> A Home for fallen stars > by K_moonshard > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > What If? {Rewright} > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why is there No (Good) Queen in Equestria? What if I told you there was. What if I told you she stands guard where no pony else can. Keeping Equestria safe day in and night out. What would you call her? Would her name be? What would she even look like, and what would she do to see the world she left behind. Could one little slip up over the course of one thousand years alone change the fate of the world, or could it simply be a drip in the ocean of events to fallow. ~~~~ Two Thousand years ago (unknown Location) ~~~~ "Celestia ......" A fallen alicorn queen lay beaten and scared, calling for her eldest daughter. "Celestia its safe now, Come here." Celestia no bigger than twilight, stumbled in from behind a broken castle pillar. Holding a little blue alicorn foul in her magic. Running to her mother’s side sobbing. "M....Mommie...Why did he do this." Trying hold her consciousness and body together as long as she could. The queen swat to comfort her daughter. "He is not a bad pony, It is simply who he is." (Cough) "I have to go now." the queen’s body started to break down in to what can only be described as starlight. (Cough) "Your brother is just too powerful. He cannot be allowed to run free. I need you to be my big girl now..... Take care of Luna. You are queen now. I have to watch over your brother." Her body almost fully consumed. She kept a smile on her face the whole time. "No Mommy...” (Yelling)"Why? Where are you going?"(Sobbing)"....you can’t die...." "I'm not dying, I have to guard your brother....I..." The queen’s body was almost all gone now." I love you and will always be watching over you. Be safe, grow healthy and protect your sister and Equestria..." At this point there was nothing left but a disembodied voice and a young sobbing Celestia clutching a small blue alicorn foul. The now queen of Equestria had lost her brother her mother and given literally the weight of the world on her shoulders. But you know her story the ups the downs, but how did everything get so bad in in a short amount of time? ~~~~~~one thousand years ago~~~~~~~~ Imagine the deepest darkest pits of tartars. Do you have it? Good. Now go past it, somewhere forgotten in time lost to the ages. There an alabaster white alicorn with a flowing red mane sits in silence. The same deafening silence it has been for the last thousand year. "......It’s her birthday today....Luna I wonder what kind of princess you've become I hope you and Celestia are getting along well." "...." A Smaller alicorn Stallion, Coat as black as the deepest night and a mane that seemed to be a moving portrait of a black hole swallowing up the stars. Lay in the corner of the room silent as he has for the last thousand year's. "You're sisters, I know they miss you.” (Or at least Celestia would I don't know if she would tell Luna about you.) she thought to herself. "...." "If you would just talk to me. I could teach you to balance your power." "...." "You are not a bad pony, in fact you're power is necessary for balance in Equestria. Please Just talk to me." "...." (Sigh)"Very well, But I think I can be with them in a small way now." She whispered. The former queen of Equestria lit her horn as little as she could as to try not to draw the attention of the other occupant. Opening a portal to outside world she lets a drip of what can only be described as liquid magic fall into her hooves. One eye, that looks as though an eight pointed star was shoved into his face, creeks open. A mischievous smile from this dark alicorn horn is set a glow. ~~~~ 5 mins earlier (cloud castle lower stratosphere) ~~~~ In a castle forged of clouds. Too high for any Pegasus to fly too sisters celebrate a birthday alone and in peace as it has been for the last thousand years. But this birthday would be one to change the course of history. "Tia come on I want you to see what I can do now." Luna now 1000 years older has just received her cutie mark. Today is her first day on the job as princess of the night. "Tia come on were going to be late." "Calm down Luna there's still 10 minutes left before you have to raise the moon." Celestia almost fully mature now. Although longer, she still had a solid pink mane and tale. Stepping out onto the cloud surface in to the open light. Celestia and Luna prepared to do what they do best. Celestia charged her horn to lower to sun and Luna did the same to raise the moon. As they go about their duties in assistance with the horde of unicorns on the ground. The ponies of Equestria are unaware of the existence of the princesses. This is how it had to be for now. Celestia was not ready to rule over the citizen of Equestria. So she was concerned with keeping Luna safe. The ponies down below has their problems but nothing they could not handle. "Good job, Luna." Celestia said as she smiled down at the existed looking Luna. “It will get easier over time." "I hope so, Tia" Looking over the edge of the clouds Luna smiles. "Look Tia, There all going to sleep I bet there going to dream of magic sheep." She giggles looking over the edge. "Tia, I'm So happy I hope things never change." "But Why?".......A wispier looms in Luna mind. "hu?" "But why......Why Do they look so happy and play when the sun is out and not when the moon. The moon you worked so hard to show every pony?" Luna Still looking over the edge of the cloud smile erased from her muzzle replaced now with a look if concern and confusion. "Why....is that?" "Luna?" Calestia asked. ~~~~~Back In tartars (1 min prior)~~~~~ The portal ready to go, the former queen smiles at the liquid magic in her hooves. That has now taken a uni-pony shape. “Go Look over my daughters help them and guide then where I cannot." With that the former queen gently blow at the pony shaped magic so that it may travel to her daughters. At the last second a dark mass about the same size rushed past the queen’s muzzle into the portal. A flash of concern and confusion rushed across her mussel. Looking to the only other occupant of her current location. "What did you do?" "Just wanted to make thing a little more interesting for my sisters....."Then the black alicon fell silent once more. "Celestia,Luna please be safe, Starswarl will be there to help guide you." "....hump..." "Whatever you have done you will lose." "Mother.....This is not a game of winners and losers..........It's Just a game. A game everyone had to play, and chaos is the best kind of fun." "......oh Murphy....." After that moment Equestria would be changed forever. > What do Nightmares fear? {Rewright} > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The doors of the throne room burst open. "Princess Celestia!" a pink alicorn yelled franticly, "It's getting worse, I don't think we have much more time." Shock and fear fell over Celestia's face." Buy as much time as you can, I will not lose her again. I will send for Twilight. We will need her help if things get out of hoof." Cadence, fully understanding, nodded and left the throne room to return to Luna's room. “I will have to employ an old method of getting ahold of her. I just hope he’s somewhere close." With a quill a paper Celestia starts to wright: My dearest Twilight, It is of the upmost importance that you get to Canterlot at once.... **********Back in pony Ville********** "Twilight!? Twilight?!" Spike was looking and yelling franticly through the castle halls looking for Twilight. Where else would she be but the library. "Spike!?" Twilight asked. It has been many years since they lived together. Years ago Spike out grew his childish love affair with Rarity and moved on to others more his speed and age. For some time he tried dating other dragons, but soon realized he was more pony than dragon, at least on the inside. After several hit and miss dates with fillies in Pony Ville the one that stole his heart was Sweetie Bell, the sister of his childhood love. It took time for every pony to realize this was not just a young fling. It was even more shocking when Sweetie Bell got pregnant. No pony could believe it was even possible, it had never been done before. But there she was, Gem Song, a lavender coted pony/dragon hybrid. If not for her scaly mane and tale and her hooves having claws on them, she looked to be an ordinary earth pony. It took a long time for every pony to except that this unspoken taboo had happened. The adults, excluding Twilight and friends, shunned the couple. Gem dealt with a lot of bullying in school. Although over time most would come to accept her and her parents all the same. Spike now lived in town with his wife Sweetie Bell and Gem. He had grown over the years, not into a giant rampaging dragon, but into a taller more defined version of himself. He was now at eye height with Twilight. Not to say Twilight had not grown in to her alicorn embodiment with a longer horn, longer legs and a slimed out figure. "Spike, what are you doing here? Where's Sweetie Bell?" "She's at home with Scootaloo. Don't worry I'm not going to just leave my 7 month pregnant wife alone.” Scootaloo has been helping a lot. There's not really much for me to do other than take care of Gem and the house." With her concern subsided she asked "What had you in such a panic to find me?" "Oh yeah" snapping back as to why he was here in the first place "I got a letter from the Princess." Holding out a scroll. Twilight used her magic to take the letter from him. Twilight had a look of utter