Song and Dance
About two weeks have passed since the Ursa incident. Skystrike walked through town, donned in his armor. Rarity said that his clothes were finally finished. Admittedly, he still wanted to wear his armor, just from his brush with death. Mostly because of how long he wore it for. He forgets how good his healing is, his body feeling like new.
But before he stopped by Rarity’s, he went to check on Twilight and Spike. He pushed open the door to the Golden Oak Library, seeing the two organizing the books. Skystrike blinked. “...Isn’t this like the second time this week that you’re reorganizing?”
“Third.” Spike clarified. “This time we’re organizing each section by publish date.”
Twilight nodded. “Maybe we’ll get more visitors this way.”
“You could start a book club.” Skystrike offered. “But when do you guys think you’ll be done?”
“Actually, we just finished.” Twilight said as she put in the last book.
“Cool. Give me the child.” Skystrike stared at her.
“...What?”
“Give me… the child.”
“We’re going to get milkshakes!” Spike put his claws up as Skystrike grabbed him like a squeaky toy. “Also, I think I convinced Twilight to let me train!”
Skystrike looked at her. She looked back, then sighed. “Yeah… I did. Just… promise to be careful?”
“I will.” Skystrike said before putting the baby dragon on his back. “I’ll bring him back before sundown.” Twilight nodded as the two left. “We’re going to drop by Rarity’s. I told Stardust to meet us there. Once we’re done there, we’ll get milkshakes.”
“Aw, if I knew we were stopping by Rarity’s, I’d have polished my scales!” Spike said to Skystrike’s amusement.
He pushed open the door to the Carousel boutique. Rarity turned to greet them. “Oh, good morning, you two.”
“Morning, Rarity. How’s it going?” Skystrike let Spike slide down his wing onto the floor.
“I’m doing quite alright. Was just having a chat here with Stardust-...” She looked into his eyes, shuffling in place. “You’re… staring quite hard, aren’t you?”
Skystrike blinked. “Oh, yeah… just-” Skystrike coughed. “...Nice mane.”
Rarity stared at him. Her face turned from a smile, then to flustered, then to slightly annoyed. “...You’re not going to forget about that, are you?”
Stardust failed to hide a laugh. “Well, thinking back on it…”
“Stardust, don't finish that thought.”
A door banged open as the sound of hoofsteps went by. “Hey sis! Late for school! Gotta go, love you, bye!”
They all stayed silent for a moment. Skystrike had a realization. “Hey Spike, how old are you?”
“Uh, seven… no, I’m nine” Spike had to remember.
“Did you ever go to school in Canterlot?”
“...No?”
“...You might be going to school soon. Knowledge is an important part of one’s growth.” Spike opened his mouth to protest. “And before you say you know a lot from Twilight’s books, you also need to foster relationships with those in your age range.”
“I was going to say that you barely went to school.” Spike huffed and crossed his arms.
“That’s because I was able to get a lot of pardons. As long as I passed, I was fine… so you’re turning ten soon.” Skystrike hit a thinking pose. “Hey Rarity, how old is Sweetie Belle?”
“Also nine.” She answered.
“Oh, then you’ll be around kids your age. Perfect.” Skystrike hummed. “I’ll bring it up to Twilight later.” Then he turned to Rarity. ”Onto one of the points of my arrival. Rarity!”
“Right, your clothes.” She floated over a set. Skystrike looked them over. Two sets of sweats, a couple t-shirts, and a couple shouts, varying in color. “I was hoping to be more… creative, but you said you didn’t want anything flashy.”
Skystrike put the clothes into his saddlebag. “Thank you, I appreciate it. And now, to my second reason for being here, and why Stardust and now Spike are here. And I’ll be paying you this time!”
“Alright.” Rarity took out a notepad. “I do hope that it’s more flashy this time. What would you like.”
“Cloaks for all three of us.” They all looked at him for an explanation. “Because it looks cool.”
“...What?” They all went.
“It’s like… when you-... Know what, it’s best if I just show you.” Skystrike looked around the room. “Rarity, can I borrow this cloth?” She nodded. Skystrike took the cloth off the table then wrapped it around himself, covering everything but his head. He poked his forehoof out from under the make-shift cloak and grabbed the scruff of it. With a dynamic pose, Skystrike threw it off, to the size. “See what I mean?”
Stardust hummed. “I mean…” She didn’t know the right words to convey what she felt.
Spike, however, pogged. “Yooooo! I wanna do that!”
“See, you get it!” Skystrike chuckled as he folded back up the cloth. Then he turned back to Rarity. “So yeah, a cloak for us. Since these two are under me, that means that I want a… what’s the word for it? Engraving? Crochet?” He couldn't find the word. “I want a pattern on our capes, a four pointed star. It’s our symbol.” Skystrike quickly got a piece of paper and drew it before handing it to Rarity. “The star should be centered, and take up the majority of the cape, though not touching the edges of it.”
Rarity quickly wrote it all down. “Alright, and colors? From the sounds of this, this should just be a simple dyeing process.”
Skystrike rolled his neck. “I want mine to be a blue which fades to a raven black. The star should be white. If you can make it sparkly so it’s more eye-catching, that’d be great.”
Spike scratched his chin. “Well… if it can be my purple, fading to black like Skystrike’s? Oh! With a fire pattern in the green star!”
Stardust took a bit longer to think on it. “...Rose, like my eyes, fading from a pastel blue. I’d like the star to be black…”
Rarity quickly sketched the designs. “...I think I can work with that. How does next friday sound for a completion date?”
“That fast!?” Skystrike’s eyes widened. “That’s impressive.”
“It’s what I do.” Rarity put on her reading glasses. “Now, just give me some time. I need to get in the zone.” She put emphasis on that last part as she began to lock in.
“Before we go then.” Skystrike reached into his bag. “Here’s payment up front. Thanks again.” He doesn't think she heard him, taking the bits in her magic and beginning to do more sketches.
Spike tugged on Skystrike’s tail. “...Can we get milkshakes now?”
“Oooh, can I get a Milkshake?” Stardust asked.
“Let's get some later today. We gotta start the day with a good workout.” Skystrike pulled open the door to Ponyville.
The two started following him as Stardust began to speak. “We- we’re training now?”
“Uh, yeah, the sooner we start, the better.”
Skystrike, Spike, and Stardust stood at the lake in front of Skystrike’s house. They watched the flowing water come from the connected river and into it. Skystrike watched a few of the fish swim by as he hummed to himself. “Alright you two, let me lay the ground rules. First rule of Skystrike’s training, don’t talk about Skystrike’s training.” He said with an ere of caution. “Second rule, you must have a reason to want to be stronger. Whether it be your beliefs, your pride, your honor, whatever you want. No matter how selfish or selfless. Third, if and when you fail, you must try again. No quitters here. Failure is part of the learning process.”
“Yes sir!” They both said.
“Good. Now, the first lesson I’ll teach you is patience.” Skystrike dropped a bucket at his side. “You two are going to catch as many fish as you can within two hours and put them in this bucket.”
Spike stared at him. “And… how are we supposed to do that?”
“Grab ‘em.” Skystrike chuckled. “Like I said, patience is what you’re learning. In the process, I’ll be seeing how well your reflexes are, and your ability to deal with multiple outcomes.” They kept looking at him. “Also, if you guys don't catch anything, no lunch.”
