'Dina walked happily with Spike back to the library, being patient with him, as she fully understood why he was lost in thought. As they arrived at the library, he looked up at her. "I'm going to...excuse myself for a bit. I-"
She rested a hand on his shoulder. "Quite alright. You have a lot to think about." Seeing him smiling gratefully, she went into the library with him, sitting down at a central table while he went upstairs. It wasn't long before Twilight entered the room from the basement. "Hey Twilight."
"Hello 'Dina," Twilight replied happily. She looked around. "Where's Spike?"
"Upstairs," the dragoness replied, laying back in her chair. "He has a lot to think about. I answered some of his questions, as well as some he didn't know he had. Probably wants to clear his head before the party tonight."
Twilight smiled. "Thank you for helping him. He kept saying he had no more interest in his dragon heritage, but I could tell it bothered him. I hope he can come to terms with it all."
'Dina smiled. "I'm sure he will. He's stronger and wiser than he seems."
The lavender alicorn nodded. Then her eyes brightened. "I don't suppose you have time to answer some questions, then?"
'Dina nodded. "I suppose I do."
Twilight squealed happily. "I'll be right back!" she said eagerly, rushing out of the room. 'Dina privately suspected it was to fetch her question checklist.
"Peep!"
'Dina turned at the sudden noise right beside her ear, and found herself eye to eye with a red, orange, and gold puffball with wings...which she recognized as a slightly overweight baby phoenix. She stared in fascination. She'd never been this close to any phoenix before, let alone an infant. She held still, not wanting to disturb him, as he seemed completely calm in her presence.
"Peep!" the infant insisted, pointing his beak towards her opposite claw.
In surprise and confusion, 'Dina raised the indicated claw and began stroking the baby phoenix. The infant expressed his pleasure with a happy trill as he nuzzled into the stroking hand.
"I see Pee Wee likes you," Twilight said as she reentered, taking a seat opposite the dragoness.
As the phoenix hopped off 'Dina's shoulder and fluttered over to land before Twilight in a begging posture, 'Dina stared in amazement. "You raised a baby dragon, and now a baby phoenix?"
Twilight chuckled. "No," she corrected as she gave Pee Wee a treat, which he eagerly gobbled. "Pee Wee is Spike's. Garble and his cronies were proving how tough they were by smashing phoenix eggs. Spike refused to smash one, and protected it from Garble. We couldn't find the parents, so we brought the egg back here. Spike took care of the egg, and the child that hatched from it. Shortly after, the parents showed up." She smiled proudly. "Spike was ready to return Pee Wee to his parents, since we figured that would be best for him...but as soon as Spike walked away, Pee Wee flew after him. The parents talked for a bit, then flew off without Pee Wee. Spike's been especially close to the little guy ever since."
'Dina smiled. "There can be few better companions for a dragon than a phoenix, though a very rare bond to be formed." She plucked the scroll from Twilight's hands. "Let's speed this up a bit," she said, unrolling it and grabbing a quill.
"But-"
"There are things I can't tell you, and things I don't know. If I mark those off before you start asking, we save quite a bit of time."
Twilight thought for a bit, then nodded. "That's a good point," she said with a smile. The smile started to fade as the number of slashes 'Dina made with the quill made her realize just how many of her questions were on the 'taboo' list. When 'Dina handed back the scroll, Twilight unrolled it nervously. More than half her questions had been crossed out completely. She scanned down a bit until she saw one question she'd expected to ask, Why can't you answer these questions? and saw an X in the check box beside it. "How come some questions are crossed out, and some are X'ed?"
"The ones crossed out are the ones I can only discuss with another dragon. The ones with an X are the ones I'm only allowed to discuss with certain individuals outside the species, which you don't qualify for yet but might someday. Anything marked with a question mark is a question I don't know the answer to."
Twilight nodded in understanding as she looked over her list again. "It looks like there's only five questions left I can still get answers for." She took a closer look at them. "And most of them are regarding more personal concerns." She chuckled as she saw a notation. "Maybe less. You can answer this one, but not explain the answer?" At 'Dina's nod, Twilight actually asked the question. "Can dragons breed with other races?"
