> Daughter of Dragons
>  by lurado
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> CHAPTER 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eighteen years ago
	
Everypony knew about dragons, they were vicious greedy creatures that cared only for themselves. They say if you cross a dragon’s path, hide and pray to Celestia that you won’t be on the menu for dinner.  But that’s not the story now is it? So please sit back and let me tell you a tale only known by a few.
It was a late summers evening, the forest was quiet no animals made any form of noise. A small pony family cautiously walked along the path, the colt of the two pulled along a small carriage that held a small sleeping foal wrapped warmly from the summer evening wind.
Deeper into the forest they went slowly, the silence that reached their ears sent shivers throughout their bodies. They felt it, the eyes that followed them. 
“H-honey?” whispered the blue mare her voice trembled
The colt not wanting to admit his fear wrapped a comforting hoof around his terrified wife.
“It’s going to be okay, we’ll get through this.” He said gently, as they walked and the night began to creep around them, the pony picked up the pace to a trot, behind them the sounds of growls increased around them. The last thing they saw was the rows of white fangs coming towards them.
ROAR….!
A piercing roar filled the forest the Timberwolves scattered, leaving the barely breathing bodies of the pony couple on the forest floor.
They were close together in a protective embrace. Their terrified eyes looked up. Through the trees a majestic topaz dragon descended, it landed, it’s piercing gold eyes looked down at the ponies.
“If only I had passed sooner your lives would have been spared.” The dragon said sorrowfully “I am sorry, I cannot do much but I will remain with you in your last moments and give you a proper burial.”
On hearing the words the unicorn mare smiled, with the last of her strength she moved her hoof to reveal the small bundle between them.
“It cannot be.” The dragon whispered, the colt removed the blanket to reveal a small baby unicorn asleep reaching out with a claw the dragon caressed the tiny foal “you protected her till the end.”
Nodding both mare and colt closed their eyes for the last time their breath leaving their bodies.
“She shall be taken care of.” said the dragon “rest in peace.”
Turning the dragon used its fore claws to dig into the forest floor and began digging. Soon the creation of one large grave occurred. Taking both mare and colt the dragon placed them into the hole and began to fill it with dirt.
Finally taking the young foal in his claws once more, the dragon looked at the small bundle resting soundly.
“Little one, I do not know how to use a pony.” He began “but I will try my best, you are now the daughter of Syrreth.”
With that the dragon took to the sky, first thing on his mind was to provide food for the young foal, she cannot eat jewels as himself. Raising a little pony will be a trial but Syrreth will face them whole heartedly. As he flew he learnt of the difference between the dragon hatchlings and foals. Ponies tend to cry a whole lot especially when hungy and being a unicorn her magic was very much unstable.
Syrreth didn’t mind all that though his greatet concern when it came down to it was food, how was he going to feed a growing foal dragons are not known for making milk.
Cow territory was not far from his cave. Syrreth decided that was his best option and made his way towards the town.
From afar they saw him, his sleek shiny scales glimmered in the moonlight as he descended upon them. The cow and bull inhabitants all scattered to their homes in fear as he landed.
“This is to be expected.” Syrreth said to himself as he cradled his sleeping daughter “Cows I have need of your assistance.”
No one answered it didn’t even seem like anyone breathed for fear of being caught.
“I am here for some milk.” Syrreth said again caregul not to wake his sleeping foal “do you not hear me!”
Even though he tried his dragon temper got the better of him which woke the sleeping foal. The cries that filled the empty streets echoed through the houses. Syrreth tired to soothe the foal but her hunger got the better of her.
“Shh… calm down.” He said softly “we will get you food, even if I have to burn this town down and enslave everyone of them.”
The cries of the foal didn’t stop from the corner of Syrreth eyes he saw a lone door open and a small cow stepped out her body physically shaking.
“M-mighty dragon.” She stuttered “I can be of service.”
“Thank you.” Syrreth said shocking the cow of his mannerism “can I have a week worth of milk and a bottle.”
“I think I can do that.” The cow said
Syrreth head snaked to the cow scaring her frozen. At her feet her dropped a small number of gems “for the milk and bottle.”
Stunned the cow accepted the small fortune of gems “Please wait here, I would be right back.”
She trotted into her home, Syrreth patiently waited till the cows returned, in her mouth she carried a bucket that was sealed shut on top of it was a baby bottle. She rested it at the feet of the dragon.
“One week worth of milk as requested.” She said “my milk is not the best in Equestria.”
“That’s no problem,” Syrreth stated “as he grabbed a hold of the bucket handle with one powerful down beating of his wing they were air born “we shall return.”
Syrreth returned to his care in the mountains and placed the bucket of milk amongst the jewellery and precious gems he possessed.
“I bet you’re hungry.” Said Syrreth looking down at the little foal, in response the foal blew a spit bubble and laughed when it popped on the dragons snout “well alright then, one bottle for the foal.”
Turning Syrreth poured milk into the bottle, going to the small pool in the back of the cave he breathed fire heating the water to boiling. Soon he dropped the bottle in the water. He turned to see what his adopted daughter was up to but, to his horror she was nowhere in sight. Fear filled the dragon for the first time in his life, where had the little foal gone.
Syrreth raked his mind as he frantically searched. He scanned the area but she was nowhere to be seen. Going outside he scanned the surrounding area, the eyes of a dragon can spot a mean over seven miles away.
Syrreth was about to lunch himself out the cave when he heard the unmistakeable sound of a foals laughter above his head. The dragon looked up as baby drool dropped on his face.
“Young lady get down here right now.” Bellowed Syrreth to which he was anwered by more laughter as she floated away “I said get down here!”
Syrreth blocked the foal with one of his wings and guided her back to the ground.
“I can see you’ll be a clawful.” Said Syrreth looking into her emerald orbs “We should get you a name shouldn’t we?”
The young foal blew a spit bubble as Syrreth took the bottle out the water. He tested it upon his scales but felt nothing, his scales were too thick. Going on his gut feeling the dragon placed the bottle in the foal’s hooves, she didn’t flinch from the heat but greedily drank.
“How about Water Spout?” Syrreth said suggesting a name, the foal stopped drinking and looked at Syrreth with questioning eyes “alright that’s a no.”
Syrreth began listing names to which most of the foal responses were of the violent kind, she even threw her bottle at him for the suggestion of Diamond Dust.
“Then why don’t we just call you foal?” Syrreth said frustrated, with a sigh he tired once more, he looked over the Foal intently “Emerald Forest?”
Expecting a projectile of some Sort Syrreth waited only to hear the happy laughter coming from the foal.
“You like that don’t you Emerald Forest.” Syrreth said as the foal levitated and landed on his snout hugging him lovingly, managed to drift to sleep, gently removing his daughter his face Syrreth rested her on some of the soft grass.
“I believe I’ll need to visit the cows once again for some bedding.” The dragon said curling up around Emerald Forest, he rested his head on his front claws and closed his eyes whilst his tail wrapped around his daughter protectively.

> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Eight years passed, and Emerald Forest grew. Under the guidance of her father and his vast number of books he collected during his years, Emerald Forest learnt what it was meant to be a dragon.
Word spread throughout the dragon community that Syrreth the wise had a daughter and soon it reached the ears of the dragon lord. Intrigued by this development, the dragon lord called for a presentation of the hatchlings.
Syrreth was reading one of his many books when through the cave opening galloped a fairly older Emerald Forest her white un-kept mane and tail resembled a wild fire. Her dark red coat reflected the gems on the cave floor. Her ankles were adorned with the gold bracelets from the piles in the corner.
Dad, dad, dad.” She called excitedly, Syrreth closed his book and turned to Emerald Forest giving his full attention, he blew a small puff of smoke stopping her over excitement
“What is it Emerald?” he asked after she stopped coughing
“A dragon, he’s on his way here.” Said Emerald Forest as she levitated and flipped in the air excitedly “isn’t that exciting, another dragon!”
‘a dragon coming here?” asked Syrreth, he stood and made his way to the cave opening, sure enough flying towards them was a small dragon it landed on the ground in front the cave and bowed its head
“Greetings, my name is Kamer, I have come with a message from the dragon lord to Syrreth the wise.” Said the dragon
“You are before him.” Syrreth said “state your message.”
The dragon lifted its head and cleared his throat ‘By order of the dragon lord, you are commanded to present your hatchling.” Kamer said 
Smoke flared from Syrreth’s nostrils making Kamer shrink away as flames licked at Syrreth’s lips “Tell me, how does the dragon lord know about my daughter?” he asked
“The rumour of you having a child is known throughout the dragon kingdom.” Kamer said hastily
“Alright, tell the dragon lord we would be there in a few days.” Said Syrreth turning he re-entered the cave as Kamer took flight once again
Emerald Forest waited patiently for her fathers’ return. On seeing him sit next to a pile of gems, she trotted up and sat next to him.
