♠♣♥♦King of
Diamonds
The Ambassador's Son - Book 2
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Chapter 3
Special Delivery
An MLP:FiM Fanfiction by Midnight Shadow
The heat was searing inside the underground workshop. It was dark and cramped, lit by flickering oil torches and softly glowing sunstones, and stocked with a myriad of tools and implements on every available workspace and wall. There were shears, knives, hooks and more, all with gleaming metal blades and bone handles, there were those with leather wraps held together by heavy-duty studs and others that were just bare metal. These were not weapons of war, nor were they showy heirlooms. These were ugly, necessary tools. Even the careful cleaning they had been through couldn't eradicate the dark brown stains that were all but etched into their very being.
The sound of the workshop running at full tilt was deafening, with the constant grind of pestle and mortar and the clank of stirring rod against the sides of great vats full of bubbling liquid forming a constant staccato roar. The backdrop of shouts and orders echoed through the enclosed space, causing a din which went beyond mere sound into some new plateau of noise.
The smell was pungent and thick, the unsavoury aroma of hundreds of diamond dogs working in scorching heat as fast as they could covered everything. Mixed in with the sweat was the peculiar tang of drying hide and rendering fat.
Ranger stood looking at the remains of his prizes as they dripped and steamed; now that they were washed clean of the last of the acid, he could reach out and touch them without the prospect of burns. He wanted to caress them, but he feared it would mar the vellum. Skin was not all. Dragon bones and dragon teeth, dragon scales and dragon horns, dragon claws and dragon tongues... each and every part of his haul was worth far more than its weight in the most expensive of metals or jewels, and though the dragon hatchlings were small, their hide could be stretched so very thin without breaking. Half a haul was more than enough for him. Though not for everyone.
"Ranger, this all you got?" asked a heavy-set male dog-troll. He had one broken fang and a scar to match, pulling his face up in a perpetual half-snarl. Despite that, his necklace of teeth spoke of his prowess in battle. A few scars here or there were proof they were well-earned.
Bruno was an alpha, he had fought his way to the top, not necessarily through brains but through merciless application of brawn. Once there, however, he'd had to learn a few new tricks. Make allies had been one of them.
"Yes, Alpha Bruno." Ranger turned his gaze to the collection of eggshells, bones picked clean of infant dragon flesh, and assorted piles of organs. "All others died in cave. Very sad."
Alpha Bruno nodded, "More glory for the one surviving, yes?" Bruno raised a paw and gave Ranger a friendly punch to his shoulder. "Old ones speak highly of dragon-parts. Not lie. Dragons... mm, good material!"
"But why sell first batch to ponies?" Ranger growled. "Snivelling ponies. Bad slaves. Weak."
"Was poorer skin, bad deal. Dumb ponies pay big, more than enough for Elders, they not need much to write on. Come, Ranger has proved good diamond dog, no? Alpha Mark cannot be far behind, big haul like this!"
Ranger couldn't help it, he wagged his tail. Ahead could only be good times, with a reputation as a dragon-slayer and provider of great wealth and power, he would join the ranks of the Pack Alphas. Not enough brains to be an Elder, he didn't care - Alphas got all the bitches anyway.
Suddenly, Bruno lifted his nose and sniffed. Something was happening. Ranger perked his ears up, it had caught him too. It was imperceptible at first, but slowly the sounds of the workshop changed. Maybe it was a sixth sense, maybe it was just pack spirit, but Ranger was drawn to the outside. All speech ceased and all work stopped, and the community of diamond dogs held its collective breath. The underground complex seemed suddenly stultifying and cramped, the walls gouged by diamond dog paw threatening and malevolent. It was not the holt that was the cause of such feelings, but intruders who dared work their own magic against rock that was owned by the diamond dogs of the Shattered Hills pack. Ranger put his paws against the walls, and then drew them back, hissing. There would be no burying through these hills, not until whoever stood against them was vanquished.
Outside, large dark shapes with leathery wings were circling the quarry, bellowing calls to one another. Those that landed were still and silent, oversized hind claws gripping the lip of the rock canyon, digging into it, their scaly tails tearing chunks from the bedrock as they whipped back and forth. Rubble was raining down into the basin in an almost constant tide as more and more of the creatures alighted.
Ranger and Bruno emerged into bedlam as the bitches took their pups to safety whilst the dogs fought past them to get out to confront their enemies. The holt had no doors as such, they weren't needed. Most who dared enter uninvited never made it out again. If they were not lost in the maze-like warrens, they were dealt with mercilessly and quickly by the guards. Rough arches, bare of any insignia or filigree, had been hewn from the solid rock, paths beyond arching up or down to aid in ventilation as necessary. Down was safety, down was home, away from the skies. In the skies lurked beasts most terrible.
"Dragons!" Bruno said, needlessly, as he shook the other by the shoulder. "Ranger! What have you done?"
Ranger snarled, pulling back the skin over his large fangs, as he uttered just one word in response. "Run!"
"No!" barked Bruno, swiping Ranger across the muzzle with the back of his paw. "Diamond dogs do not run. We fight!"
Pikes, polearms, spears and clubs, and maces, morning stars and flails - these were all common weapons easily found within a diamond dog holt. The warrior hounds scrambled noisily yet smartly, arming themselves, racing out to face the threat. Ranger snarled again, grabbing himself a spiked helmet and a pike. Jamming the former onto his head and gripping the latter by one huge forepaw, he headed not out, but back in. Bruno spat on the ground after him, Ranger made a rude gesture and left. Eyes gleaming in the darkness as he headed further in to hopeful safety, Ranger swore to himself. "Cannot fight dragons. not so many. Better to run."
More and more of the dragons fell out of the skies to land along the rim of the quarry. Their eyes gleamed in the moonlight and brief spurts of flame lit the night as they surrounded their prey. The diamond dogs streamed out to meet them, tumbling onto the rocky floor and out onto the slab ledges high up on the walls. The pack snarled and snapped loudly at the silently staring creatures. For long minutes there was no movement save for the arrival of more dragons, each majestic beast taking up a position around the area, swelling their ranks.
For a few brief moments there was tense waiting and almost total silence, and then the diamond dogs charged. Bellowing incoherent battle-cries, they surged as one mass towards their foes. The dragons reacted immediately; some took to the skies, others bent their long scaly necks and unleashed balefire at their prey. The thick, meaty sound of claws and tail meeting hide rang out below the overarching roar of the melee. The dragons roared and bellowed, sweeping thickly armoured tails through whole swathes of hounds, ridged spines and spikes making quick work of them. The long, winding, protected road up was blocked with walls of flame and deadly teeth and claws, so they instead scrambled up the sheer rock-face, claw over claw, with their weapons held in their teeth. The dragons dived down in, snatching trolls from the ledges and walls, hurling them through the air where they were dashed to pieces on the jagged rocks or snapped up and devoured mid-scream by other dragons. Spears were hurled, fouling the wings of several dragons. They landed heavily but sprung to their claws fighting, limping away and hissing defiance where they were caught by the poisoned weapons. Few dragons went down, very few, and their death-screams called bloody retribution upon their slayers, as sheets of flame burst forth from their flight-mates and seared everything in their path to blackest ashes.