'Dina nodded. "A dragon can have a successful offspring with any member of any other species, even ones that don't have defined genders." She leaned casually on the table. "While not something that happens frequently, it is neither discouraged nor frowned upon. However, the dragon who does this is considered responsible for any action taken by the first two generations of offspring. That's just to discourage siring and abandoning children at random, if the dragons know they will have to stick around and watch over two generations."
Twilight nodded. "What exactly is done to enforce-"
"A dragon who violates that rule is put to death."
Twilight gasped. "Isn't that a little harsh?"
'Dina shook her head. "The innocence of the young is considered of utmost importance to protect. Any dragon power passed on is strongest in the first two generations, and can easily destroy both the children and those around them if they aren't taught to control it." 'Dina frowned. "Which reminds me. I'll need to inform the Elders that Garble and his cronies were smashing phoenix eggs. That's a serious offense, and one that he'll be taken strictly to task for."
Twilight nodded. "Good to know." Her eyes widened. "You mentioned dragon power being passed onto the young. Can you give me some examples?"
'Dina smiled. "I can give you three examples of descendants of dragon/pony unions and the powers they inherited. All three happen to be ponies you've met."
Twilight's eyes widened. "Really?'
'Dina nodded. "First off...have you ever had a face to face encounter with a full grown dragon?"
Twilight shuddered. "Yeah. He was getting ready to nap, but the smoke he was snoring was covering the skies over Equestria. My friends and I went to face him, but he was massive!"
'Dina nodded knowingly. Dragons who settled down for century or longer naps tended to remain in their massive forms. "When you came face to face with him, how did you feel?"
Twilight shivered. "I...I knew intellectually that dragons could be spoken to and reasoned with, and that there was respect and agreements between the two races...but all that flew out of my mind when I looked into his eyes. It...it was like fear was flooding into me through our locked gaze."
'Dina nodded. "Dragonfear. It's something dragons naturally generate once they reach a certain age, and when they take on massive proportions. Any creature with magic inside them will feel afraid in their presence simply from being in their presence, and that fear is multiplied many times over by an intense locked gaze."
Twilight frowned. "But...but Fluttershy looked the dragon right in the eyes with her Stare, and the dragon broke into tears!"
"That's because when he looked into the 'Stare', as you call it, magically speaking he was looking into the angry gaze of a dominant dragoness."
Twilight blinked. "Wha...Fluttershy is descended from a dragon?"
'Dina nodded. "Far back in her family tree, so there's no physical signs, but the dragon magic inside her both links her to every animal she encounters, and enables her to enforce her will on other creatures through Dragonfear. Since it's so far removed generation wise, she can only channel it in certain circumstances, and only for short periods of time before she has to build up the magic stores again."
"Wow..." Twilight gasped out. "I had no idea..."
"She probably has no idea either," 'Dina pointed out. "For various reasons, dragon heritage isn't something that's included in heraldry. In unicorns, dragon blood generally grants a strong affinity for a magical element, as well as emotions tied to that element. The one you know has a dangerously strong affinity to fire."
"But who-" Twilight gasped as she realized it. "Sunset Shimmer?"
'Dina nodded. "Her strong affinity for fire and volatile emotions are a result of her dragon blood being especially strong in her."
Twilight nodded. "Is...is that sort of thing a given?"
'Dina shook her head. "No. In fact, the third example I can give you probably has the strongest self control this world has ever seen."
Twilight blinked for a bit. "You're talking about Maud, aren't you?"
"That's right. She inherited strength and speed above and beyond what any pony could normally possess."
"What about Pinkie? What did she get?"
'Dina chuckled. "Sorry, but even dragon blood won't explain her."
Twilight nodded. She then glanced over her list of questions. "I wish I knew why I wasn't allowed to know these things. I hate unanswered questions."
'Dina thought for a time. There was one explanation she could give, but she worried how Twilight would respond to it. "...have you ever had a puppy, Twilight?"