“I’m sorry dad.” Emerald apologized “because of me, you have to go to dragon land.”
“And what about it?” inquired Syrreth wrapping his tail around his daughter he lifted her hung head to meet her eyes
“I’m not a dragon though.” She said softly
Syrreth laughed thunderously ‘not a dragon, Forest you are a dragon in here.” A clawed hand touched her heart “don’t believe anything else got it.”
“Got it.” Smiled Emerald Forest “Oh, want to see something cool?”
“Cool?”
“Yeah, cool.” Chuckled Emerald “I was down by the river gathering some food for dinner when this happened.”
Syrreth watched as Emerald Forest vanished from where she was and reappeared deeper into the cave.
“See isn’t that cool?” emerald said happily
“So you can teleport now.” Stated Syrreth “you are amazing Emerald.”
“Shux dad,” blushed the filly as Syrreth got to his feet again “where are you going?”
“We leave for dragon land immediately.” Syrreth said as he flexed his shoulders and wings “prepare a travel bag; there won’t be food for you in the land.”
“Yes dad.” Emerald grabbed a silk sheet in her mouth and began loading on her favourite fruits and vegetables onto the centre of the sheet, using her magic she tied the bag around her neck
“I’m ready,” called Emerald Forest as she came out the entrance
Syrreth crouched down allowing Emerald the chance to get onto his back “Are you settled?” he asked
“Yes dad.” Replied Emerald
With two powerful strokes of his wings, Syrreth took flight they headed east towards the dragon kingdom.
As they flew Emerald took the rare chance to see the world from above. The fields of produce stretched for miles between towns. The edge of the everfree forest was always inviting but one would not know what to expect.
Emerald held on as Syrreth climbed higher into the sky and positioned himself at an altitude where anypony would mistake him for a bird. The air was thin but, from their countless flying when she was young she had gotten used to the thin air.
“Hey dad,” called Emerald after a while, Syrreth grunted in response “why do we have to see the dragon lord?”
Syrreth thought for a moment “All dragons hatchlings are to be presented to the dragon king.” He said 
Emerald bounced on his back happily “Baby dragons, I bet they’re so cute.” Said Emerald, her excitement faded as soon as it came “but dad you don’t have a baby dragon.”
Syrreth chuckled “I have you.” He said turning to her with a toothy smile
Emerald smiled back her excitement returning. For the rest of the day they flew only taking breaks for bathroom breaks and drinking water. Night fell slowly, Syrreth descended into the everfree forest clearing near the mountains.
“We’ll rest here tonight.” Syrreth suggested
Tired Emerald hopped off her father’s back and yawned “So tired.” She said dropping on the wet grass “I could sleep for days.”
“What are you talking about, I’m the one who worked” Syrreth said
“Yeah and we were so high up that even clouds were scarce.” Retorted Emerald playfully
“Right.” Syrreth shook his head, he found a spot on the ground and breathed fire scorching the grass he then dropped down tired “don’t wake me till morning.”
Syrreth drifted to sleep leaving Emerald awake. She blew a hair strand out of her eyes “As soon as I lay down I’m wide awake.” She sighed, using her front hooves she dragged herself over to her father and the warmth of his body. She rolled over on her stomach and looked at the stars that painted the night sky.
Very slowly sleep took a hold of her the many sounds of the forest soothed her. The sudden breaking of branches woke Emerald with a start. The sleep drained from her eyes as she looked around, two yellow eyes looked at her from the shadows of the forest. Emerald felt her heart begin to race as the eyes multiplied.
She looked to her sleeping father and was about to wake him when his words from earlier resonated within her. The creatures in the forest didn’t move from where they were. The presence of Syrreth intimidated them from their meal.
Scared, Emerald eased her small frame under Syrreth’s arm and closed her eyes from the darkness.
The next morning, Syrreth was the first to wake up, he stretched his neck and was about to stretch his arms when the sounds of breathing made him look down. Emerald laid asleep under him the small filly snuggled closer to his warm body. Leaning down he nuzzled Emerald till she woke up.
“Morning dad.” She stretched
“Good morning.” Syrreth replied “you haven’t slept under my arm like that in a long time.”
“We’re in the woods, you’re the warmest thing around.” Emerald chuckled softly, she choose to keep her fear to herself.
“Then it had nothing to do with those creatures last night?” asked Syrreth
Shocked Emerald grabbed her makeshift carry bag and pulled an apple and bit into it.
“Mmm, this apple is so good.” She turned changing the topic
Syrreth laughed and with a beat of his wings he was air born “We leave in ten minutes.” He said
“Alright dad.” Emerald shouted “don’t eat too much; you know you sleep when you ever eat.”
IN response Syrreth blew a puff of smoke at his daughter, she dodges his playful attack. Emerald watched as her dad disappeared into the trees. After breakfast Emerald wrapped her remaining rations. She sat in the middle of the clearing. With closed eyes she listened to the sound around her, soon boredom took hold.
Looking around she found a long stick, using her levitation magic Emerald picked it up “I am Emerald Forest daughter of Syrreth on guard!” she announced to an invisible foe, she swung the stick like a sword, she dropped and rolled on the ground in make believe fighting.
Completely engulfed in her game she didn’t notice the timber wolves surrounding her “Ha ha, you are defeated.” Shouted Emerald raising the stick triumphantly, behind her the timber wolves growled, spinning Emerald gagged at the stench of their breath, making her drop the stick behind her.
Backing away Emerald’s hoof hit the large stick, she trembled as she picked the stick up and held it in front her as a weapon. “Stay back if you don’t want to die.” She stuttered
The timber wolves snapped their jaws hungrily as they slowly stepped forward, suddenly one lounged at Emerald fangs bared. With a scream the young filly swung the stick as hard as she can with her eyes closed, the sound of shattering wood reached her ears.
Opening her eyes Emerald sees a shattered body of a timber wolf at her feet, the wooden stick she held was shattered. The second timber wolf barked and was about to attack when from above Syrreth fell onto the breast raising a cloud of dust.
“Emerald Forest, are you okay?” exclaimed Syrreth picking up the small pony
“I’m fine,” she said as he looked her over for any wounds “dad I said I’m fine.”
“Good, I’m never leaving you alone ever again,” said Syrreth finally “shall we go?”
“Sure,” Picking up her bag Emerald hopped onto the back of Syrreth
“By the way,” Syrreth said before taking flight “did you shatter this one?”
“Yes,” replied Emerald “I know, you said to run when I see danger.”
Syrreth head snaked towards her, his eyes were filled with rage. Emerald braced herself for a harsh scolding.
“You did well.” Syrreth said making the filly eyes go wide in shock “What, my daughter taking down a timber wolf at this age that’s a proud father moment.”
Emerald smiled proudly as Syrreth took flight. Their trip to the dragons nest wasn’t a long one at midday they crossed the mountain peaks. The roars of dragons filled the sky as many dragons landed or made their way in.
“There’s so many.” Emerald said
“All dragons in the land should be gathered here.” Syrreth explained “the presentation of the hatchlings is a major thing.”
Emerald Forest looked down at the dragons below; most were laying down with many young dragons lying around. 
Syrreth flew to a high cliff and landed. Emerald hoped off and stretched her legs.
“Cover your ears Emerald.” Said Syrreth
“Why?” questioned the filly, Syrreth looked at his daughter with cold eyes that meant business “ok, fine.”
Using her hooves she covered her ears and watched as Syrreth stood tall he took a breath and opened his mouth. The sound that followed shook the ground. All dragons lifted their heads to Syrreth when he finished Emerald shook her head.
“That was really loud.” She said, Syrreth didn’t respond, instead he waited
Another earth shaking roar soon came, from the other side of the mountain cave a dragon emerged from a cave.
He was the same size as Syrreth but his scales were a dark green and he held himself in great authority. The dragon scanned the area of dragons then locked eyes with Syrreth.
With a deep breath the dragon opposite Syrreth opened its mouth and released a stream of orange flame.
Emerald Forest watched the flame in amazement, she was about to question her dad about it, when he suddenly released a stream of flame. The other dragons did the same.
The beautiful flame of the combined dragon flames made Emerald stare in awe. Finally the grand spectacle was over. Syrreth looked down at the little filly and chuckled softly.
“Close your mouth my filly.” He said using his claw he closed the mouth of the awestruck pony, he then turned his head back to the other dragon.