confusion. Ever since Spike moved out Celestia always sent a messenger hawk if she needed to get ahold of her. "What does it say?" Spike had not read it because ironically the letters sent thru him where not often for him. Twilights face went from confusion to fear to downright panic in a matter of seconds. Leaping to her hoofs Twilight bolted for the door. "I'm sorry Spike but I have to go, I have to get to Canterlot right away." "What's going on?" Spike keeping up with Twilight as they ran through the halls of the castle. “Is there something wrong with the princesses?” "The princess said that she needs me in Canterlot immediately. All I know is that it has something to do with Nightmare Moon returning." "What!? Nightmare Moon?!" Spike stopped in his tracks. "We need to get the elements..... Wait we don't have the elements of harmony anymore. What are we going to do?" panicking Spike thought of the only thing he could. “We need to get everyone together and come up with a plan." "Spike we can't, the princess said in her letter "(I don't want to cause an unnecessary panic. The situation is under control for now. We would like your help in resolving things in order to prevent the return of Nightmare Moon)." "I don't know Twilight, I still think we should at least warn every pony." "All we will succeed in doing is putting everyone in a panic. Besides, Rainbow dash is still in recovery from her training accident, Applejack is prepping for apple bucking season, Pinky Pie is still on her laugh-a-palooza tour with Cheese Sandwich, Rarity is in Las Pegasus for her fashion show, Flutter Shy is 8 months pregnant, and Discord is not going to let her out of his sight. Heavy in thought Twilight was right Spike thought of how things had changed over the years." hmm, I guess your right well then I'm coming with you." This caught Twilight off guard. now standing at the door of her castle " sighing, very well but you have to tell Sweetie Bell where we are going and tell her there nothing to worry about. We don't need her worrying herself in to an early labor." The two shard a laugh then went their separate ways. "I'll meet you at the train station ASAP." Spike knew it was not his wife he had to worry about if gem found out he was going to see the princess without her she would be furious. He knew if Nightmare moon was involved this could be dangerous but he couldn't tell them that. All he need to do is in form his wife and avoid his daughter. Easy right? *****45 mins later at the train station***** "Where is he?" the purple alicorn was talking to herself, drawing in attention from by stander. "The Train to Canterlot will be leaving in 10 min's". The anointments was well received by every pony within ear shot. Twilight wanted to wait for Spike. But she had to be on this train. "TWILIGHT! TWILIGHT I'm Here" Spike came running around the corner with hast. "Spike, Thank Celestia you made it, now let’s get going." Twilight turned to get on the train when spike stopped her. Spike looking guilty. Like he just had gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar tried to speak. "All ready to go Twilight," the dragon bit his lower lip. "Only one small problem". Twilight stopped in her steps, "Problem? What kind of problem?" The shamed dragon turned his head as not to look Twilight in the eye. “Well I Told Sweetie bell I was going to see the princess and that nothing was wrong so......" "Grandma Twilight!" Catching Twilight off guard a lavender Drakony jumped to lock her hooves in an embrace only a child could muster. No one actually knew why gem called Twilight Grandma. Spike never referred to her as him mother and as far as any pony knew no one had told her otherwise. Secretly Twilight Loved it. "Spike Why is Gem Here" Trying not to sound like she did not want to see her Granddaughter but still sound concerned at the same time. "Well I told Sweetie Bell There was nothing to worry about and gem wants to meet the princesses so here we are" Spike said still not making eye contact. "It's ok Grandma Twilight I will behave really well, I promise." Thinking to herself, she did not actually know if there was any danger to avoid and she just like Spike could not say no to that sweet little smile. In a sigh of defeat Twilight Gave in. "Very well but you have to do exactly as we say no fussing. Deal?" The little filly got up on her hunches "Cross My Heart Hope to fly stick a cupcake in my eye". Knowing the filly would likely still be a filly twilight and Spike looked at each other with a look that said ("Yeah right....We are going to have to keep an eye on her"). "The train To Canterlot Is now leaving all adored" Twilight looked at the conductor giving him a nod then back at Spike and Gem. "Well that’s us let’s get going." "Yeah train ride, I Love trains daddy.” "This is going to be a long trip." Spike already looking tired One energetic little filly and a long train ride later Twilight, Spike and Gem arrived in Canterlot. Now it’s was time to make their way to the castle and the princesses. "Twilight!" an orange Pegasus was making his way to the small group. "Flash!" Twilight took off fly off to meet him midair. Hovering in the air embracing each other and make out in an unfiltered expression of P.D.A. Since Twilight and flash got marred flash rotates in his guard duties from home in Pony Ville and Canterlot as the current captain of the royal guard. Twilight and Flash broke away from there embrace looking into each other. Then Twilight remembered they were not alone looking down at Spike and Gem. Embarrassed twilight and flash hovered down to the ground. "Grandpa Flash" "Gem, what are you doing here?" "I came to see the princess" Flash took a second to look at Twilight in a moment of confusion. "Princess?" "Ah yeah princess Celestia sent a message that she wanted to see me." "Yes, I know that's why I am here when I heard you were coming I wanted to see you in fallow me." Making their way to the castle Twilight had to ask. "Flash do you know what's going on what's wrong with Luna ....." flash put his hoof over Twilights mouth. "I am sorry but not here the princesses will explain." Making their way thru the castle they were not heading to the throne room as Twilight had thought. They made their way to a room in the Sothern tower with a moon crest on the door. Stopping at the door flash spoke. "Twilight, Spike please make your way inside the princesses will be waiting for you.” Flash looked at Spike trying to converse with his eye's (you do not want her in there). Hoping Spike got the message. Flash looked to Gem. "Gem how about you and I go see if we can find some ice cream I'll bet I can even find some rubies to go with It.?" Gem did not look as if she was even the slightest bit interested in ice cream. "But I wanted to meet the princess." She said There it was again flash had caught what none of the others had. Gem was a smart girl she knew including Twilight there was 3 other princesses But She crept saying princess as in one in particular but maybe it was just a slip of the tongue. "Now Gem me and Twilight have work to do I told you that at home." Spike had to put on daddy mode as to sway any arguments from the little filly. Sigh.......”ok daddy" Looking at Flash now. "I want a lot of rubies and sapphires too." "Ha ok I'll see what I can find for you, let’s see if we can find some of your dads old secret stashes" With those two on their way to find treats for Gem, Twilight and Spike made their way in to the room before them. What they saw upon entering was concerning, confusing and scary to say the least. Celestia and Cadence standing over a passed out Luna on her bed. As they entered the room and approached the 3 at the bed. Twilight and Spike took notice of Luna. When they got in the room Spike closed to door behind them prompting the others to take notice to their presence. Celestia and Cadence noticed them and Cadence made her way to twilight. "Twilight thank you for coming. "It’s nice to see you, But Cadence why are you here and where's Shining Armor?” "Shining Armor is still in the crystal empire there been some problems as to who my father might be, But that's for another time. Right now I need you and Spike to prepare your selves for this." “For what?" "Well......" "Cadence she’s wakening up." Celestia spoke with a mix of concern and hope in her voice. Cadence did not react immediate, instead looking back at Twilight and Spike. "Don't freak out everything is under control........Kind of" Her words did not reassure them. But they chose not to question it and made their way to the end of Luna's Bed. Luna was sitting upright in her bed at this point she still looked like the same old Luna. Then as anyone would do, she yawned revealing half of her teeth sharp, one eye slit as a predator focusing in on its prey. Twilight and Spike Panicking at first "Nightmare Moon!" Twilight taking notice of the look of sadness on Luna's face at their reaction and taking note that no one else was freaking out. Looking to Celestia for an explanation. "What's going on? Why is Luna Turning Back into Nightmare Moon after all these years?" Spike still in freaking out making it hard for Twilight to Concentrate. "Ahhhhhh!!!!!! We have to get out of here, we have to warn everyone, what do we do? We don't have the elements of harmony and .......omg Gem! Gem is in the castle we have to get back to Pony Ville and panic there not here panic at home yes...." "SPIKE!!!"Twilight got his attention now Spike only now noticed he was floating dew to Twilights Magic grasping him. "Let’s hear out