when Amy said he better not start asking every five minutes like in those cliché road trip stories. Spike had asked every three minutes since then. Whipping around, Amethyst grabbed hold of Spike’s shoulders and hoisted him to eye level, booping snoots with the lad. “You know what, wise guy…? Yes, we are.” The younger dragon’s cheeky smile dropped from his face. “We are? But you never said anything.” With a smile of her own, she turned and held Spike out in front of her. “You were just so excited to get there I wanted it to be a surprise. I hope you’re ready to hang with some diamond dogs, because here’s Burrowton!” The cheer in her voice seemed completely unwarranted as he gazed upon more barren landscape save for a single sign and a house a small ways beyond it. The most impressive aspect of the sight was how well-built the decently large shack was and the neatness of the sign’s script which read, “Welcome to Burrowton!” After a moment, the smaller dragon spoke, “Wow, it’s… not what I expected.” “Yeah, Charles is a pretty impressive carpenter for being a jack of all trades kinda guy. His work just has a simplistic charm, you know?” Amy responded, setting her brother down. “Well, come on, let’s go say hi.” Still confused, Spike followed after his sister as she passed the sign and went straight up to the door. “Hey Charles! Open up you old fart!” she yelled, rapping her knuckles hard on the door. “I’m not old!” was the immediate response. A minute later, the door swung open to reveal a grey diamond dog with a face white around the eyes and muzzle, and a nice buttoned-up vest providing some cover for an oddly-proportioned body, the dog’s huge gut and broad chest being supported by tiny legs. One massive paw tightened around the door knob as the other wiped down his face. “Amethyst Thistle, here to terrify the town again, eh? And you brought a friend. Great,” he said with a sigh, his voice gruff. “Hey now, I didn’t do anything last time I was here,” Amy defended. “I can’t help it if they’re a bunch of fraidy cats.” Charles narrowed his eyes. “Better not let anyone hear you say something like that if you go down below. Afraid or not, those are fighting words a dog can’t let slip by.” “Yeah, yeah,” Amy said with a dismissive wave. “Are you going to let us in or not? We got bits and we’re hungry.” Still frowning, the old dog grumbled and went back inside, leaving the door open as invitation. Reaching down and giving her brother’s head a nudge forwards, Amy told him, “Come on, Charles and his wife run this place kinda like an inn for travelers. We’re welcome even if he doesn’t act like it.” “He definitely wasn’t acting like it,” Spike commented as he stepped inside. Walking through the plain home/inn, the young dragon had to admit that place really did seem charming. The floors were dull and worn from years of being trod by all manner of species, and the wall was adorned with framed pictures showing various people. While most of them featured Charles and another, kinder-looking dog, there were also ponies, griffons, and many more species. There was even one with a buffalo and yak. The entrance hall led to an open room with a counter, register, and various shelves. It was an odd transition from homey to business, but Spike was more interested in the assortment of items for sale. “Wow, what is all this?” he marveled as he approached a shelf stacked with strange and beautiful stones. “Mostly just your average gift shop crap,” Amy said with a smirk. “Definitely taste like it anyway, but they’re cool, I guess.” “They’re more than ‘cool’, they’re one of a kind treasures found by the very dogs of Burrowton.” Charles interjected, as he entered from a room beyond the counter. “And they’re not meant to be eaten.” “Hey, if it doesn’t taste good or isn't imbued with awesome magical powers, then it might as well be a clump of dirt to me.” “What’s this one?” Spike asked in wonder, ignoring the adults’ bickering. Charles shot a smug smile at Amy as he answered. “That, my lad, is a welo opal, and a particularly stunning example of one. I call it the sea-scene stone for obvious reasons.” Spike could agree with that; the stone really did look like a fraction of the ocean floor, dark tendrils reaching up through the clear, light-blue crystal like seaweed. “It’s beautiful,” he whispered. Amy knelt down next to him and looked over his shoulder. “I guess it looks nice, and hey, welo opal isn’t half bad. Tastes kind of like blueberry juice mixed with too much water.” “I’m not going to sell to you if you’re just going to eat it,” Charles grumbled. “Wow, look at this one, Amy, it’s