“Dragons of Equestria.” The dragon bellowed his voice echoed though the mountains “it’s that time again, the presentations of hatchlings!”
The dragons roared in response but with a raise of a massive claw the immediately stopped.
“It is also a joyous occasion for my trusted ally finally brought us a heir.” The dragon bellowed once again looking directly at Syrreth “let the presentations begin, I Balor commands it!”
Dragons roared and spat flames in agreement.
“Hey dad,” Emerald began “what now?”
“Now we wait our turn.” The dragons replied
“Okay.”
“Watch closely Emerald; learn what must be done when in front the dragon lord.” Syrreth commended
Obeying, Emerald sat on the edge of the cliff and looked down as the many dragons made a pathway where adult dragons and their offspring walked towards the dragon lord. They announced the names of their hatchlings, which stood silent and proud before walking off.
Soon all the dragons had gone all eyes looked up at Syrreth expectantly.
“Get on my back Emerald and stay there.” Said Syrreth, getting up Emerald wordlessly hopped onto her father’s back.
Unfurling his wings, Syrreth dropped from the mountain cliff and landed. With his head raised high Syrreth walked between the rows of dragons. He didn’t fold his wings obscuring Emerald from the eyes.
For what seemed like an entirely Emerald sat staring at her dad’s spikes. She felt a lump born in her throat. Soon Syrreth stopped.
“Greetings dragon lord Balor.” Syrreth began “before I present my daughter tell me how you know.”
“Word of you having an heir travelled throughout our land.” Balor said “I am interested in knowing what child you could possibly spawn.”
Syrreth laughed “You will be disappointed.” Syrreth said with those words he dropped his wings and dropped his neck allowing the pony to jump down.
Immediately murmurs filled the area as Emerald took her place in front her father she looked up at the dragon before her as he glared down at her.
“Syrreth is this a joke?” asked Balor
“You know I don’t do jokes.” Syrreth said “This is my daughter Emerald Forest.”

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dragon lord looked at Syrreth and then to Emerald Forest, his cold eyes locked onto hers. Emerald felt as though at any minute he would just open his jaws and swallow her whole. The dragon lord blew a puff of smoke in annoyance and turned to Syrreth once again.
“I don’t question anything you do, but this; this is taking it too far.” Said Balor “How can a dragon, take care of a pony?”
“This pony is my daughter,” began Syrreth “you’ve requested to see my heir and now you have.”
“Don’t be a fool Syrreth a small weak creature like this cannot be your heir.” Bellowed the dragon lord, his voice shook the earth beneath Emerald’s feet “stop this stupidity.”
Emerald listened to what the dragon lord was saying, she stood but the tail of Syrreth wrapped around her protectively as the dragon lord ranted. Her anger rose quickly as she listened to the words that were meant to belittle her father.
“Stop!” Emerald screamed, she hopped over Syrreth’s tail and marched towards the Dragon lord.
“Emerald Forest get back here.” Commanded Syrreth
In rage Emerald disobeyed her father’s order and used her levitation magic lift herself to the dragon lord eye level. She stared at him, he returned the glare.
“How dare you.” Emerald said in a calm voice “how dare you talk to my father like that, I don’t care who you are, you can be bigger than the moon the next time you talk to my dad like that, this weak little creature will eat your tail and hang your wings as decorations in our cave.”
The dragons in the area gasped in shock at Emerald’s calm outburst, she remained in the sky glaring at the dragon lord. Syrreth stood where he was on his face he held a slight smirk. The dragon lord opened his mouth, Emerald braced herself to be eaten but suddenly thunderous laughter filled the sky.
“What’s so funny?” she asked “do you think I won’t do it?”
“Oh I know you will do what you said little pony, you are after all Syrreth’s daughter.” Laughed the dragon lord “the guts on this kid, she threatened me for her father, what a kid.”
“I told you she’s my daughter.” Syrreth smiled
“Syrreth, tell me a feat of this pony, what makes her a dragon?” asked Balor
Syrreth stepped forward he held the furious Emerald Forest and brought her down despite her constant threats of eating he dragon lord whole. He held her firmly to the ground making sure she doesn’t make another outburst.
“Emerald, is stronger than most of the hatchlings here.” Syrreth said for al to hear “she faced timber wolves and managed to destroy one of them.”
The dragons gathered listened to Syrreth
“Dad I’m fine.” Emerald said finally calming down “Don’t worry I won’t attack him.”
Syrreth raised his claw and allowed his daughter to stand. Clearing her throat Emerald sat next to her father once again, but still managed to glare at the dragon lord.
“I accept your presentation.” Said Balor, he then raised his head to all the dragons “The presentations of hatchlings is now over, tonight we celebrate.”
“What are we celebrating?” Emerald asked looking up at her father
“The continuation of the dragon blood line.” Replied Syrreth “we’ll be having a feast, but for us let’s go home.”
“I want to stay though,” Emerald whined as they turned and walked away
“I don’t think you’ll like to see what happens in a celebration,” said Syrreth “we eat everything we can get our claws on.”
Syrreth looked down at Emerald and smiled, hoping the description he painted will be enough to deter her interest.
“So what, I don’t particularly have good table manner.” Said Emerald “Come on dad let’s just stay, I’ll even stay up on the cliff and not attack your dragon friend.”
“Ha,” laughed Syrreth “You were truly something there filly, threatening the dragon lord like that, you could’ve been dinner and I couldn’t do anything to stop him.”
“Yeah right dad.” Emerald smiled “I know I’m your greatest treasure, and you know about dragons and their treasures.”
Syrreth bent allowing the small pony onto his back opening his wings they took flight to the cliff once more.
“My greatest treasure, who told you that?” asked Syrreth
“You, every day since you got me.” Laughed Emerald as they landed, hopping off she grabbed her carry back and opened it out, the fruits rolled open, grabbing a bunch of carrots she began to eat as Syrreth laid on the ground and began to doze off to sleep.
The evening passed and down below the dragons began their revelry, meat from the everfree forest was captured and brought, hordes of gems were littering the floor creating an illusion of stars being on the ground from the captured moonlight. 
Emerald watched below in fascination as the dragons took part in eating and fighting, their young ones kept to themselves as they themselves got acquainted with each other. The only dragons missing were, Balor, Syrreth and herself. Emerald turned and looked at her father sound asleep on the cliff.
“Just one hour.” Emerald told herself “no ten minutes will do.”
Levitating her body off the cliff she slowly carried herself down the mountain. When she landed in the ground below the smaller dragons surrounded her immediately.
“Hey it’s the pony.” One said “we were wondering where you went.”
“I’m right here.” Emerald said with a smile “What are you guys doing?”
“Were just hanging around, all the meat is finished though you’ll have to get your own.” Said another
Emerald shook her head “That’s ok I’m not hungry.” She said, she watched as some of the other dragons wrestled and turned back to the younger ones “So what are you all doing?”
“Watching the older dragons fight.” They replied with shrugs
Emerald sat with them and watched as two dragons go at it furiously soon boredom seeped into her once again. Getting up she looked for the biggest hatchling and tackled him to the floor. The hatchling roared and struggled against the strength of Emerald Forest. She looked down at him with a grin.
“I win.” She said
“Best out of three.” Demanded the hatchling
Emerald got off letting him up “Okay, ready to lose dragon boy.” She asked
“As if weak pony.” The hatchling said “last time I was caught off guard, you probably used that magic horn of yours.”
The young dragon planted his feet into the ground and waited, Emerald grinned again as the young dragons and even some of the older ones looked at what was happening.
“Whenever you are pony.” The dragon stated
Charging forward Emerald rose to her hind hooves and connected hooves to claw. They battled for dominance over each other. The hatchling was strong, stronger than her but Emerald remembered what she was thought. Using the young dragons’ strength against him she managed to flip him over and pin him once again.
The dragons watching the fight roared in applause as Emerald allowed him up. 
“Bet you can’t take on more than three of us.” He said
“Oh I won’t know till I try.” She said happily “I love fighting, it’s fun.”
With a snap of his claws two other hatchlings came to the aide of their comrade, they surrounded her.
“She’ll be beaten.” An adult dragon stated
“Na, she’ll come out on top.” Another said “I bet twenty of my red gems on her.”
“Then I bet twenty of mine on the hatchlings.” Replied the other
Throughout those that were watching the fights seemed to get in on the bets, Emerald stood tall in the middle of the dragons and took a breath.
“You can’t use magic pony.” Said one of the hatchlings
“Oh, don’t worry magic or no magic you’re going down.” Emerald stated “whenever you cute little baby dragons are ready.”