the princesses before we decide to panic." Spike looked around to see no one else was panicking. Looking a little embarrassed he calmed down. With Spike calm Now She put him down looking back at Celestia “Please continue princess." "Thank you Twilight, So as you may or may not know Luna and I Recently returned from an extended trip to Saddle Arabia. We were called to help with a monster causing nightmares to come to life and with Luna's abilities to filter nightmares out of dreams we had a lot of work cut out for us. 3 weeks in is when things started to get bad we had yet to find the monster and Luna was getting over whelmed with the demand but oddly enough she was getting better at it. She was getting stronger at first I thought this was great. Then I saw the first sign of Nightmare Moon. She started to like the fear she took from the pony's so much so she started to cause some just to take it. After we dealt with the monster. We returned to Canterlot but Luna had locked herself in this room, because well…... I'll let her explain the rest. Luna are you up to explain why you wanted them to come?" "WHAT!" Twilight and spike yelled in unison "But princess I thought you sent for us." Twilight said not understanding the situation anymore. "I did twilight but only because Luna insisted on it. She said to send for you if she showed no sign of getting better. She said only you may be able to save her from herself." "We are sorry to mislead you Twilight sparkle." Luna spoke with a raspy echoed voice. She was obviously fighting to stay in control. "Let us explain why we needed you. When we take away the fear and nightmares from the pony of Equestria. We do not simply get rid of them we take them into our self. It makes us strong, as long as they can be controlled. But there is our artifact that helps when we have too much power it turns the raw emotions in to what you know as Star Dust." Twilight was somewhat lost trying to take everything in at once. "So you need this artifact to stop Nightmare moon from returning? "Yes it is the only thing outside of this room that can help" "There's still something's I don't understand one Why didn't you send Celestia or one of the royal guard or even just go get it yourself?" "We do not trust in our self to make the journey and stay in control. This room is actually a prison of our own designee, as long as our power remains evil we will be put to sleep in an endless nightmare so as not to cause harm to any pony else, like last time. As too why we did not ask our sister or sent our royal guard.” Luna looked as though she was trying to pick her words carefully. “They would not have been able to reach it.” "I see and two why haven't anyone asked why Spike and Gem are here?" Celestia and Cadence looked at each other in a moment of (oh yeah). But Luna sat there and smiled then she spoke softly. "So she was able to make it." "What!?" Spike spoke out of concern for his daughter involvement in this crisis. "What do you mean she was able to make? You knew she was coming?" Looking to give the fearful father an explanation that would set his mind at ease she spoke softly. "We have not been completely truthful with you, you see........." (BANG)....someone was banging at the door. (BANG - BANG). The door flung open and in came a lavender flash bolting past Twilight, Spike, Celestia and Cadence. Tumbling on to the bed only to be stopped by Luna's hoof. When everyone realized it was Gem the first thought was ("This is bad, She's going to cry and scream in fear") But what they heard next was so unexpected it took them all a moment to processes. "Hahahaha.......Princess Luna I Made it See I told you I would get my daddy to bring me along" "You did indeed young one but we think everyone else here is confused and we believe your father is still afraid of us." Gem looked back at her dad who was standing in shock with his mouth hung open. "Daddy you’re not being mean to Luna are you?" "Me?...Her, but She's......Gem what's going on please explain." "Princess Luna asked me to come along to help her. She said I was the only one she could ask for help and she's my best friend." That line caught everyone off guard spike had to ask. "How do you even know the princess?" “This is where we cut in you see Spike.” Luna said, “When Gem was dealing with the bullying at school she got a lot of nightmares about it. We helped her get thru them and have been talking every night since. But this is not why we asked her to come. We need her to..."before she could finish talking Luna collapsed into her bed barley keeping conscious. "We do not have long, Go to appaloosa look for anyone named Moonshard. They are the only ones who will be able to get you to our Moonstone. Find one of them tell them what is going on." Slipping in and out of consciousness Luna was trying her best to finish talking before passing out. "You must take Gem with you they will not help you without her. My children can be so stubborn. One last thing you must tell them this first to get where you need to go ("there is a fallen star here looking for a home"). Only then will they know we sent you personally." With Those last words Luna passes out." "Don't worry don't worry princess we will get the Moonstone I promise. Right daddy?" Gem looked at her dad for an answer. "Well I guess there’s only one thing left to do" "What's that daddy?" "No one tells Sweetie Bell" "haha, ok daddy" Calestia standing at Luna's bedside. Twilight makes her way to talk. “Princess Calestia do you happen to know why Princess Luna said Her Children?” "No, but I think you will soon find out. This time it is not Equestria in danger this a request from me to you twilight. Please do what you have to get this Moonstone and get back. If it is the artifact I think it is only she can use it. So u have to get back before she sleeps forever. "We Will princess." > unpure {Rewight} > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ha hahaha" Spike was laughing so hard he almost fell out of his seat on the train. "So you’re not mad at me daddy?" Gem looked up at her father as an angle. Then at Twilight “You’re not mad are you Grandma Twilight?” “Spike it’s not that funny." Twilight was held her hoof to her face." And no Gem sweetie I'm not mad at you." "Oh come on Twilight. Flash got locked in a pantry by a 9 year old. I find that funny." After leaving the princesses, it occurred to every pony that Flash was supposed to keep an eye on Gem. She admitted to tricking Flash into a pantry closet because she was "afraid of the dark". Flash was not too upset with her thou. After explaining everything. They stayed the night and left for Appaloosa first thing in the morning in search for some pony named Moonshard. It would take an entire day’s ride to make it there. Mare's and gentle colts we will reach out destination of Appaloosa in 10 hours. "Ahh....It has been some time since we visited Appaloosa, hu spike?" "Yeah the last time we were there was before you were born gem, I wonder how Braeburn is doing." "Daddy who is Braeburn?" Spike was about to answer her question. Before he could he was interrupted by a loud scream. "Ponies of car 9, we have a message for you there is something you need to know about your destination." The unicorn that spoke for the group of 8 looked a little off. His grey mane looked as if it had not been washed in some time. His companions did not look much better all of them looked dressed for the desert climate, but they looked as though they had not seen a bath in months. "My name is Purebred and we are here to inform and locate the abominations that have been traveling to Appaloosa. ("Abominations?") Twilight thought to herself. "These abominations are the unholy hybrids that have been poisoning by other species other tarnishing the pony blood line. My associates and I seek to purify the unclean. The other 7 ponies with Purebred started checking the passengers. The first was a group of 6 scared ponies they did not put up a fuss. Twilight could not simply sit and watch as this happened. Not only because her own Granddaughter was a hybrid, but Equestria was a safe haven to all species not only ponies. Maybe if she revealed herself to be a princess she could avoid a fight that would put the passengers in harm’s way. So she would have to be patient, the leader seems to be the only unicorn of the group. He would pose the most threat. Looking around Twilight could see 6 other unicorns in this car alone. Assuming they would be able to help and there was no others with them in the other cars she may need their help. To avoid collateral damage. 5 rows in it seemed they had not found anyone they were looking for but they were drawing ever closer to Twilight, Spike and gem. “We thank you for cooperating with us. You’re doing the right thing. Together we will purify Equestria. “They made it to a young stallion who was traveling with a foul no older than 4. "This is not right!" the stallion stood and yelled. “Equestria is home to all kinds of love.” Purebred who had been simply been watching over the search up to this point trotted over to the young stallion. “Do you think we are the enemy?" 