Stardust and Spike looked at each other before stepping into the river. Spike eyed a fish coming towards him, almost like a predator. He tried to jump on it, bringing both claws down on it, only for it to dash away. So he tried again with another fish. Sure enough, the fish got by once more.
Stardust was having similar issues. She tried to use her guard helmet to scoop the fish out, but then the fish jumped out as soon as they realized they were being moved. All she was left with was wet headgear. Then, she tried to catch the fish like Spike, but it didn’t work out well for her either. Her pastel blue mane soon became soaked as she even tried to catch one with her mouth.
Skystrike watched their progress in earnest. Though they may not feel it, they were making progress, albeit very slowly. But he shouldn't be slacking either. The stallion drew his sword. He could at least get some practice swings in. He took the proper stance before tightening his grip on his swords before a dance of blades commenced. Slashes and stabs were replaced by feints and lunges. He fought with an invisible enemy in front of him. Each attack he made, each action he took, he tried to imagine an opponent in front of him, countering every action he made. It was futile of course, since he’d lose this imaginary battle each time, but he liked to think it helped.
He still made sure to keep track of their progress. Spike was slowly but surely getting more and more annoyed. After countless tries, ranging from blocking the water to trying to make a fish trap out of twigs, Spike slapped a fish as it passed by. Whether it was through his own efforts or sheer luck, the trout began to flop on the grass.
Stardust watched as Spike grabbed the fish and put it into the bucket. She was a tad annoyed, but more so from being shown up by a child. She tried the same tactic, and after a few tries, Stardust got a fish of her own. She picked it up and put it in the bucket as well.
Skystrike sheathed his swords. “Nice job you two. I’ll start cooking. You two are going to help of course.”
After the squeamish looks from Stardust and Spike as he explained how to gut and bleed a fish, Skystrike quickly made them all meals. They sat in the grass as Skystrike moved a portable cooking set outside to cook. Admittedly, he didn’t really have the space inside to feed the three of them. Two was already unexpected, and a bit tight… Maybe he should build an extension.
Skystrike sat down nine plates and chairs around a large, flat stone that he carved from one of his boulders, working as a make-shift table. He put down an excessively large plate of salad in the middle of the table, and two dozen bread rolls. Next, he put down a square cheese pizza, and two large pitchers of lemonade. Spike, however, was going to eat the fish that the two caught earlier. It took a bit of convincing, but he apparently smelled it before, and was a bit interested. Skystrike put down the plate of fish in front of Spike.
Stardust drooled at the food, but then counted the number of plates. “Uh, sir, why is there-”
Skystrike put a hoof to his mouth, shushing her and Spike. Skystrike quietly flapped his wings and landed in front of his house. Specifically, some of the bushes that he grew in front of it. He stared into the bush. The silence was deafening. “...Girls…” He heard Rainbow Dash’s whispering voice. “I think he knows we’re here…!”
“No way!” Twilight whispered back.
“Quick! Make a bush sound!” Pinkie whispered.
“Uh… bush.” Rainbow said. The silence got louder.
“...What was that?” Applejack sighed.
“Yeah, darling, that was dreadful, dear.” Rarity face hoofed.
“I don’t know how to make a bush sound with my mouth!” Pinkie looked at the rainbow pegasus and made a very convincing sound of a bush rustling in the leaves. “...How the buck did you do that?”
“Why didn’t we just make bird calls???” Applejack asked from her bush.
“Uh…” Fluttershy said before making a sound that none of them ever heard before. It was loud… ear piercing actually.
Spike and Stardust turned their heads toward the sound. Stardust tilted her head. “Hey, what was that? Was that a bird?”
“Nice going Fluttershy!” Twilight face hooved. “What was that!?”
“Oh, it was a White Bellbird.” She explained. “...It was… the first bird I thought of.”
“Hey, Spike, did you hear that?” Stardust waved over the dragon.
“Yeah, what was that?” Spike began walking over.
“Well, think of something else, quick!” Pinkie shook the mare before she made another sound.
This new one sounded like lasers were being shot, mixed with clicking and… No, Skystrike wasn’t even going to attempt to try and describe that sound. “That was a Tui bird.” Fluttershy smiled.
“Oh, that was definitely a bird.” Spike said as he ran over. He pushed his head into one of the bushes, coming face first with Twilight. Spike screamed and jumped back. “TWILIGHT!?”
Skystrike couldn't help but laugh as Twilight and her friends pulled themselves out of the bushes. “Alright… how long did you know we were there?” She asked.
Skystrike regained his composure. “Since you guys got here. It’s not hard to hear whispering when the only other sound is these two.” He pointed back to Spike and Stardust. “If you want to talk, then ask. For now, there’s food if you want it.” Skystrike turned and went to sit down. The rest followed behind him. “But before you ask your questions, why were you all following me?”
“I… came to check on Spike.” Twilight said nervously. “...Admittedly, I was expecting more… hooves on training. Like sparing or something.”
“That’s another day.” Skystrike said as Twilight made a face. He grabbed a slice of pizza and bit into it. “Who’s next?”
“Honestly, I don’t know how I was roped into this.” Applejack admitted and got some of the salad. She took a bite. “Mmm… this is great.”
“I’m just checking on little Spikey-wikey. A baby dragon shouldn’t need to learn how to fight.” Rarity hugged the dragon in question, who was just enjoying the moment.
Skystrike blinked. “It’s Spike’s choice, but I’m sure he appreciated your concern. Besides, I don't plan on teaching him anything until I think he’s ready.” Then he turned to the last three.
Rainbow sighed and took a bread roll. “Well, I was hoping to see how you train… Got any tips?”
Skystrike looked at her and thought. “...Go about your normal day with extra pounds on. But I wouldn't recommend trying to mimic my training. I’ve designed mine to focus on endurance and strength. Your muscles will grow differently than what your goal is. Similar to how if you trained for swimming.”
Fluttershy pushed her hair to the side. “Uh… Twilight asked me for help. I was just in the area.”
Pinkie Pie looked up from her plate full of food. “I’m here because it looked like fun!”
Spike was eating loudly. They all looked at him when the baby dragon let out a burp. “...What?”
“Say ‘excuse me’ Spike.” Skystrike demanded. “It’s rude not to.”
“Excuse me.” Spike quickly said as he shoveled the rest of the food off his plate into his mouth. “The fish was just that good!”
“You gave him FISH!?” All, save for Fluttershy and Stardust yelled. Twilight put her hooves on the table. “You fed Spike fish!?” She was visibly angry, though Skystrike wasn't paying attention to her posture.
“Yes, trout to be specific.” Skystike
“WHY did you feed him FISH!?” Twilight was yelling now. “Who knows what could’ve happened!?”
Skystrike sighed. “Because even though he’s a baby, he’s still a dragon. An omnivorous one, yet mostly carnivorous like the rest of his kind. He needs it, else it could affect his growth. Pony food only does so much.” Then he started rambling a bit. “From what I know actually, dragons get much of their energy from gemstones and, at Spike’s age, gold, due to how soft the gold is, and due to how much magic the average gemstone holds. I’d rather give him that, but I don’t have money like that.”
Fluttershy’s eyes lit up at the topic. “Oh, I didn’t know that! Is that why dragons have hoards? It’s also a source of food?”
“Yes, actually, though there’s a bit more to it than that. From what I was told, it’s similar to how a bear hoards for food during hibernation. It’s also a show of strength. The bigger the hoard, the stronger you are, since you have to protect that hoard.” Skystrike explained.