With roars the dragons attacked, the first dived claws first at Emerald, jumping the pony flipped over his body and managed to get behind him. She bit his tail and flung him into the other. The largest of the three managed to grab a hold of her tail and pinned her to the ground. 
“Give up pony, you’re weak.” He laughed
“I don’t know what giving up means.” Pushing with her front hooves she pulled herself up and stood with the dragon on her back much to his shock, using all her strength she pushed off with her hooves and became air borne “you lose dragon baby.”
The dragon landed on his back, his grip on Emerald lessened allowing her to stand “Wow, she beat them all.” Said the dragon who betted on the hatchlings
“Pay up.” Laughed the other “you owe me twenty red gems.”
Emerald held out a hoof to the dragon she defeated and helped him up “I’m Emerald forest, whets your name?” she asked
“I’m Timeth, and this is my sister Saphire,” said the young dragon pointing to a blue dragon standing across from them “you’re really strong, for a pony.”
“I live with my dad in a cave, we do everything ourselves.” Emerald explained “If I didn’t get strong I wouldn’t survive long.”
“Your dad is Syrreth right?” asked Timeth 
“Yup,” 
“I heard legends about him, he’s really strong he once fought the dragon lord and won,” said Timeth “but he didn’t want to be the dragon lord.”
Emerald took a seat on some of the gems and looked at the now younger dragons as they began to fight as well having their fun, getting to know one another.
“Well dad is a lot of things I guess.” She said “to me he’ll always be just. Dad.”
The two dragons took seats next to her as well Saphire took a large blue gem from a pile and took a bite out of it. She held it out to Emerald.
“Want some?” she asked
“Um… this isn’t really my diet.” Said Emerald with a smile, suddenly from above a stream of fire erupted from the cliff where Syrreth was, jumping to her feet Emerald galloped to the mountain “oh no he’s awake.”
“Who’s awake?” asked Saphire
“My dad, he didn’t want me coming down here.” Emerald explained “I’m going to be in so much trouble.”

MILES AWAY FROM THE DRAGON NEST

From within the everfree forest a lone changeling stood, its eyes locked onto the many dragons. A smile came upon its face as it turned and flew deeper into the forest.
The changeling came upon a scouting camp. It bypassed all the other changelings till it reached the commander.
“Report.” Said the commanding changeling
“The dragons are right where they were said to be.” Said the changeling “all the dragons in Equestria.”
“Excellent.” Laughed the changeling “our queen will be glad to hear that, what about the gem is it ready?”
Another changeling came forward and presented a black gemstone “It is ready to perform at its maximum.” He said
“Then we move at dawn when they are all asleep.” Said the commandeering changeling “Go report to queen chrysalis, tell her we will be returning to take revenge on the ponies in a daze time.”
The changelings nodded and disburse leaving the commandeering changeling alone.
“Soon, all of Equestria will fall to my hands.” He said in a low voice “even the queen will have no choice but to acknowledge my greatness."

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emerald Forest was grounded she wasn’t allowed to go back down to the dragons anymore for the rest of the night. She wasn’t even allowed to look over the cliff and see what was going on. She stayed to the very back of the cliff blocked by Syrreth’s huge frame. He was angry but was too tired to make the trip back to their home. He decided the best course of action was to still until daybreak and leave then.
Frustrated and disappointed in herself for not taking her own advice and staying only an hour Emerald laid on her back looking up at the stars. The sounds of the dragon roars below beckoned to her like a song. Rolling over on her stomach she began to inch to the edge of the cliff.
“Emerald Forest.” Syrreth said using her full name in a low menacing voice
“Dad?”
“Get back here right now young lady.” He said, defeated Emerald went back to her original position and dropped herself on the floor “you do the crime, do the time.”
“Dad… that’s corny.” Emerald chuckled
Syrreth’s tail rose and wrapped around her body lovingly “I only want to keep you safe Emerald; I know you’re strong, but I’m a father.”
“I know dad.” Emerald said closing her eyes “when we go home maybe you can teach me how to fight some more, I didn’t like feeling scared.”
Syrreth’s head rose, Scared? Why was his Emerald scared he turned to her but she was already asleep “Tomorrow is another day.” Syrreth thought before laying his head down
The following morning Emerald arose to the warm sunlight caressing her face. Lazily she stood; it took a few moments for her to regain her bearings. Rubbing the sleep out her eyes she looked for her dad.
“Dad?” she asked looking around the cliff “hey dad?”
From above the distinct shadow of a dragon loomed, looking up emerald squinted in the sunlight as two majestic dragons flew through the sky. It was hard to see them as they were so high up but Emerald decided that it must be her dad and the dragon lord based on their shape. She sat there looking at them for a while
“OK, time for breakfast.” She said as her stomach growled
As she walked over to the small bundle of food still left over Emerald took out three apples and sat on the edge of the cliff and looked over where all the dragons were laid out sleeping. Taking a bite from her apple she stretched waking up her body fully.
“This was fun.” She said with a smile “maybe we can come back here to visit.”
As her breakfast continued Emerald looked over the dragons trying to distinguish their species of dragon from where she was. The wingless were easy they were all huddled together like a huge family of some sort making a ring around their sleeping hatchlings. The winged and water dragons were a harder find but the fire breathing dragons were almost impossible to determine. After a while Emerald gave up, she was about to return to her sleeping spot when something caught her eyes.
Down below, amongst all the dragons a black cloud moved, it was nearing the dragons slowly, she squinted, trying to make out what it was but it was too far. As the clouds of black moved closer, Emerald began to see what it was clearer. Within the smoke black creatures that resembled her advanced to them. Around ones neck was a black stone, Emerald watched as the creatures came to the dragons.
“I wonder what’s going on” Emerald asked herself, she continued to watch as the black creatures stood in front the dragons, the lead took off the black gem off his neck and held it up, to Emerald’s shock the gem glowed and in a small flash black tendrils began to appear they latched on the unsuspecting dragons waking them up, their roars of anguish filled the sky 
“No!” exclaimed Emerald
The small pony immediately threw herself off the cliff and levitated down
The dragons roared and fought against the tendrils that had latched on to them as the black creatures began to attack. Weakening the dragons, Emerald watched as the weaker ones were pulled into the gem.
“No!” she screamed again, she looked around frantically looking for the hatchlings, they were all huddled in a corner surrounded by the creatures, with a roar of her own Emerald tackled the closest creature and kicked it into the wall “you will not take them!”
She stood her ground in front the creatures as they snarled their forked tongues snaking out their mouths dangerously, one was about to attack when from above two mighty roars filled the area. Emerald smiled, as the creatures looked up, giving her the chance to attack charging she ran horn first into the closest creature impaling it’s neck. The sound of gushing blood and tearing flesh made her flinch as the creature slummed dead. Pulling her horn out she faced the others.
“Bring it!” she growled, just as they unfurled their bug like wings to attack they were immediately stomped to the ground by the landing of Syrreth “Dad!”
“Emerald are you all right?” growled Syrreth
“Yes.” Emerald replied “what’s going on?”
“Changelings.” Was Syrreth only reply before her turned and breathed fire at a horde of attacking changelings “get to safety.”
“Dad I can help.” Emerald said
Turning to her Syrreth breath was visibly “You’ll help by keeping the younger hatchlings safe, go!”
Syrreth turned and attacked another horde of changelings, beside him the dragon lord did the same, together they were a force to be reckoned with. Emerald reluctantly turned to the terrified hatchlings.
“Come on.” She ordered, the small hatchlings followed Emerald as she led them through the back of the larger dragons fighting against the changelings and the tendrils, they found a cave hidden from view and entered “We’ll be safe here.”
Unknown to her, one of the changelings saw them sneaking away and followed them. It dug within the mind of Emerald Forest and found the person she cared deeply about. It smiled as it walked towards the cave it’s body glowing in light as it began to change.
Within the cave Emerald had the hatchlings hide behind a rock as she kept a lookout. The fighting was dying down many of the dragons voices were disappearing. Emerald shut her eyes and hoped for the best. Just at that moment in the cave mouth a looming figure towered over her. Opening her eyes emerald smiled as she saw her father.
“Dad” she squealed happily
“Come let’s go.” Syrreth said
“Go where?” asked Emerald
“We’re going someplace safer than here.” Said Syrreth he looked around “Where are the other dragons.”
“What?”
“The dragons pony, where are the dragons?” Syrreth shouted making Emerald step back
“My dad won’t yell like that,” she said “who are you?”
Syrreth laughed “Oh, you’re a smart one,” he said “not much can tell the difference when we change.”
