As a Dragon-Knight or whatever?!;Third Pony POV - 2 weeks later;
"Where is he?" Asked Twilight, outside the Battle Tower at the front entrance with her friends. They teleported there using Twilight's spell because the trip through the arctic was extremely dangerous. If was further than even Yakyakistan!
"He is inside." Said his stewardess Sassan. The mane 6 walked quickly to keep up with Sassan after shaking their fur out to get rid of the snow.
"What's wrong with 'im?" Asked Applejack. They had sent a letter to him via dragonfire asking how he was, apparently his stewardess received it, and seeing that they cared, sent a letter back requesting their help. Saying something was wrong with Ego.
"I... I don't know, when he got back from 'savin the fricken' world' he just curled up on his bed and stared outside. He hasn't moved since. He hardly sleeps and when he does he has constant nightmares, waking up screaming in the middle of the night. Although he denies it." She said, she took a worried breath. They went through some kind of dungeon and then into some caves, approaching a lift.
"I wonder what could've happened...?" Asked Twilight.
"I do not know. I was hoping you did." She said.
"He seemed normal last time we saw him." Said Rainbow.
"Hmm..." Sassan took another breath.
"How is he?" Asked Twilight.
"Well... If he wasn't a Dragon he'd have starved to death by now." She said worriedly as they got in the elevator and Sassan pressed the top floor button.
"He didn't say anything when he returned?" Asked Twilight.
"No." She answered.
"I hope we can help." Said Fluttershy timidly as usual.
"I hope so too." Said Sassan.
"It's OK, we'll help." Said Twilight, putting her hoof on Sassan's back.
"Thank you." She smiled as the elevator reached the top. "This way." She said. The girls saw three stallions in armor standing to the side of the room just waiting. There were also two musical Ponies standing by the throne. The Throne Room was grand, it was breathtaking.
"He has a throne?" Asked Twilight.
"Yes. After all, he is Lord of the Tower." Explained Sassan.
"Why are these ponies just standing there, not moving?" Asked Pinkie. Waving a hoof in front of their muzzles in vain.
"They are waiting for the Lord of the Tower to return." Said Sassan.
"Return?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"They always become like this when he leaves the Tower. I know he is still here but it's like he's not..." Explained Sassan as she led them to the lift at the back of the Throne Room, behind the throne itself and she pulled a lever, sending them down.
"Is he... All there?" Asked Applejack, tapping her head as this time they descended.
"As far as I know. But he doesn't acknowledge anything." Said Sassan. They saw an orchid purple coloured Pony sitting at a massive dining table. Just staying still like the 5 ponies in the other room. "He's in here." She said and stood to the side of the left side of a double entryway with a wall with a fireplace separating the entrances, gesturing them to enter.
He had curtains installed on the balcony so he could sleep, so it was dark inside.
"Ego-? Woah...!" Asked Twilight. Seeing the piles of gold glittering around his room. There was also a fireplace inside his room, facing the balcony.
"Holy Horseapples!" Exclaimed Rainbow, also seeing the wealth he had.
"Oh my..." Said Rarity and fainted.
"Holy hay!" Exclaimed Pinkie.
"With all this money I could do anythin' with tha farm!" Said Applejack in awe.
"Oh my!" Gasped Fluttershy.
"Ahem, girls, remember why we're here?" Asked Twilight and girls nodded and smiled in agreement.
"Hey Ego? Where's that tough guy I saw?" Asked Rainbow, going up to him.
"No..." He mumbled.
"He spoke!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Are you-" She put her hoof on him and he shot up.
"NO! DON'T TOUCH ME! I'M A MONSTER!" He yelled and returned to his position. Twilight was scared out her mind and backed up.
"What's up with him?" Asked Applejack.
"The Dragon is not all here! He is in pain! All of your efforts are in vain..." Came a jeering voice.
"What the-?" Asked Rainbow Dash. Suddenly a cream coloured unicorn with red hooded robes on appeared next to her
"I followed him far! I followed him wide! Until he led me here to where I now abide!" He sang.
"Wha-? Who-?" Asked Twilight.
"Brave pony souls have come hither to a Dragon's Tower most bizarre. Now that you're here, you're all in a pickle. My name is Bellegar!" He said and teleported out.
"Ok... Weird..." Said Applejack.
"Come on girls, we'll try again later." Said Twilight sadly.
"Any luck?" Asked Sassan as she led them out.
"No, sadly not." Said Twilight, the girls hanging their heads.
"Ah well, I thank you for trying..." Said Sassan.
"Oh, who was that rhyming stallion?" Asked Twilight.
"Bellegar." Answered Sassan, sighing tiredly as she spoke his name
;4 days later;
Sassan was eating her lunch. Alone. Again. The others only moved to eat and drink and even then they just grabbed their food and stood at their positions, eating it and drinking water. She was thinking about just ending it... Just leaping from the tower...
Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door of the Battle Tower (it echoes) and went down to answer it... Which took about 5 minutes to get down there...
When she opened the door she smiled.
"Miss Twilight! And your friends! And..." She looked up from the smaller ponies to see three new additions, all of them Alicorns. Two of them with flowing manes. They all looked incredibly worried... Were they worried for the Lord of the Tower? They must be, but Sassan saw more than friendly concern in their eyes...
"May we see him?" Asked Celestia, stepping forward with her forehoof raised as usual. But what was unusual was her expression seriously worried.
'My Master must be good friends with her.' Thought Sassan. The only time concern like that is felt is for best friends... Or significant others... Did she have a crush on the Lord Dragon? The blue one as well? Sassan's heart was tingling, with her connection to the other world she felt certain emotions, love was one of them... Not that she told the Dragon... But these three Alicorns felt more for him than friendship...
"I'm afraid the Master isn't doing too well, dehydration and malnourishment are starting to take effect..." She said sadly.
"...What?" Asked Twilight, the 6 friends were completely shocked. Celestia gasped.
