While the decorations were lacking in colors, I still enjoyed the simplistic feel of them. Oh yes, we ponies do enjoy having a variety of colors present wherever we go. That’s just something we’ve grown accustomed to, given how the color differences can be jarring to other creatures. It’s just that ponies are so accustomed to it that we just don’t really care and even celebrate our differences. Oh how my little ponies are so jovial. I can’t wait to see them again. Even if the colors are drab, they are held together by the people of this town.
I almost wept when I strolled through this town. The despair is so thick that one can choke on it. Their eyes hold such bitterness and this place looks more akin to a rotting corpse. Yet, there is still goodness here. There is still something inside these people that brings them together. They can still smile and laugh, but it’s never a full smile or a hearty laugh.
A part of myself wanted to hate Smaug for this. Who could blame me? He was the reason they were like this, but the past was the past. If I focused on it, then nothing would ever get done. My sister would still be locked up and Discord would still be a statue. Smaug was evil. He did terrible things, but he can change. So too can the lives of these people. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll make sure this town truly lives again.
Well, not the ‘last’ thing I’d do. I haven’t been able to tie Smaug down and ride him yet. Speaking of Smaug….
“I hate this place,” Smaug grumbled. He looked like a sourpuss. Oh I just wanted to cuddle him! Why are villains so adorable? “It’s too noisy. To close to the water. This place reeks of human and I hate this form.”
“You are just a grump,” I pouted, giggling softly afterwards as he growled. “Just relax. It’s just for tonight.”
“Then tonight will be an eternity,” Smaug grumbled.
“Oh?” I quirked an eyebrow. “An eternity? Then we’ll have plenty of time for all sorts of fun.” I softly bumped my butt against him. He just gawked at me. Was he blushing? He was! My adorable little drake. Oh I’m going to...going to….I have to stay calm. I can’t jump him here. Not with everyone around us. I’ll just be content with rubbing myself against him. Not in a skank kind of way. I am not that. I just can’t help but put Smaug off his guard. he’s just so adorably cute and sexy. Why hasn’t anyone combined those words? Scute? Adorasexy? I’ll think on it later.
It was then I saw Bard standing next to a rather plump man. I could smell the grease and corrupt aura from here. With all his shiny clothes and jewels that littered his self, I’d wager he was the Master of the town. Disgusting is what he was. With how drab and gray everything and everyone else was, I could easily tell he was one of the types of nobles who cared only for money. I’m glad those are only a minority in my kingdom. They tend to find their riches mysteriously running out beneath them to more suitable projects.
I knew Smaug didn’t like him either. Though, not for the reasons I didn’t. Smaug is a proud male drake. He is the king of his territory and as with all drakes, they don’t like anyone claiming their land. Of course, the people didn’t know Smaug had claimed this town as well. Good. They’d be long gone if they did, even if they had nowhere else to go. It didn’t help that he no doubt smelled all the gold and jewels on him. He’s probably going to try and take them for himself. I can hopefully stop him from doing something that foolish.
Not sure about stopping him from killing the Master of the town. Returning riches is far easier to accomplish than returning someone from the land of the dead. Not that I’d waste my time with the likes of him.
As we walked over, Bard met us halfway and bowed. I chuckled at his noble gesture. “You need not bow.”
“But you are of noble blood,” Bard gave me a teasing grin. As he righted himself, I realized perhaps I was still a bit too big since I had to peer down at him. Not by that much, but still. I was probably what they would call a ‘amazon’...or at least that one world called me that. Interesting tribe. “You deserve to be pampered now and again.”
“True,” I wrapped my arms possessively around Smaug’s arm, causing him to grumble in protest. “But my husband does that well enough already.”
“Who is in charge here?” Smaug spoke up, clearly annoyed by my forwardness. He’ll have to deal with it. Well, until he stops being so uptight and grouchy.
“That would be me.” the Master quickly rushed forward and bowed. Even his voice was slimey. It was like watching a worm walk about on two legs. “I’m sorry you have to see the place like this, your highness. If I had known you were coming, I’d have planned out something to make this day memorable.”
“It already is,” Smaug growled, narrowing his eyes. The ‘Master’ was a challenger in his territory. He wasn’t going to deal with him lying down. “More than you can possibly know.”
“Da,” little Tilda came running over to her father. Whenever I see her, I can’t help but fight the urge to pick her up and squeeze her. “They’re starting the dance.”
“Already?” Bard frowned. Obviously he didn’t care much for dancing. Smaug probably didn’t either, but that’s more because he’s a dragon. Though I’ve met a few drakes that could ‘cut a rug’ as the saying goes.
Tilda looked at us and tilted her head. Stop being so cute! Someone’s going to keel over one of these days….I wonder if my baby will be this cute? They’ll probably stop the nation’s collective heart. “Who are they, da?”
“I am-” I started, before she glomped me.
“Princess Celestia!” Tilda smiled. “You came!”
“Princess?” The Master’s eyes glimmered with greed. I could practically see the bits in his eyes.