The battlefield was taken as the dragons moved in, decimating the diamond dog pack without mercy. The dragons worked independently, each taking their own course, but the whole of the attack was orchestrated by the largest of them as he roared orders which were obeyed without question. The dragon was huge, as black as ebony, with burning red eyes. His glare alone was fierce enough to shred rock and none dared stand against his rage. Rock was torn from rock and the holt split asunder by the combined fury of a hundred dragons. There would be no escape in the depths of the world, not from the rage of Onyxious and his fellow dragons.
The smaller dragons swarmed in through the rock archways, tearing them open further as necessary, their bulk barely fitting in the close quarters. Red and yellow flame seared the walls of the tunnels, melting them so they could be ripped away by claw or tail, or simply devoured. The larger dragons outside were not idle, they shredded the caves like confetti, snapping up the remaining attacking trolls and rending the flesh from their bones just as efficiently. The fighting was furious, intense... and short.
As the white moon rose above the desert, it illuminated a scene of utter devastation and destruction. The holt had been reduced to nothing but piles of rubble stained black with blood, still steaming and glowing in places as the rock cooled. The whole cliff-face had been laid bare, torn away like the bark from a tree to expose a massive structure within. Green-tinged rock had been shaped meticulously in the confines of a great cave to form a huge castle-like structure, a subterranean fortress hidden from view. Into it streamed the last of the Shattered Hills pack, harried by the dragons. Those that didn't make it were mercilessly executed.
Outside the castle, a lone, old diamond dog stood. He urged his people inside with brief, quiet barks and gestures from his staff. As the flow subsided to a mere trickle and then all but stopped, screams of agony silenced as the invaders made complete their bloody victory, the old diamond dog turned to face his enemies. "Hold, dragons," he said coolly.
Onyxious landed in front of his lieutenants and urged them back. "Speak, dog."
"You have punished our people enough, wyrm. Leave us now to die. Our pack is dead, our homes are in ruins, our dreams shattered."
Onyxious snarled. "You speak of dreams? You took our young, fleshling. You took lives un-hatched and ended them before they could see the stars. Why do you think you deserve to remain breathing?"
"This isn't justice." the diamond dog said, leaning on his staff. He shook his head, one paw running through his head-fur and down across his muzzle. "This-"
"This is revenge." Onyxious spoke quietly, but his words carried across the pit easily. "I do not claim an altruistic need for resolution, I desire blood. You stole my children!" The dragon slammed his foreclaws into the ground, scooping up a clawful of rocks which he threw at a group of diamond dogs. Their final yelps as they were reduced to a fine red paste echoed to nothing before the large black dragon spoke again. "There is no abyss deep enough to escape my wrath, troll. I will end your pack for their crimes."
"Then we have nothing more to discuss." The elder struck his staff against the rock floor once. It rippled, shimmering in the starlight, and it drew him backwards towards the castle. He slipped inside the great structure and a great rocky slab slid down, sealing him in.
Onyxious roared, and threw himself against the structure, claws ripping at the walls, sparks shedding as they bounced off. Finally he stopped, snarling and growling as he regained his breath. He looked over at a small box out in the middle of the canyon, guarded by four dragons. It contained the last remnants of the last clutch the dragoness who had borne them would ever lay. He had personally lain their remains within, and shut it. He glared at the castle, and knew what the final punishment of the Shattered Hills pack would be.
"His magic is strong, but he is not the only one who can talk to the rocks." The great black dragon turned to his cohorts. "Eradicate the last vestiges of the Shattered Hills pack from this miserable plane of existence. I will see to the cowards who hide within this building. It is no fortress. It shall be their tomb."
He turned back to the cave and drew in an enormous breath. He let forth a titanic blast of balefire. It flooded the cave, melting the walls and floor. It melted the rock-face, it caused the floor to sag and give, and still he spewed forth flame. The jade-tinged castle was glowing red-hot now, and as the floor beneath it turned to glass and then liquid, it began to sink. As the last few feet of the tallest spire was just disappearing beneath the lake of molten lava, Onyxious slammed his claws high into the ceiling of the cave and he pulled down the mountain itself.
The quarry rumbled and shook. Weakened by the combined attack of a hundred dragons or more, it gave in. The entire site began to collapse, falling in upon itself. The dragons leaped for safety, taking to the skies and circling as they observed the destruction. They called to one another, spurting flame and bellowing their victory cries as the canyon was levelled and flattened.
Finally, it stopped. Perched atop the mounds of rubble, with slick glass and precious metals pooling around his gleaming claws, the baleful black dragon threw back his head and bellowed. The roar was primal, angry and triumphant, and it was answered by the other dragons. All would know the fate of those who dared oppose the draconic hegemony. It was simple: obliteration.
Seeing his vengeance was satiated, Onyxious turned to leave. On great leathery wings he soared skywards, circled the devastation once, and was gone.
♠♣♥♦
"Yaaaa-hoooo!" Chip cried as Hairpin did a barrel roll. He gripped her tightly with his legs, but it didn't seem to matter. She was an experienced pegasus, and she was sure and accomplished with her flight magic. It was as if he was a part of her, and however she flew it was as if he was welded to her body. She looped the loop, dropped down straight into a dead spin and then levelled out to flare her wings at the last second and land lightly on her hooves.
Giggling, she sat down on her haunches. Chip rolled off onto his back, legs in the air.
"That... was awesome." the young stallion said as he lay breathing excitedly.
"Well, anytime my master wants another ride, all he has to do is ask," said the pegasus with a flick of her golden tail. She flipped her wings to her sides and trotted off into Tacksworn with a bouncing gait that drew the eye of every stallion and most mares.
Sharptooth had decreed that she would be staying in town for a while until the preliminary set of paperwork was complete and Baroness Irontail had been contacted and declared safe and sound. Chip had been made to put his hoof-print on a variety of official-looking papers and had been lectured long and hard about the value of money, investing and thrift. He had then danced off with glee at being given a ten bit a week allowance and totally sent everything the poor dragon had tried to teach him in one ear and out the other. The night was young, he was flush with cash and it was time to go shopping! After the more important business of locating Spike, anyhow. Ah, yes life was good.