"...How long has he got?" Asked Celestia, taking a breath. Her heart pounding. Would the one she had feelings for die before she could admit it? He couldn't... She couldn't lose him... She loved him... Even if he was another species!
"..." Sassan took a second to think but thought about lying to them.
"We must know..." Said Cadance. He saved her. She was going to save him! She would get that kiss!
"Ok... Maybe a week..." Answered Sassan with a heavy heart.
"Then we must see him urgently!" Exclaimed Luna. The only pony other than her sister she felt close to for a long time and he was dying? How cruel are you fate? To take away the one she loved...? To Tartarus he was not a pony! She knew her feelings and she couldn't deny them any longer!
"Agreed. We want to help. We need to help. We owe him so much." Nodded Cadance.
"I brought Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance to see if they can help." Said Twilight with determination.
"Not every problem has a solution young one." Said Sassan with a weak smile.
"But ain't it worth a try?" Asked Applejack.
"Please..." Said Celestia. Something told Sassan these Alicorns would force their way in of they had to... Not that they needed to.
"...Very well." She took a breath and answered. And they went back to his room. Silent through the journey there until they entered the Throne Room.
"This is amazing..." Said Cadance.
"Oh my sun..." Gasped Celestia.
"He has a Throne Room? Is he really a Prince?" Asked Luna, looking around in amazement... Excited that she could date this stallion for real. That he cared for her, not her and her sister's crown...
"He is the Dragon. The Lord Dragon of the Tower. The last Dragon-Knight. He deserves much more than just a Tower and an Island with no inhabitants to rule over. But no, he is not royalty. At least... Not in the conventional sense. He has the Ancient Dragon Blood in him, which means he most likely could inherit a kingdom or two if he could trace his bloodline. Alas he cannot." Answered Sassan.
"I see." Nodded Princess Celestia.
They reached his room and stopped outside.
"Go in." Said Sassan. The other girls waited outside to give the Princesses space to work.
The three Princesses entered the room and saw Ego still curled up. He wasn't like Twilight described, not lying there silently. Now he was sweating, shaking and panting, eyes shut tight and he was pale white. He truly looked a pathetic sight.
"Sister... Look at him." She said, not looking at his shivering pale body, but at his body. His lean figure.
His entire body looked like a well-oiled machine... If it wasn't for his three scars on his left eye he might be considered extremely handsome... That is if you are into scars. Unluckily for him, most mares aren't. He had three names inscribed in ink on his arm. Marius, Gene and Gunther.
"He is..." Started Cadance, shaking her head in disbelief. He must weigh a good few tonnes! At the least! "Aunty Luna... How much do you think he weighs in muscle alone?" Asked Cadance. Luna was usually the best judge of such things as she was excellent at guessing.
"I... have no idea niece." Said Luna. "Most of his weight must be muscle... If not as much as is possible." She said, there wasn't an ounce of fat on him... Good job as well, because if there was, then the fact he trained everyday would mean nothing. He had to keep in shape if he was to defeat Damien.
"How strong must he be?" Asked Cadance...
"I do not know... But I would not like to take a punch from him." Said Celestia. "If I even survived it..." She said. It was true, a punch from him seemed like a death sentence...
"Well, as long as you do not try to kill him, we should be fine." Chimed Luna.
"Luna!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, hurt by her sister's words...
"Apologies sister, I did not mean to imply..." She started, looking down in shame.
"It's fine Lulu, I know you didn't mean it. We have been exposed to more violence these past few weeks than we have almost our entire lives. With a few exceptions of course." Smiled Celestia, using Luna's childhood nickname for comfort, draping a wing over her.
"Thank you Tia." Replied Luna, nuzzling her and repaying the favour of using Celestia's childhood nickname. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends have been also. Killing this 'Black Ring' does not seem to mean as much as killing another pony..." Pondered Luna.
"It feels like they have become less than Human, less than Pony. It feels like they have forfeited their life and we are doing them a favour by ending them..." Observed Celestia.
"Indeed. This 'Damien' you told us about niece, seems to drain every virtue from them." Wondered Luna.
"Discussing this isn't getting us anywhere, that's not why we're here." Said Celestia.
"Agreed sister." Nodded Luna and they looked over him closely... To see if the affliction was physical.
Scars covered his body, showing he was battle hardened. They also showed how tough he was, because some of his scars looked like they were horrifying when he received them, and some were stitched together without professional care. It was obvious he’d homemade his own suture kits to deal with his injuries in the field when his regenerative blood wouldn't do it fast enough.
His regenerative blood didn't render him invincible, it needed time to heal injuries. The more serious they were, the more time his body needed. He put on like he was invincible and the scare tactic worked. The Black Ring were terrified of him, they thought he was an invincible monster sent by the Gods themselves to torment and punish them for joining the Black Ring.
Some of the scars looked more healed and faded than others and a slight magic aura surrounded them, making it known that he used magic to heal some of his wounds. But not all of them... Some of the scars healed prettier than others, some with magic, some with his regenerative blood and some he'd dealt with himself with stitches.
"Oh, I have just realised..." Said Cadance with wide eyes.
"What is that niece?" Asked Luna, seeing Cadance's growing grin.
"We have so been perving on him!" She exclaimed, giggling.
"Oh my... Niece, I do believe you are telling the truth." Also giggled Luna. Albeit nervously, as if her niece had discovered a secret.
"Indeed..." Celestia started to chuckle nervously as well. "Oh my... Look..." Started Celestia, changing the subject hastily after seeing the gold littering the room. It was not 'bits' like their currency, made with bronze and copper. No, this was pure gold in coin form... Possibly each coin worth 50 bits... Probably more...
"He must be the richest being in the world..." Observed Luna as she looked up from him at the riches he had acquired.
"He has more gold than Equestria and the Crystal Empire combined..." Gasped Cadance.
"Do not touch one piece, don't touch one bit! For you see all of this gold, he has booby trapped it!" Warned Bellegar in an echoey, disembodied voice as Luna was about to touch a piece of gold in a pile to confirm it was real.