3 other stallions came to Purebreds side. "We are trying to preserve the future of our species." Purebred looked past the stallion on to the young mare. "Restrain him" 2 of the stallions grabbed the now immobilize stallion. "Young lady what is your name?" "TAKE IT OFF I SAID!" one of the other stallions with the group was having trouble with a passenger under a cloak. "I SAID TAKE OFF THE HOOD." the passenger did not comply. The stallion lunged at the passenger who was by the look of her mussel was a mare, She simply kicked the stallion away sending him flying, this caught purebreds attention away from the young trembling mare. Trotting over to the scene of the commotion. "What is going on here you fools can't handle a single mare." Purebred lit his horn shooting a white aura at the mare she made no move to get out of the way or escape. Pure bred removed the mare's hood reveling a black coat and green maned mare. Then she smiled. In a low raspy tone she spoke. "You think you are making Equestria a better place? It’s Ponies like you that is wrong Equestria.” Purebred looked at the mare as tough he had heard this a thousand times before. Then she smiled and spoke. “There’s only 1 thing I will tell you. You fools will never find Star town?" For whatever reason this caught Purebreds attention. “Who are you!?" The still floating and restrain mare burst into green flames reveling herself to be. "A changeling!" Twilight yelled over the crowd. But something was off. Her mane her body, no holes and a full mane still barring the webbed wings and bug like feathers. Twilight's yell must have caught her attention as well, but not only to her but she made notice of spike and gem as well. Meeting eyes with Twilight she winked. As the changeling charged her horn and in a flash they were all gone. Purebred and the others. "Twilight, what was a changeling doing here" spike asked "I don't know spike, but whatever it is it can't be good. I'm going to check the other passenger to make sure everyone's OK. ~~~~~~~~~~10 hours later at Appaloosa train station~~~~~~~~~~ "Well at least the rest of the train ride was uneventful." Spike said with relief in his voice. "Yes but there no time to relax now, we have to find This Moonshard and find out what Purebred and that changeling have to do with Appaloosa." Trotting thru Appaloosa, Twilight and Spike asked every pony they saw. But no pony seemed to know anyone buy the name Moonshard. "Twilight...Twilight!" That over excited country voice could not be mistaken. "Breaburn!" Twilight caught sight of Breaburn as he was approaching. "I knew it had to be you, Word travels quickly when a princess is in town. What brings you to this side of Equestria?" "Well........" "Daddy I’m hungry" Gem interrupted. "Well get you something to eat soon honey, be patient for daddy, OK?" Breaburn took notice of the small foul calling spike daddy. Then looked back at twilight who was about to continue her explanation as to why they were here. Breaburn put a hoof to her mouth and shook his head with the oddest smile on his face. "Ah I See, go down the street 2 blocks to the right a bar named The Cherry pit, Tell the Bartender. His name is Last Call. Tell him who you’re looking for. Oh and congratulants. "With that Breaburn took his leave no explanation or reason as to why. Confused but Grateful for some kind of a lead. Twilight, Spike and gem made their way to the bar. Upon entering the bar spike and Twilight noticed it was oddly clean for a bar. But they paid no mind as they made their way to the bar something came to Spikes Mind. Ponyville was used to having a dragon in town so some shops had come accustomed to selling gems in there menu. But this was way out in the country. Gem could eat hay, oats and other greens but wanting to be like daddy she had grown accustomed to eating gems. "Gem sweaty, you’re going to have to have greens in till we get home, OK sweaty?" "Are you going to be eating them too daddy?" "Yes" "Then it’s OK daddy" ("Child logic") Spike thought to himself. Twilight was the first to make it to the bar. "Excuse me Sir" getting the attention of the bar tender. "Would you happen to be Last Call?" "Why yes I am you highness, How can I help you?" "We are looking for some pony." "Well I know a lot of ponies your highness you’re going to have to be a little more specific than that." "Well I don't know their first name but the last name is Moonshard." The bar tender noticeably twitched at the mention of that name. "Humm, Can’t say I know any pony by that name, sorry." "Really? Well thanks anyway we will have to keep on looking." Spike was helping gem up to the bar. When Twilight told him the bar tender did not know this Moonshard pony. "Ah I see now." Twilight and spike did not know who the bar tender was talking to. When they turned back to see, He was giving gem a bowl of sapphires from behind the bar. Then he turned his attention to Twilight and Spike. "Up stairs third door on the right is a guest room. Sorry there's only one bed. Twilight and Spike as confused as ever each for their own reasons. But before they could ask. "He won’t be here until morning. Even then I can’t guarantee he will talk to you." “He?” Twilight said. Is there any way we can reach him sooner? It’s an emergency.” “Unfortunately no he goes home at sunset, he stops here to make a daily delivery. But outside of that not many ponies know how to get ahold of them. Feel free to stick around here or go see the town but there’s not much we can do until then.” Spike and Twilight didn't know what to make of today but this was the only lead they had on saving Princess Luna. Gem was just happy she did not have to eat greens. They explored the town to try and find Breaburn but oddly enough he was nowhere to be found. Even stranger Twilight and Spike had prepared themselves for the same reaction to Gem as Purebred on the train. But this was not the case at least not in the majority case. ~~~~~~The next morning~~~~~~~ "Mr. Call sir, Can I have some juice and more sapphires?" gem was well rested and riled up as always. "Good morning, Last Call." Twilight said "When will Moonshard be here?" Turning his head to look at booth the corner of the room. "He's here, but he won’t be awake for Seville hours." "That’s him?" Twilight took notice of a clocked figure sleeping in the booth. "He’ll have to wake up now, this can’t wait." "That won't go well and you’re going to want that dragon with you as well." Was this going to get violent? That he thought Spike would be Extra protection? "I have to try" Twilight ignored Last Call's warning. Trotting over to the clocked pony. "Excuse me are you Moonshard by chance?" A twitch came from under the cloak. "My name is Twilight sparkle and We need your help." No movement. "I was sent by princess Luna." another Twitch. This time the pony spoke in a half asleep voice. "Can’t help you come back........never." Twilight was getting upset she did not have time for this. “Look you Princess Luna is in trouble and she said you could help. So help us, help her." Twilight was noticeably yelling at this point." Spike had come down from the room and had a few sapphires himself before joining Twilight after she started yelling. "Twilight is everything OK?" spike asked The clocked pony made no movement. Then Gem joined them "Daddy can we go get some candy?" This time the clocked pony made a sniffing sound without removing his hood he spoke. "You young Drakony, what is your name?" None of them knew who the clocked stranger was talking to. “Daughter of dragons and ponies........what is your name?" "Her name is Gem.....Gem song, why?" twilight took to a defensive stance. Remembering the incident on the train. And not wanting to take any chances. "Gem Song What a lovely name" He said in a softer voice then before. "Why are you here?" Twilight lashed out in irritation. "I told you Princess Luna needs help!" No Movement he simply repeated himself "why are you here?" Now Twilight was getting really upset. "I told......" spike stooped her from blowing up again in the middle of the bar. "Twilight remember what Princess Luna said." Twilight had forgotten all together. "There is a fallen star here looking for a home." The cloaked pony finally moved arching his back to stretch out and removed his hood. Twilight and spike were frozen in fear buy what they saw. Gem on the other has screamed."AHHHHHHHH! Oh wow your just like flame charge. Do u know him?" This caught everyone off guard. Even the previously cloaked pony/wolf hybrid guy. Who was now giggling uncontrollably? "What?” Gem said confused. "Gem Sweaty, are you saying you know him?" "No. But I know someone like him. Princess Luna let me play with him before in my dreams." Before Twilight, Spike and Gem stood not a pony well not fully he looked to be a wolf in a pony’s body. A gray coat his mane had streaks of blue and green. They could only amuse his tale if he even had one was the same and when he stretched, we're those wings? "Hay Call Let Me Get another hard cider." Moonshard called out. “To answer your question Gem, Flame charge is my nephew. As for you too you can stop staring at any time." "Sorry it’s just we've never seen any pony like you." Twilight said "If you don't mind me asking what are you?" "I am a hybrid like little Gem here, by the way where is her mother?" Spike caught this question. "She's back home, she was to pregnant to come" "A second child? You must really love this little pony and you haven't come to us before you must live in a nice place. Even here I can only come to this bar. Sad I know but the drink is good." Twilight did not want to seem rude but Time was not on their side, At best they only had a few days left to save Luna. “I’m sorry to interrupt but we were sent here to find something to save Princess Luna from slipping into an endless nightmare." "I heard you the first time. Now look right now there's nothing I can do you'll have to come back at around 6pm. before we can do anything, but I suggest you