The shadow that blocked out the setting sun brought Chip out his daze. He blinked and realised he was looking up into the sharp beak of a griffon. A griffon called Carmine, to be exact.
"You. Her. Explain."
"I, er, hi Carmine!"
"Go on." The griffon stomped over his prone form, flicking her fore-claws through the dirt, digging small grooves in the dusty walkway as she straddled the pony menacingly.
"She was just... that was Hairpin and she just, uh... gave me a ride..."
"I see." Carmine's eyes narrowed as she glared at the pony beneath her.
"...Down to Tacksworn. And it was awes- uh, it was fun. Ish. Kinda. In a really boring way," Chip grinned, hopefully.
"I'm going to-"
"Ahem."
Chip and Carmine both looked over at the owner of the voice. The cough to clear her throat had been relatively quiet and reserved. As the pair looked at Twilight, the unicorn blushed.
"Umm, if you two need a... a moment, I can... come back later?"
Carmine looked down at Chip. Chip looked up at Carmine. He grinned. Her neck-feathers fluffed up and her crest rose. She stomped over his prone body, leonine tail slapping him in the muzzle.
Chip rolled over hastily and almost had to gallop to catch up to her. "I'm sorry, she was... really only giving me a lift. I kinda broke my wings yesterday."
"Then you'd better fix them!" snarled Carmine.
"You really think I could? I mean that one time you and me were flying together and then we..." Chip trailed off.
Carmine turned, facing the pony. "We what?"
Chip just blushed, looking down, kicking his hoof at the dirt. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... to kiss you."
"You didn't like it?" Carmine asked weakly, her neck-feathers flattened instantly.
"Oh I did! I mean... it was nice, and, uh..." Chip looked up. He opened his mouth, but whatever he was about to say went out the metaphorical window as he nickered and leaped forwards a few inches. Carmine suddenly found her beak once again locked with the strangely draconic pony's muzzle for a brief few seconds in a perfect kiss. Carmine blinked and pulled away, leaving Chip with his eyes closed mauling at nothing for a few moments. Then he opened his eyes and blushed. "Sorry, uh, something pinched me and..."
"Shut it and kiss me again, dweeb. I might forgive you."
Twilight chuckled to herself. She wasn't much for relationships herself, but she could spot awkward young love when it was practically written in glowing, six-foot high letters like that. The telekinesis spell faded and she cast a want-it-find-it spell to lead her to her errant number one assistant. The sparkle of lights generally congregated towards the center of town, and eventually led to a large, round wooden building.
"The library?" the lavender unicorn said to herself. "Well, I guess there's no place like home." Striding in, Twilight found rather more of a busy bustle than she had expected. She spotted a smallish diamond dog sitting at a table poring over what looked like a rather ancient book in a language she was surprised to find she didn't understand, a pegasus putting books back and another unicorn pulling them out. Three other diamond dogs were rearranging shelves, putting them back into position. Spike was running between the small diamond dog and the unicorn and pegasus, either accepting or dismissing the books being presented.
"Spike? What in Equestria are you doing?"
The little purple dragon looked over at his mentor and jumped a little. Hurrying to put the books on the table, he then ran over to Twilight waving his paws. "Oh no! No, no,no. You're not allowed any books from here. I've spent all afternoon clearing this place up!"
Twilight looked hurt. "When do I ever-"
"Every time!"
"But-"
"No! I've got my number one assistant researching this already," Spike said. "We're on to something with the diamond dogs!" Suddenly, he put his front paws together, pleadingly. "Please Twilight?"
"And just why are you researching diamond dogs?" Twilight asked, nuzzling Spike, who brushed off the pony kisses and pouted. She trotted over to the table with interest. Pulling up a chair, she took a longer glance at the text.
"Well, they did kind of attack this town yesterday. Ruff says they were being controlled by that dragon Chip killed."
Ruff, the smallish diamond dog, waved nervously. His tail wagged as he showed Twilight the book. "This is old, really old."
"What is it about?" Twilight asked. Her horn glowed as she tried a few basic translation spells, but gleaned little useful information from them.
"They're stories! Old ones, about us diamond dogs! I... I had the idea when I was reading Daring Do and the Quest for the Friendship Stones. I think it's based around the Ele... the Ele... oh my gosh." Ruff stopped reading the book and flipped through the comic instead. "Oh my gosh... that's you! It is you!" Ruff picked up the comic and pointed. "Spike, you're in here too... you're kind of pinker and you fall asleep a lot."
Twilight chuckled whilst Spike fumed, his cheeks red. "That does kind of look like me. What's it about?"
"We-ell, Daring Do has to rescue the friendship stones, only they've been stolen by the evil diamond dog king Brutus."
"Poetic license," Twilight snorted. "I thought diamond dogs didn't have kings?"
"We don't, but there are stories about the High King. They say he brought us across the Rainbow Bridge to escape the Great Light. Only the truest of the diamond dogs dared follow him, and the rest perished in flames. We found our new world, here, and formed a new empire. It's all in this book!"
Twilight flipped to the beginning and squinted at it. "I have never heard any of this!"
"I think it might be the only copy in the whole wide realm." Ruff ran his paws over the yellowed pages thoughtfully.
"What happens at the end, then?"
"It... just stops. I think there are pages missing, a whole section. It talks about the High King and his taking a new wife, and then it stops."
"So?" Twilight asked as she flipped to the last pages with her horn. She couldn't read the text, but stayed sitting and staring forlornly at it.
"So... the legend of the High King says that his crown jewels will re-unite the diamond dog clans. The one who holds them holds sway over all the diamond dogs, everywhere. The Alpha of Alphas. But it's just a legend. There was no high king, it's just a story. Mama used to tell it to me when I went to bed. The high king was so brave and strong! He was clever and he could do magic. That's... how I know it's not true. We don't have magic, not like ponies or dragons."
Twilight closed the book and nuzzled Ruff softly. "Diamond dogs have magic, it's just not as showy as us unicorns. I've never seen anything dig like a dog, Ruff. That's got to be magic, and it's very useful. Besides, you've probably saved us a lot of time."
"Saved a lot of time how?" called Chip as he and Carmine trotted in to the library. His mane was mussed, and Carmine was busily smoothing down her feathers.
Twilight chuckled, rolling her eyes when they weren't looking. "It seems Ruff here has discovered what you were looking for. It's a story, the high king of the diamond dogs had some crown jewels that would make their owner the king of all diamond dogs. Only it's an old mares' tale."
Chip blinked. "So Swiftwing was chasing after old mares' tales?"