awesome!” Spike declared as he moved to another stone. This one was a perfectly smooth oval with colors of deep magenta and red billowing together. Both Amethyst and Charles looked at the gem and grimaced. Sniffing the air, the dragoness said, “That’s just glass, nothing more than costume jewelry. I thought you only sold ‘treasures’, Charles?” “Eh, well one of the pups below is an apprentice glassmith and he made that special for the store. I wouldn’t have put it up on the shelves, but the little gaffer had a pair of puppy dog eyes that could charm the rattle off a snake.” The old dog explained as he rubbed at the back of his neck. “You have to admit, the pup has got some talent though. It’s a right pretty piece of glass.” Amy smiled. “You big softy,” she muttered before she looked back at the stone Spike was turning over in his claw. It didn’t matter to him that it was not much more than a colorful marble, it seemed, as he still looked through it with awe. “So, what’s the fancy name then, huh? I know how much you love your titles.” Charles chuckled nervously and looked away. He mumbled something, but not loud enough to hear. “What was that?” Amy asked. With a defeated sigh, the dog spoke clearly. “I said it’s called dragon’s breath. Swear it was the pup’s idea.” Both dragons stared a moment before Amy snorted and Spike breathed, “Cool… I think it matches, don’t you, Sis?” “Hmm, I guess in the looks department, but don’t you think it’s a little insulting that a bobble is named after, like, the essence of dragonkind?” "Nah,” Spike returned, “that’s just being petty. I mean, you've got to give that pup props, he made something really cool, and I’m pretty sure he didn’t mean it to be insulting, so it’s all good.” “He actually made it after your last visit, Amethyst. You left quite the impression on the young ones with that little fire show,” mentioned the diamond dog before whispering, “And gave the adults heart attacks.” “I am pretty awesome,” Amy mused before she looked at her brother still holding the gem, turning it to catch different angles of light. “Eh, why not? How much, C? I’ll buy it off ya, and it won’t even be eaten.” Seeing the whelp’s excited smile and shining eyes, Charles sighed. “Just take the thing. I’m sure the pup will be glad to hear his art is part of a real dragon’s hoard. That is what all you dragons do with gems and the like, right? Hoard and sleep on them?” “That’s a stereotype,” Amy said dryly. “Only most of them do that… And thanks.” “Yeah, thanks, Mister! This is real nice of you,” Spike exclaimed as he clutched the glass to his chest. It took some convincing for the little dragon to give it up when his sister offered to place it in the bag, but he eventually got over those pesky hoarding instincts and handed it over. “Now that that’s out of the way, how about that food?” This was directed at Charles, who huffed but waved them over to the register. “The Missus happened to be preparing lunch before you two showed up and I already told her to make extra, so a few bits and you can join us.” “Sounds fair enough,” Amy agreed as she pulled out their little bit bag. After the supplies purchased from their last stop, it was getting pretty light, but it was enough for this. Placing the coins away in the old register, Charles led them through the back and into what Spike guessed was the dog's personal living quarters. He passed a cozy living room and entered a fairly large kitchen. There he saw a second diamond dog, much more well-proportioned than Charles, with their back turned to them, a tune being hummed as they prepared the last couple of sandwiches. Going up to the other, Charles tapped on their shoulder and pointed at the two dragons, causing the new diamond dog to turn her and give the two a wide smile. “Oh, Amethyst Thistle, it’s so nice to see you again!” she said with a clearly feminine voice. “Hi, Meredith, nice to see you too,” Amy greeted loudly, getting a chuckle from the female dog. “I’m hard of hearing, dear, not deaf, and I can read lips. No need to shout.” Amy blushed. “Sorry… So, what’s for lunch?” “Oh, just some ham 'n’ cheese sandwiches and milk, nothing fancy,” she answered as she turned completely with the plate of food in her paws. At that moment of truly seeing Meredith, Spike realized something quite strange, he had never seen a female diamond dog before, and the sight was quite different from what he had come to expect from the species. She was wearing a knee length, cream-colored blouse for one instead of a jacket and her paws and forearms weren’t nearly as huge as those of every male dog he had spotted