get more sleep before then you’re going to need it. "Time is not on our side every second counts." twilight made sure her point was heard. "I understand that but there is nothing we can do while the sun is up." They did not understand what he meant but even spike could see the sadness and concern in his crimson red eyes. "Very well we will be back at 6:pm." twilight said turning to go back to the room. "One last thing before we go what is your name?" The wolf/pony looked up from his newly refilled drink. "Keba........Keba Moonshard." > A lost kingdom > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "......Princess..........princess, it's time" Twilight awoke groggy and disoriented. “mh.....Spike?" "No princess it’s Keba." Twilight made notice of the still cloaked pony hybrid. Startled still by the sight of him she shot up out of bed and took flight to put distance between them. “Ah..... Oh Keba, it’s you. Is it finally time?" "Yes we should get going we have a lot of things to cover before we get there." Turning to head back out the door. "For starters that reaction to other is not going to bode well for you there. Even if you are a princess." "Sorry this is still new to me." Twilight landed behind Keba fallowing him out of the room. “Where are Spike and gem?" "They are down stairs awaiting you, apparently getting a young drakony to sleep in the middle of the day was asking a bit much." Keba smirked. Twilight and Keba Made there was to bar. Where they rejoined spike and gem. Keba informed them it will be a 3 mile walk to their destination. So with no time to waste they headed on their trip to. Almost two and half miles in and this is the first any of them have spoken a word. Keba figured with them drawing near there destination. This was as good a time as any to get them prepared for what was about to happen. Or at least as much as he felt they needed to know at this point. "Ok we are almost there." "Where? We are in the middle of the desert." Spike hissed at him. "The entrance to Star Town. Is well hidden out here." ("Star Town?)" Twilight thought to herself. "(I've heard that before, but where.............The train the changeling on the train said something about a Star Town.)" Twilight did not know what a changeling had to do with this Star town, but before they were going to go any further she was going to get some answers. Keba came to a halt in front of a large wall of rocks. "We will rest here before continuing. If you have any concerns or questions now is the time to make them known." He sat on in haunches and looked directly at Twilight. His red eyes seemed to pierce through the darkness of the night. "How did you?" Twilight did not know how he caught on to her concern, but it works to her advantage. “I do have questions before we proceed." He simply sat their looking at her." You said were going to a place call Star Town?" "Yes" "What is it exactly, I've never heard of it before yesterday, you happen to be the second po... wol....um, indusial too mention it.” "Hmm... pony is fine I am half pony on my mother’s side Pegasus to be exact...... Wait did you say second?" "Yes on the way here we got searched, on the train by a group of ponies lead by a pony named Pure Bread." A twitch in his left eye. “And he mentioned Star town to you?" This was the first look of what twilight thought she would call fear on his face. "No. There was another pony or changeling more so. She was confronting Pure bread and his gang. Just before she disappeared with Pure Bread and his group." Keba's face became noticeably more relaxed. "Why would a changeling be trying to protect a place princess Luna sent us too?" "I can and will tell you, but first I think I should tell you more about Star town’s history. Hundreds of moons ago after the fall of Discord. Luna wanted to create a new home for the children who were haunted buy the nightmares of their dark time under discord’s reign. Without sleep they were able to see the beauty of the night. But Celestia forbid her to dived the ponied of an already weekend nation, she did not listen. Luna guided 12 young ponies to a new home one free of fear of nightmares or judgment. But knowing her sister would not let this new home for them go against her ruling. She hid it away.” “Do you understand so far?” Both Twilight and Spike nodded. Gem on the other hand looked bored. “I already know this.” Spike looked slightly shocked at his daughter. “How do you know this? “Flame Charge told me when we were playing.” “Oh, I am still very upset you never told your mom and me about you talking to the princess or about the bullying.” “I told mom about the bully’s. She didn’t want to tell you because we knew you would just get all riled up and start a big fuss.” “You’re darn right I would have. Someone picking on my baby girl…..” “Spike, Gem. “Twilight interpreted. “I don’t think he was finished and we can talk about this later. Ok?” “Ok” “Ok” Twilight nodded and looked back at Keba. “Please continue.” “Right….. Anyway keeping the rest of Equestria's nightmares in check and keeping up her appearance with her sister, kept her away for long spans of time on end but never too long. Because they were so young, they came to calling her mother of the night. Over time more lovers of the night came and what started as a small town grew into a small kingdom. Luna's power alone could no longer cloak the town and we were becoming too noticeable. So she left her alicorn artifact with us to protect us. That is what you’re here for. She had never been separated from her artifact for long. So she could not have known about the effect of being away from it that is when she started her decent into becoming Nightmare Moon and you know the rest. "Keba could see this was not answering her question but she seemed to have an interests in the history lesson. “After Luna's imprisonment the ponies of Star Town decided they would continue to lead by their mother’s example taking in those lovers of the beautiful night and those who needed somewhere to call home. Without judgement or premade assumptions." "Oh wow" Twilight and Spike seemed ah stuck. "But how does that answer my question about the changeling? And what is an alicorn artifact?” "I did say all who needed a home. Now princess when you go to Stair Town. You’re going to have to forget everything you know about good and evil races. The only evil ones are the ones like Pure bread. And to answer your question the changelings name is Nova Moonshard." "Wait what! Moonshard? Are you related or married?" "She wishes, but no. The name Moonshard is given to the descendants and successors of the original 12 ponies who founded the town, and still sit as its counsel. She was on that train to escort some others back to Star Town. She is there now and trust me. If you stick with me you will run into her again.” Twilight did not look too excited about that information. "And I don’t know all there is to know about the artifacts. What I do know is they are powerful artifacts that can only be used by alicorns and they all have specific priorities. From the rumors and knowledge I have gathered. You are familiar with several of them. The Crystal Heart, The Moon Stone Now and I am sure Celestia has one as well. Your crown is one as well. I’ve also heard there was once a dark king who succeeded in making a new one. That unicorns could use, but I am sure that was just a rumor. So, now knowing our history and our secrets are you going to be able to keep them even if things don’t go as planned?" "Secret?" spike asked "Yes, it is not only for the sake of keeping the ponies and other residents of Star town safe. but also because Calestia still does not know of us and until Luna says otherwise or it is unavoidable we intend to keep it that way." Twilight, Spike and Gem all looked at each other "Yes!" "Very well, I guess I have no choice but to take you at your word. You will have to convince the rest of the console to let you take the moonstone." Keba made his way to a cluster of rocks shifting them away to reveal a small cup nothing spectacular just a normal looking wooden cup. Keba noticed the confusion of twilight and company. He grabbed a small sharp rock out of the cup with his paw. “Long ago when Luna was watching over Star Town it was up to her to open and close the gate. After that it was set as a simple pass code, but...." he paused as to choose his words carefully. "There was an incident." These days the only ones who can open the gate are console members and Luna and only with blood." Ruffling under his cloak extended his wing. It was grey at the top with brown feathers extending much further than most Pegasus but smaller than a griffons. A small cut on the tip of his wing where the fur has refused to grow. He took the small blade like rock and cut along the grove. With a wince he hovered the dripping cut over the cup. Lights of dark blue espier like orbs flew out of the cup and into the ground nearby. A light rumble and a zap later the ground erupted an archway of stone ancient runs carver into the stone. Twilight noticed that these where part of Star swirl the Bearded's tomes of sealing. "How did you learn these?" Twilight asked He didn't even make a motion to look at her. "I'll bet you thought the Star Swirl wing in canter lot was all of his research." Now he looked back at Twilight. As the gate reached its full mass and swirls of blue light radiated between its pillars. "That's only the research the princesses deemed safe for display. We have the rest. From the hidden vault in the castle of the two sisters." With