"Luna!" Scolded Celestia with a raised brow. Luna 'eep' 'd as she heard Bellegar and as she saw her sister's expression.
"What!? I wasn't going to take any..." She mumbled.
"Uh huh." Said Celestia, shooting a sideways glance at her sister who stuck her tongue out.
"Can we concentrate please?" Asked Cadance, smiling knowingly at both her Aunts' antics. He only had greaves on. They looked like the bottom half of his armor he had on before he donned his Dragon Wizard armor...
"Oh, yes. Ahem." Said Celestia.
"Shall we start at the source?" Asked Luna.
"The mind." Agreed Celestia and tried to use ancient magic to read Ego's mind... She jumped back a bit.
"Sister?" Asked Luna, putting her wing on Celestia's back in worry as she shook her head.
"He has some sort of block... It's very powerful... We cannot penetrate it. Even all of us. The most we can do is unlock his mind... He seems to have locked himself inside for some reason." Said Celestia.
"Very well. Sister, niece. Shall we?" Asked Luna. The three Princesses put their horns on his head and poured benevolent magic into him, suddenly he sat up screaming bloody murder.
"AHHHH!" He yelled. The Tower shook violently as he screamed and the Princesses had to clamp their hooves over their ears. He quietened down before collapsing backwards as the girls ran in with Sassan.
"What happened?!" Exclaimed Sassan.
"He's up!" Said Luna, pinning him down by the arms with her hooves because he was violently twitching, spasming and writhing around.
"He must be delirious from not eating or drinking for so long!" Exclaimed Cadance.
"I'll get some food and water!" Exclaimed Sassan and ran off.
"Shh, it's OK. Shh." Said Celestia in a calm voice. Stroking his forehead with a hoof. She used to do the same with Twilight when she slept in the castle and had bad dreams. He started to calm. But not fully.
"This isn't working..." Said Cadance.
"What then?" Asked Luna.
"He needs a shock." Said Cadance, tapping her chin in thought.
"Wel-" Celestia stopped as Cadance suddenly kissed him, his eyes widened and he calmed as she pulled away...
His eyes opened, they were yellow and draconic... He seemed to scowl at Celestia and Luna who both took their hooves off him. They then both glared at Cadance as if she had just stole the crown jewels...
When they let go of him, his eyes returned to their arctic blue, more normal hue. They weren't draconic either.
Both sisters couldn’t help but think his eyes were enchanting... Wonderous, if tortured.
"You're here? Why are you here? You need to leave." He said and stood up, wrapping a blanket around himself rather than putting a cuirass on as he stood up and pulled the curtains back. He didn't seem to notice the kiss he received... He stood on the balcony, leaning on the railing with crossed arms. Looking out.
"What is wrong?" Asked Celestia, approaching him.
"Don't come near me." He said, holding an arm out. Causing the Princess to stop in her tracks.
"Why not?" Asked Twilight.
"Because I'm a monster." He answered.
"You saved our lives more than once. How can you be a monster?" Asked Cadance. She touched her lips with a smile. She didn't notice, but if looks could kill, Celestia and Luna would have made Cadance spontaneously combust.
"I just am." He said, avoiding the question. As he spoke Sassan entered the room.
"My Lord? Dinner." She said and he walked into the dining room, there was food for all the guests as well. He had meat, not that they knew.
As they ate, Hermaphroditus was studying some sort of shrine...
"Leave us." He said and Sassan bowed, taking the elevator up.
"What is that?" Asked Luna, pointing with a hoof at the shrine Hermaphroditus was looking at.
"That is a Waypoint Shrine. I used to use it to travel throughout Rivellon to other similar shrines." He explained.
Celestia was glaring at Cadance again... Cadance noticed this time and shifted uncomfortably.
"Cadance... May we talk?" Asked Celestia with a wide smile.
"Of course." She replied.
"I will join you." Said Luna. They went back into his room. There were hushed voices, a gasp and a squeal of... Happiness?
;5 minutes earlier - Third Pony POV;
"Niece... When you... You kissed him... Why?" Asked Celestia, not even asking a proper question.
"I tried to kiss him in the Crystal Empire, but he didn't kiss me. I wanted to both find out why he didn't, and wake him up." She said.
"And?" Asked Celestia.
"Nothing, he was too conflicted." She said.
"When you kissed him... What was it like?" Asked Luna. Taking a step forward.
"Yes, what was it like?" Asked Celestia.
"Why so curious?" Asked Cadance. Celesia went next her ear.
"I... think I... I, you know? Like him?" She whispered. Luna looked confused as to why she was whispering. Not hearing their hushed conversation.
"Really?" Cadance squealed in delight and wrapped her hooves around her Aunt. Excited and proud that she may have found her special somepony. Luna shook her head in surprise. She had no idea what was happening.
"Yes." She answered, clearly glad to get it off her chest, returning the hug. "I first noticed my feelings in the Crystal Empire. When he almost died for us. When he was alive, I felt as I never have... I think the Crystal Heart helped me realise my true feelings..." She explained.
"I am sorry, me kissing him must have felt as if I was taking the opportunity from you. I assure you that is not the case... Cause I'd share." She giggled and her Aunt joined in.
"What about Shining?" Asked Celestia as they let go. But so Luna could hear.
"If you saw Ego out here... How he held me, was worried about me, more so than Shining. He made me feel special... Loved. I... I don't know." She shrugged.
"Ok..." Said her Aunt and resumed whispering. "Do not tell anypony... Especially Ego!" She pleaded quietly.
"Of course." She nodded.
"Niece, may I?" Asked Luna. Celestia went back to the dining room to let them talk.
"Yes. Of course. What is it?" She asked.
"I... Well... I like Ego... A lot." She admitted, going red.
Cadance's eyes widened as she realised both her Aunts wanted to try to date this stallion to the other sister's ignorance... Neither knew the other had a crush on him...