up to this point. Another new feature, which got the little drake blushing, were what he could only imagine being large teats high on her chest. Of course with ponies going nude most of the time, he knew about mammalian teats and had even gotten a glance or fifty due to his short height and being surrounded by so many mares on a regular basis, but these were just insane. Each one was nearly as large as his head for crying out loud! “Oh, and who’s this little cutie?” Meredith asked as she placed the tray on the table and bent down, causing Spike to gape as her bust hung directly in front of his face. He had been reminded on more than one occasion that it was inappropriate to stare at such things, but he just couldn’t look away. When the young dragon only open and shut his mouth in response, Amy answered for him, a confused glint in her eye. “This is my younger brother, Spike… You okay there, Bro?” Snapping out of his stupor, the small dragon stuttered out a response. “Y-yeah, totally fine, it’s just that I’ve never seen a girl diamond dog is all. Guess I was thinking about why that was.” Not paying any mind to the nervous laugh with which her brother finished his statement, Amy tapped her chin in thought. “You haven't? Hmm, I’m sure there was at least one or two out on the streets of Ford Junction when I was giving you a tour. Then again, your average female diamond dog doesn’t leave the home, so I guess it’s not impossible. Eager to cover his tracks, Spike latched onto the topic. “Really? Why’s that?” It was Charles who answered. “That would be because of dog culture. It’s not pretty, and I wish it were only in the past where it belonged, but feral diamond dog societies tend to war with each other, and the stealing of pups and bitches for slave labor and… other unsavory things is a result. Because of this, females and young ones are hidden away in the deepest recesses of dens to keep them safe.” “Even for those of us who are trying to move away from such brutal things, the instinct to protect our loved ones is still strong, and so most female diamond dogs stay inside the homestead and live as housewives and the like.” The greying diamond dog had shut his eyes during the lecture and so didn’t see the younger dragon’s face going pale or the glare his wife was sending his way. Meredith bopped her husband on the back of the head and chided, “That was hardly appropriate for children and not the sort of thing that should be brought up before a meal.” “Charles likes to lecture pups whenever he goes down below,” Amy whispered as the chubby dog apologized to his life partner. “Try not to ask too many questions around him or he’ll talk forever.” Spike nodded, having long ago learned to follow that same rule when speaking to certain individuals from living with one particularly study-obsessed unicorn. Meredith looked to Amy. “I’m sorry about my husband; he tends to forget what not to say in front of children. I hope he didn’t scare your little brother at all.” “Um, it’s okay,” Spike piped up. “I’m fine, really. Just didn’t think the answer would be so… horrible.” He shuddered at the thought of what he learned, and was glad he grew up in Equestria where such things never happened. Giving the whelp a soft smile, Meredith returned her gaze to the dragoness and asked, “Well, if it’s all settled then, do you mind grabbing the milk from the fridge, dearie, while I grab the cups and plates? We just got a new gallon and it’s a bit heavy. You boys can take a seat.” Nodding, Amy went over to the fridge while Meredith went to the cupboards. With the girls busy, Spike hopped up unto a chair as Charles lowered himself into the seat across from him. Spike looked around the table, noting the six other chairs and figuring it must have been in case there were a lot of people staying at once, before Charles leaned in and smiled slyly. “Just so you know, I’m not mad; it’s perfectly natural for a young boy like you to be interested in the female form, and don’t worry, I like them too. First thing I fell in love with when I laid eyes on Meredith.” He broke out into a full-on grin. “They’re real beauties.” The young dragon couldn’t respond with anything other than a squeak as his face burned red. One thing was for sure, he’d be keeping his eyes on the table cloth for the duration of the meal. >< He deserved this, Phantom thought to himself as he lay awake and well-rested in a comfortable bed. Reaching town at sunset the night prior, the regular routine played out for the company. Those who didn’t want to spend the bits could sleep on the outskirts with the wagons while those who