Emerald watched as the Syrreth before her shrank in size it’s body became pony like and black, it’s mane a pale blue and its bug like eyes captured the little light in the cave. It hissed menacingly.
“Die pony.” The changeling attacked diving at Emerald he managed to pin her to the ground, Emerald fought to keep him at bay as he tried to bite into her neck with he fangs 
With a roar of her own Emerald mustered all her strength and kicked off the changeling, catching himself mid fall the changeling landed on its hooves. It hissed again as it began circling Emerald.
“I’m going to enjoy eating you filly.” Laughed the changeling
“You’ll have to do better than that.” Emerald said as she stood her ground, the changeling lounged at her, on reflex Emerald doges and kicked out with her kind hooves hitting the changeling sideways
The changeling recovered quickly and dived again this time he managed to grab a hold of Emerald’s leg and bit down.
“AHHHH!” screamed Emerald the pain shot through her body, kicking him off she stumbled back ward and fell on her flank, blood stained her coat as she bleed from the wound given by the changeling.
“Delicious.” The changeling licked his lips “let me taste more pony.”
“Leave her alone!” a small voice said, the changeling looked around, from behind the boulder steeped the newborn dragon hatchlings
“So there you were.” Hissed the changeling turning to them “First I’ll have my fin with this pony, then you all will be taken to the commander.”
Emerald struggled to her feet, but fell once again, the pain was unbearable. Tears filled her eyes as the changeling turned back to her, it loomed over her licking its lips. Emerald closed her eyes expecting pain to rush through her body once more but it didn’t come. Opening her eyes she watched as the changeling was being attacked by the small hatchlings.
“Leave her alone!” one shouted,” he spat fire just as the changeling was about to take flight destroying his wings in an instant
“What, you little-“ before words could escape his lips a hatchling bit into his throat and pulled ripping flesh from bone, the changeling stumbled back chocking on his own blood, it looked at Emerald with expressionless eyes before dropping on the floor dead.
The young dragons cheered and ran to Emerald helping her to her feet “Are you on?” asked one
“Yes I’m okay.” Replied Emerald as she hobbled over to the rock, the noise from outside has died down, Emerald believed the fighting to be over she walked to the cave opening
The land was in ruin, changeling bodies were scattered all around the area dead, but there was no dragon in sight. In shock Emerald looked around, she levitated her body leaving the young hatchlings on the ground and flew through the air looking for her father.
“Dad.” She called “Where are you”
No answer, the worse possible outcome started to play on loop in Emerald’s head, tears filled her eyes once again, she allowed them to fall, she was also loosing blood from the wound she had received from the changeling. Her body was becoming weak. Suddenly a roar filled the sky Emerald immediately went in the direction of the roar.
She came upon the sight of the remaining dragons all latched on by the tendril that came from the black gem. Before them the lone changeling stood. He was laughing mechanically.
“With the power of the dragons we’ll take over all of Equestria.” The changeling heckled as one of the remaining few dragons lost the fight and was sucked into the gem “just two more to go, come now dragon lords give up you can’t win.”
One of the dragons roared, Emerald knew it was her dad immediately, she watched as he struggled to fight against the pull. His body was weakening. She saw his head dip and his body fall over.
“NO!” screamed Emerald she dived to the changeling hind hoof first she connected hoof to jaw, the sound of jaw bone breaking was heard, just as the body of Syrreth disappeared and the dragon lord was freed from the tendril grip as the gem hit the ground.
Emerald stood over the changeling, she looked around, Syrreth was nowhere in sight, with flowing tears Emerald turned to the changeling.
“What did you do to my father!” she screamed, the unconscious changeling laid almost lifeless on the ground.
“Emerald Forest.” The dragon lord said softly “come, let us tend to your wounds”
Emerald heard nothing the dragon lord said, her vision blurred as her body fell forward, the dragon lord caught her before she hit ground. Picking up the changeling and gem he carried them back.
The sound of soft melodious music filled Emerald entire being, she felt warm and relaxed. The pains from before was gone her leg was completely healed. Opening her eyes Emerald found herself lying in a large pond. Around her was a cave of clear crystals.
“Beautiful.” She whispered
“Good you are up.” a voice said behind her.” Emerald turned to see the dragon lord and all the hatchlings around him.
“Where are we?” asked Emerald getting out the pool “Where’s my dad?”
“Emerald.” Began Balor 

> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Where’s my dad?” the young pony asked again, her voice echoed within the crystal cave
“Calm down little pony.” Repeated Balor, he slammed his claw down on the ground shaking it 
“You want me to calm down when my dad is missing,” stated Emerald Forest, she started to pace in front the dragon lord, she suddenly stops and looks down at her leg where the wound from the changeling supposed to be “I’m healed?”
“Yes,” replied Balor with a sigh “This is a hidden place known only to us dragons, the pool here is capable of healing almost any wound, now would you sit and listen?”
Emerald Forest does as she was told and sits on the ground, with a wave of a claw the young hatchling dragons left them alone, they ventured deeper into the cave away from ear shot.
“Emerald, what I’m about to tell you may be hard to take in,” said the dragon lord, he looked down at the pony with sympathetic eyes “Your father was pulled into the black crystal along with many other dragons.”
What?” was the only word that escaped the shocked Emeralds lips, she tried to breath but couldn’t there was a lump in her throat, the words spoken by the dragon lord was a lie, it had to be. Her father was too strong to be captured by something so trivial. But Emerald knew the dragon lord was right.
“The changeling you kicked saved me from being absorbed as well,” continued Balor “for that I am grateful to you.”
“Did you kill him?” asked Emerald Forest
“Kill who?” asked Balor
“Did you kill the changeling?” asked Emerald Forest once again, her voice wasn’t shaking anymore, it was cold and soulless
The dragon king looked down at the pony once again, he felt her rage rise, even amongst dragons this amount of rage would be considered impressive.
“I was going to question him.” Balor said
“Where is he?” Emerald asked again, she looked up at the dragon lord and looked in his eyes “don’t worry, I’m not going to kill him, I just have a few questions.”
“He’s to the back,” said Balor 
Emerald got to her feet and walked in the direction the dragon lord said as she passed the young hatchlings they all smiled at her, but Emerald didn’t return the gesture/ instead he focused on the changeling she was about to face.
The cave split into a fork, choosing the cave to the right she entered, before her somehow trapped in the crystal wa the changeling. Emerald walked up to him, as she walked he kissed and flicked his forked tongue.
“You don’t scare me.” Emerald said her rage had subsided “why did you kill the…dragons?” 
“Like I would tell you.” Heckled the changeling, immediately a hoof connected to the side of his face 
“I’m going to ask you again, why did you kill the dragons?” Emerald asked again, her voice was absolutely calm but the changeling could feel the rage within her, he dug within her memories as flashes of Syrreth filled his mind he began to laugh “Why are you laughing?”
“You,” said the changeling “you are the daughter of that dragon, he fought till the end before he was killed.”
“Emerald stepped closer, she glared into his eyes “My dad taught me many things.” She said softly “your screams will be going unheard.”
The changeling swallowed as another hoof connected to his face, the more he didn’t answer the more he was hit, soon his body ran numb Emerald stood before him breathing hard. With a weak smile the changing looked at her trough swollen eyes.
“When our queen takes over all of Equestria you will be the first to die.” He chocked
Emerald watched as the changeling lost consciousness, leaving where she was she returned to where Balor was.
“Emerald Forest, I take it our guest has not cooperated?” asked Balor, Emerald shook her head “I have reason to believe the changelings were gathering power.”
“I don’t understand.” Emerald said
“To defeat the alicorn princesses,” said Balor “I believe they are trying to gather the combined power of the dragons to use against them.”
Emerald took a seat “Can something like that actually be done?” she asked
“Anything is possible.” Balor took up the black gem stone and placed it in front of Emerald “there is still a chance for the dragons to be freed.”
“How?” asked Emerald
Balor looked at the young filly “It’ll be dangerous” he said, Emerald shook her head in defiance “getting the stone to the princess of the sun, with her power reversing what has been done may be easy.”
Emerald stands immediately “Where can I find this princess of the sun?” she aked 
“A place called Canterlot.” Replied Balor “I wouldn’t be giving you this task if I had a choice, I have to remain here in case more dragons survived.”
“It’s okay, the dragons look up to you.” Said Emerald Forest “you need to protect them.”
Emerald stood and walked towards the gem, with a hoof she gently kicked it, nothing happened again she touched it cautiously to gain the same result. Satisfied nothing will happen Emerald levitated the gem to her hooves for a closer look.