Not since she's known them have they ever even looked at a stallion or mare like they could be a possible friend, let alone a lover. And now both of them are interested in the same one? The same one she was, as well? Coincidence? Then again, he was kinder than any stallion they knew... Not many stallions were like him.
If any stallion other than him saved the Princesses and they offered a reward, they would have demanded one of the Princesses hooves in marriage. But him? He asked for nothing. He wanted nothing. And he was handsome to boot! Even the scars... It seemed to Cadance that Alicorns liked scars, which was something she needed to look into...
"Indeed?" Asked Cadance cryptically. Luna didn't seem to notice.
"Yes... Please... Please do not tell anypony." She begged.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Smiled Cadance. In response, her other Aunt hugged her.
"Thank you! Come, we should return." They exited the room and sat back down...
They ate in silence after that. Ego wasn't as pale as before, he had gained some colour.
;10 minutes later;
As they finished their meals, they went back into Ego's bedroom, he sat on the bed and ran his hands over his face.
"You need to tell us why you're like this." Said Celestia.
"You don't want to know, trust me." He replied.
"The Dragon speaks the truth! To tell you what happened would be uncouth!" Said Bellegar.
"Bellegar, if you speak one more time I will have your tongue removed!" He yelled. Nothing. Good.
"Really, we wanna know." Said Applejack.
"Yes, darling. You need to be open with us." Agreed Rarity.
"I can't. You'd think less of me. Plus, you're just strangers. Why would I trust you?" He asked, looking away. The Princesses all looked taken aback at that, like it upset them...
"Strangers? Pardner, we didn't say we were yer friends at that battle just 'cause we like sayin' it! Yer our friend! Right girls?" Asked Applejack, even the Princesses nodded.
"I agree. We're your friends! We want to help." Insisted Twilight.
"You... You can't be my friends." He concluded. Little did he know the three Alicorns in the room wanted to be more than friends...
"Why not?" Asked Pinkie, blowing a balloon up to the point it burst in her face.
"All the friends I've ever had have been bad experiences. You seem like good people- Err ponies, and I don't want to poison you with my bad luck." He said.
"You won't! You're like, the only stallion, or whatever you are that can keep up with my awesomeness! That’s sayin' somethin'." Said Rainbow as he stood on the balcony, flying in front of him as he looked out blankly.
"Maybe you can tell us what happened to your other friends." Suggested Twilight.
"That would be a good place to start." Nodded Celestia.
"You need to tell us what is wrong. Starting with your past is good." Concurred Luna.
"Good idea Princesses! Get 'im comfertable!" Said Applejack.
"Fine. If you insist. Sit down, this is quite a tale." He said, they all sat around him on the bed.
...
;This is him talking, telling a story, you'll know when any of the Ponies talk;
It was a year ago. I had just completed my training, I was 19-
As a Dragon-Knight or whatever?!
No, as a Dragon Slayer.
Woahhh! Plot twist!
Pinkie! Don't interrupt!
No, it's ok. Anyway, I completed my trials and was about to finalise my initiation... When they spotted the last Dragon-Knight. They then postponed my final trial and we went hunting. To cut a loooooong story short, I defeated a ghost in a crypt to improvise my trial. Turns out this crypt was the secret crypt of Lord Arben, one of the greatest Dragon Slayers, if any Slayer can indeed be called 'great'...
Sounds like you don't like 'em!
You think? Anyway, he gave me his sword and I met my Commander, Commander Rhode outside the crypt. I admit, i was quite enamoured with her for a while...
What?
Err, I fancied her for a while. Fell for her. Quite hard as well.
Ah. I see...
Yeah.
Out of interest... Was there... Anything between you?
Not that I know of. I never made the move. But she never showed interest either way.
Please, continue.
OK. There were three other veteran Slayers with us as well. Marius, Gene and Gunther... So anyway, I was told I wouldn't be participating in the hunt for the last Dragon-Knight.
But you were a Dragon Slayer! your entire existence meant you were supposed to hunt Dragons! Or all your training was for nothing!
I know, that's what I said. Rhode told me that I would fight Rivellon's enemies but apparently not the Dragons. She took Arben's blade from me and left to hunt. I was enraged. I sat in the tavern drinking. The barmaid, Elsa, asked me what was wrong. I told her to buzz off.
Well, that weren't very nice!
I know, that wasn't really 'me'. It was Drace, Drace Reynfaire.
Huh?
More on that later. Anyway, I finished my drink and had enough waiting, I ran out to where the beast had been spotted. On the way there I went through the pass that led to the second part of Broken Valley. On my way down I passed a shrine.
Ohhh! To what?
I don't know, it was one of Bellegar's things. Anyway, at the shrine I ran into her. The last Dragon-Knight. Talana.
Dunn dunn duhhh!
Indeed. I approached her and immediately I felt something in me change. I felt great pity on her. I told her I understood why she was angry and she laughed at me. She then did something to me.
What did she do to you darling?
Well... You see, I never completed my trials to their fullest extent, therefore I was susceptible to her mind attacks. She gave me a vision. A vision of Damien and what he would do. After that, she died from her wounds. Skip ahead a good few hours. I was outside Maxos' Temple. There they were, Rhode and the others. I ran up to them and heard them discussing Talana and how she must be dead by now.
And she was! *gasp* But you were a Dragon!
I was. They didn't notice at first. Rhode asked why I was out there. I told her I was Dragon-Knight on my way to defeat Damien.
Wait, let me get this straight... You were a Dragon? They were Dragon Slayers? Yet you told them?!
Yep. I saw no point in hiding it. Rhode would've noticed one way or another. They didn't believe me anyway. Marius laughed at me. Rhode scolded him, and then me. But then she noticed I was telling the truth... I told her this shouldn't change our relationship. That I needed her help...
Well yes, you were friends, she should've been understanding and tried to help you through your time of confusion and strife!
Maybe... One way or another she said no. I'm paraphrasing of course. She gave me back the blade Lord Arben gave me and told me to die with dignity... She then ordered Marius and the others to kill me and douse the sword in my blood. This is where it gets gory.