Twilight nodded as she got up, the scrape of her chair's legs against the floor loud in the old wooden building. "Certainly looks like it, but we'd best make sure. Spike, take a letter please!"
Spike jumped to his hind claws and pulled out a parchment and quill. Nopony asked him where he'd had them. He looked expectantly at Twilight as she began to recite.
"Dear Princess Celestia, our search for preliminary answers may be at an end. With the discovery of a book of tales about a high king, we believe we may have found the root cause of the disturbances so recently plaguing-"
"Distur... disturba-" Spike paused in his scratchings to chew the end of the feather.
Twilight sighed and continued. "...the cause of the problems. I now appoint Ruff as junior number one assistant, reporting to Spike, my number one assistant, as they both research more about these stories."
Spike grinned, giggling, as he shared a glance with Ruff.
"And," Twilight continued, "I think good reference material may be the Daring Do series of books."
"Awww!"
"And comics."
"Yay!"
"As their creator seems unintentionally well-versed in such matters. Signed, Twilight Sparkle, your most faithful student."
With a puff of green smoke, Spike sent the scroll on its way. He then scampered over to the unicorn and hugged her legs. She entwined her neck with his and nuzzled him.
"Come on, Spike. I think it's time we were getting home. I know the princess wants to leave."
"Awww!"
"We can come back and visit, I'm sure."
"We-ell, okay Twi." Spike waddled over to Chip and grimaced. He pulled out a small scale and gave it to Chip. "This is for you. You'll know what to do."
"A scale?" Carmine asked. "What in Equestria would you want a scale of his for?"
Chip grinned at Spike, who grinned back. "I think I know, but it's going to take a bit of practice to find out."
There was a sudden bright flash outside the library. The sun had gone down and the sky was darkening, so the flickering light caught everybody's attention. Chip and Spike turned just in time to see Celestia trotting in to the library.
"Your majesty!" called Penny. Bella grimaced and caught the book her friend had been holding in muzzle with her horn's levitation field and slid it back in to the correct spot before she too turned to bow to the princess. Butch, Dozer and Digger saluted whilst Chip just inclined his head. Twilight on the other hoof all but galloped up to her teacher and hugged the winged unicorn warmly.
"My little ponies, and friends. And Chip." Chip looked hurt, but the princess winked. She trotted over to the table and bowed her head just a fraction. "Good evening again, my Lord Sapphire." The princess grinned, flicking her ears. She grinned wider as Chip blushed hotly. "Little Ruff, Twilight informs me you have unravelled the mystery of the disturbances in these parts?"
Ruff opened his mouth, but no words came out. He just nodded.
"The High King?"
Nod.
"Ancient treasure?"
Another nod.
"Any mention of a map?"
This time, Ruff shook his head.
"Well then," Celestia said, "it sounds to me more like we're back where we started. In a thousand years, I have seen no High King." Delicately, the princess sat down on her haunches. She sighed, heavily. "My dear subjects, I think it is time this were put to rest."
"Wait, but-!" Chip interjected.
The princess turned to him and motioned kindly for him to be calm. Reluctantly, he did so. She continued. "A great tragedy has befallen this town, a town with such a rich history and diverse peoples. It has torn up lives, shattered dreams and personally affected every one of you. Chip, for all I disagree with certain aspects of the way this town was not only saved but is being rebuilt, and with how you personally have acted to ensure the safety of your kith and kin, you have proven exemplary in your behaviour. Listen to the advice your new father gives you and grow with him in love. I can think of no better place for you than here, and in truth it is no longer any of my concern. Be that as it may, I approve.
"Ruff, Spike, I heartily approve of any friendship based on a mutual love of adventure. Against my better judgement, I approve of Twilight's recommendations. Read your books," Celestia watched the faces of the children fall, before adding, "and your comics." She smiled as they grinned, and continued with a chuckle. "Ruff, you will report on the changing nature of the diamond dogs to Spike, who will relay them to me. I will not have this realm fall into chaos, and your honest words may prove intuitive. But just remember," Celestia nuzzled Twilight before carrying on. "Don't spend too much time reading those dusty old books!"
♠♣♥♦
Carmine and Chip sat outside the library as the stars came out.
"Looks like it'll be a clear night," Chip said, gazing skywards.
"Sure will," Carmine replied, "good for hunting."
"I... wish I could come with you." Chip blushed.
The griffon looked at the pony, raising her crest in disbelief. "You, hunting?"
"Dragons hunt," Chip sniffed.
Carmine chuckled, waving a foreclaw at the silly stallion. "Yeah, but most of them have at least two of these."
"You could teach me! I-I'm sure I could do it! I just need to fix my wings first."
Carmine punched Chip on the shoulder. "Fix 'em then, dweeb. They any good for, you know, actually flying?"
Chip shook his head as he shuffled to get more comfortable on the sofa. "Not the first version, no. It was more-"
"Falling with style?"
Chip grinned. "yeah. I need... I need something to make them go. Some sort of magical power source. I'll have to talk to dad."
"What's he going to say about the sofa?" Carmine grinned back, kicking a hind paw on the plush cushions.
"I'm probably grounded forever about it," Chip laughed, blushing. "I... I only really needed the box. I don't even know how I'm going to get it home. I mean Celestia just dropped it here! In the street!"
"I think I can help with that, master!" Hairpin trotted into view, saddlebags laden down with goods.
"Oh! Hey Pin, thought you'd gone... uh... oh. I guess you need to be staying with us. Pin, this is Carmine, Car, this is-" Chip turned to look at the griffon. Her neck feathers were fluffed up and her crest was raised. "Car?"
"Hi, Hairpin." Carmine said. Her eyes glittered and her foreclaws pinched the cushions rather powerfully. "It's so nice to meet you."
Chip wasn't entirely sure she meant it. "Pin, Carmine's my... my friend. She's my best friend. I guess."
"You guess?!" Carmine hissed.
"Mistress Carmine!" Hairpin called, and she bowed before the startled griffon. "Master Chip has told me so much about you. He's always telling me how clever you are, and how much he envies your flying. He didn't mention how pretty you are though. Is that eye-colouring natural? Your feathers are gorgeous!"
"Well, I," Carmine's feathers fluffed up again as the pegasus continued smoothly.
"You simply must show me how you do it! Between you and me, I've tried dressing up for Chip, but I don't think I'm his type. He's got his eye on some other lucky girl."
"Yeah, he's a dufus like that." Carmine punched Chip again, this time in the ribs. Chip coughed, winded. He smiled weakly, clearly outnumbered.
"So, master, you said you needed help getting this sofa home again? I think I can borrow a wagon big enough, you can fit in too. Any problems, I can make two trips. Besides, gives you more time to hang out with Carmine here, you lucky dog. Look after my stuff, okay?"