wanted to treat themselves could, and with all the extra watches and work he’d been loaded with, Phantom was not going to miss this opportunity. The pegasus was actually shocked that he hadn’t had to resort to begging to get Dr. Zariba to allow it however, though he supposed he’d probably end up with more chores in return. “That’s a problem for future me,” Phantom said aloud as he pushed the covers down and rolled out of bed. As much as he’d like to just stay on the comfy mattress for another hour or two, he did still have work to do, and he wanted to pile a plate high at the inn’s complimentary breakfast before he got started. After taking an long, lukewarm shower and moisturizing his scar tissue for the day ahead, Phantom made it down to the breakfast nook and beelined towards buffet. Citrus was a great chef who could make a meal out of just about anything, but it was nice not having to limit his intake for the sake of rationing. With six pancakes and half a pound of scrambled eggs, all of it drenched in maple syrup, Phantom sat down for course one of his breakfast. He had already finished his eggs and was a quarter of the way through his last pancake when someone took the seat across from him. “There're plenty of other seats, so do you mind…” the pegasus trailed off as he looked up to see a smiling skull. “And good morning to you too, Phantom,” Dr. Zariba said cheerily. “To think, had I seen you twenty minutes later, it’d be good afternoon. Have a nice rest?” “Eh-he, yeah, I slept well. How about you?” “Like a foal,” he answered as he levitated an apple from his plate and took a bite. Placing the worn journal they had confiscated from the dragons onto the table, Dr. Zariba began lazily flipping through the pages. Phantom expected the zebracorn to say something upon swallowing, but he just kept eating, moving from fruit to a bowl of oats. Finally, the pegasus couldn’t take it anymore and asked, “Is there… anything you need, Sir?” Cocking his head, Zariba answered, “No, not particularly. Miss Spritz is buying the supplies with the help of those two tag-alongs you brought and Cujo is looking after the caravan, a job I had originally intended for you, honestly.” “I would have been glad to do it if you asked,” Phantom lied. He probably would have performed the task, but not without trying to weasel out of it first. “Um, is that why you sat with me?” “Phantom, how long have you been under my employ?” the zebracorn asked suddenly, catching Phantom off guard. “… Probably going on seven years I’d guess.” “Eight actually, and you were the first. You also recruited most of the other employees for my first expedition back then, and were one of the only ones who stuck around after payment. You’re the most senior officer here along with Cujo and his brothers.” Apparently, Phantom’s confusion showed on his face, because Zariba sighed and explained. “What I’m getting at is that, though your bouts of incompetence oftentimes irk me, I trust you as my right hoof and wanted to share breakfast with you as friends.” The pegasus didn’t quite know how to respond to the kind words. Admittedly, he himself felt similarly about his boss at times; it’s hard not to feel loyalty for a stallion you’ve worked nearly a decade under, but these moments where that wall of professionalism was broken between them were unsettling. Outside of celebrating successful expeditions, Dr. Zariba hardly showed genuine joy and camaraderie. Thinking, it was always him that the zebracorn shared a drink with on those occasions, and Phantom didn’t quite know what to make of that. “Uh, thanks, I guess,” was all he could think to say. His bossed hummed and returned his gaze to the yellow pages below, a spoonful of oatmeal levitating to his mouth. Deciding to follow his lead, Phantom returned to his cooling meal, finishing the rest at a much more sedate pace before getting up to retrieve more. After sitting back down, the pegasus scooped a fork-full of eggs, but stopped with them half-way to his mouth. Phantom was pretty sure social breakfasts weren’t supposed to be this quiet. “So, any sign of Amethyst Thistle in town?” he asked. “No, although that’s not entirely unexpected. Going to Bedville first, she’d have been at least some ways behind us if this were the route she chose, so I of course set sentries up at the major entrances to keep an eye open. There’s been nothing however, and since none of the townsfolk have seen her, it’s likely she’s taken a different a route.” “Maybe she’s not even going our way at all,” Phantom suggested. “Could be she’s heading towards Equestria or something. Any word