that Keba turned to enter to gate. With one last glance back before entering the gate. “Welcome Princess Twilight Sparkle. Too Star town.” On the other side of the gate the world changed around them. Now standing at the top of a hill that that was just moments before an open plain. Twilight and spike looked in ah at the castle town of Star town. From where they were standing they had a view of most of the town. Too the west what appeared to be a clam but active volcano. Too the East a river or large pond could be seen. In the center was a smaller then Canterlot, but Still big enough to be noticed as the centerpiece of the town castle. The castle was surrounded by a mixture of what looked like homes or shops. Twilight thought to herself. (“Everyone must be asleep. Because the town Looks abandoned.”) Twilight looked over at spike. Who seemed to have come to the same conclusion. Gem on the other hoof look absolutely ecstatic. “Keba. Where is everyone?” “Asleep” That’s what she figured. “So why did we have to wait until everyone was asleep. If we needed to talk to this counsel?” Twilight looked slightly irritated at this point and was notably trying to keep a clam tone. “You odiously know what we are here for and what could happen if we don’t get back in time.” He made no reaction to counter argue. “(In time?)” He wisped almost inaudibly. “Look Princess. First off, here you have no power or ruling. If I could I would give you the Moon Stone right now. So you could be on your way to save our mother. But one of us cannot give it to you. Most decisions take majority vote to do without Luna present. Second, the gate is designed not no open until to moon is at its peak in the sky.” He took steps to stand in between Star Town and Twilight. Looked Twilight right in the eye. ”And third, I told you this is a place for the lovers of the night, a home for those with nowhere to go, a home for those who have lost their place in the world. This is a home for fallen stars. Behind keba lights started to come on. The streets started to light up music could be heard in the distance. What could only be described as unfiltered moonlight washed over the town. Twilight and spike looked in ah. This was star Town, Luna’s Kingdom. Keba was smirking. He knew he timed that out perfectly. Trying to take a moment to bask in how cool he look. Was cut short by Gem. ”Daddy daddy look over by the volcano. Dragons!” Both Spike and Twilight looked to confirm what she said. “Oh Wow honey, your right maybe we can go see if any one we know is there.” Spike knew this was unlikely. He grew up with ponies and they gave him a hard time when Gem was born. Outside of Ember spike tried his best to keep Gem out of sight of other dragons. So as not to cause her any more emotional harm. “Wait, why are their dragons here?” He looked to Keba for answers. “I told you this is a home for all how need a place to go. Other than ponies there are dragons, griffons, wolfs, deer, buffalo and” Keba felf the hairs on the back of his mane stand on end. “And” he took a quick step to the left and something crashed where he was standing a moment ago. When the dust settled he was looking down at a green Pegasus with a blue mane.”(Sigh) And one Changeling.” “Owe, Why Did You move? That hurt.” The Pegasus stood up and jumped from the small creator she created to glomp Keba. Wrapping her arms around him she seemed as happy as a filly to see him. “I knew it had to be you coming true the gate. I could feel you.” Keba looked contempt and irritated at the same time. “I asked you before not to jump on me at full speed like that. And you’re in town now why are you in disguise?” She looked down then at Twilight and wisped something In Keba’s Ear. “Ah.” He looked up at Twilight. “Princess Twilight.” “Huh” “I know you have a past with changelings. But here in Star Town no one is held accountable for the cations of others of their species. Is that something you can agree too?” Twilight look like she was arguing with herself. Before looking back at Keba and The Pegasus and nodded. “There see now come on get out of that” The Pegasus looked like she wasn’t sure what to do. So she berried her muzzle in Keba’s neck and her body was engulfed in green flames. When no scream or torches came she let go of Keba’s neck but stayed close to him. He smiled and waved a paw motioning to her. “This is Nova Moonshard. A Changeling with a heart.” Over the past couple years more research has been done on Changelings. Among other things they have found out that other than Queens drown Changelings don’t have hearts. This is why both Twilight and Spike looked like their jaws were about to fall off their facieses. And gem just looked confused as to why they looked so surprised. “Well du she had a heart. Everyone has a heart.” Gem said with the confidence only a child could have. This brought a smile to Nova’s face. (“If only the rest of the world could see it the way she dose….”) “No sweetie.” spike said to correct his daughter. “No Changelings, Other than Queens have hearts….. Wait are you a Queen?” “..Um…ua…..No” Nova sounded. Not sad but contempt in her words. “Wait” Twilight interjected. “All of our research on Changelings had pointed to only queens having hearts.” “Princess Twilight! Take a moment to actually see Nova. Outside of your own assumptions” “hu?” Twilight couldn’t tell if he was speaking from a place to protect a friend or a lover. But what he said confused her even more. “What do you mean I can see her right…..” That’s when it struck her. She really look at her. To look past the fact that she was a Changeling. “No holes? Your body, there are no holes on your body.” “Um…yeah the Changelings from Equestria are the offspring of Chrysalis. Is told that years ago she used dark magic to rip out her own heart. The holes on her and her offspring is a physical manifestation of that act.” “So you’re not from Equestria?” “As far as I know, no.” “And you don’t feed on love?” “……….” “Do you?!” “I can feed on love but…..” “But?” “But she only feeds on me.” Keba cut it. “On you? So that means…” “That means it is none of your concern.”keba looked slightly annoyed. But he knew he had a job to do. “Nova, enough of this chit chat I need you to send out a message. To all of the console members, we need everyone back ASAP. It concerns The Moon stone.” “Oh no. what’s going on?” “It’s Luna, she’s in trouble. I’ll explain more everyone gets here.” “ok. But it might take some time Bloom and Frost are both out on retrieval missions to for new families.” “I understand, get the message out over the console link.” Nova nodded and was about to take off but before she could. “And after that come find me. We need to talk about why you did not report a run in with Pure bread.” Nova looked like a filly caught with her hoof in the cookie jar. “haaaa….yes sir.” Nova flew off in the direction of the castle. “Well it’s going to take some time before they all can be here.” Twilight looked like she was about to give a retort. “Before you even start. I told you things may not go as you want. If it was just up to me you would be on your way to Canterlot by now with the Moon Stone.” Twilight didn’t like what she was hearing but she had no choice. This was not her kingdom she could not just waltz into the Cristal Empire and start barking orders. Nor could she do so here. “Look Princess this is a new kingdom for you and things may not go as you want. Why not take some time to see our people and understand what we have to protect?” “……..well I suppose there not much else we can do. What do you say spike, Gem?” “Maybe we can go to that volcano and see how dragons here live.” “hum?” Keba looked confused. “Well I must say I’m impressed. Even among our citizen your kind and the lava dragons don’t really get along.” “What do you mean my kind?” “Wait she was sirius? You really don’t know where you’re from.” Spike looked hurt and confused. “My egg was found in white tail woods. So no I don’t really know much about myself.” “hmm…well maybe coming here is not going to be a waste. Spike you are not a lava dragon, you are what we have come to calling an Aquadrid. A water dragon.” “A water dragon? But who, what, How?” “Go to the lake. Learn something about yourself.” Spike looked at twilight. Then at Gem. “Well this is big news, why not. Twilight are you coming?” “Shure Spike. I would love to learn more about dragon culture.” So they were about to make their way to the lake. “I would have thought you would like to see the library before the meeting.” “Library?” “Yes, and the rest of star swirls is on public display here.” Twilight looked at spike with a look of (please). When it came to new books twilight was no better than a school filly in a toy store. “Go on twilight, gem and I will be fine. With that they parted ways Spike and gem to the lake, keba and Twilight to the library. “WAIT!” Gem made sure to be herd before everyone parted ways. “I want to see flame while we are here” “He’s in school at the ill send him you way when we see him.” Keba tried to reassure the young drakony. She seemed to be satisfied with that. So on their ways they went. > Spike & Gem > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight and Keba, Spike and Gem went their separate ways. After being informed to meet back at the castle in 3 hours. It took all of 3 min before Spike regretted splitting up. While from the over view on the hill it looked like a straight shot to the lake. Upon entering Star town it became more apparent that the town was like a maze of homes, stores and combinations of the