“We’re getting off topic!” Twilight stomped a hoof.
Rarity had a face of mild disgust. “Skystrike, darling, how do you know how to cook meat anyway?”
“Oh, well, out of the nine that were in my group, five needed meat to survive… I also had a few pets, which also ate meat… Thinking back on it, only three of us knew how to cook well.” Skystrike poured himself some lemonade.
“But you didn’t even ask me if it was ok!”
“Oh.” Skystrike looked at her. “You know what, that’s a fair complaint. That was a boundary I should’ve talked to you about before. I apologize for that.” Twilight calmed down a bit at that. “So, are you all going to eat or let the food I cooked get cold?”
Several stomachs grumbled when he finished his sentence. They quickly dug into the food, making themselves plates and finishing them, much to his amusement. Rarity wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Mmm, this is simply divine! You must give me some tips on how to cook like this.”
“The secret ingredient… is love.” He made a heart with his wings before chuckling with them. “No real trick to it. It’s just a lot of practice… and a careful mix of seasoning. I ordered a lot of seasonings when I was in Canterlot.”
Rarity looked at her belly and grabbed a bit of the fat. “Hmm… I should hold some restraint though. A figure like this takes effort!” She hit a pose.
Pinkie turned her head to the marshmallow unicorn. “You seem fine to me!”
Rainbow sighed. “No, no, while Rarity and I don’t relate on too much, as an athlete, I know a lot about keeping your figure.” Then she pointed to Pinkie. “You just don't notice because yours goes to your flank.” Skystrike coughed into his drink as Applejack slapped the back of Rainbow’s head. “Ow! What was that for!?”
“Because Spike and Nebula are here!” Applejack pointed to the two. “Time and place, RD!”
“What are we talking about?” Spike looked up from his slice of pizza.
“Rainbow says that like everypony doesn’t notice.” Skystrike bit into his own slice.
They all looked at him. Fluttershy blushed. “...So… you’re looking at our-”
“Sometimes, but it’s not the way you think…” Skystrike rubbed his chin as he tried to best explain it. “It’s like… from my height, it’s not like I see anything, but it’s… a new perspective? Actually, Flutteryshy, stand up real quick. You too, Applejack.”
The two mares next to each other stood up. Skystrike walked over to Applejack and lifted her up to his eye height. “Hey, what’s the big idea-” She began to protest.
“Now look at Fluttershy.”
Applejack looked at him confused, then turned her head to the pastel pony. Her eyes went wide. “...By golly, I think I get what you mean about perspective!”
“...What?” Fluttershy asked.
“Shy, I can see both of your cutie marks.” Applejack began laughing as Skystrike put her down. An embarrassed Fluttershy sat back down in her seat as the realization spread through the table, save for Spike.
Rarity’s eyes shrunk to pin pricks. “...Wait…”
“Rarity, you’re fine.” Skystrike chuckled.
“But… it’s my worst angle!”
“There are worse angles.” Skystrike shook his head. “Think about it. Imagine looking up at Celestia. I feel bad for her.”
They all had the mental image in their head. They all cringed, though laughed at it too. In better spirits, they each finished their meals before waving their goodbyes. While it was fun, the meeting had to end eventually. But they’d meet another day. It’s what friends do.
Another day came. It was around noon now, and Skystrike sat in Ponyville with Stardust being his company. They sat next to the river, listening to the sound of the water as it flowed by. It wasn’t too busy a day, hearing several ponies walk by every once in a while. It was calming.
“Sir, what are we doing here?” Stardust asked.
“Well, nothing in particular. Just enjoying the peace.” Skystrike admitted. “Though if I had to be honest… I get the feeling something is going to happen today.”
“Oh, you get that feeling too?” She asked as she threw a rock into the water, watching the ripples.
“Not too often, but it’s reliable… 80 percent of the time. No idea what’ll happen though.” He admitted. “But I’m also trying to get used to being in town again. This is my first real outing since the Ursa. And honestly, I’m surprised nopony has side-eyed me yet.”
“...Well you did save the town from being leveled.”
Skystrike was about to reply before he heard his name being called. “Nebula! Stardust!”
It was quiet, he would’ve barely heard it if he wasn’t keeping an ear out. He turned his head. “Oh, Fluttershy. What can we do for you!”
“Oh thank goodness!” She began huffing from a long run. “Nopony else is listening to me, and there’s-”
Fluttershy was cut off by a voice behind them. “Listen up!” They turned their heads to see Twilight standing atop a bridge with Spike on her back. “Smoke is spreading over all of Equestria!”
The crowd around them quickly gathered and looked at each other in worry. “That’s what I’ve been trying to-” Fluttershy was interrupted once more.
“But don’t worry, I’ve just received a letter from princess Celestia informing me that it’s not coming from a fire.”
“Oh thank goodness.” Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief.
“It’s coming from a dragon!” Twilight clarified, gettins gasps of shock from the crowd.
“Shit.” Skystrike spoke under his breath. He looked up to the smoke and followed it to a large mountain in the distance. Sure enough a cloud of smoke stretched from the mountain to just above Ponyville. That was one hell of a signal. He, Stardust, and Fluttershy got up at the request of Twilight asking them to meet her at the library. They agreed.
By the time Skystrike arrived, the rest of his friends were there, already talking about it. Applejack looked to Twilight for answers. “What in the name of all things cinnamon swirl is a full grown dragon doing’ here in Equestria?” Applejack questioned as Twilight put down one of the many books she had stacked in front of her.
“Sleeping.” Twilight clarified to the surprise of all present. “According to Princess Celestia, he’s taking a nap. His snoring is what’s causing all this smoke!” She looked back at them as she began packing a bag.
Skystrike was inwardly cringing. He’d probably get in trouble if it got out that the dragon was there because of him… but how was he supposed to know that would be the signal?
“He should really see a doctor. That doesn't sound healthy at all.” Pinkie pie said.
“Well, at least he’s not snoring fire!” Rarity replied “What are we meant to do about it?”
“You could just let me deal with him. Shouldn't take too long.” Skystrike tried to hint at them not going.
“I'll tell you what we’ll do about it!” Rainbow started as Skystrike gave a ‘this mare’ look to Rainbow. “Give him the boot!” She kicked a wooden carving over before Twilight caught it with her magic. Rainbow dived at the carving before Twilight lifted it, making Rainbow dash whiz under it and crash into the wall next to Skystrike, upside down.
Skystrike helped her up. “That is a bad idea.”
“We just need to encourage him to take a nap somewhere else.” Twilight corrected her. “Princess Celestia has given us this mission, and we must not fail!” Rainbow dash saluted her. “Are you paying attention, Skystrike?” She looked over to see him tapping his hoof.
“Oh, yeah, I am. Just… waiting for you to finish so I can go deal with this.”
“Darling, you can’t seriously be suggesting that you and Stardust are going by yourselves?” Rarity motioned a hoof.
“Me??” Stardust shook her head. “I’m not dealing with a dragon, that’s all him!”
“You’re going alone!?” Pinkie’s jaw dropped to the floor.
“Yeah, I… need to be in the area anyway.” Skystrike said.
“Well that makes things easier, you can travel with us!” Twilight said as Skystrike inwardly cursed. “Now, let's go quickly. We have a long journey ahead of us. Let’s meet back here in less than an hour!”