Hairpin deposited her saddlebags without another word, and then trotted off back to town proper, swishing her tail side to side.
"I think," Carmine said, "I'll let you keep her."
♠♣♥♦
Hairpin is world's best tease
OH GOD MIDNIGHT GOT DRUNK AND POSTED A STORY, IS THIS OPPOSITE DAY?!
Again, a great tale. Though you make me despise dragons. I don't care how you slice it, they're bullies. Maybe not in this chapter, I'd be angry if someone killed my kids, too. Probably do exactly what Onyxious did, honestly. But I'm not going to bog you down with that conversation again. You know how I feel about it by now.
Just keep up the quality, so I can keep reading without getting too pissed off.
918349 And then you get to the chapter that's nothing but dragons eating ponies alive, chomping on their innards, crunching bones and tearing tendons as the ponies scream.
So clearly, we must destroy all those terrible creatures!
*fuels anti-dragon hate propaganda for his diabolical purposes...* >:3
Ooh, it looks like we're going to get some greater depth into the Diamond Dogs. I hope so. You weave a marvelous fantasy.
This is out already!?!?! WHY DIDN'T I KNOW SOONER?!?!!?!?! Why has nopony told me!?!? Prepare for a barrage of reaction gifs you magnificent bastard!
My mind:
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Excitement level:
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This story:
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For you:
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I love you, you (in)glorious bastard!
"Make foals with me!"
~Signed, InfiniteBrony
I like.
Hairpin, what a class act XD Smoooth. I forsee her and Carmine ganging up on Chip. He's so doomed.
918462
Honestly, I don't mind the violence, as long as it serves a purpose. Midnightshadow and I, along with a metric crap-ton of others, had this discussion over at The Ambassador's Son. My issue is the slavery. I don't care how you try and frame it; if you are big, strong, and powerful, and you use that power to subjugate the weak, then you're a bully, and I pity you. Even if, like Hairpin, they enjoy their lives. Then set them free, pay them a few bits a week, and everybody's happy. But scum like Pig Iron would never do that. People(dragons) like him think that because they have the ability, they have the right. Go read chapter six(I think) of TAS, and you'll see what I mean. The way he treats the pony Oak Barrel, like a pet, makes me sick. I've said many times that this is a credit to the author's talent, as he can get me all riled up over a piece of fiction. And it really bothered me that Chip participates in it. But, he does so begrudgingly, so I give him a pass.
Also look at how Onyxious treated the ponies that saved Sharptooth. Here you have ponies who literally were ready to lay down their lives to protect an innocent baby dragon, and he treats them like lesser beings. Not lesser in power, which they are, but lesser in status of life, in the sense that they are beneath him. It almost felt like he felt they owed him for what they did! He says her that Altruism means nothing to him, and I can get that in the context used: you murdered innocent babies for profit, and I'd wipe you out, as well. Though, I feel he went too far slaughtering the young and the women. It's vengeance, like he said, but we as higher beings have the ability to see beyond our baser instincts. Before, he even talked down on dragons who did so, then proceeds to do it himself!!
But even Sharptooth has a hand(claw? paw? whatever) in it, as much as he denies. The way he feels about Tacksworn, basically saying he owns it, because it's under his protection. Now, please don't flame me over that last one, because it's been a while since I read it, and I may be misquoting. My worry is that Chip seems to be leaning towards taking not only the good things about being a pony-shaped dragon, but also the bad. He must make the choice of which he wants: The kind, loving heart of a pony, or the cold, covetous heart of a dragon.
Like I said in my original post, the way midnightshadow is portraying dragons makes me dislike them. But it fits his amazing story, so I put up with it. Please, keep it up. Though I WOULD love to see somepony just completely pwn a dragon in a discussion of the subject. Not a fight, because that would be silly, but have them debate, and have the dragon be at a loss, maybe ending up saying something like, "Well, we do because we can." Then at least I'd be justified in my loathing.
BTW, midnight, I still feel the urge to jump into the story and smack Pig Iron.
*waves a 'yay Ruff!' flag*
You... are prolific when I'm not awake, aren't you?! you had this half-done last I saw! *hug*
And so I learned about Sharptooth's past, the developing love story between Carmine and Chiphoof, and when I first saw this in the featured box my face was like this:
static.flickr.com/98/262129031_fec016ce55.jpg
OH CRAP NEW CHIPHOOF STORY!
For a second I feared we would see Fricassee of Hairpin, with a side of relish.
Now I'm more worried the two girls will be the death of dear Chip betwix their combined antics.
Also, this proves my two big rules;
1; Never piss off Dragons
2; Never piss off Gryphons
Its a wonder the Diamond Dog troll subspecies isn't completely extinct yet.
Somehow tho, I kinda wanna write a story about what happens if you piss both off at once.
Just to see the damage.
918650 Every evil creature has had an excuse for the atrocities it commits. But behind all the nonsense is simply that they have the power to do it, and so they do.
Foolish creatures. If that is their justification, then they have nothing to say when something stronger shows up and enslaves them.
*grins fearsomely as he drags a chain, attached to a collar around a dragon's neck!* Dragons are such silly overgrown lizards. Aren't they, my helpless, stupid, lower-life-form, slave?
*dragon nods weakly* Yes, my lord.
*Alondro beats it back into the darkness with a stick!* I NEVER SAID YOU COULD TALK!! NO FOOD FOR 100 YEARS!!
*dragon whimpers* But I'll die...
*Alondro hmphs!* If you are apt to die, you had better do it, and decrease the surplus dragon population! *points finger at dragon* Cero Oscuras. *black beam of blackness pierces the dragon and it dies instantly. Alondro hacks it up messily and sells its parts to the Chinese on Ebay*
*feel sorry for the dragons yet?*
Wow! Finally a sequel! ...here I thought I was looking for it and still I only found it because it popped up on the spotlight box.
Anyhow, all's well that ends well.
I've been eagerly awaiting this and so far, you've delivered on the tone and all. I already liked your style a lot from TAS and it's good to see that it's stayed just as good.
It's going to be very interesting to see how everything develops, as it looks like it will develop more on the high adventure end of things as opposed to the intrigue of the first part. If you bring in the Daring Do author I can't help but wonder whether or not Daring herself will make an appearance. And also, was that big griffon Chip met Carmine's father? I don't believe he's met the parents thus far :P
Keep up the good work man! Looking forward to the next instalment.
919101
Sick bastard...
No, you're right. But still, the nature argument doesn't hold water to me. Once more, as more evolved beings, capable of intelligent thought and reason, we have the ability to see past base instincts. I almost dare say it's our duty to do so. If not, then how are we any better than the beasts of the earth?