Your friends tried to kill you?
Yes.
That's horrible! They should have remained loyal to you! Stuck by your side!
Maybe they should've.
Pardner, you were honest with 'em. You needed their help. But they tried to kill ya instead. That ain't how friends act. Carry on.
OK. Marius ran at me, I blocked his blows, i was trying to convince them to stop, but they didn't. Eventually I gave up...
It's OK, you can tell us. What did you do?
Marius swung left at me, I blocked his blade and kicked him away. Gunther came at me from the right and I blocked his blow with my own blade and put my foot on his chest, slowly taking him to the floor. I grabbed his emergency mace from his side and as Gene ran at me I threw the mace at him, braining him... Hold on, I need to think...
Take your time darling. We know this isn't easy for you.
Thanks. I then put my foot on Gunther's neck and pressed hard. His neck broke instantly. Marius tried for me but I tackled him to the floor. Both our blades were knocked away and I wrapped my hands around his throat and applied pressure. It took... What? 30 seconds? 1 minute? An hour? It felt like forever as I choked him. When he was dead, I got up and walked to Gene, he was on the ground, mumbling. Blood everywhere, from his mouth, his eyes, his nose. His head was caved in. I took out my bow and gave him a swift death. I donned my Wild Dweller Mask and vowed not to take it off until I became a Dragon-Knight.
They should've tried to help you! To understand! But they just attacked?
Yes. That's not the last of it. Talana lived on inside my mind and was giving me guidance through my year of adventuring. Turns out it wasn't her. It was Ygerna, Damien's lover who was tricking me all along. Turns out someone I thought was my closest friend was just using me. I vowed never to let that happen again...
...
;Back to normal dialogue- Tyrath's POV;
"I'm so sorry... All your friends betrayed you. They were horrible to you." Said Twilight.
"No I betrayed the Slayers, I could've avoided that conflict..." I said.
"No, you didn't betray them." Said Princess Celestia, putting a hoof on my shoulder.
"I think I did."
"We do not. Anyway, can you tell us why you think you're a monster now?" Asked Princess Luna. Putting a hoof on my other shoulder.
"I... Ok." I relented.
"Good." She smiled. They removed their hooves, they were so soft... When the Princesses touched me I felt nervous... Like their hooves burned my skin, even through my armor when I wore it. it felt strange... My heart began beating faster...
"Are you...? It's not a nice story. At all. It's horrible." I warned.
"I see what you're doing Princess! Genius! We need to know what you did so we can forgive you for it!" Realised Twilight.
"I don't know if you will. I haven't." I looked down in shame.
"We will. Don't you worry none." Said Applejack.
"Ok... Back in the Crystal Empire, I looked into the mirror. It granted me a vision of the possible future..." I explained.
"Really?! That's rare!" Exclaimed Princess Cadance.
"I know. Princess Luna told me." I said.
"When did- Oh, in the future." Nodded Princess Luna.
"Yes. I was there... On Damien's side. I... I'd just come from a torture session."
"They tortured you until you joined them?! Monsters!" Said Princess Celestia.
"No. I joined them on purpose. I took his offer. I pulled your statue down." I said to Princess Celestia.
"Oh." She said, her ears flattening. It seemed like I hurt her feelings... Fuck this was going to be Tartarus...
"I then blasted your statue to pieces Princess Luna." I said.
"Good. You're giving us details. That is good." She said to me. Her breath hitched when I said it but she kept a stone face.
"What then?" Asked Princess Cadance.
"I had to sift through my memories to regain control of my body. I was seeing through my eyes with no control. What I did was... Unforgivable." I said.
"We'll be tha judge o' that, pardner." Said Applejack.
"I'd come from torturing all of you..." I admitted.
"Ok, this is good. Like before, we need details." Said Princess Luna.
"Err Princess? Are you sure-" Started Twilight, growing uncertain.
"You said it yourself Twilight Sparkle. We all need to know what he did. We need to know what we are forgiving him for." She said.
"Agreed sister. Please continue." Smiled Princess Celestia almost nervously.
"Ok... We were inside my Flying Fortress that Damien gifted me. You were all hanging by chains in the ceiling. First was Fluttershy because... You're the kindest. I... I... I tied you opposite the others and cut off your eyelids so you had to watch what I did." I said.
She just cried her eyes out.
"It's OK..." Said Rainbow, rubbing her friend's back.
"Twilight I did the same to you." I said.
"You what...?" She asked, her eyes welling up.
"Third was you Princess Cadance. You yelled at me that you trusted me. I told you that you were foolish to do so. After that I asked if you wanted to see the source of love. Before you could reply..." I cut off.
"Go on..." She said. Obviously worried by what I'd say.
"I ripped your heart out and showed it to you all. You screamed for about 5 seconds before you died." I said, holding back my tears. I wasn't going to cry! Warriors do not shed tears!
"Oh..." She said, I could tell this upset her. But she was staying strong for the others.
"Next was Shining Armor, he yelled at me and I smiled, shoving your heart in his mouth. Telling him it was the last meal he'd ever have. After that I cut off his horn and he screamed. I told him 'I should've done that to your wife.' he mumbled something in pain. I told him he'd have to swallow first. He managed to spit your heart in my face. I told him that wasn't very nice. Then I cut his... Well, organ off. I let him bleed out." I said, still looking down.
"So... We... It..." Started Princess Cadance. Looking away. Not saying anything afterwards. Taking deep breaths.
"Next was you Applejack. You were trying to calm the girls down, so I tore your throat out and replaced it with an apple, using my blood to heal you but you couldn't speak." I said.
"You... Did..." She said, looking away from me with tears in her eyes.
"Next, Rainbow, I cut your wings off." I said.
"My- My wings!?" She said, turning to look at them.
"I'm... Next was Pinkie, I shoved cake down your throat."
"I love cake!" She exclaimed.
"I did it until you puked blood." I said.
"Ah..." She said...