“Ok, ponies!” Rainbow dash began her pep talk. She flew up to Rarity and Pinkie, pulling them into a hug. “The fate of Equestria is in our hooves! Do we have what it takes?” They all gave cheers of approval before trotting out the door.
All save for one. “Um, actually…” Fluttershy whispered.
“What’s up?” Skystrike looked to the mare.
“Oh, well… I don’t want to worry you…” She shrunk down a little.
“I’m not going to force you to tell me, Fluttershy. I’ll listen to anything you have to say.” Skystrike patted her on the back.
“Oh, well…” Fluttershy thought about his offer. “...It’s nothing.” She quickly ran out the door.
Skystrike looked at her, then shrugged before going outside. He had some things to prepare for as well, mostly just backpack space and packing his food for the trip. He gave himself a time limit of a week to gather everything he needed. It should be enough time. But as he walked alone back home, his mind began to wander. Skystrike looked up at the smoke rolling its way across the sky.
It reminded him of his past… back at the laboratory. The smell of smoke was common. After all, it was the most effective magic he and the other numbers had access to. Each time he blinked, the darkness was replaced by a mental image in time.
He sat in the middle of a synthetic field. Only now did he know the grass wasn’t real back then. He blinked, several kids around his age stood around him in thin, white patient robes. He blinked, one of the bigger kids shoved him onto his back. 48’s mocking rang through his mind. He blinked, a punch was thrown. He barely remembered who started it. Weak punches quickly turned to burning magic. He blinked, the smell of burning flesh filled his nose, his hands were covered in ash. He blinked, his breathing got heavier. He felt a hand on his shoulder. He blinked, a hooded figure called his number, praising his performance. He blinked. He was the last of the numbers. He blinked. They said he was ready.
And then he blinked. The memories stopped. He grit his teeth at the thoughts. Skystrike’s only saving grace was that he wasn’t asleep. He’s had enough of those nightmares. He slowed his breathing, then realized that he was back at his house. Skystrike sighed and walked in. He already did food prep earlier, so he just needed to put his food and supplies in his rucksack. Thankfully, he remembered to get an axe and pickaxe recently, so he packed those too.
He had everything he needed for a week of camping, and enough space to bring back materials, two hundred pounds worth. No way he’d bring back that much, but better to have the space and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.
He looked to Stardust. “Hey, I don’t want to worry you, but I’ll be gone for a while. I’m going to be staying around that mountain.”
“Oh?” Stardust’s ears perked up. “What for?”
“While I made you and Spike your weapons, I need to get the stuff to make you armor, and upgrade my own.” Skystrike stretched a bit, popping some joints as he did. “Perfect place to get said materials in that mountain. With some luck, I could convince that dragon for help. But all that said, that means that you and Spike are on your own. Just make him do the basic training you guards did. I left a list on the fridge if you don’t know how to cook, and the groceries you need if you run out.”
“Thanks! Stay safe, sir!” Stardust saluted as Skystrike walked out the door.
He made his way to the Golden Oak Library. Realizing now that there was no way to stop those ponies from going,he could at least make sure they got there safe. He didn’t realize that he was running a bit late, as the rest were already there and getting a pep talk by Twilight. The mare was about to pull out a map before she saw him. “Nebula! There you are! You aren’t normally one to be late.”
“I was… getting my mind straight. Had to leave Stardust a list of things to get done if they needed to. What did I miss?”
“Eh, nothing much. Just talking about the weather when we get up there.” Applejack said. “The plan is to get there before nightfall.”
Skystrike nodded. “Hmm, a sound plan, though bare bones… Sure, it’s not a long trip, but did any of you bring food or supplies in case it takes longer?”
“Well, it’s kinda the reason I’m glad you’re coming.” Twilight began looking at her map. “You have experience with this sort of thing!”
“Yeah!” Rainbow walked up next to him. “Any pointers on how to get up that mountain, or how to deal with a dragon?”
Skystrike thought. “Well, the biggest and most likely problem we’ll have to deal with is rock slides. First thing to do is try to stay as quiet as possible as we go up, since even the echoing of our voice can cause one. In the off chance any of us are trapped under, we’ll need ways to get ponies out.” He thought some more. “As for the dragon, they’re fairly docile unless antagonized. They’re also very prideful, so if anything happens, play into that. If I had to guess about this specific one, it’s probably a very large one, and breathes fire.”
“Well of course it breathes fire, it’s a dragon.” Twilight huffed. “I’ve done my research.”
“Well, not every dragon breathes fire. They can breathe anything from frost to lightning to gas. If you want to be technical, the average fire breathing dragon breathes a magical gas that ignites when a spell is subconsciously casted. The dragon right now isn’t releasing that gas, which is why this secondary spell is releasing smoke. A normal dragon’s breath would be smokeless unless it came in contact with something.”
“And how do you know?” Twilight shot him a look.
“Because I traveled with a dragon who had decades worth of her kind's culture ingrained in her?”
Twilight grew slightly flustered at his answer before looking back down at her map. Fluttershy began walking up to her. “Um, excuse me, Twilight?” She began. “I know you’re busy, but…”
“Uh huh.” Twilight feigned paying attention. “We could go this way…”
“But if I could just have a second…”
“Uh huh… No, we want to avoid that.”
Fluttershy continued. “So, um… I was thinking that… maybe I should just stay here in Ponyville.”
Skystrike was a bit surprised at that, but couldn’t blame her. He waited to see what Twilight’s response was.
“Uh huh.” The impromptu leader said.
“Oh, good!” Fluttershy began walking away. “I’ll just stay here and-
Twilight’s head snapped up from her map as she realized what the pegasus said. “Wait! You have to come! Your way with wild animals is sure to come in handy.”
Fluttershy hesitated. “I-I don't think I-”
“And don’t worry about your little friends in the meadow. Spike has got it covered while you’re gone!”
Spike walked up, several smaller creatures around him, and some in his hands. “You can count on me!” Then a rabbit thumped his head, making him jump and the rest of the animals scatter in different directions. “Hey, HEY! Wait!”
Fluttershy felt the need to worry about her little friends. “I don’t think he’s up to the task!” Maybe…” Twilight began walking away. “But!” She realized her words were falling on deaf ears as she let out a worried squeak.
Skystrike stopped Twilight before she could walk much farther. “Twilight, I’m going to request two things of you. First, don't refer to dragons as ‘wild animals’, and second, at least try to listen to other ponies' worries?” He took a hoof off her chest to go check on Fluttershy, who was… hiding from her shadow… huh… interesting. He looked in the bush she was hiding in. “Hey, if it makes you feel better, I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. And besides, I know you can do this. You’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
Fluttershy’s eyes warrily stared at him from the bush before reaching a hoof out. Skystrike pulled her out and brushed some of the leaves out of her mane. “Thank you…”
They could hear the snoring from the base of the mountain. After several hours of walking, they were halfway there. Well, not literally. Half way as in they just needed to climb up the mountain now. Fluttershy hid behind Skystrike as the snore bellowed down to them. He looked up at the winding path that turned from dirt to stone. If he was alone, he could’ve just flown up. But he wasn't.
“Woah… what was that?” Rainbow Dash flew a few feet into the air and pointed at the mountain.
“That is what it sounds like when a dragon snores.” Twilight answered.
“That’s what I sound like after the itus kicks in.” Skystrike got a giggle out of some of them.
Fluttershy looked up at the intimidating peak. “It’s so… high!”