The small black stone reflected her face perfectly, it was smooth, there was a small pulse coming from it, it was warm like a heartbeat. Emerald closed her eyes for a moment and allowed the pulse to flow through her.
“Dragon lord,” she said finally opening her eyes “I’ll go to this Canterlot and save the dragons and my dad.”
Balor released a steam of smoke from his nostrils “I only wish I could do more for you Emerald Forest.”
“You have done enough,” said the young pony “giving me hope that my dad can still be alive is all I need.”
“Alright then, you shall go east of here.” Said Balor pointing a large claw in the initial direction “Canterlot is in that direction
“Yes” 
“Emerald, it’s going to be a very long trip.” Said the dragon lord “with me smiling it may take almost eight years.”
“I’ll make it.” Said Emerald not being deterred “I’ll make it to the princess of the sun and bring back everyone.”
With that Emerald walked towards the pool and looked down at her reflection, she looked at her un-kept mane and her coat. She understood the task before her will be a long one, but she has to do it. For her dad and all the dragons who accepted her, they were her family.
“Dragon lord.” Emerlad said once more, she dipped her head into the cool water and allowed her body to become revitalized, she pulled her head out and shook her mane and turned to Balor “When you learn everything you can from the changeling, can you hurt him really, really bad for me.”
The dragon smiled “You really are your fathers daughter.”
Emerald smiled, Balor took up the gem once again and with his giant claws he pulled a long thread of crystal and tied it around the gem. He then placed it over the filly’s head.
“So you don’t lose it my niece.” Balor said, Emerald looked at the dragon king with wide eyes 
“Y-y-you’re” she stuttered
“Syrreth is my brother.” He smiled “you think I would call a hatchling presentation just like that.”
Emerald continued to stand there shocked.


> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Learning that her uncle was the ruler of all dragons came as a complete shock to Emerald Forest, that shock was soon outlived though since she couldn’t share in her excitement with her father. Instead Emerald smiled sweetly.
“Well, guess I got to apologize for threatening to eat you.” She chuckled
Balor laughed “Don’t worry young filly,” his smile disappeared “are you sure you can make this venture to Canterlot Emerald?”
“I am my father’s daughter,” replied Emerald, from within the cave the young hatchlings returned, they were carrying between them all her makeshift travel back, the cloth was torn but held everything together nicely, it was filled to the top with food, the hatchlings rested the bag in front her “is this for me, thank you.”
She levitated the bag and placed it around her neck, after getting used to its weight she looked up at Blaor.
“Don’t worry uncle; I’ll have them back in no time.” Emerald said enthusiastically, Balor grunted and puffed a cloud of black smoke
She walked to the far cave entrance and stepped out into the open, the cast wilderness of the desert greeted her with unforgiving heat, looking back into the cave Emerald gave a last wave before stepping onto her path.
Emerald walked for what seemed like days to her, the heat was smothering but her determination kept her going. Due East she could see the end of the unforgiving desert but how far it was only time can tell. Along the way she came upon a few lone trees striving in the blacking sun. Taking it as a chance to rest Emerald sat under the tree.
The minute she relaxed the aches and pains of walking that long distance had set in. Emerald stretched her legs out under the shade of the tree and allowed her limbs to relax fully; pulling the bag off her neck she rested it to the side of her and opened it via magic.
Inside were many apples and other various vegetables and fruits. Emerald took a bunch of carrots out and started to eat. Relishing in the opportunity to eat something Emerald savoured the meal. Looking up at the sky she tried to figure out the time but the sun was at an angel that she couldn’t determine.
“Well, guess I can rest here for a bit.” She told herself as she finished off the carrots retying the bag Emerald placed it against the tree and laid her head on it, she yawned “Just a little sleep will do me some good” 
Closing her eyes Emerald quickly dozed off to sleep. Emerald dreamt of the dragons, the outcome of all of them being sucked into the gem. She dreamt of the changelings surrounding her, licking their lips hungrily as they all came to her, the moment one pounced she woke up.
The sudden jump from the nightmare shook all the sleep from her eyes, Emerald stood next to the tree panting. It took her a few minutes to catch her bearings; the sky was dark now as night set in. 
“I slept too long.” She said under her breath as she looked at the star filled sky “I still need to make some headway.”
Without a second thought Emerald took up her bag once again and began walking in the westward direction. The night was cool and much easier to walk in than the day and with the stars and moon the night was well lit, the filly had no problems navigating her way thought eh desert.
By dawn Emerald had made headway, halfway through the desert when dawn was near, she was tired. But had come upon a large rock formation, after a quick look around, Emerald decided that it was a good enough spot to ret for the day. This routine lasted three more days, Emerald travelled in the night and rested in the day. On the final day after she ate the last apple from the bag she came to the edge of the desert.
The sound of water reached her ears first, tired of drinking water from the small coconuts the hatchlings had given to her emerald ran towards the sound. Through the lush green of a meadow. She came upon a large river; she dropped her bag on the ground and jumped in the air diving head first into the freezing water.
The cold liquid rushed over her body, Emerald happily accepted it, dinking as much as her body can take at that moment. 
“I hate deserts.” She said finally as she laid on her back floating “I’m never going into one again.”
With new found vigour Emerald swam out the water and grabbed her bag, the river was making its way through the meadow. Putting he bag on her neck Emerald started to walk following the river.
The meadow slowly changed as she walked, turning from a simple meadow into a full-fledged forest, Emerald continued walking along the river stopping a few times to drink the water. As the sun began to rise Emerald noticed animals began to appear from their homes and made their way to the river for drinking. She stared clear of them not wanting to disturb their natural habitat.
Soon, she came to a small opening in the forest, the trees provided ample cover from the sun’s rays but Emerald felt uneasy, she felt as though someone or something was watching her. Levitating Emerald Forest perched herself on a sturdy tree branch and looked around.
“It’s only my imagination.” She told herself
As she lowered herself down from the branch and took off her bag, she relaxed herself under a tree and closed her eyes. A few minutes into sleep and the sound of breaking branches woke her up. On guard Emerald looked around no one was in sight, the minute she relaxed once again a spear flew towards her and imbedded itself in the tree trunk above her head.
The sound of war cries filled the forest as ponies emerged from the shadows of the trees, they carried spears and had symbols painted on their fur, their eyes were cold and uninviting, Emerald now on her feet grabbed her bag, she was surrounded the ponies had the spears pointed at her.
“W-What do you want?” asked Emerald as she backed against a tree
The ponies said nothing but poked at her with the spears, Emerald breathed hard as she tried to look for a way out,, but the tribe ponies had blocked every path.
“D-d-d-don’t come near me.” Emerald stuttered “I don’t want to hurt you.”
The ponies stepped closer they were intent on killing her, as one drew back a hoof and threw his spear at the head of Emerald, the young filly screamed and ducked in time she watched as the spear dug into the tree trunk as well. Taking their cue from the first the other ponies threw their spears as well.
There was no way she was going to be unscathed by the onslaught of arrows that came towards her, the pendant on her chest grew warm.
“EMERALD!” 
The sudden sound of that voice shocked all in the vicinity, as fire erupted off the body of Emerald and instantly destroyed the spears, the tribe ponies in shock began to back away from the pony before them that was on fire.
“What’s going on?” Emerald asked looking down at her body, she was on fire but nothing burned
“Emerald are you alright?” asked a voice
“Dad?” asked Emerald “Dad is that you, where are you?”
“Still trapped in the gem.” Said Syrreth “are you hurt?”
“How…” Emerald’s voice trailed off as the tribe ponies still surrounding her bowed
Syrreth talked plainly “somehow when you interrupted my fall something went wrong.”
Emerald’s body returned to normal as she watched the tribe ponies rise, one of them stepped forward, he looked at he with scared eyes.
“We are very sorry,” he said “You are hero, to save us.”
“Wait, what?” asked Emerald confused at what the pony had said “I don’t understand.”
The pony cleared his throat and began again using actions and gestures to describe what he was saying “You hero, come to save tribe from monster.” He said “legend says pony of fire will come slay the Tarme”
Emerald looked at him piecing together th words he said, suddenly she backed away “NO, no, I am not your pony of fire.” Said Emerald “I do not come to save you.”
The ponies didn’t listen to what emerald was saying instead they surrounded her, two stallions lifted her on their backs and with loud warriors cries they marched forward. Emerald tried in vain to explain to them what was going on, one of the other stallions grabbed her bag in his mouth and took flight.
“Emerald, do not panic.” Said Syrreth “They will learn soon enough that you aren’t who they think you are.”
“Dad?” Emerald asked “dad, help me, how did I do that?”