two. It didn’t take long for them the get lost. “Um” Spike tried to get the attention of some one. Anyone who could help them find their way, but something seemed off. “Excuse me!” on this particular street a majority of griffons and ponies could be seen and they were all giving spike and Gem that same look. Spike could not place it but Gem knew that look all well. “Daddy, I don’t think they want us here.” At this point Gem was near cowering behind her father’s leg. These days spike found it less intimidating to walk on all fours. So Gem was basically under him hiding. “Look were new here and are just trying to get to the lake. Could someone just help us?” No one made a move at this point one could have sworn the street and everyone on it was frozen it time. “We came here with this Moonshard guy.” A few of the bystanders looked at each other like they were about to speak but didn’t. “Spike?” A familiar voice came from what appeared to be a coffee shop. “Uh? Yeah.” “Haya spike! I was wondering when you were going to get here.” “Braeburn!? What are you doing here?” “Daddy that’s the guy from Appaloosa.” “Yes honey he’s an old friend of ours and Aunt-Applejack’s cousin. But Braeburn what are you doing in Star town?” “Well shucks ah live here, well most of the time. Me and ….” Braeburn was interrupted by a buck tapping him on the shoulder. “Do you know there two?” “Oh yes, Spike and Twilight must have come thru the gate with keba. Look see that the little Drackony with him. That’s their daughter.” The mood changed drastically with Braeburn vouching for them. “Oh! So you’re just new to town. Now it make since well welcome, welcome to cherry boom café. Come in try our signature cherry coffee. First drinks on the house. My names Joe.” Waving them in Spike lead Gem into the café and sat with Braeburn. “So how about a cherry coffee with crushed rubies on top and a strawberry milk for the little one. “Shure. Thank you” “Daddy I want sapphires on mine too.” Spike looked at Joe as to say (“If you don’t mind.”) “Not a problem little one. I’ll be right back with that and welcome to Star Town.” Joe walked off to get there drinks. “So Spike are you going to introduce me to this little gem here?” “Yes, this is Gem Song my daughter and her mom’s not Twilight. It’s my wife Sweetie Bell she’s still in Pony Ville.” “Oh wow, one already and another on the way and this is your first time to Star Town. That’s impressive you two must really love each other a lot.” Braeburn said as if he was praising him for some great feet. “Well yes we do but what does that have to do with us having two kids?” His expression changed all together from joy to confusion. “Wait you really don’t know do you?” “Know what?” “Haya Gem. If it’s ok with your daddy, could you go see what’s taking that old Joe so long with our drinks.” “Can I daddy?” “Go on sweetie but stay where I can see you.” Gem jumped up out of her seat to go find Joe. “So, what don’t I know?” “Look I don’t want you getting paranoid. Especially with a child on the way.” The way he was speaking did not help to calm spike. If anything it had the opposite effect. “Look the chances of a child being conceived by two different species are 1 in 5000 and if by some chance you are able to conceive. The chance of the child being not being still born is less than 1%.” The weight of what he was saying came down on spike like a pile of bricks. Speechless was an understatement as to how he was feeling right now. “This is basic knowledge for those who live here. Now I don’t know the science behind it all. What I do know is that outside of here it the closer you are to absolute true love. The chances increase exponentially.” Gem came up happy as ever with Joe in tow. “Daddy, daddy look they look so good.” Stopped abruptly at the edge of the table. She could see the look of shock on her father’s face. “What’s wrong daddy?” Spike all of jumped up and grabbed Gem in the biggest bear hug he could manage without hurting her. “What wrong daddy?” “Nothing Sweetie, I just so lucky to have a daughter like you. I love you so much.” “I love you too daddy.” (“That smile could melt ice and flood the world.”) Spike thought to himself. “Flood, lake! Oh yeah the lake. Braeburn can you take us to the lake. We wanted to meet the water dragons that live here?” “Well heck yeah ah can. Although it’s still early so most of Em won’t be awake yet.” “Early? It’s the middle of the night.” “Oh your guide didn’t tell you?” “Tell us what?” Spike took a sip of his coffee. (“This is good.”) “It’s always night here.” Nothing short of a comical spit take later. “What how is that possible?” “Daddy it’s because that’s how the original founders wanted it.” Gem continued to drink her strawberry milk. Both Spike and Braeburn looked at her questionable. It took just a second for Gem to notice. “Princess Luna told me.” “Well shucks there you have it. I’ll tell you what why don’t we go see Little Strong Heart. I’m sure she would love to see you.” “Little Strong Heart is here too?” “Well yeah she’s my wife.” 1 hour, several stops including a gift shop that was all too eager to welcome the little Drakony later. Spike, Gem and Braeburn were finally on a completely residential street. “Our house is at the end of this block. Heart’s should be up and moving by now.” “She doesn’t wake up with you?” Spike asked “I help export our crops to Appaloosa. So I have gotten used to being awake for 18 hours at a time. She spends more nights then not, here. She is also trying her hardest to get pregnant so she spends a lot of time relaxing and eating as many raw Star Drops as she can.” “What are Star Drops?” “Well they used to be sunflowers. But they were grown here with star dust fertilizer.” “And what is star dust?” “Well star dust is….” Braeburn looked confused for a min. “You know I’m not sure. Bags of it is brought from the castle almost daily. What I do know is its put into almost everything here and it’s what’s gives us our luminescent glow.” “Glow? What are you…?” Then Spike looked at Braeburn. Really looked at him. If you weren’t looking for it you would miss it every time. Braeburn and now that he thought about it everyone he had seen up to this point had a faint glow like moon light reflecting off the ocean. “Oh wow, so that how everyone knew we weren’t from here?” “Well that’s one of the reasons. Used to be in the old days fouks would welcome new comers with open arms.” His expression changed from joy to pain like someone flicked a light switch. “But with recent events everyone’s scared.” “What happened?” “2 years ago the gate used to be open to all who knew where to find it. But.” He looked to be on the verge of tears now. “A year and a half ago. A pony half dead and dehydrated was lost it the desert. One of the caravans coming back found him and brought him here. To save him, to spare you the details he hurt a lot of us. While we have been safe ever since the gate was locked what he did has not been forgotten. By some more than others.” “Oh, wow I had no idea. I am so Sorry.” “It’s times past. Ah’m just happy hearts wasn’t living in town at that point. Speaking of here we are.” The house they approached was simple in design. Stone wall straw roof and a simple lay out. “Gem sweetie why don’t you go knock on the door see she’s awake.” “Ok” Spike grabbed Braeburn to back him up a little. “One last thing, if you don’t mind me asking. What was that ponies name?” He almost looked pained to say his name. “His name was Purebred.” After some snacks and catching up. Spike, Gem and Braeburn headed to the lake to meet the dragons who lived there. Spike was surprised to see Little Strong Heart. She was not so little and more fully grown now she filled out well. But as per her routine as her put it she wanted to stay home. On the way out she had made it a point to tell Braebun to get back Aasap. “hahaha, I told you she really wants to get pregnant.” “Yeah I think we got that.” Spike said flatly. Trying to relay how little he wanted to in vision that. “So now we are heading to the lake?” “Yes. They should be up by now if only a few.” “And I’m going to see flame in person.” Gem was so excited to see her friend. Outside of dreams and today she never known others like her. When Luna first introduced Flame charge to Gem. She was a little scared other than her father, Ember and 4/12th of discord. She had never seen any other predators before. ******(FlashBack)****** This is where Princess Luna and Gem would often use as a back drop for their meet ups. The Pony Ville School playground during the day a place she was forced to play alone but at night. Her favorite place in the world. “Princess what are we going to do tonight?” The 6 year old Gem loves seeing Princess Luna. Every night she came to stop the nightmares and play with her. “Can you tell me more about your castle? Or the, what was that word you used…hydra, hybin, hymen?” Lunas face could have been mistaken for a cherry on that last one. “Hybrids young one. And on I’ve got to tell you there are some things that need my attention there. So I won’t be able to come as often anymore.” Gem was on the verge of tears at the news. “But you’re my only friend. No one else plays with me.” It was heart breaking to see the little Drakony like this. She wished with all might that she could just tell Spike and Sweetie bell to come to Star Town. So she could be happy when she’s awake too. But she couldn’t risk it yet. How would Calestia take finding out and now this business with some pony named Purebred. No she could not risk the safety of all her children