Rainbow Dash looked down at her. “Well, it is a mountain.”
Skystrike mock gasped. “NO WAY! I thought that was a pebble!”
“Har har.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. I’m going to fly up there and check it out!”
Applejack caught the pegasus by the tail. “Hold on, now. I think we should all go up together. Safety in numbers and all.” She said to the rest of the groups approval.
“Well, for the non-pegasi here, as we get higher, the air will get thinner. I recommend going slow, and controlling your breathing. If anybody feels the need to stop, just say so.” Skystrike looked up at the mountain. “Evidently, that dragon snoring is very loud, and can cause rock slides at any point. We need to err on the side of caution.” Skystrike then stretched a bit before taking the lead and walking up the path, his armor clanking with each step. The rest soon followed his lead.
The dirt path soon ended, leaving a steep slope for them to climb up. Skystrike found the least steep angle and began walking up. It was still relatively safe, but one wrong step could leave any of them injured. He made sure to tread carefully, pulling out and throwing any loose rock he came across off to the side.
Rarity decided to start some small talk. “I heard the only thing that sparkles more than a dragon’s scales are the jewels they use to build their nest!” Her eyes began to sparkle. “Oh! If I play my cards right, I can convince him to part with a few!”
Skystrike looked back at her briefly, then noticed that Pinkie stopped. She put on a gruff voice. “Welcome to my cave, Rarity! Care for a diamond! ROOOOOOAR!”
“Ok, that was pretty good.” Skystrike admitted as they all laughed before looking straight ahead, ignoring the impatient Rainbow Dash flying above him.
“Girls!” Oh. Twilight wasn’t laughing. “This is no laughing matter!”
“Party Pooper.” Skystrike and Pinkie simultaneously said. They both shot each other looks of surprise before pointing at each other.
Twilight ignored them. “Fluttershy, you’re the expert on wild creat- er, this subject.” She corrected herself when she felt Skystrike’s eyes on the back of her neck. What do you think the dragon will be like?” They all looked back when there was no response. “Fluttershy?”
The mare in question was still on the dirt path, hiding behind a bush. Rainbow Dash frowned. “Hey! What are you waiting for? An invitation!?”
Fluttershy poked her head out of said bush before Pinkie gasped. “Ooo! I think I have one in my bag!” She reached in, an explosion of confetti escaping as she showed a ticket. For what, Skystrike had no idea.
He was more worried about Fluttershy, who was still scared of the peak. “It-... It’s so… steep!” She began to shake.
“Well it is a cliff!” Rainbow grew more annoyed. “You could just, I dunno… fly up here?”
Pinkie Pie tried to encourage her. “Come on, Fluttershy! You can do it! Flap those wings!” She even flapped her hooves.
“Oh… okay…” She walked out of the bush and tried. She got a few feet off the ground quite easily. Then the dragon snored once more. The mere sound made her wings lock in place, making her fall out of the air and into the bush she just stepped out of. Rainbow Dash groaned as the grounded pegasus tried to force her wings open despite her fear.
Twilight groaned. “Ugh, we don’t have time for this!” Applejack looked up at the unicorn before taking her map out of her bag. “What are you doing?”
Applejack rolled the map out in front of her and Skystrike. “I’ll need this if I’m gonna take her around the mountain another way.”
“Ugh, AROUND the mountain?” Rainbow groaned before the earth pony slid down the slope. “That’s gonna take forever!”
Skystrike groaned this time. His eyes flickered white. He recollected himself. “You know, I’d rather it take forever than it feel like forever with your complaining.” He jumped down the entirety of the cliff and landed next to Fluttershy. The dragon snored again, making Fluttershy fall over like a goat with her legs in the air. Skystrike looked up at the rest of their friends. “I’ve memorized the path already. I’ll carry her up.” Skystrike took a small blanket out of his bag and put it over his back before picking up the scared mare and doing the same. “Twilight, take point. Make sure to climb safely. Applejack, you’re with me.”
Without giving anypony time to protest, Skystrike began walking, visibly annoyed. Applejack sighed and gave the others a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, girls. We’ll be there lickity split!” She said before trotting to catch up to Skystrike. “Hey, you doing alright?”
Fluttershy was embarrassed. “I… don’t do well under pressure.”
Applejack sighed. “Yeah, tell me about it.” She related. “And you, Sky? I can call you Sky, right?”
“I don’t mind.” Skystrike nodded. “And I’m… well I will be fine. Rainbow Dash is just being Rainbow. It’s the first time I’ve really interacted with her and Fluttershy in a normal setting… I’m more annoyed that she hasn’t really changed since we were kids.”
“Oh, you three knew each other back then?”
He nodded again. “Yeah. And this is a pattern. Fluttershy gets anxious, or whatever the word for this is, Rainbow doesn’t understand and just expects her to tough it out, and I end up trying to make Shy feel better…” He grumbled. “And I don’t mind my role, I’m just surprised it’s still a thing that’s happening.”
Fluttershy looked at him. “Y-you… don’t have to do all these things for me…” She forced out. “I’ll be… fine.” She lied to herself.
“I like doing these things with you because you’re my friend. Applejack was about to do the same, I just also didn’t want to deal with Rainbow for a bit.” Skystrike admitted.
“Yeah, Fluttershy. It’s no biggie. We’re here for you.” Applejack patted her on the back.
“I’m not… too heavy, am I?” Fluttershy asked Skystrike.
The stallion held his tongue. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s not to comment on a woman’s weight.”
Applejack blinked. “Well when you say it like that, it sounds like you’re implying she’s heavy.”
“SHIT!” Skystrike cursed to himself. It at least got a chuckle out of Fluttershy. “No, you are not heavy. You’re one of the lighter loads I’ve had on me. But I will say…” They looked at him. “I shouldn't have increased the weight on my armor this week.”
It took some time to get to the spot where they’d meet the others, but it didn't take too long. Small talk made the time pass by much faster. Skystrike and Fluttershy had a somewhat deeper understanding of apples, while Fluttershy and Applejack were listening to Skystrike ramble on about the process of making his weaponry. They rounded a corner to see Rarity and Pinkie Pie finished playing dozens of games of tic tac toe. Whoever circle was was destroying x. Twilight was walking back and forth below Rainbow Dash, who was flying back and forth.
They all looked their way as they entered their peripheral vision. “We’re here.” Applejack said.
Skystrike huffed, slightly tired from the walk. “Made it. See, that was easy.” He said more to himself. “You good to walk on your own, Fluttershy?” She nodded before pushing herself off his back. “Alright, let's continue.”
And so they did, each of them beginning to follow Twilight ash she carefully followed the path she had marked on her map. Well, save for a light blue pegasus who just flew alongside them. They came to a thin pathway that hugged the side of the mountain. Skystrike looked over the edge, seeing the earth dozens of yards below him. He was glad he wasn't afraid of heights.
Skystrike was currently at the back of the group, keeping watch in case of any accidents that could befall them. Soon, they walked upon a gap in the path, leaving them no choice but to jump across. Rainbow Dash went first, flapping her wings to show the ease of the jump for her. Next was Twilight, Rarity Applejack, and Pinkie, who all needed running starts. Next was Fluttershy, who gulped as she eyed the gap. “Your turn, Fluttershy!” Twilight said from across the ridge.
Fluttershy made the mistake of looking down as she hugged a rock. “But… It’s so…. wide.” She forced herself to look away.