“The gem.” Syrreth replied “it acts as a conductor of sorts, you can use the magic of the dragons locked within.”
“Oh.” Emerald whispered “sorry dad”
“For what, I can still protect my daughter.” Said Syrreth with a soft chuckle
The ponies that carried Emerald came to a camp in the forest, many tents were set up, with seeing their warriors arrive the fillies of the village along with their foals came to great them. On seeing Emerald they looked at her with confused expression. The warriors on the other hand marched right up to the largest hut in the middle of the small tent village.


> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

From inside the hut, an old stallion and mare walked out, they were both covered in tribal markings. Even though they were old they held a spring to their step. The warriors that brought Emerald placed her hooves on the ground and showed respect to their elders by bowing their heads.
“Ledged is true,” said the lead warrior pony “Tarme will die, fire pony.”
The elders looked to Emerald and squinted their eyes at her; they stepped forward to take a closer look. Walking around her they continuously stared making Emerald shift from hoof to hoof.
“This is really uncomfortable.” She said out loud “I’m not you fire pony.”
“Our warrior seems to think you can control fire.” Said the mare in perfect Equestrian “Is this true young filly?”
Emerald shook her head “I don’t know what’s going on, I’m just going to Canterlot.” She said
“Canterlot?” queried the colt “You are a very, very far ways off young filly, shouldn’t it be a tough journey for one as young as yourself?”
Emerald shrugs and touches her pendant in reassurance “I’ll be fine.” She stated calmly with a smile “I’m not your fire pony though.”
The mare and colt nodded “I don’t think you are either.” said the colt “you are welcomed to stay in our village to recuperate.”
“Thank you.” Emerald smiled once again “but I must decline, I have to reach Canterlot as soon as possible.”
Just as Emerald said the words, the sky was filled with a piercing screech. The ponies of the village suddenly went in a frenzy, they all ran to the centre of the village, armed with spears they all waited. Emerald stood in the middle of them all, she felt their anxiety and fear as another screech filled the sky.
A birdlike creature showed itself then, it had massive wings that were a bluish colour, its yellow eyes constantly moved searching, and its long talons though disgustingly black with filth sent shivers down Emerald spine.
“What is that?” she asked as it circled overhead
“The Tarme.” replied the colt, he now bore a spear as well that he held pointed in the direction of the Tarme “NONE SHALL DIE TODAY!”
The warriors yelled a battle cry as they protected the foals and none warriors behind them. The Tarme screeched once again and came down at them. The elder colt was the first to throw his spear, piercing the left wing but the Tarme didn’t slow down. Emerald watched as the other warriors followed suit and pierced the Tarme with their spears. After a while the creature dropped to the ground.
“It has landed.” The elder colt said “Today we shall take its head.”
Before they can attack the Tarme released another screech and swung it’s talons at them. Two warrior colts were immediately caught and sent into a tree, their spines breaking with a loud crack, their bodies fell to the floor.
“NO!” screamed the elders as the Tarme turned to the fallen ponies with one talon it picked them up and opened its mouth
“You shall not desecrate our dead!” shouted the elder mare, she took up spears and started to throw
“Dad, can you hear me?” asked Emerald 
“I am here daughter.” Came Syrreth reply
“Dad, what do I do, ponies are dying, they think I’m their saviour, I need your wisdom.” She said loudly as the Tarme swiped again only missing some mares by a hairs breath, the young foals were crying
“I know my daughter.” Syrreth said “she wouldn’t run away from those in need of help, she foolishly jumps in without thinking of her own safety.”
“Dad thanks, I needed that.” breathed Emerald
“Now go kick some flank!” Roared Tarme
“You got it.” Emerald ran forward, grabbing spears with hr magic she infused them with a speed spell she sent the spears at the Tarme with all the force she can muster, the spears embedded themselves in the wings of the Tarme making the bird creature scream out in pain
With its beak it pecked at the spears, it trashed around the area destroying the community of tents the ponies had set up. Emerald looked around for something else she will be able to use. The Tarme crashed against a tree breaking most of the spears off, it released a screech that forced all the ponies in the vicinity to cover their ears.
“What!” Emerald exclaimed as its feathers rose making it look bigger and a lot more ferocious “dad, how can I kill this thing it’s going to kill everypony!”
“Emerald you can use the dragon’s fire to your own will” said Syrreth calmly, Emerald felt the pulse of the gem on her neck “focus Emerald, ignore all that’s around you, and focus.”
Emerald closed her eyes, the Tarme slowly advance on the cowering ponies, its beak opened as saliva dropped to the floor in big puddles, somepony screamed. Emerald closed her eyes tighter forcing herself to ignore what’s going on around her.
“Feel the heat inside you,” Syrreth’s voice was resounding with in her “hold it, don’t force it, allow it to fill you up… NOW RELEASE!”
Emerald opened her eyes, with a scream she sent a blast of fire from her mouth, it wasn’t hot but felt as warm as a cool summers evening. The fire itself was a bright red like her Syrreth’s. The Tarme shocked at the blast of flame stumbled back as Emerald stopped to take a breath.
“She is the fire pony.” The elder colt whispered
“Dad that felt really good.” Emerald said as she stepped towards the screeching Tarme with a sly smile “no wonder you dragons do it so often.”
“Ha, ha.” Syrreth said flatly
The Tarme screeched at Emerald again flapping it’s wings to intimidate the small filly, the blood that covered its wings splatter everywhere. Emerald stood her ground and planted herself firmly as the Tarme charged at her.
Inhaling once more she waited till the Tarme was almost upon her before releasing the flame, the fire consumed the creature, wailing cries of anguish filled the forest as the Tarme burned to ash. Emerald dropped to the ground tired, the control of fire left her body spent. The ponies of the village cheered loudly.
“Excuse me, while I sleep a little.” She whispered before closing her eyes
Emerald awoke on something soft, opening her eye she found herself looking up at an unfamiliar roof. Rising up she looked around, the tent was bare. But the ground was covered in a soft fabric. Yawning Emerald stretched.
“Hey dad,” she said “how come I can control the dragons fire?”
“That’s a question even I cannot figure out Emerald.” Replied the gruff voice of Syrreth
Just at that moment from outside the tent three heads poked in, small foals looked at Emerald with wide eyes.
“Do you want something?” Emerald asked uneasily, they all shook their heads “do you want to tell me something then?”
The foals removed their heads and ran away laughing, confused Emerald stuck her head outside the tent. Her eyes opened wide, around her the ponies of the village were hard at work rebuilding the village which was surprisingly almost over. Young foals played around the adults in a game she recognized as was the defeat of the Tarme. On seeing the pony that saved them every pony turned and came around her tent they were talking amongst themselves. Finally the Elders stepped forward, they bowed to her as did every pony else.
“Um, okay.” Emerald said confused “what’s going on, how did you guys rebuild so fast and anyone got anything to eat, I’m starving.”
Immediately a filly ran off and started preparing food, the elders raised their heads and looked directly into Emeralds eyes “You have been asleep for three weeks,” said the elder mare softly “We thought you would’ve died.”
“Really three weeks.” Emerald began to hop on her hooves in anxiety “how could I sleep for three weeks, everybody’s counting on me”
“After you defeated the Tarme you fainted.” Said the elder colt “we could wake you, but you did somehow managed to eat anything we placed close to you.” 
Emerald bowed “I’m sorry, but I have to go,” she said “my family is counting on me, I need to save them.”
“How can we help?” asked the elder colt “you saved our village we must thank you somehow fire pony.”
“Please stop calling me that, my name is Emerald Forest’
“Fire pony, I’m calling you that from now on.” Chuckled Syrreth “ you’re never going to live that down.”
“Have I ever told you how much I hate you?” Emerald smiled
“I love you too little pony.” Syrreth laughed
Emerald looked to the villagers just as the mare returned pulling a large blanket filled with food. Emerald’s mouth began to water at the sight “All this, is for me?” she asked
“I don’t know what you would prefer so, I brought it all.” The mare smiled shyly
Emerald sat, picking up a watermelon she bit in and savoured the taste “So, good.” She cooed, she looked at the young foals and smiled “I can’t eat this all alone, wanna help me?”
The foals dived into the food just as eagerly as Emerald 
“You said you wanted to help me.” Emerald said between bites “Can you tell me about Canterlot?”
“You did say that’s where you were going.” Said the elder mare, she sat down and closed her eyes as if remembering the past “Canterlot is the central city of Equestria, its buildings are huge, the ponies are somewhat friendly…over the years the number of bad ponies have tripled, the princesses live there as well.”