on that front?” Zariba smirked. “Don’t get your hopes up; she hasn’t gone to Ford Junction or any of the bordering settlements along Equestria’s skirt. I think it’s a safe bet she’s going our way. Besides, you really think Ms. Thistle would give up on the dragon king’s treasure? Especially if I were going after it?” Yeah, that did sound pretty stupid, didn’t it? Phantom tried to avoid feeling like too much of an idiot for thinking that would happen; there was no way a couple of greedy beasts like them would give up the chance for an even greedier beast’s hoard. “Suppose you're right about that. So what are you going to do about it? They’re not here, and we kinda need those tablets and that dragoness to read them.” “Same as we’ve been doing already,” he answered nonchalantly. “Although we missed the opportunity at Bedville, we will still have opportunities on the journey ahead. There are few settlements between us and the Gryphon kingdom, and like us, she will most likely only stop at a border town for supplies before immediately turning east. After all, to do any different would allow us to pull ahead, so I’m sure we’ll run into her eventually.” Phantom nodded, it was sound logic. The badlands were a frontier that the bordering countries were slowly claiming piece by piece. The dead soil however, had made settlements hard to establish. It was why towns within it consisted of waypoints and mines; they were the only sources profit to be had that allowed sustainability. “So we gamble then? What happens if we don’t end up making the same pit stop as the dragons do?” “Well, I suppose we’d have to catch her at Heaven’s Break.” Wincing, the pegasus commented. “Still not looking forward to going there. That place is supposed to have the wildest weather in the known world.” “Yes, it will be a challenge,” Dr. Zariba agreed. “I suppose if the hoard ends up not being there, we could still gain some fame for exploring such uncharted territory.” “It’s uncharted for a reason,” Phantom said with a point of his fork. “The winds around that forsaken mountain range have been known to break the wings of any flyer dumb enough to get too close and the harsh weather still poses a threat to those bound to land. Lightning strikes pretty frequently at the base and the mountains themselves have been worn smooth and slick by the constant rain. If we have to climb, I’m not sure how you expect to do it.” “You just let me worry about that, Phantom, it will be dealt with when we get there. Right now, Amethyst is the problem, though I am still taking steps to capture her whenever possible. I had Cujo send some of his dogs off to the other stop to look for her. Amongst diamond dogs, our large friend has quite the bit of sway, so members of his pack should be able to use that affiliation to their advantage.” “Trying to get a whole town after the dragons again?” Phantom questioned. “Hopefully it'll go better than last time.” “I’m sure it will; you’re not going to be there, after all.” Seemingly not noticing the pegasus wince, Dr. Zariba shut his book and stood, levitating his used dish to a table set aside for them. “Enjoy the rest of your meal, Phantom, and be back at the caravan by one. I let you catch your breath last night, but you are still to be punished and there will be plenty of work for you to do.” Without saying goodbye, the zebracorn left, leaving Phantom to stare after him. With a sigh, he got up and grabbed the entire coffee pot to move to his table. “Better drink up while I can. I’m gonna need it.” His boss really needed some lessons on friendship. “It was really sweet of you guys to carry all the supplies for me,” Citrus said with a genuine smile. “Even though the doctor said you could help, I didn’t think you’d do so much.” Gerard forced a smile as he strained under the weight. “S’no problem, C, I’m glad to help, and this is nothing anyway. No prob.” Grey rolled his eyes and chuckled, seemingly unaffected by his own load as he nudged the slowly tipping pile back onto the gryphon’s back. “Yeah, no problem as long as you don’t drop everything,” he said under his breath, earning a glare from the young bird. “Well, we only have one more stop to make before we can drop this all off," Citrus said, oblivious to the signals flying between the boys. “I need to buy Toby a few rawhide bones so he’ll stop swiping the real ones I use for cooking. Animals bones make an excellent stock for broth, you know.” “I sure do,” Gerard said as he licked his beak. He loved his sister dearly, and she wasn’t a bad chef by any stretch, but the things this little pony could do even with just a