Skystrike zoned out all the surrounding noise as he began thinking ‘Is she serious?’ The gap was a four inch crack that the mare could skip across. Pinkie even showed that she could literally skip over by doing so with a whole song that was hurting his ears. His attention was taken away when Fluttershy attempted the jump, but then looked down and stopped mid jump… Then she caught herself by putting her hooves between the cliffs. He inwardly huffed. He was slightly annoyed, but he couldn’t stay annoyed. He knew she was trying her best.
Rainbow Dash groaned before flying behind the pegasus mare and pushing her but over with her head. Pinkie and Rarity grabbed her forehooves and pulled her over, making the two pegasus fall over each other. Fluttershy gave an awkward smile before Skystrike simply stepped over the gap.
As they moved on to the next part of the path, Twilight looked around to them. “Let’s keep it down. According to my map, we’re entering an avalanche zone.” The rest began to look around with her. “The smallest peep could cause a huge rockslide!”
They all made sure to talk no louder than a whisper. Well, Fluttershy tried, but her nerves were getting to her. “An… Ava… ava-”
She was shushed by Twilight. The only sound that was heard was the whistling wind and their hoof steps. Skystrike made sure to look out for any loose rocks, just in case he could spot one before it even started.
A stray leaf from a tree Rainbow Dash brushed against fell on Fluttershy’s butt ahead of Skystrike. He saw her tense up before jumping on her hind hooves and flailing. “AVALA-” Her scream was ear piercing. Thankfully, she wasn't able to finish her sentence, as Applejack covered her mouth with a hoof. The echo, however, continued through the walls of the mountain they were on. Skystrike inwardly cursed and began looking around with the others. When there was no immediate cause for concern, they gave relieved sighs.
But then a rumbling was heard from above them. Their faces turned to worry as the floor began to shake under them, loose rocks coming undone and falling down the side of the mountain, followed by much bigger ones coming. “AVALANCHE!” Each of them yelled before trying to move out of the way of the rolling stones.
Skystrike focused on the ponies around him, making sure none were in the way. Twilight was quite nimble, diving out of the way of one coming right for her. Applejack just barely got lucky enough for her head to not get crushed. Rainbow flew between each one coming down, while Fluttershy ran back the way they came. Skystrike grabbed the two closest to him, Rarity and Pinkie Pie, and flew out of the way of the landslide: back down the path they came. He saw one rather large boulder reeling towards him. He had no choice but to throw the two to safety and take the rock to the chest. He grit his teeth and thanked his armor for spreading out the force of impact. But he wasn’t out of the danger zone yet. He quickly analyzed his surroundings.
Skystrike didn’t have time to regain his flight, else another rock could come and knock him out, as he was already dizzy and too close to the ground. He dug his hooves into the granite below and pulled, slowing himself before he could fall off the edge of the cliff. He stayed like that until the rock slide ended. “Holy shit…” He panted as his adrenaline ended. “Everypony ok!?”
“Thanks to you, I am!” Twilight nuzzled Applejack.
“Woohoo! Let’s do it again!” Pinkie jumped.
Rarity shook the dirt out of her coat. “Brrr! This is why a lady always packs extra accessories.” She pulled a scarf out of her bag. “...Please tell me I bought the tiara that goes with this!”
Rainbow Dash pointed to the mound of dirt blocking their path up. “Uh, think we got bigger problems than matching our hair bows to our horse shoes!”
Fluttershy poked her head over the dirt and stone. “Sorry…”
Applejack tried to ease the guilt. “Ah, no big whoop sugarcube.”
“Yeah, we’ll just have to… climb over…” Twilight looked up at the mound of earth with a sigh.
Skystrike patted Fluttershy on the back. “Tell you what, while you all do that, I’m going to scout ahead, make sure that nothing is in our way to the peak. If anything is, I’ll clear and mark a path to the top. If not, I’ll meet you all up there.”
Without giving them a chance to potentially protest, Skystrike flew ahead. From the looks, it’d be about another twenty minutes before they’d get to the peak. Unfortunately, that previous landslide blocked one of their paths up. He looked at the paths they had left. The best one seemed to be one that led them around the other side of the peak and under an arch way. He pulled out his sword and carved an arrow in a stone, showing the right direction. He continued to find the best and safest path, marking each fork with another arrow.
He stopped at the peak, seeing the cave where his dragon contact is, noted by the smoke coming out of it. He sighed and crossed his hooves. Normally, he’d have just gone in, but his friends would worry about him. Skystrike found it a bit interesting that he cared about their worry for him… Then again, he did just deal with the Ursa.
The stallion shook the thought out his mind as he heard his friends coming up the path. Skystrike turned his head to them, in order, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie came up. He kept looking at the path they took, wailing for the last one. After a few moments, he felt the need to ask. “Wait… Where’s Fluttershy?”
“She left.” Rainbow groaned. “She’s afraid of dragons. Go figure.”
Skystrike didn’t like how she said that. He looked to the others, who’s faces endorsed what Rainbow said. “Seriously?”
“I know right? After the journey up here and the landslide, slowing us down, she just ups and leaves! You’d think she would’ve told us back at Ponyville!”
Skystrike’s eye twitched. He inhaled deeply to calm himself before flying in front of the mare. “Rainbow, what element are you?”
She was caught off guard by the sudden question. “Uh… Loyalty?”
“Really? Because from what I’ve been hearing during the entirety of this trip, and I have really good hearing, you’ve done nothing but complain about your quote on quote ‘friend’ Fluttershy.” Then he began to mock her voice. “‘You sure we should have brought her along?’ ‘She’ll slow us down!’” His mocking surprised each of them. “Did you ever think of why she didn’t tell you? Any of you? Because when she tried to hint at it, somepony decided what she was saying wasn't important enough to pay attention to…” He shot a look at Twilight before poking at Rainbow’s chest fluff and unfolding his helmet. He was visibly angry. “And you make these passive aggressive statements to her. She didn’t mean to start the avalanche. It’s not fair to blame her. Because of your actions, she couldn’t feel she could talk to you about her fears. And yet she forced herself to come up here, trying her best to make you happy. But noooooo!” He pushed his hoof in. “You, her ‘best friend’ since elementary, decided to ditch her, talk down on her to her face and in front of her friends, because what, she tried her best to not be an inconvenience? So I’ll ask once more, which element are you?”
Rainbow was taken aback by his words and began to stutter trying to find some way to respond. She couldn’t think of anything. Skystrike took his hoof away and began slowly flying past her. “She had her own demons to fight. Just because you can't see or understand them doesn't mean you can just ignore it. I expected better of you…” He sighed as he put his helmet back on. “Don't do anything stupid with that dragon.”
And with all that said, he dove off the mountain, following the path they took in hopes of finding Fluttershy. She wasn’t too far, sitting down where the landslide slowed them down earlier. He landed in front of her, far enough away not to startle her. Skystrike looked at her face, seeing that she was starting to cry. He took off his helmet. “...Room for one more?” She scooted over for Skystrike to take a seat next to her. They sat in silence for a few minutes as they stared at the horizon. “...I figured you have something on your mind… Want to talk about it?”
Fluttershy looked up at him, still holding her head low. “I… I should’ve told them I was afraid of dragons earlier… but I was afraid to.” She began to weep. “It’s just… too much.”
Skystrike patted her on the back. “We all have our fears. It’s up to us whether we give into that fear or overcome it.”