Twilight shook her head. "No. The only contact I've had with a domesticated canine is Applejack's collie, Winona."
"Would you say Applejack loves Winona?"
"Absolutely!" Twilight affirmed. "She's as much an Apple as any of them."
"But AJ doesn't tell her everything that goes on around the farm, or consult with him about, say, the price of apples?"
"No," Twilight replied, confused. "She wouldn't be able to understand."
'Dina nodded. "If you could give a domestic dog the knowledge and understanding a pony has, would you?"
Twilight smiled widely. "That sounds like it could be wonderful!"
"Really?" 'Dina asked. "Winona, as she is now, knows that AJ gives her food, work, and love. She is perfectly content with her limited understanding of her life, but that doesn't make her joy any less. She comes from strong bloodlines, with no congenital defects or history of health problems, so when she comes in season she'll be bred, and her puppies placed where they will also be put to good work. If this weren't the case, she would be spayed, so she wasn't troubled by mating urges when she wouldn't be allowed to mate, in order to prevent bad genes from weakening the domestic dog gene pool.
"Domestic dogs, as a species, have become completely dependent on those races that domesticated them for their survival. If unicorns treated earth ponies that way, it would be called slavery and monstrous. But with dogs, it's accepted and natural. The bond between ponies - or griffons, or zebras, or minotaurs - and dogs is considered a marvelous wonder. Ponies, on average, will live between 100-200 years, longer if they take good care of themselves and/or are exposed to strong magic through a good portion of their lives. Dogs, however, even with the best of medical magic, won't make it past 30. These are all unalterable facts.
"And you say it would be wonderful to make little Winona wise enough, aware enough, smart enough to see things as a pony does." 'Dina lowered her gaze so it seemed she was looking down at Twilight. "Or have you reconsidered."
Twilight was shaking, her eyes wide. "That...that would be horrible."
"Why?"
"Because...because it would ruin her innocence," Twilight whimpered, looking on the verge of tears.
'Dina stood up, walking around to Twilight and resting her hand on her shoulder. "Twilight...dragons measure their lifespan by the turning of the galaxy. Few other creatures will live that long. The lives other races live are bound by what they understand of the world at large, and they are happy with them. That's why dragons keep secrets: to protect the innocence of the rest of the world. We...have seen what happens to creatures who learn more truth than they are ready for." She shuddered a bit, remembering the horror stories the Elders told to enforce their choice of secrecy, of the race that destroyed themselves and their world with the secret powers of the universe they unlocked before they were ready.
Twilight nodded slowly. "I...I see. ...I guess Spike's not the only one with a lot to think about now."
'Dina chuckled. "Seems that way."
They sat in silence for a while. Eventually, Twilight shook her head. "It's a lot to take in."
'Dina nodded. "I'm sure."
"I just...I'm going to need some time to wrap my mind around it all."
"Would a suggestion bother you?"
Twilight shook her head. "Not at all."
"Don't think about it." At Twilight's shocked expression, 'Dina continued. "Put it out of your mind, and join Spike, myself, and all your friends at the party Pinkie's throwing. Immerse yourself in the shared joy, and let it wash away unpleasant thoughts."
Twilight blinked. "But...isn't that kind of...head in the sand?"
'Dina shook her head. "No. It's choosing to live happily, and relegating unpleasant thoughts to the proper time for them. Which isn't a party."
Spike chuckled as he came downstairs. "You're right about that, 'Dina."
She smiled up at the young dragon. "Done thinking?"
"No. But I've decided those thoughts are future Spike's problem. Present day Spike has a pretty dragoness to escort to her welcome party."
'Dina and Twilight both giggled at that as the dragoness took the offered arm. "Then please lead the way, good sir."
With that, the three made their way towards Sugar Cube Corner, laughing happily.
you author, are making me like her more and more. now i really want to her win spike
so flutters, sunset, maud, and pinkie have dragon blood?
i can see that.