Smaug grabbed her by the back of her shirt and lifted her up to his eye level. I saw Bard tensing up at the action, terrified out of his mind. Poor dear, but I knew Smaug wouldn’t hurt her. I’d tear off his balls if he did, but I still need them intact. “My treasure. Stay off.”
“Smaug!” Tilda practically lept at him, glomping the large man. So adorable~ Hopefully, the Master won’t realize he’s talking with the realm’s fire breathing drake from under the mountain. “You came too.”
Smaug was hesitating. He looked like he was conflicted on what to do. Killing usually was his go to response, but now? I quickly pried off Tilda before he had a chance to respond. He’s got some good in him, but I think it’s a bit early to think of him as a cuddly teddy bear.
That comes later.
“So you are Prince Smaug and Princess Celestia?” The Master asked, seemingly trying to remember if he remembered royals with such names. If didn’t matter if he did, for he would try to get us to send him riches somehow.
“Nicknames we made up as children,” I chuckled. “My name is Megan and his is Benedict. We are royalty from afar and we got lost on our route. If it hadn’t been for Bard here, we’d likely be dead.”
“Bard saved you?” The Master looked lost for words. Good. I hope he stays like that.
I nodded. “He is a dear friend,” I reluctantly let her father take Tilda from my arms. The child gave me a ‘I’m sorry’ look. I gave her a reassuring smile. “In fact, he’s why we’re here. We just had to come visit.”
“....Oh.” The Master paled. Ah yes, he was just realizing his ‘nemesis’ was close friends with royalty. Of course, said royalty were an Alicorn and a dragon. He didn’t need to know that part and we already held enough power with just our titles.
It helped that Smaug looked like he could throw a man clear across town in one off-hand throw.
“Now about that dance,” I grinned.
_____________________________________________________________
“Is this yours?” Sophia’s voice seemed distant as she waved a simple bracelet in front of my face. Or rather, the other me. It was so strange seeing a memory from afar.
“Yes, now give it back.” The other me growled. I remembered this. It happened not long after my mother’s death...I was going to hate this more than I could really handle.
“Why?” Sophia frowned, letting her group of followers see the bracelet. “It’s just a stupid bracelet. It’s ugly. I’m honestly doing you a favor here, Sigrid.” The others giggled.
I hated her. I always hated this little skank. She never let up. She’s always pushing me around, just like this whole place. I wanted to punch her, kick her, do something. I couldn’t then and I couldn’t now. “It’s my mother’s. Please…” I hated how desperate I was. I should take it back now before she does what she’s going to do.
“Wow, really?” Sophia smirked. “She honestly thought you’d like this thing? I guess she was as my dumb as my father said she was.” She shrugged and ignored my hate. My sorrow. It meant nothing to her. Nothing to this town. I hate it! She leant the bracelet over to the other me.
Don’t! It was too late. Sophia pulled the bracelet back and then walked off. “On second though, no. I can’t let this ugly thing just run about town. No,” she threw it into the river. She turned and smiled. “You should thank me.”
I wanted to kill her! I wanted to tear her eyeballs out and rip her arms off. I wanted to murder her and everyone here...Murder? That’s a bit extreme. I’ve never wanted to kill anyone, so why did I think that?
“Murder is understandable,” the familiar voice spoke up. This time, it wasn’t in my mind. More like it was around me. “They hurt you. They tormented you for the entirety of your life. Why should you show them mercy?”
“Who are you?!!” I shouted in both fear and rage. I hated that this woman wouldn’t show herself, but I was afraid of her. Why was I so angry?
Suddenly, a form appeared. It was an alicorn, like Celestia. She was dark as night though with a mane that looked like it was taken from said night’s sky. She was as beautiful as she was fierce. Her snake like eyes didn’t help much, nor did her fangs. “A friend, but you can call me by my real name: Nightmare Moon.” She fanned out her large wings as she introduced herself, causing me to take a step back in fright. She chuckled. “Come now, I’m not going to hurt you.”
“What do you want with me?” I shivered in fear.
“I already told you,” Nightmare Moon answered, trotting closer until she towered over me. “I want to help you. I want these peasants to know true terror and regret ever hurting you.”
“You...You’d do that for me?” Maybe she and Celestia were related. I mean, they both seemed nice. Maybe? I don’t know, but something just made me trust Nightmare Moon. Almost like a bugging thought at the back of my head.
Nightmare Moon nodded. “Now you just need to wake up.”
Her horn lit up and suddenly I found myself on the wooden pathways. I quickly pushed myself up. In the distance I could hear the festival starting. I could hear their joy and festivity. Why? They wronged me. They hurt me and my family. I’ll make them pay! Those sun loving fools will see I’m the true ‘Master’ of Laketown.
Sun loving fools? True Master? Why was I...Yes, I was the true Master. There wouldn’t be any more reason to fear living this town, nor the darkness that surrounds us. We were going to break their little spirits. Me and her against the world. Fighting as one. I looked down to the river and for a split second, I saw snake eyes. “Interesting.”
Oh yes, this is going to be good. Dear Celestia, please don't remove Moony until after she's taught some girls a lesson ;)
Is there any particular reason most of the chapter is center-aligned?