"Rarity... I shaved your hair and cut your tail off." I admitted.
"No..." She said, fainting on the bed.
I wasn't about to tell Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity what I did to their little sisters... How I killed them slowly in front of their sisters who couldn't help them... I just couldn't bring myself to tell them. I knew Drace was evil... But... Fuck me...
"Yes. Last was you and Fluttershy, Twilight. I cut off your horn." I replied.
"My... Horn?!" She said, looking up at her horn in worry.
"Yes. I'd already done what I could to Fluttershy." I said, hanging my head.
"What about us?" Asked Princess Celestia.
"I... I... Can't." I shook my head.
"You can." Said Princess Luna, her and Princess Celestia putting their hooves on my shoulders again. it sent shivers down my spine, both good... And because of about what I was going to say. I got up and sat by the fire, pouring a brandy shakily.
"Want some?" I asked, holding up the bottle.
"Please. But we'll continue after we've got our drinks." Nodded Princess Celestia.
"Yes, thank you." Agreed Princess Luna.
"I will as well please." Smiled Princess Cadance.
"Got any cider?" Asked Applejack, still in tears. In fact all of them apart from the Princesses were.
"No... I've got ale." I shrugged. Trying not to think about the story I was about to tell.
"Sounds good." She sniffed.
"I'll take one." Said Rainbow, wiping a tear.
"Wine... Dear." Said Rarity, taking short breaths.
"Got it."
"...Juice?" Wept Fluttershy, barely audible.
"Of course."
"I'll get an ale." Cried Pinkie.
"Sure. Twilight?" I asked.
"I'll have a brandy." She said, she seemed to have calmed faster than her other friends. The Princesses looked at each other worriedly.
"Are you sure Twilight?" Asked Princess Celestia with a slight smile.
"Yeah! I drink it all the time." She obviously lied.
"Right..." I said and was about to call Sassan.
"I heard My Lord!" Called Sassan from the dining room and went to get the drinks. And the glasses for the Princesses and Twilight...
We waited for five minutes and she arrived with a tray of drinks, giving them out and passing empty glasses to the Princesses and Twilight.
"Here we are." I said and poured the three Alicorns and Twilight their brandy.
Twilight took a sip and her face scrunched up and she swallowed it, coughing.
"That's good! A good brand!" She wheezed, obviously she had the brandy to try and impress the Princesses...
"Cheers, made it myself. Peach and plum." I said.
"Now we have our drinks, continue." Said Princess Celestia.
"I... I... Fine..." I said finishing my drink.
"This is nice, thank you. You do know how to make a lovely brandy." Smiled Princess Luna, sipping her liquid. The others all thanked me as well.
"I agree... You must give me the recipe." Smiled Princess Celestia.
"Ok, here we go... I walked up and Princess Celestia asked me if I was putting on an act, I leaned in close, she seemed to become relieved, but then I grabbed her by the throat and threw her through the castle doors." I started.
"Go on..." Said Princess Celestia.
"Princess Luna, then you ran over, she tried to warn you that it was me and I had joined the enemy. You went to stop me, but I backpunched you into a pillar. Princess Celestia then blasted me with magic. A powerful blast. With the power gained from joining Damien, I ignored it and grabbed her muzzle. The guards tried to stop me but I cast a spell and blasted them all over the room, knocking them out." I said.
"Do not stop. We need to hear it all." Said Princess Celestia. Visibly upset but wishing me to continue.
"I told Princess Luna what I did to Princess Cadance, she then stood up to stop me, but was terrified. I tried to turn you against your sister, Princess. You didn't bite." I told them. The two Princesses hugged.
"I knew you wouldn't Lulu." Smiled Princess Celestia.
"Princess Celestia tried to tell you not to listen and I backhanded her muzzle. You went to shoot a spell at me but I warned you to not or I'd cut your horn off. You went over to Princess Celestia and nuzzled her. Princess Celestia asked me 'why?' and I said 'Power...' that I would rule Equestria. That once Sombra was no longer useful he would also die so I could rule unopposed. Then I choked you. I picked you up by the throat. Telling you both you couldn't be in the picture either if I was to rule. Princess Luna told me to stop and I did. But I had another agenda." I said, taking a break, pouring myself some more brandy and drinking it. I also refilled the Princesses' and Twilight's glasses.
"Which was?" Asked Princess Celestia hesitantly as I drank my brandy.
"I asked you if you wanted Twilight back and the two of you to survive. You said yes. I told you I'd want something first. You said anything. At this point Princess Luna clicked on and tried to tell you. But you waved her off telling her you could get you all out of this, asking what I wanted. I said you. That you could rule the kingdom by my side. As my queen. I was stroking your cheek. You said 'very well' I kissed a tear from your cheek but you pulled away. You asked me about the other 5. I said I wanted you as well Princess Luna. You said no Princess Celestia but Princess Luna agreed... After that I took back control and woke up. But first you..." I started to say, but shook my head and downed my new glass of brandy I didn't even notice i'd poured myself.
I wasn't about to tell them about the part about them having my children...
"We... What?" She quizzed.
"Nothing. Just wished me good luck because you both realised it was a vision." I said, lying. I was still holding back tears. "And that’s it." I said. Standing up and taking a breath. Omitting the part where they kissed my cheeks.
"Well pardner..." Said Applejack, finishing her ale. "I forgive ya." She said and... Hugged me. By my waist because I was standing and i was taller than her.
"Uh!" I grunted as she did. Freezing up.
"So do I." Smiled Twilight and also hugged me.
"Me too! Torture by cake isn't so bad!" Said Pinkie and joined in.
"Hair grows back dear." Said Rarity and hugged me.
"That wasn't you. I forgive you." Smiled Fluttershy and hovered over to me, joining the pile.
"Yeah! You'd never do any of that! That like, totally ain't you!" Said Rainbow and joined up in my hug brigade.
"I forgive you. She is right. That wasn't you." Said Princess Cadance and stood on her hind legs to hug me, reaching my height. She hugged my left side.