Interesting background information on ponys! Great job
i never understood why some people don't like info dump chapters. as long as they're done right, they can be immensely entertaining. like this one, which was very well done.
4229462
That would certainly explain Sunset's transformation into a demon, or rather her humanized 'Inner-Dragon' [revealed through the power of Twilight's element], when you think about it.
It might also explain Flutters' paradoxical fear for adult dragons and affection for baby dragons.
In China, the Dragon and Phoenix represent both the Emperor and Empress, as well the Yin-Yang/ Male and Female. In Chinese weddings, guests are given 'Dragon and Phoenix' cakes.
Love this chapter. Lots of world building and Dragon-lore. As well as open up some new head canon for the possible family history for some of my favourite MLP characters. Thank you.
"No," Twilight replied, confused. "He wouldn't be able to understand."
I think you know the problem.
Spike the playa, descends from above.
I can see some of the ponies being part dragons and that is a good way of explaning another race's point of view who can be as old as a moutain.
Now I just wanna write a fic of Fluttershy, Sunset, and Maud based around the concept of dragon blood.
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*GASP*
YES! YES!
Write One! Write One!
Yes! Yes!
Please.
Looking forward to more.
Keep up the good work. Deus tecum.
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If you do, link me, and I'll read it.
4229745
Fixed.
Dang! I just realized something... I bet King Sombra had very strong Dragon blood in him too. That would so explain why his facial features seem less like any other unicorn's: smooth curved horn (rather than the typical narwhal tooth-like horn), carnivorous teeth, obsession for crystals...being able to stay 'alive' (as a shadow anyways) for 1000 years. Makes sense, right?
And here I thought she was just using Conqueror's Haki.
Fluttershy is Dragonborn! I KNEW IT!!!
The more I read this, the more I want to see 'Dina end up with Spike...
Keep up the good work!
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Damn! I could use that! Sombra is a grandchild of a dragon mating with a unicorn, where the dragon abandoned the family, and that's the example used to say why they're held responsible through to the grandchildren.
4230219
Go For It Man!
I'd love to see that in one of your chapters later on.
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The only question is how to put it in without it being just another history infodump...
"Ponies, on average, will live between 100-200 years" really? because the horses I know only live to 30 on average, up to 40 with great care, but then again, most dogs only live to the age of 11 when you say 30, and for that, I can skew a few numbers, but it still isn't very close, after all, we're used to 100 being the rough limit, so saying "Ponies, on average, will live as long as 100 years..." but still, this entire point doesn't take away from the discussion at all, nore does it take away from your wonderful story
very awesome and infor dumps are needed since no one can say that you did not explain it
I think that you meant humanity. . .
Also, do the Elders think they died out, or are they coming towards their planet in order to survive?
Make the chapter longer then. . .
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In due time. And also, I love how you connected the concept of the idea to something already presented in canon. 4229713
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Will do.
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You could have 'Dina catching Twilight trying to look up historical backstories on Sombra and the Crystal Empire in a future
episodechapter.4230281
Maybe Spike can tell 'Dina about how he helped save the Crystal Empire, and destroyed Sombra. 'Dina might become surprised about this, and she gives a simple hint about his heritage/history to Spike (and maybe Twilight). Something like this:
"You helped kill King Sombra?!" 'Dina said with complete awe.
"You know about him?" Spike asked.
"Unfortunately yes," 'Dina replied, "the Elders have made sure we dragons know about him."
Twilight walked up closer to the dragoness with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
"Why is that?"
'Dina turned to look at the alicorn with a grim expression.
"Let's just say, Sombra is an example of what happens when a dragon mates with a pony, and does not care for the first two generations."
The realization of what 'Dina was saying eventually sank into Twilight's mind.
Okay that's just an example, but it could work.
This might also make 'Dina have more reason to love and respect Spike. What do ya think?
4230365
Thanks.