“I try, you know?” She was more speaking to herself now. “Rainbow says I just need to mare up and deal with these things, but I just… can't! I’ve tried so hard, so long. I thought if I made it to the top of this mountain that I’d be able to confront the dragon, but I just… froze. As each snore got louder, my mind just… wouldn’t let me do it. I didn’t want to disappoint you all, but… I did anyway.”
“We aren’t disappointed in you, Flulttershy.” Skystrike rubbed her back.
“...Rainbow seemed like she was.”
“And I had a talk with her. Don’t worry about her right now.” Skystrike looked at her. “But that’s the thing about anxiety. It makes you focus on what others think of you, rather than what you think of you.” Skystrike said. “...I have some advice, if I’d be allowed to give it?”
She sniffled. “Ok…”
“You have to look at yourself in the mirror each day, and you need to decide that you want to be a better pony than you were the day before.” Skystrike pointed to the distance as she looked up at him. “Out there, somewhere, is a you that you strive to be. Everything you wish you were, that version of you is. And each day, each action you make, you get closer and closer to being your best self. I know that you can overcome it. Don't worry about the eyes on you, just focus on yourself.”
“I-... I’ll try?” She was unsure.
“Tell you what, we’re going to say what we want to be better at.” Her eyes widened at his statement. Skystrike smirked at her. “Shout it into the endless sky. That way, it’s out there. We give to this world, and the world will give back.”
“But isn’t that… embarrassing? And won’t it cause another rock slide?” Fluttershy asked.
“I wont tell if you wont.” He held a hoof up to his mouth. “As for the rock slide, the one here already happened. We’ll be fine. I’ll go first.” He stood up. “I WANT TO BE MORE OPEN WITH PONIES!!!” His voice echoed back to him.
“I…” Fluttershy started. She hesitated, but he was trying to make her feel better. She should at least give it a shot. “I want to get out more!”
“Yeah! Now say it with your chest!”
She puffed her chest out and spread her wings. “I WANT TO GET OUR MORE!”
“YEAH!” Skystrike threw a hoof up. “What else!?”
“I… I WANT TO BE MORE CONFIDENT!” Fluttershy kept going on her own. “I WANT TO GET OVER MY FEARS!” She stood up, hearing the echoes of her voice call back to her. “I think… I do feel a little better… Thank you, Skystrike.”
“No problem.” Skystrike looked up at the smoke still coming out of the mountain. He should probably deal with that soon.
“I… Think I’m ready… to try and help with the dragon, at least.” Fluttershy stood up.
The two heard several loud grumbles and thumps, presumably from the dragon. Seems like their friends were trying to get the dragon to leave on their own to mixed results. “Yeah, I think we should get up there.”
As the two began walking up, they heard a rather loud, ground shaking roar as they neared the peak. They looked between each other before quickening their pace to a run. Another roar was heard as a cloud of smoke came down the path, and the sound of something hitting the rock at the corner before it shattered. Skystrike and Fluttershy looked past the broken rock to see the dragon that got them out here in the first place.
It was large, larger than the cave it came out of. The crimson scaled beast bared its fangs at their friends, who were huddled against the rock. Something snapped inside Fluttershy as she saw her friends cowering before the dragon, who clenched its fist and began walking towards them. “How dare you…” She first said quietly as she stared at the unflinching dragon. “How DARE YOU!” She shouted before flying onto the snout of the behemoth. “Listen here, mister! Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you get to be a bully!” She stared right into his eyes. “You may have huge teeth and sharp claws and snore smoke and breathe fire, but you do not, I repeat, do NOT. Hurt. My. Friends! Got that?”
The dragon was taken aback by her sudden outburst, hunching down a bit. His voice was deep, but still soft. “But… that rainbow one kicked me.”
Skystrike made a face, trying not to laugh… and also noticed Rainbow Dash nodding proudly. “God damn it.” He said under his breath
Fluttershy began flying above the dragon. “And I am very sorry about that. But you’re bigger than she is, and you should know better. You should also know better than to take a nap where your snoring can be a health hazard to other creatures.”
The dragon nodded at first. “But I-”
Only to be cut off by Fluttershy. “Don’t you ‘but I’ me, mister.” She sounded like his mother as she put her hooves on her waist. “Now what do you have to say for yourself?”
The dragon hesitated to answer, on the verge of tears. “I was waiting for Dovah Fadhon to come. He sent me a letter and said to send a signal… I thought the smoke would be a good signal.”
Skystrike stepped forward. “Oh, that’s my fault. The goal was for pony contact to be minimal… but I guess I should’ve specified what type of signal you should’ve sent.
The dragon crouched down to be as close to eye level as he could. “Oh, Dovah Fadhon! If I knew these ponies were with you, I would have acted differently.” Then he turned to the others. “Please, forgive my rudeness.”
“Oh, it’s alright.” Twilight pulled herself up. “...Wait.” She turned to Skystrike. “You knew the dragon was coming?”
“And what did he call you?” Applejack got up as well.
“Yes, I knew the dragon was coming. I was going to come here by myself, but someone decided to get the eye of the princess.” He sighed at the dragon. “As for what he called me, it’s more a formality. I was given the title ‘Dovah Fadhon’ which roughly translates to ‘Dragon Friend’.
“So this is the dragon you traveled with?” Pinkie jumped over.
The dragon shook his head. “My name is Kyne Lok. It would be an insult to compare myself to Lady Tethys.” He said humbly.
Rarity blinked. “So… wait, why did you call this dragon here?”
“Oh, I need to get materials to build a new set of armor and weapons.” Then he patted Kyne’s claw. “Kyne owes me one. This guy is taking me to the places where I can get the materials I need. He also breathes dragon fire, which affects the things I make. With that said, I’ll be gone for a little while. A week, two max.”
“Then… why didn’t you say so back at Ponyville!?” Twilight stomped.
“Well, I was thinking about it, but then you ignored Fluttershy and I figured it’d fall on deaf ears. Also, Celestia would be on my ass if she knew before I was able to explain myself.” Then he turned to Kyne. “Can you go and get all the gold and stuff?”
“Can you cook those meals like before? It’s been years since I’ve had a good meal.” Skystrike looked up at Kyne. “I’ll… give you some of my hoard?”
Skystrike chuckled. “Sure. We’ll leave soon. I still have some things to talk about with these six.” Kyne turned around and dragged his belly along the ground as he went back into his cave. “So, sorry about him. I told him to just ward off anypony that came too close. Anyone hurt?”
“No, I think we’re all good.” Applejack looked herself over. “But next time, warn us? I’d have gotten you some apples if I knew you’d be leaving.”
Skystrike chuckled. “The effort is appreciated. But I won't be gone long.” Then he turned to Rainbow Dash. He noticed her avoiding his gaze. “Rainbow…” She slowly looked at him. “I think you have something to get off your chest?”
“Uh, yeah…” The pegasus scratched the back of her head before calling out to the cave. “Sorry, Kyne Lok for kicking you…” The dragon responded by putting his arm in view and giving a thumbs up.
Skystrike blinked. “Well… I see he appreciates it, but that wasn’t what I meant.” He motioned his head to Fluttershy.
She winced again. “Oh… Yeah…” She turned to Fluttershy standing at her side. “I’m… sorry for what I did, and said earlier. It… wasn’t what a friend should do.”
Fluttershy hugged her childhood friend. “It’s alright, Rainbow Dash. I forgive you.”