Plus, dragons are portrayed as being the highest creatures in this world, aside from Celestia and Luna. In "The Ambassador's Son," it is basically said that the only reason Celestia allows the practice of slavery to continue in Equestria is the threat of a kind of Mutually Assured Destruction. She could destroy the dragons, but countless innocents would die in the battle. I think, like I said, it's been a while, and I dislike rereading stories.
Again, just pisses me off. I still say give me and the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment a few weeks in Equestria. We'll take care of those dragons that enslave.
919181 *nods as he chops up another dragon corpse with a rusty machete* Yes, using an obscure "Bleach" reference and an "A Christmas Carol" line from Scrooge side-by-side was a sick, bastardly thing to do, wasn't it? I'll refrain from doing that in the future. Oooooo! I found the spleen! *nom nom nom nom*
919204
Pretty much sums it up, I think...
Also, author, aside from the slavery issue, I have a serious concern with Chip. It seems he's forgetting where he came from. He's totally owning the dragon thing, and I get it, really, I do. But he's also a pony. It'd be sad if he completely disregarded his heritage. Like I said before, pony-shaped dragon still means part pony.
Interesting, a greenish castle-like structure sunken into the ground. *looks back at the cover image* Very suspicious...
Oh Hairpin, you continue to be best OC pony. And oh Twilight, you telekinetic shipper you.
Chip and Carmine, best interspecies OC couple.
919181
I think the idea that Celestia has so much power is a mis-conception.
I don't think Ponies have the chops for a wet toilet paper fight, much less a throw-down with Diamond Dogs, Dragons, or Gryphons; three species who are walking weapons, especially Dragons and Gryphons. Well Dragons are more a force of nature. Like a tornado carrying a volcano.
She may be powerful, but I'd bet three dragons, or a battalion of Gryphons, could take her out in an afternoon.
Funnily enough, my story has also attracted the same war/genocide/revenge/justice debate (which I put an end to, because it was getting long-winded) because the Gryphons nearly blew the hell out of the entire Troll subspecies once for stealing some of their young to try to use as slaves, then killing them when they gutted their 'trainers'
In response, Gryphons leveled most of their civilization without mercy.
So... Ima side with Midnight and his Dragons on this; don't ever touch the younglings.
Ever.
Cross that line, you gave away your right to exist as a species as far as I'm concerned.
I think in my case, and with Midnight's Dragons, the point is to step outside human conceptions of reality, including morality.
Like it or no, this is how these species tick, this is what makes up their psyche.
Truth be told? Id've prolly been right there with Onyxious, and a battalion of the Gryphons' finest, dealing death with every stroke, and glad to be doing it.
919314
I get this about my protagonist too. (Its a TCB story) and my answer is always the same; if you come to like an identity, you come to own it.
Yes you hold on to worthwhile aspects of your past, but the new identity is truly what defines you. I think Chip is struggling at all the right points, for all the right reasons, in all the psychologically expect-able ways.
919794
919314
919204
I like having fun with my characters. I don't want to just write it all down in the comments, but essentially the dragons' civilisation is ancient whereas (as you've been finding out) the Equestrian one (my version of it, true) basically hit a reset a thousand or so years before "now". Celestia is very powerful, and she and her ponies could currently take on any one of the other civilisations head-on if she really wanted to, but it would lead to far more pain and suffering. It's a tense time, and she can take the long view where mortal rulers could not.
That said, dragons are arrogant because they are that powerful and independent. Onyxious is of the opinion that vengeance is as valid a desire as justice, and that it was (at that moment) personally more worthwhile to him than the latter. They're very machiavellian He's old, and clever, and arrogant, and nowhere near as enlightened as he would like to think. It's also that he felt he had to send a message to anyone else who would try something.
But don't worry about Chip, he's kind of stuck with the good and the bad of dragonicity (is... that a word? ) but he won't forget his roots. Besides, his adoptive father is just a little bit pony too
919568
Yup, he's doomed.
920498
Actually that's a question I should like answered. Is she called a diarch, or is she a monarch-who-is-a-diarch?
920394
No musical numbers this time. Yet. Probably.
919074
They have big litters and are usually more bright than to attack dragons.
918650
Actually, there is one nice way of framing Slavery.
Ancient Rome. Slaves back then were considered family. They got paid, got fed, and were treated decently*. Hell, 'Slave' was just a title. Like, "There's my Uncle Dietus, my Aunt Bereni, Cousins Julius and Augustus, and my favorite, Slave Thinius."
*Depends on the family, just like any other. Highly dysfunctional families might wind up with the occasional rivalry. So decency might go out of the window.
920034
Draconity.
Also, Machiavelli didn't actually mean anything he wrote. So calling them machiavellian is basically saying the dragons are trolls out for the lulz.
920604
trolls out for the lulz? I approve of this!
920604
Well, still. It's implied that not all are treated equally. Plus, once again to bring up my "friend" Pig Iron, a pet is NOT a family friend.
920034
You just reminded me of a conversation I had with one of my grandpa's friends. Dude was at Normandy, so you can imagine he was the tough-as-nails, take no shit type. We were at a restaurant, and he was mean to the waitress.
Me: Mr. Roy, that was kinda mean.
Roy: Kid, I'm old. That gives me the right to be an asshole.
*laughter from the group*
Me:... No, it doesn't!
*raucous laughter from the group*
920731
I meant not all were treated equally in the sense of familial abuse.
920542
Yes, she is a diarch. Even if she's alone, she shares the rule with Luna.
920838
Exactly my point. And again, if the slaves love their life, like Hairpin, just set hem free and let them stay of heir own volition. But they won't, because dragons are arrogant and selfish. And in desperate need of a slice of humble pie.
On the subject of slavery, it is often hard for the average American to think about anything but the early American Plantation style slavery or Egyptian-Jewish slavery, because it's beaten in to us as children how horrible it was. So the word "slave" evokes this knee-jerk reaction of born-a-slave-die-a-slave that is almost a purely emotional response. That being said, for a very long time "slave" was closer to a job description than caste/death sentence. Slaves were also treated a variety of ways, some being beaten and mistreated and some being valued family members. Which I'm certain is the case with dragons, some think of their slaves as "people" and some treat them like property, and every variation within those two.
Hairpin Turn for best pony.
Hmm. Ranger totally got away, didn't he? I doubt we've heard the last of that guy...
Betcha ten bits they're inside that jade castle we saw Onyxious sink into a pit of glass
Rainbow Bridge? Huh. that sounds G1-ish. Intriguing!