"I agree, you can't dwell on what never happened." Smiled Princess Luna, hugging my right side.
"It was a vision. One that will never come to pass." Said Princess Celestia and hugged me from the front.
"... Why?" I asked them.
"Cause we're yer friends dummy. I meant what I said. We didn't just say it just cause we like sayin' it!" Exclaimed Applejack.
I... I'll admit. I burst into tears. Don't judge me! I actually reciprocated the hug, wrapping them all in a vice grip.
"Shh, let it all out pardner." Wheezed Applejack as I squeezed. At the time I didn't realise I was squeezing hard. After about 5 minutes I let them go, causing the 6 girls to catch their breaths loudly. The three Princesses seemed fine.
"Feel better?" Asked Princess Luna.
"Yes, thank you Princess. How can I repay you? All of you?" I asked.
"No, we did for a friend as a favor." Said Applejack.
"No, I need to repay you. Here." I said and went over to a pile of gold. "Bellegar's bollocks." I said and the gold's booby trap was deactivated.
"What a password! How rude! Must your password be so lewd and crude?!" Asked Bellegar.
"Hey! I didn't have my 'Book of Passwords' handy did I?! Now shut up." I said and separated the pile of coins into 9 even piles. "Take whichever pile. They're all even." I said.
"We can't." Said Twilight.
"I insist, I recognise this isn't why you helped, but I owe you. And I don't like being in debt. In each of these piles is 55,555 gold coins. It's yours." I said. The Princesses went to say something. "Ah! Personal spending money, I know you royals, this isn't a donation to your kingdoms, it's a donation to you. If the rest of you want to spend it on your families, that's fine." I said. "You can also spend it on each other." I added.
"Thank you!" Exclaimed everypony and they all hugged me again, this time causing me to grunt from being crushed.
"It's OK..." I said as they let go.
"Pardner, yer kindness... Is almost unmatched." Said Applejack, looking to Fluttershy and starting to cry from happiness.
"It's nothing. You think this is a lot of gold? I have a vault downstairs." I said.
"You have even more money?!" Exclaimed Rainbow.
"Yep, I'm not hurtin' for certain." I chuckled.
"The Dragon tries his hand, it's a mighty crime! Because unfortunately he can not master the art of rhyme." Came Bellegar's voice.
"I wasn't trying to master rhyme! Because even if I tried, I simply wouldn't have the time!" I replied. That shut him up.
"You both sound like Zecora." Said Twilight with a laugh.
"Who's Zecora?" I asked.
"A Zebra from Zebrica." Said Twilight.
"A Zebra?! They're rare in Rivellon." I said, at first my eyes flashed with gold... Zebras are worth a lot in Rivellon... But I shook my head, realising that this was an intelligent, sentient, sapient being. Not just a mindless animal. I wasn't about to buy into slavery.
"Well we have one living in the Everfree Forest. We should introduce you." Smiled Twilight.
"That might be nice." I nodded.
"See! We managed to bring friendship to a being from a different universe, who, despite having bad experiences before, has accepted friendship!" Cheered Twilight.
"Yay! Party!" Exclaimed Pinkie, blowing a kazoo again, from wherever she gets them...
"Indeed, but alas, we should be- What is THIS?" Asked Princess Luna, tripping over something and picking it up in her magic, seeing it was a sword and looking at it in fascination.
"Yours now Princess." I shrugged.
"Really?!" She asked, looking from me to the sword a few times with a grin growing on her face.
"All yours, Your Highness." I bowed.
"Luna! You can't just- Oh my... these are beautiful..." Said Princess Celestia, picking up a pair of gold and diamond earrings in her magic. They were enchanted with Spirit, Indomitable Will, Conditioned Body and increased melee, magic and ranged protection. The first three traits really did represent her... Ahem... Because had a lot of Spirit! Indomitable Will comes with being a ruler and Conditioned Body because she was an Alicorn! Yeah... That’s all. Really. Seriously. Leave it out.
"Have 'em." I shrugged.
"Really?! Thank you!" She said. I saw her looking at me from the corner of her eye, thankful... I think? Cadance nudged her as if to tell her to say something. "Ahem. Yes. These are nice." She thanked me. Cadance huffed and rolled her eyes as if she was expecting her to say something else...
All the girls found something they liked. Rarity found some Dragon Scales that I shedded a while ago, she said she'd love to have them to incorporate them into her fashion line. I told her to go right ahead.
Rainbow Dash found a set of Champion armor(that somehow got ponified.) that she liked and I told her to have it.
Twilight found some books that I gave to her.
Princess Cadance found a heart that I carved out of topaz, it was actually inspired by her Cutie Mark the first time I met her. What? I needed a hobby! Carving is a nice relaxing activity!
I gave Applejack and Princess Celestia my brandy method. But told them how to dilute it as it was a little strong for ponies.
Pinkie I gave my cake recipe to which had brandy in it (What? I made a lot of brandy! I have a lot of food stored away!)
And finally Fluttershy found interest in a bestiary on Rivellionian animals and monsters written by yours truly.
"Are you sure we can have all this?" Asked Rarity.
"Yes, I'm sure." I rolled my eyes.
"You could give MY generosity a run for my bits!" She exclaimed.
"What are you on about?" I asked.
"Remember those 'Elements' we were talking about at the wedding?" Asked Twilight,
"Yes." I replied.
"Well, each of us 6 represent an 'Element of Harmony' I represent the Element of Magic. Applejack is the Element of Honesty. Rarity is the Element of Generosity. Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness. Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter and last but not least, Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty." Said Twilight, they all pulled a pose.
"I see. Wait a second... I remember Maxos mentioned something in his journal about this..." I said and summoned the very book I was talking about, flicking through it. "He mentions the very virtues you represent... But nothing about them being 'Elements...' but he mentions they are important somehow..." I said.
"Maxos?" Asked Twilight.
"A great wizard in my world..." I said as I put the book down.