You know, I could probably relate to what 'Dina's saying to Twilight. As much as I want to understand how the world works, I've come across too many harsh truths to where I've lost my "innocence" long before I started attending and studied in college. I could let go of those thoughts and try to enjoy life as I have, but some personal experiences hold me back from letting go of such knowledge. The best I can really do now is take things as a grain of salt, and keep moving on with an open-mind. Hopefully when a sensitive topic comes up, I'll take what learned in mind and take the right course of action. Can't say I'm up to that point where I'm content with how I live right now, but at least I have something to strive for. Thank you for bringing up such a deep thought into this story Tatsurou. I look forward to seeing more of what you can bring to the table.
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Granny Smith is as old as Ponyville, which canon has been shown to be several hundred years old.
And you can't just say bad writing, since the Ponyville Days festival ("Simple Ways") confirmed it again.
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Actually, that's something else to be addressed in this story later.
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...mind if I steal that?
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Humanity, the Great Survivors!
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...not exactly...
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Absolutely!!
I mean, you might want to polish it up a bit, add some of your own flare, and maybe give some credit where it's due [but just having my own ideas being used to help another author is rewarding enough, especially with a story like this].
4230219
Yesss.... It's been strong headcanon for me Sombra is indeed a kirin, -a unicorn half-dragon. Look at any picture of a kirin and you see his features; such as an atypical horn, sideburns and scutes down his nose. He unfortunately wears armor and capes over the other places scales would appear (down the back and along the fronts of the legs...)
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I kinda said that already too.
Here:
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as for the armor, I see it as a sorta representation of the scales of his kirin/ qilin heritage. Most likely though he's not 100% kirin/ qilin, but rather a hybrid of a kirin/ qilin and a unicorn (or as Tatsuro already put it, is the grandchild of a Dragon and a unicorn). So he still has strong kirin/ qilin features, but still mantains an overall pony-like appearance (ie. no scales).
Oh, and you forgot his big lion/Chinese Dragon-like mane
4230574
They turned into a completely different race or only machines they created live on.
4229934 Same here.
4229462 I hope she wins him over.
Loved that bit where Dina explains dragon genetics, reminds me of the bit where I had Mrs Cake being descendent from a frost dragon. Other than that very nice chapter and I think after 5 chapters, the fic has stabilized itself in terms of tone and character development, therefore it gets my fave.
This was a good addition. I like what you did with the dragonblood thing. Keep up the good work on this story
Is it bad that every time I see the cover image I think, "Mmm, Anthro-Dragon Boobies "?
This chapter felt kind of a short compared to the previous one. Good info dump though, it flows very well.
P.s. Where can I find the original Cover artwork?
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No, it's not wrong.
Check Mr. 101's deviantart profile.
4229934
Nobody hurts Kaizoku Fruttershy-taichou's nakama.
That was actually really cool and a good perspective, I love the dragonblood idea, good explanation and a bit of a headcanon now. I really look forward to more chapters
Amazing Infochapter good sir. So many things were explained, so many concepts were addressed, and everything had a place and a time to address them. Cant wait to see how all of this new info will be put into interesting good use..................................
Also, Dina vs Rarity time is Imminent..........................
SHIT GETS REAL THIS TIME AROUND!!!!!
This story getting updated just made my day, and my college class got cancelled so that's saying something.
Hmm, wonder how she knows that much of her species. Not that I'm saying that I hate her, but considering how we as a species know only a half of what we're capable of or our different and various stimuli it does make you wonder if 'Dina is a scientist or maybe works/worked at a library.
'Dina is kind-of-in-a-way turning into a Mary Sue, but I don't see that really happening so I'll just see read what happens next.
At some point, a character has to be sitting with Dina during an info dump and ask "why should I care? Why am I even here? I tuned you out once you sat down."
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The problem with that is, all infodumps happen with either:
Twilight, who wants to know everything.
Or Spike, who needs the knowledge of all things dragon.
She won't be telling anyone else anything.
4234047 So Spike won't just be with another friend and start a conversation with Dina when she arrives? Ok.
4234890
Most of what 'Dina has to tell Spike about can only be spoken of with another dragon. Meaning if anyone other than Twilight or Spike is present, no infodumps.