I see what you did there. Right after the intro scene clearly disproved that
Ooh, of course! A writer who looked up old legends to use as basis for an exciting story. Neat
Wait. she just sent an instant letter to someone who's more or less just around the corner. That's like texting someone who's in the next room. Lazy Twilight!
I lol'd.
Toy Story reference is awesome
918650
Eh. If I remember correctly, that was kinda the point of the scene, and Chiphoof reacted pretty much the same way you did. I don't want to restart this silly debate, but, it's an ugly world. Plenty of authors have made uglier worlds. Would you fault them for that? It's not about the world, it's about having a hero struggling to survive in the given setting.
919181 Now that is an interesting thought. 3rd armored cav vs. a horde of titanic, flying, intelligent, fire-breathing monstrosities with man sized claws. I'm not sure who would win, but, I think I would have to bet on the dragons.
922268
*sigh* Here we go again...
M1A2 SEP v2, complete with M289 120mm APFSDS-T Sabot that fires a foot long depleted uranium spike that travels at almost a mile a second and can penetrate 540mm of steel at 3,000 meters. Also fires the M830! High Explosive Anti-Tank rounds that have an optional setting to take out aerial targets.
M2A3 Bradley with a M242 25mm Chaingun that fires high-explosive rounds, and TOW missiles system that can knock out a tank at 2,000 meters. Also holds 6 bad ass Cavalry Scouts armed with M249 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapons, M250 7.62mm Machine Guns, and AT-4 Anti-tank missiles.
M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System that can level an entire grid square (one square kilometer) at 60 Km.
AH-64D Apache Longbow equipped with a 30mm cannon, and Hellfire Missiles.
AN/TWQ-1 Avenger equipped with 8 FIM-92 Stinger Missiles and twin M2 .50 Cal Machine guns
M109 Howitzer which fires 155mm artillery shells.
Combine that with the fact that in Midnightshadow's story, dragons can be pierced by spears, and yeah. I like our chances.
921469
No, I would not ask him to change. Merely put a little more emphasis on how much the practice sucks.
922325I'm not saying it wouldn't be bloody. There are a lot of them. Their fire would be bloody awful, and most importantly, you said that you and the 3rd armored cav would be in Equestria for a few weeks. First of all you would be in with no support or supplies. Basically you would be limited to what you had with you, which, while it is tremendously effective, can only last so long. As far as the howitzers and m270s, they would in reality be near useless, because they would be close to you or in the air, which sort of negates the usefulness. I get the impression that the apaches would quickly be out of commission due to the nature of the dragons, being more maneuverable helps. Plus in all likelihood fuel would quickly become an issue. Stingers would be useful. My biggest issue with immediate victory is that it is an entirely new enemy. All of them are massive airborne flamethrowers that are intelligent in their own right. Even if you shot them out of the air, they might fall on you, and getting crushed by tonnes of scales and bone does not sound fun to me. The biggest issue I think, is the sheer numbers you would be facing, and the nature of those numbers. Much of what you have would be totally ineffective against aerial enemies, and what isn't would expend its ammunition very rapidly. As you know, much of our army's strength has always been its support and supply lines. Without those, even with massive technological superiority, you would be destined to lose.
On the subject of the spears, i got the impression they were aiming for weak points in the armor, like the area in between plates and the eye socket, so perhaps they would be more capable of absorbing small arms fire.
I'm not questioning the quality of our armaments or our soldiers, just how they would fare alone, unsupported with no reconnaissance or knowledge of the local area and terrain. Terrain which, if you'll recall, is not ideally suited to long range warfare. Unlike the flat deserts we are currently engaged in, these would be mountains, with fog, thick forests and no appreciable roads against an enemy with total air superiority, knowledge of the local area, years of experience, and perfect adaptations for fighting there. For armored cav, that would be hell.
922638
And I'm not saying it'd be a slaughter, either.
I totally plan on having resupply elements. The way I see it, a certain high-powered diarch would be keeping the supplies coming. Yes, the different fields of battle would be difficult, but that's simply negated by letting the enemy come to you. As for the uselessness of artillery, a square kilometer is pretty damn big, and even dragons have to sleep sometime. Also, for as big as dragons are, and pretty fast, they can't be very maneuverable. A foot-long sabot round moving at a mile a second is kind of hard to miss. When I was a tanker shooting Gunnery(where we qualify with the weapons systems) I could hit the long-range moving target at 2,500 meters while going twenty miles an hour, and the target moving at a decent clip, as well. Plus like I said, the MPAT rounds can engage aircraft, so aerial targets are fair game. The Avenger is designed for cruise missiles and UAVs, so a giant dragon flying well slower than subsonic wouldn't be too hard. Plus they can fire heat seeking missiles, and what could be hotter than a dragon's belly? Dragon fire? Okay, strafe me, that's cool. I once had a Molotov cocktail of homemade napalm explode on the turret of my tank. We were buttoned up, so we were fine, just a singed spot on the turret. If they want continuous coverage, they have to stop, and then they're toast.
As for weak points in their scales, yeah, you'd need that for a spear. But a "Maw Deuce" spitting .50 cal steel at 600 rounds per minute? That's different. And hey, recon is the name of the game for cavalry.
We'd shed blood, no doubt about that. But the price of freedom is steep. I'm pretty sure that if this was real, and you told the troopers of the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen about a species of arrogant bullies subjugating weaker, peaceful creatures, they'd be willing to die for it. I can think of few nobler sacrifices than to lay down one's life for the liberty of the oppressed.
923173 Considering that fifty calibre rounds have been known to bounce of of the heads of kodiak bears, I think they may have more trouble bringing down monstrosities that wiegh up to eighteen tonnes.
I think that certain diarch is a bit friendly with the local fauna. If you'll recall, the pax equestrius (was this it? To be honest I don't recall the name.) basically states that any of the big three local species would aid each other if one came under attack. I doubt you would get any help. Yes she doesn't like that they have her ponies enslaved, but she has to see the value of dragons as a whole. And I very much doubt she would accept you laying waste to her beautiful country one square kilometer at a time. Plus dragons sleep in caves, so unless you plan on using bunker busters, it's a bit of a problem. Also, how could she supply you with bullets, missiles, artillery shells etc.?
As I said though, I doubt that long range would have much of a part in this due to the terrain you'd be fighting in. Even with the massive range, it is rather difficult to fire through mountains and forests. I doubt you would see them until it was too late.
If I recall correctly didn't that big ol' black dragon melt a castle of stone with his fire breath? That is slightly higher powered than a molotov cocktail. And recon is the name of the game if you know the terrain, which would be totally unfamiliar to you. unless you have planes and uav's, satellites and such. Which would require runways, which suggests that it is more than just the third armored cav. If it were the whole us army, then hell yes you'd win. But one regiment, even one so well decked out as yours does not stand a chance.