rabbit and some tubers… Well, let’s just say that Gerard wasn’t looking forward to every aspect of returning to normal life after all this dragon business was done with. “Toby? He’s the tall, lanky one, right? Few apples short of a bushel?” Stone asked. “Yep, that’d be the one. He can be sweet sometimes, but more often than not he’s a pain in my flank. He’s the reason I have to put the food in locked crates.” “You know, I was talking to him the other day along with his brother and the topic of those dragons came up…” “Oh?” Citrus said, shoulders tensing minutely. “What about them?” “Well, Toby was saying that you all actually captured them and something about getting to beat on the little one before Cooper cut him off. He said his brother tended to word things to be worse than they really are without realizing.” “That’s definitely true,” the mare responded with a nervous chuckle. “Can’t tell you how many times he almost got punched when he found out the other name for roosters. We had a chicken dinner and he was going around begging for others’ food.” Gerard snorted and nearly lost his footing. “You know, I’d ask for details, but it’s better if you keep it vague for imagination’s sake.” Smile becoming a bit more genuine, Citrus bumped shoulders with the gryphon and sighed, “You boys never grow up, do you?” “I wish I could argue,” Grey Stone commented with another steadying push to the bird, “but it’s hard when you have evidence against your point walking right beside you.” Gerard looked to refute the jab, but the stallion’s eye took on a determined glint again and he asked, “So you’re saying your boss and some of his workers didn’t rough up the dragons and hold them captive?” “Well… no, that did happen,” she mumbled, eyes downcast. “Hey, ease off her, Grey,” Gerard cut in, glaring at the older male. “Even if that did go down, I’m sure they had it coming. Stop trying to make people feel guilty over taking down a thief and her cohort.” Citrus flashed the gryphon a weak smile and said, “It’s alright, Gerard… hey, since I only have one thing left to get and I’m sure you two don’t want to be lugging that stuff any longer than you have to, why don’t you both just take the supplies back without me, hm? I’ll catch up in a bit.” “What? We don’t mind keeping you company and this is nothing,” Gerard protested, nodding towards the stallion. “I carried him all the way here, so I can handle it, really.” “Which is why you’ve almost fallen over twice already,” she playfully jabbed, getting the gryphon to blush. “Didn’t think I noticed, did you? Listen, it’s okay, you two go ahead, I can handle myself just fine. Besides, I might want to browse a bit, and I don’t want to drag you along for that.” “Come on ya idjit, let’s leave the mare to her business, I don’t want your legs to give out,” Grey said. I can’t carry your feathery butt and all the supplies, after all.” “Fine,” Gerard conceded. “We’ll see you in a few, C. Try not to make us worry by taking too long though.” “I have my ladle with me if I run into trouble, don’t worry," she responded before making a turn and leaving the boys. Gerard and Grey walked in silence for a few minutes before the former finally spoke. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re trying to do.” “And what’s that?” “You still think those dragons are innocent and you’re looking for evidence.” “Yep, sounds about right.” Stepping out in front of the stallion, Gerard faced him with a scowl. “You’re wrong.” “But what if I’m right?” Grey countered, eyes narrowing. “What if you are? You expect me to just let this Amethyst go after she put my sister in a coma?” Gerard practically shouted. “Keep your voice down, you’re making a scene,” Grey reprimanded, glowering at those who slowed down to watch and sending them back on their way. Once they were no longer the center of attention, he sighed and continued in a lighter tone. “No, I don’t, I know how much you care about Gertie, but there comes a time when you have to set aside your own desires and do what’s right for the greater good. “If these dragons are guiltless, than that means the zebra’s lying, and what happens to them then, huh? You get your revenge, but at what cost? One of them’s a child, Gerard, are you willing to hurt a child?” Gerard simply clenched his jaw, expression still angry as he turned and walked away without a word. Grey gave a slow shake of his head before following. He hoped it wasn’t just his imagination when he thought he saw hesitation in the stubborn bird’s gaze, because if he was right about all of this, he didn’t want to fight a friend to protect the innocent.