Rainbow hugged her back for a moment before letting her go. Then she looked at Skystrike. “So… are we cool?”
Skystrike sighed. “That depends on if you think you can be a better pony tomorrow than you were today. If you think you can, and try not to have something like this happen again, then yes, we’re cool.”
Kyne dragged his way out of the cave. “I am ready, Dovah Fadhon.” Then he poked his claws together. “Can we get some food on the way? I haven’t eaten in a while.”
Skystrike nodded before looking back to his friends. “You all gonna be good getting back on your own?”
“We’ll manage.” Twilight said. “I guess we’ll see you when you get back?”
Skystrike jumped on Kyne’s back. “Yeah. I suck with goodbyes, so just make sure to take care of yourselves.”
And with that, he tapped Kyne’s back. The dragon spread his wings and began flapping, taking off into the sky. He looked back to his waving friends before Kyne sped up. They soon became dots in the distance. “So, Dovah Fadhon.” Kyne got his attention. “Where to first?”
“Keep going west. Steel Spiders are native to south-west Equestria. Hopefully, I can convince one to give me some of its thread.” Skystrike said. “For you, I hear that the bears there taste pretty good.” Kyne began to turn his wings. But then Skystrike had a thought… well, more a memory. He’s been trying to be better himself, rekindling past friendships. Might as well try one more while he was in the area. “On second thought, turn to the east. There’s some beings that I have to see.”
Kyne landed a ways away from their destination. The land was barren, crumbling to dust under the weight of the dragon, and no greenery to keep any would be dirt in place. Dead trees littered the landscape, few holding onto the illusion of life as their leaves have since dried up. The hills were more akin to spikes, all pointing to his destination in the center of the valley.
A large, rocky, hive like structure stood in the center. Several jagged spires pointed towards the sky, while the base of the structure housed many countless holes. It was the Changeling hive. It was welcoming at one time in his life. It’s been years since he came by… since he got banished. He didn’t have any hopes for this place anymore, but on the off chance something would go well, it was worth a try.
“Thanks for the ride, Kyne. I’ll make sure you get a good meal. Wait here for a bit.” Skysrtike said as he hopped off the dragon. Kyne nodded before curling up on his side. He began walkin to the hive, each step feeling heavier as he went. He thought about going as a human, but he was more known for his pony form. He felt eyes upon him as he got closer and closer.
Now only a few dozen yards from the entrance, several Changelings began moving to the side as he walked. Each with mixed feelings. Most were not in favor of his banishment, but most couldn’t go against Chrysalis. They knew he wasn’t welcome, but they also knew they couldn’t stop him if they tried. He walked through the entrance and down the blackened halls. The place hasn’t changed much, but there are new pathways now. He looked around, making eye contact with a Changeling that was walking by. This one seemed familiar. “...That you, Grubbonax?”
The Changeling nodded. “Yes… I am surprised that you remember me.”
“Well, you were a friend of Elytra’s.” Skystrike took off his helmet. “How’s the years been treating you?”
“Well… could be better.” He admitted as he nervously flapped his wings. “I’m sorry, while I’d like to talk more, I’d get in trouble with even this level of interaction. We aren't even allowed to speak your name.”
Skystrike sighed. “I’m sorry, old friend. Just point me to the throne, and I won’t take any more of your time.” Grubbonax pointed down one of the halls. “Thank you.” Skystrike said before they went their own directions.
He followed the path he was pointed down. His body remembered from here, as the older paths were on the inner layers of the hive. The black walls turned gray as he walked deeper and deeper. Soon, the only way to go was up. Skystrike turned his head to the ceiling. Winding staircases were seen coming from every which direction. He started flapping his wings.
His destination was the throne room. She would be there. He could feel a certain gaze on him from the moment he was in Changeling territory. But he was stopped short by a dozen Changeling guards, noted by their bug-like helmets shaped into mandibles. One spoke. “Turn back, Traitor. The pantheon blessed you by allowing you to come this far in.”
“No, I don’t think I will.” Skystike stopped his ascent and crossed his hooves. “I’m here to see Chrysalis, though it has been a while since we’ve seen each other, Labrum.”
The Changeling crossed her hooves and scoffed at him. “Do not speak as if we are allies, especially after what happened to the past queen.”
“Yeah, I guess Chrysalis wouldn’t tell you what happened, huh?” Skystrike sighed. “Not that it matters. Everyone who ends up knowing gets banished too.” He flew a bit closer. “I do not wish for violence, just to speak to Chrysalis for what will likely be the last time.”
“And what if we wish for violence?”
“Is that a rhetorical question, or are you just slow?” Skystrike chuckled. “I figure you all will get in trouble if you let me pass, so I don’t blame you for trying to stop me. But is this really worth it?” They flew in front of him, unwavering. Skystrike sighed and tried to fly past them. Labrum put a hoof on his shoulder and hissed at him. “...Very well, we’ll do it your way.” He quickly turned around and grabbed the Changeling. His metal hoof had five digits pop out of it, them wrapping around her neck. Skystrike saw she was trying to charge some magic, and in response, pushed her back into the wall of the spire, winding her. He looked at the hesitant Changelings around him before loosening his grip. Several went to catch their fallen comrade, while the others glared daggers at him.
But none dared to stop his ascent once more.
Soon, he flew in upon the throne. A wide base and back full of holes stood in the center of the room. Skystrike was more interested in the Changeling on it. She was much, much taller compared to the others around her, and actually had hair, compared to the fins the common drone had. Her harlequin eyes met his purple. “You…” She seethed. “Why are you here?”
Skystrike flew high enough to be eye height as he took off his helmet. “Oh what, I can’t check on family? I was in the area.”
“We are not ‘family’, betrayer.” Chrysalis stood up. “You have a lot of nerve, especially after I banished you.”
“I could say the same to you, but I’m not here for an argument.” Skystrike sighed and crossed his hooves. “I admit that our last meeting should have ended better, but my statement still stands.”
The queen grit her teeth. “Why are you here?” She repeated.
Skystrike blinked. “Very well, straight to the point. I am trying to better myself. To do that, I need to confront my past, and that means you and the hive. I want to at least extend a hoof.”
Chrysalis laughed in his face. “After you got my mother killed? You can rot for all I care!” She stood up from her throne. “I hope the guilt eats away at your skin for the rest of your miserable life.”
Her words hurt, he had to admit. But… “It’s about what I expected.” Skystrike said. “Very well. Hopefully, this is the last time we’ll see each other. Unless you know, your dumbass plan forces me to step in.” Skystrike began to fly backwards and put on his helmet.. “But despite everything that’s happened between us, I still love you, Chrysalis, and I wish you and the hive the best.”
No more words needed to be said between the two as Skystrike began making his way out of the hive. Hope for the best, plan for the worst is how the saying goes. But he couldn’t confidently say that he was prepared for this outcome. Honestly, he just wished things could’ve been better. Somehow, things could have turned out differently.
Skystrike walked up to Kyne. Kyne noticed that his body language was different. He was sluggish, and his head wasn’t held as high. “Dovah Fadhon, is everything alright?”
Skystrike nodded. “I’ll have to be. Head west. There’s nothing here for me anymore.”
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Я пока не читал, но надеюсь зайдёт.
Plizz more
This is awesome
. Hope there will be more in the future. Keep up the good work 
.
We need more chapter 10.
Eh-hee~ yes it is~
Jk it was funny!
Fight club vibes