and the loss of her home. “Now, Now Little one we would not leave you alone. We want to introduce you to someone.” Luna looked to the school. “You can come out now.” The school door opened and what came true, Gem had never seen before or expected. Hiding behind Luna she looked at the young boy or so she thought he was a boy. He had a light brown coat but no mane. His tale was long and thin with a red and yellow tuff at the end. Gem thought it was cute it looked like a little flame. He had paws in the rear and what looked like chicken feet in front. His wings were sharper than any Pegasus she had ever seen. But what scared her was his muzzle. He was smiling so she could see rows of sharp teeth. His eyes were big and yellow as the sun. “Princess I thought I was going to meet someone here?” “You are, she appears to be a little shy at the moment. Come on out little one there is nothing to be afraid of he is a friend.” While still not making eye contact gem came from behind Luna and sat down next to her. “Gem, this is flame Charge. Flame Charge this is Gem she lives in Pony Ville.” “Hi Gem, I’m Flame Charge.” No Response. “Do you want to play a game?” She shifted slightly. “Hey you are a hybrid like me. That’s cool.” Gem finally lifted her head to look at Flame. “Yeah, my mom is a wolf and my dad is a griffon. What about you?” “My dad’s a dragon and my mom’s a pony.” “Oh so you’re a Drakony, that’s so cool!” “Really?” “Yeah there’s not a lot of drakony’s in Star town.” “You live in Star town? What’s it like there?” “What’s it like in Pony Ville?” “You first.” Luna cut in before this went on and on. “I think you two will be just fine. Now look when you’re both asleep the school will be the link to between of your dreams. I have other things to attend too. Have fun.” From That night on they played every other night. Talked about their day what they learned at school that day. Over time became the best of friends. *******(End Flashback)******* “Here we are.” Braeburn said as he, Spike and Gem stood at the edge of a beach. That would have been empty if not for them and maybe 7 others on the beach seaming to wait for something. “Great we made it just in time.” Spike was about to ask, in time for what? Before he could a rumbling could be heard from the lake. The water started to ripple and from the lake and what could only be described as a small town in and of itself rose from the water. “What is that?” “That’s The Lakebed district. Home of the water dragons and their families.” An unfamiliar voice caused them all to jump. But only Gem jumped toward the boy. “FLAMIE!” She tacked the boy to the ground in a hug. Spike thought was reserved for him. “You made it. You’re really here.” Gem looked like she was about to kiss the boy on the cheek. “ehem” Spike cleared his thought causing them to jump apart. “Gem, Why don’t you introduce us to your ………. Friend. “Oh, sorry sir you must be Gem’s dad. My name is Flame Charge I’m her bo…”He was quickly silenced with a claw around his mouth from a now cherry red faced Gem. “FRIEND! This is my friend Flami…. Flame Charge I call him Flamie because were best friends.” Gem was wearing the biggest please believe me grin as a single bead of sweat rolled down her face. Flame looked confused at Gem. “Right. What she said.” When he looked back at spike. He could have sworn his heart stopped for a good minute. Spike looked at the pair with the most (you’re joking right) deadpan look on his face. “Well I am glad to see my daughter has such a small, I mean fragile my bad.” He smiled showing all his teeth at once. “I am glad to see my daughter has such a good and honest friend.” He said in the Iciest voice he could muster. This was one of those moments Flame was so glad he used the bathroom before going out. “Yes sir” barley able to get a word out. Because he was still starring at Spike’s teeth. “Um, Like I was saying this is Lakebed district. I could give you a tour if you’d like.” “No that won’t be…” “That would be great.” Braeburn interrupted. “You’re going to need a guide and I need to get home. Flame was it? Look you’re going to have to clear them with fouks around there. They haven’t been here long enough to get our shine.” “How is this boy going to help? He looks too young to find his way around his bed room let alone a town.” Spike said. “Um sir I don’t mean to interrupt but. When Gem and I started da…ooph” He was cut off by a kick to the ribs by the Drakony standing next to him. “I mean when we became friends. I wanted to know more about her and water dragon culture. So I spent a lot of time here.” “Ugh fine. But no funny business. Just take us to the library or wherever we can learn about their history. Then you can go. We are only going to be here a short time then were heading back to the castle.” Spike said a matter-o-factly. “Great so you know your way back to the castle.” Spike knew he didn’t have any way around that. So instead of a response he just turned and huffed. “Well Ah’ll be on my way. I’ll see you two around and it was nice to meet you too Flame.” Braeburn waved and went on his way home. Spike nodded and headed in to the city. Before realizing he did not know where he where he was going. “Well lead the way boy.” “How about we just go straight for the library that’s about the best place to learn about water dragon’s history. Or we could ask the locals.” “The Library will be fine.” As they made their way thru the Lake bottom district. Fame informed them that it was a relatively straight shot to the library. So while they walked Spike was awe struck by the culture he never knew about. Buildings made of coral, wingless dragons of all sizes. Spike couldn’t help but talk to almost everyone he passed by. Admittedly everyone here was a lot more welcoming than others in the castle town. With Spike in his own little world. Gem and Flame could talk with a little more freedom. As they walked trying to hide from Spike. They had their tails intertwined drawing the attention of some of the stalls they past. With vendors yelling thing like “you go girl” and “Is that the girl you were talking about Flame? You were right she’s a looker.” If he could he would have died from embarrassment. But trying to act strong he held strong with a smile on his face. “So why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have prepared something?” “I would have, but when I found out I was so excited I couldn’t sleep and when I did you weren’t asleep yet. So I couldn’t and besides isn’t this more fun?” “Fun is one way of putting it. A happy heart attack is another.” They shared a laugh. “But really I was on my way to school when my uncle caught me and told me you were here. I thought he was joking at first. But your grandmother was all the convincing needed. Needless to say I am beyond happy you’re here but why are you here?” Gems expression shifted dramatically. “Can you keep a secret? Not like a little one like a huge mega world changing secret? Just for a little while?” “For you anything. But we are going to have to tell your dad about us dating at some point you know.” Gem pretty much froze mid step. “I know but maybe not this time round. He has enough to take in right now. But as for why we are here well.” She got up close to flame’s ear and whispered. “WHAT!” flame yelled in a panic. Gem jumped on him before he could freak out and draw attention to himself. It didn’t really help the only one who didn’t notice the pair was Spike who was talking to a candy vender. “Shush, you can’t tell anyone.” Gem said with pleading in her eyes. “But.” He looked into her eyes and knew he couldn’t say no. “So what are you here to do?” “I think we’re here to get something. I don’t really know I was too excited to see you I forgot.” “Gem Check this out they have chocolate dipped pearls. This place is amazing.” Seeing Gem on top of Flame was way too much for spike to handle. “GEM WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Gem Jumped up but stood her ground next to flame as he got up. Spike was about to start yelling at him. When he noticed Flame wasn’t scared. More so he look hurt and sad. “What happed?” “I told Falmie why were are here.” Spike looked at Gem. Then back at Flame. When he grabbed him he snapped back to reality. Realizing Gems father had him in his claws he started to struggle to get free. When he couldn’t he started expecting pain so he braced himself but it never came. Instead Spike was hugging him and whispered in his ear. “Don’t worry kid Luna’s going to be ok. We are going to make sure of that. But she needs you to be strong and so do we. So can you do that? Can you be strong?” Spike put him down and He nodded. “Good, so how far are we from the library?” Flame looked up then around him and pointed at a large building with (Library) on the front gate. “Good, I’ll go there. Gem why don’t you and your boyfriend go get some candy. But get back within an hour we still have to get to the castle. “Boyfriend what, what boyfriend I told you were just good friends.” Spike and Flame both looked at her flatly. Tossing her a small bag of bits. It looks like they use bits here as well. Go have fun.” “Thanks dad.” As she grabbed Flame and charged off in just the general direction of away. “Ah to be young. Well time to get my read on.” Spike caught himself. “Oh wow, I sound like Twilight. I wonder how she’s handling this place. ******(On the other side of town)******* In the basement of an abandoned store house. “Ahh-chew” “Shush Twilight or he’s going to find us.” Nova said The crate they were hiding in was ripped open. “Found you.”