On a somewhat related note, thank you for your service.
921086
As I said, in Rome, 'slave' was a title. There were as free as the other citizens. He'll, it was an outright crime hurt someone with the title 'slave', so they actually had more rights.
Awwww, young love.
I really hope he frees Silver Platter and Sunshine soon, though.
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but I believe that a dragon's wrath may come close.
Carmine and Hairpin, tag-teaming to drive Chip insane.
So Spike got his own assistant(s) for a while, huh? Good for him.
Yep, Hairpin is best pony
I look forward to every interaction you give her, they've got to be fun.
924378
I'm pretty sure he already has freed them. If I remember correctly, it was either in one of the recent chapters or the last few of The Ambassador's Son were he asks Celestia to send for Silver Spoon and Sunshine, and have them freed. Along with having her open the box and becoming the head of the Irontail line. Baroness Irontail (Sunshine) was also mentioned in this chapter, so it's safe to assume that, yes, they have been freed.
922329
I don't mean to beat a dead horse here, but I want to toss my two cents in.
Okay, so, you want emphasis on how the draconic practice of slavery is in bad taste, yes? Well, you already have that, honestly. What I mean to say by that is, you have so far two perspectives on the slavery. One being by Celestia, who we know highly disproves of it, and severely wishes it banished from the nation. Look at Chip as well, he obviously doesn't approve of it, and he doesn't really want Hairpin as a slave either, but she doesn't give him a chance to set her free anyway. I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume that most pony communities (or the entire free species in general) don't view it in great light either. They'd rather see it gone. Now we have the perspective of the dragons. Most of them don't perceive it as wrong because it's always been a part of their culture, it's who they are. Now do most of them enjoy it? Probably not, Sharptooth doesn't, but at the same time he understands what benefits come from it.
In a nutshell, you already have your negative light on the slavery issue, it just depends on what perspective it's looked at from. Celestia and most ponies despise it, and then you have the dragons that find it completely acceptable. Midnight is giving you both sides of the argument, in a sense. You've come to your own conclusion, why tip the sides in the way you favor? Throwing personal bias like that in will just succeed in making the dragons look like villains, which isn't what he seems to want to do. He's showing that, just like every other species here, each have their redeeming and demeaning qualities.
Look at most of our portrayed monarchies in the past. They don't really seem to care about those bellow them, do they? No time for peasant, they are beneath them. Dominance issues have been a part of our history for generations before, and so it is for dragons as well.
Besides, look at Hairpin. It doesn't seem like she was beaten into submission, quite the opposite. Not that I endorse slavery, but it seems to depend on the owner. Chip's a good guy, if young and naive at times. I doubt he'll be making Hairpin get on her knees anytime soon.
----
Sorry to add to the debate, but hey, opinions are fun.
Another great chapter Midnight, cool to see some back-story on the diamond dogs and more of Sharptooth's father. Sure, he may have been cruel, but it seems that their mantra back then was more along the lines of "torso for an arm and a head for an eye" anyway. Quite brutal, but interesting.
Plus we have more Carmine, and jealous Carmine a that. Chip better be watching himself from now on, I don't see his life getting any easier any time soon. Even if the danger is coming from an angry bird with sharp talons.
Eagerly waiting the next installment
927353
You know, I had this hge argument all typed up about the evilness of slavery, ready to completely beat you down.
Then I re-read and realized that wasn't what you said.
Damn it, I wanted to get righteously indignant...
927939
Whew! Dodged a bullet there
Sorry that I inadvertently made you go through all that wasted typing... well now I feel bad...
Anyway, thank you for not verbally tearing me apart, and destroying all the values I hold dear. That's a plus in and of itself, if you want to look at it that way. Believe me, though, I'd be there speaking out against it, if it were really a large issue. I just don't think it's a major problem, it's all in the name of making a compelling and engaging story to enjoy.
Again, sorry for those wasted words, I'll try and speak my mind more coherently next time
928002
Naw, don't sweat it. Arguing on the internet is fun, until you start making assumptions about the other person's sexuality or their mother's profession. I love a good debate.
(Vellum) "But why sell first batch to ponies?" Ranger growled.
I'll get this right out of the way up front - thank you. I am deeply honored.
Second - "Rainbow Bridge to escape the Great Light." That is awesome stuff. Why the dogs like underground, at least in part. I'm thinking their star went nova, or something equivalent. Maybe a cosmic domain wall intersecting, if the dog's home universe didn't have stars. In any case, awesome.
The teen romance is so working here. You know I love Carmine and Chip together, and you are doing this just right.
OK, you wanted to know if this story sucked at all. I promised I would tell you the truth, if it did. Here is my Judgement, honest and brutal.
This fucking rocks.
No, seriously. This is more polished, better crafted, and smoother than the Ambassador's Son, at least so far - we'll see as it goes on - and I adored the Ambassador's Son. Enough that I bothered to wrap the end of one of my novels around your creations. Your problem is that you are filled with irrational self doubt. This story is, so far, you in your prime as a writer, soaring through the narrative as if it were effortless. This is a NO SUCK ZONE story. If that changes, I promise I will let you know, and I won't hold back. But you hear me, Middy - this is the sequel that is needed, and it is working brilliantly. Look at all those thumbs up! Those are not whim, they aren't there because people just somehow like you - they don't even fucking know you. What they are liking is your writing. This is good stuff.
So stop your sniveling and write, boy, write, because right now, so far, you have lightning in a bottle, and King Of Diamonds is everything it should be, it needs to be, and if it weren't - considering how much I loved the original - I assure you, without any shred of humility, that I would be telling you about your complete and loathsome failure and insulting your ancestry. For starters. No, this is really, really tasty, Midnight. Be comfitted.
Better still, write with confidence. Because this is good. Really good.
A typo I think I found in this chapter.
Chip rolled off onto his bag, legs in the air.
-I think you meant back instead of bag here.
924378
.......Silver Platter?
Now that is the best tecnique to use on any jeleous girlfriend.
I'm not sure if somebody did this already buuuuuut,
In they're tongue he is Dovakiin
DRAGON BORN!
I read the previous book, and am now engrossed in this one.
Fantastic writing. While I share Celestia's abhorrence with slaves (pets, whatever you want to call it) It makes for a compelling plot device. I do hope though, Chip finds a way to remedy that with those under his employment.
I am extremely happy that Chip and a certain griffin finally have their feelings out in the open!
10/10
Aw, Pin does like Chip. How nice.
Anyway, though, whatever did happen to Shimmer's map?