"Like Star Swirl the Bearded?" Asked Twilight.
"What did you just say?" I asked.
"Star Swirl the Bearded? He was the greatest unicorn in Equestria. Here, this is a painting of him." Said Twilight and teleported in a painting of him. I also pictured Zandalor in my mind suddenly... And then compared the two...
"No... Zandalor...!? No wait, hold on..." I said flicked through Maxos' diary again... "Holy Thundercunt!" I exclaimed.
"What?" Asked Twilight.
"Oh my chucklefuck... Listen to this... Maxos and Zandalor, two wizards from my world, had a bet." I started. "Who could go longer without using a spell? And the punishment for losing was rather strange... If the loser ever got sent to a strange realm, he had dress like the victor and call himself a fruity name, Zandalor got the name 'Lezar the Ancient' and Maxos got the name 'Star Swirl the Bearded'! Maxos lost of course and therefore Zandalor got to keep his name and looks... Looks like Maxos kept his word..." I said.
"So Star Swirl was one of you as well?" Asked Twilight.
"Yes, he was one of the greatest wizards in Rivellon's history. Look like he continued that history here." I said.
"He did! He's one of my idols!" Exclaimed Twilight.
"So this is where he disappeared to... We always wondered." I said.
"He just appeared out of nowhere one day, just like you did!" Exclaimed Princess Luna.
"Makes sense... For some reason his Battle Tower didn't come with him, whereas it did with me." I said.
"He did request a tower for his experiments. Said it made him more comfortable." Said Princess Celestia, tapping her chin with her hoof.
"You both met him?!" I asked.
"Yes, we did. He died a few thousand years ago unfortunately." Said Princess Luna.
"I thought so... Where was he buried?" I asked.
"He wasn't. He was burned in Dragonfire as per his request. Nopony was present, but he told us not to let anypony except a fellow 'knight' ever enter his tower. I think he meant you." Said Princess Celestia and gave me a key.
"Thanks. I'll check it out in a few days." I said.
"It would be nice to have you in Canterlot again." Smiled Princess Luna.
"Indeed." I smiled.
"That is not all." Said Princess Celestia.
"Hmm?" I asked.
"There are few last orders of business. Ego Draconis. For your services to the kingdom, I now proclaim you... Saviour of Equestria." Said Princess Celestia.
"For your endeavor in saving our lives and the lives of everypony from the Changelings, I proclaim you Saviour of Canterlot." Smiled Princess Luna.
"And for your near selfless sacrifice in the Empire, I proclaim you Saviour of the Crystal Empire." Nodded Princess Cadance.
"It has been a long time since anypony had held those titles. And we will not take no for an answer." Said Princess Celestia. She teleported in three medals and placed the Saviour of Equestria one on my on my left breast. Princess Luna placed the Saviour of Canterlot medal there and Princess Cadance placed the Saviour of the Crystal Empire medal there as well.
"I..." I started.
"I wanted to give two of these to you after the wedding. But... Well, you know what happened. We got distracted." Smiled Princess Celestia. "I also wanted to give the last one to you after the Crystal Empire, but well, we were too elated seeing you alive to remember." She smiled. "You deserve these." She concluded.
"I concur sister. We will not take no for an answer." Agreed Princess Luna. "I will also point out that this is the first time in the history of our kingdom somepony has held all three medals." She informed.
"This is the least we can do. For... Everything you've done for us. And they are right. None of us will take no for an answer." Smiled Princess Cadance.
"I... Thank you. All of you." I said. When they say they won't take no for an answer, I have a feeling they aren't kidding around.
"We should be going. Thank you for receiving us. Saviour of Equestria." Bowed Princess Celestia and the others followed.
"I am not worthy of being bowed to. You are, Princesses. You all are." I said and bowed deeply to all of them.
"Thank you. Saviour of Canterlot." Said Princess Luna.
They all walked out aside from Princess Cadance.
"Your Majesty?" I asked.
"Back in the Crystal Empire, when I tried to kiss you... I just... I'm sorry. It was foolish of me. Foolish of me to fall for another stallion when I am already married..." She said. I read her mind...
'Does he love me? As I love him? As they love him?' She thought. She was still in love with ne? But with who? Her and who else love me? This is wrong... They are a different species! That shit don't fly in Rivellon!
"But I do have a question." She said.
"Go ahead." I nodded.
"If you didn't have that vision... Would you have kissed me?" She whispered, walking up to me...
"I... Most likely." I nodded. Well, I had to admit it. Despite what I felt about them being another species...
"Well, I want to know something. Just... Please. A kiss can tell me a lot..." She said and went in for a kiss...
I backed off a little before just letting her kiss me. She was clearly experienced, I just stood there, frozen, not moving a muscle... The kiss wasn't exactly chaste... She backed off a little, looking at me, her eyes had something in them... Some kind of flash danced through them...
"Thank you... I hope to see you soon. Saviour of the Crystal Empire." Said Princess Cadance... Was that sultry? Wait, did she just wink at me? Oh shit, I might have opened the gates to Tartarus... What did my kiss tell her?
"No problem." I bowed as she left. Sassan escorting them out. She came back later with a smile.
"My Lord, it's good to have you back." Smiled Sassan.
"Thank you." I smiled.
"Nice medals." She said.
"Thanks." I rolled my eyes.
"So, do you like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" Asked Sassan.
"Yes. I'd like to think we're friends." I nodded.
"I meant more than that My Lord..." She said.
"No! They're animals! They may be intelligent, but there's still a species barrier! It's... Wrong, morally abhorrent! Besides, they're not my type. Too serious." I said, shaking my head.
"That's not what I heard while you were unconscious My Lord." She countered.
"Huh?" I asked.
"All I'm saying My Lord is get to know them first." She said,
"I have. They're not my type. And they are fucking ponies. I am not. Nonetheless, as I said, too serious." I said.
"Is that so My Lord?" Bowed Sassan, walking out...
"Yeah- Wait, hold the communication magic..." I said and I followed her out...