Several chapters in and you are still setting up the scene. STOP TEASING US SO!!!!!!!!!
6378793 Huh, must have been a glitch or something because I didn't write it center aligned in the docs page. I'll fix it soon enough. Well other than that, did you like anything about this chapter?
6378806 I apologize. I started to write Celestia's POV and I felt like I had to have a little Celestia/Smaug banter and such. That and setting up Sigrid and her little self.
Celestia thoughts about Smaug always bring a smile to my face, especially when she thinks naughty things about him.
Needs editing...and proper alignment in some paragraphs.
Awesome coming!!
6379146 Fixed. Turns out it was just one center alignment thing snuck its way in their after I transferred it from g-docs. Weird. Anyways, I'm sure you're going to enjoy the next bit.
Celestia and Nightmare need to double-team Sauron, while Smaug comes up from behind with the folding metal chair.
6378853
Celestia being an adorable little horndog and Smaug being completely baffled by it. The two are just perfect together.
Gah! Cliffhangers!
Awwwww, no Nightmare Sigrid curbstomping Alfrid??? And the little Alpha Bitch needs to get scratched up a bit to. I'm amused Celestia seems to consider the Master of Laketown irrideemable... considering Discord and Luna in canon and apparently in this fic universe Sombra.
And Celestia: JUST DRAG THE DRAGON INTO A CLOSET FOR A MAKE OUT SESSION ALREADY!!!!!
6378768 YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES
6379250 INDEED!!!
6379482 Given what sunlight does to mares, and she being the Princess of the Sun and all...
So who's in control, Nightmare Moon or Sigrid?
Celestia...quit acting like a teenager. You are an immortal demigoddess...not a horny teenager.
Unless this comic is correct that is...
You can write about the festival and hav this "cute " moment at the same time!
Interesting. Good to see the Master instinctively knows to suck up to Smaug and Celestia, fancy clothes and titles are a give-away. He may just live through this after all.
You tease. But, you are forgiven for the teen-like behaviour Celestia displayed. Brilliant.
6363021 benedict cumberbatch…… Doy!
I can't help but notice a double standard on Celestia's part. She acknowledges that Smaug is heavily responsible for the state of Laketown, but says that he can change. A few paragraphs later she is comparing the master of the town to an abhorrently greedy, worm walking on two legs without any thought that he might become a better person. One's a worm, the other is a wyrm. One's got more greed than pride, the other has killed cities and destroyed lives. But they are both personified greed. The important difference, though, the one relevant to self improvement, is that one is a shape-shifter with a smokin' bod and the other is a fat pig. Or maybe its just Stockholm syndrome. Not sure. Either way, just something I noticed. Carry on.
6391447 It's not exactly a double standard. Celestia knows both are greedy creatures, but Smaug is greedy because that's his nature to be. Dragons are born wanting a hoard to themselves. The Master of Laketown doesn't have that excuse as he chose to be the way he is now. And actually, she does comment on how to better people like him.
She mentions that in this chapter, about taking away a noble's wealth will often get them to see what it's like to be the people they pushed around. She isn't saying he isn't able to change, just that his chosen nature is abhorent.
I'm still not very worried. One, it's Sigrid. Two, it's Nightmare. Neither are much of a threat.
ERMAHGERD!!! It's the Master!
culturefly.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/The-Master1.jpg
I couldn't resist.
6391870 Hmm... she's a child... possessed by the Nightmare.
ERMAHGERD!! SHE'S THE NIGHTMARE CHILD FROM THE TIME WAR!!
(How many other Doctor Who references can I pull from this...)
It looks like a four-corner fight:
Team Smaug
Vs
Team Wizard
Vs
Team mordor
Vs
Team Nightmare
6411254 You're free to dislike the ship. I personally find it a joy to write.
As for her reasoning: Discord did it for fun. It's Smaug's nature as a dragon that drove him. Yes, he took pleasure in it, it's his very nature. While Discord is a being of chaos, it was more his own self that drove his actions than his nature.
Her name is Nightmare not Nightmare Moon. She was Nightmare Moon when she was in Luna. When she was in Rarity she was Nightmare Rarity.
6579608 Well, to be fair, in the Nightmare Rarity arc they were more of a faceless gestalt of painful imaginings. They didn't have a person until they had a host. Nightmare Rarity wasn't an alicorn either. *shrug* this is whatever was specifically shaved off Luna rather than the nightmare as a whole.
6412207 But with that argument, I could just say that, as a being of chaos, all that Discord did and does is in his nature...
Not that I don't like your ship.
And now we take the sh, and carefully insert it into the pitching machine. Now, make sure the pitching machine is aiming the sh at the fan for maximum coverage. Now, if all is ready, launch the sh in 3... 2...
(See next chapter.)
Not surprised that Nightmare Moon possessed Sigrid considering all the hatred she's been radiating.
I... know that scene. We have a Sophia here, but where is Emma?
Love the reference.
Our party now deals with a snake, while another slithers its way on borrowed skin.
Try not to damage Sigrid's body too much, Celestia and keep Smaug from stepping in.