“Yeah them.” Emerald said excitedly “Tell me ‘bout these princesses.”
“Well Princess Celestia is the princess of the sun, she raises and lowers the run every day,” explained the elder mare “Princess Luna the moon princess is the younger sister of Princess Celestia, she governs the night.”
“So…the sun and moon are controlled by ponies.” Asked Emerald, all ponies looked at her in shock “What…I’ve been raised by dragons ok.”
“Oh that explains a lot.” Laughed the elder colt “but I thought dragons detested ponies?”
“I’m just lucky.” Emerald smiled
“Anyway, the other princess are Princess Cadence the princess of lone.” The mare cooed
“Wait, wait, wait….Love” snickered Emerald “you mean to tell me there’s a princess of love?”
“Yes, her love protects the crystal empire from ruin, along with her husband Shining Armour and daughter FluryHeart.”
“Wow…that’s actually kinda cool.” Emerald said calming down “and the other princesses?”
“No there’s just one more princess, she’s one if not the most powerful of them all,” the mare smiled “Twilight Sparkle the princess of friendship.”
“Stop.” Emerald staid holding up a hoof “you’re going to make me choke, how can the princess of….friendship be more powerful than the sun and moon?”
“Well, the stories of how she and her friends defeated the threats of Equestria over a hundred years ago.” The elder colt said, Emerald’s mouth dropped open
“So…they’re immortal?” she asked “they’re just like dragons.”
“Technically no,” Syrreth’s voice chimed in “dragons can die, but they rarely do we choose to go to the other world on our own free will.”
“Oh.” Emerald whispered she looked up at the elders “so, do you think these princesses will help me?”
“If they can they will.” Said the mare
Emerald got to her feet and stretched “I’m filled with new hope now, I’m sure I can save the dragons.” She said with a smile “can you point me in the direction of Canterlot?”
“Better than that.” Smiled the colt “these rivers are connected to all the cities in Equestria.”
The elder colt began walking with the mare, Emerald followed as well along with the village. As they walked through the forest Emerald was handed a sturdy bag made out of woven cloth it was filled with food and a blanket. Soon they came to a cliff, the colt pointed in the distance where the outline of cities can be made.
“That’s Manehattan.” He said “you go there and you can get a train to Canterlot.”
“I got no idea what that is but thank you.” Emerald smiled she turned to all the ponies behind her “Thank you all for the food, it was really good.”
“Be sure to come back and visit.” A random warrior colt said with a smile
Emerald nodded looking down at the valley below Emerald took a deep breath and jumped, she freefell for a few feet before catching herself with her magic and landed softly below.
“You’re showing off aren’t you Emerald.” Syrreth voice sighed
“No not really.” Replied the filly smiling “dad have you met these princesses?”
“Yes, I have my mother had relations with them when she was ruler of the dragons.” Said Syrreth
“Dad….what else aren’t you telling me?” Emerald said warily “cause it seems like my family tree is a bit royal in the dragon department.”
“Well,” chuckled Syrreth “you’ll learn in due time Emerald, in due time.”

> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Five years had passed since Emerald Forest had set out on her journey to the city of Canterlot, on her way she met many ponies big and small along with creatures she never knew existed like griffons and sea serpents. Emerald had grown into tall beautiful mare, her white mane now had the colour red at the tips.  Her body was lean with hardly any fat since she travelled mostly by hoof her legs were of exceptional strength. Her magic became a lot better as she travelled and learnt spells along the way from many unicorns. But the exception of her growth was the fact that she controlled dragon fire. Emerald learnt to harness the dragons flame to do her own bidding. Nothing made her happier than learning something new about the fire she controlled. Syrreth cautioned the mare on her use of the flame and what it can and cannot do.
The two years flew by in a rush and Emerald found herself in a small town on the outskirts of Manehattan, Emerald trotted in and looked around, many ponies looked at her questionably as she was taller than most mares and even rivalled a colt.
“Emerald what exactly are you looking for?” asked Syrreth finally
“Someplace to crash for the night obviously dad.” Emerald replied “or would you rather your small defenceless daughter sleep outside where anything and anypony could do anything to her?”
Syrreth snorted as the gem on her neck moved slightly “Ha, tell that to the Usar Major.” 
“Hey he had it coming,” retorted Emerald Forest “I was having dinner and he came to rip apart everything.”
Syrreth chuckled to himself as Emerald continued to walk around, finally she came to a small bakery entering, the smell of cakes and pies filled her nostrils. Emerald inhaled deeply as she surveyed the delicious food before her. From the back a earth pony carrying a large pile of boxes balanced on his nose walked out. He rested it down on the counter and jumped when he saw Emerald standing in front him.
“Hi, can I help you.” He asked looking at the mare “Wow you’re tall.”
“Yeah, I get that a lot.” Emerald smiled “I’m visiting this town can you please tell me where I can stay for the night… I didn’t see any motels, or maybe I didn’t see the signs.”
“Oh, well in that case welcome to ManeHieghts.” The colt smiled “I’m RedBerry, have a cake or a pie on the house since you’re new and all.”
“Wow, thanks.” Emerald reached out and took up one of the pies and took a bite “Oh my it’s so GOOD!”
“Yes I know, I don’t wanna toot my own horn but…toot, toot.” Chuckled RedBerry
“I’m Emerald Forest,” Emerald introduced herself between bites “So, is there a hotel or a motel around here?”
“We don’t have much visitors and those who visit are mainly family.” Chuckled RedBerry “mostly everyone got a room upstairs and will be willing to rent it to a pony in need.” 
“Thank you very much.” Emerald said 
“But,” continues RedBerry “I suggest you go to the foals home for the night, you can’t miss it it’s the huge three story building at the edge of town”
“Okay thanks RedBerry.” Emerald said she reached into her bag with her magic and pulled out five bits and took up two more pies “What, they’re really good, a mare’s gotta eat”
“So she does.” Laughed RedBerry accepting the bits
Emerald left the bakery and started walking in the direction RedBerry had pointed her to. As she trotted down the street she greeted all ponies she met with a nod of acknowledgement. She passed the town square that held a statue of a beautiful mare in a  stunning pose her head was held high. Emerald stopped to look at the statue.
“Dad if you could only see what I am seeing right now.” Emerald whispered “you’ll love it.”
“Feeling your joy alone is enough for me.” Syrreth said
As emerald marvelled at the statue before her the sounds of crying and shouting could be heard. Curious Emerald followed the sound and came upon the sight of a young mare about two years young her than her being bullied by two colts.
“You’re not wanted by anyone.” Said the first colt
“Even your parents didn’t want you cause you’re blind.” Said the other “No one is going to want a blind pony.”
“Not even that but you don’t even have your cutie mark.” Laughed the first
Emerald became annoyed at the taunts the young colts were dishing out, she marched up behind them, being taller than them bother she allowed only her shadow to cover them, the colts turned around shocked.
“What did you say about a blank flank?” asked Emerald “cause I have a blank flank too, come on tell me.”
The colts backed away scared, they were about to turn and run but Emerald grabbed them by her magic and held them upside down.
“We’re sorry we’re sorry.” They both pleaded
“Why are you telling me that?” asked Emerald, she turned to the young mare “tell it to her.”
“We’re sorry Lizz,” the first colt said
“We shouldn’t have told you those things, please forgive us.” Added the second
“Would you do it again?” asked Emerald, she smiled baring her teeth which over the years had evolved to look like fangs “or would you like me to punish you both.”
The two colts started to fight in the air terrified “No, no, we won’t ever trouble her again, we’ll be good colts I promise.” 
“Remember boys, I’m always watching you.” Emerald said dropping them, the colts ran away screaming in seconds leaving Emerald alone laughing at them “They’re weak but pretend to act strong.”
She turned to the young mare and held out a hoof, after a few second she took it back, she looked over the young mare, this time Lizz was a small mare with a peach coloured coat with yellow mane and tail. Her wings were folded neatly not a feather out of place. Her eyes was what drew Emerald in the most, they were a pale blue but they were alert and full of life.
“I’m sorry.” Said Lizz finally as she wiped her tears “You didn’t have to save me I deserve it, I’m useless after all.”
Emerald just looked at the blind pegasai as she walked away her head low. With a grunt Emerald broke the pie she held in half and placed it in front Lizz.
“Eat.” She said “eating makes bad feeling go away.”
Lizz sniffs the Pie and takes a bite reluctantly “Oh my this is from RedBerry.”
“Good right.” Smiled Emerald “So how about we start over, I’m Emerald Forest, who are you?”
“I’m Lizz, I live in the foal home.” Lizz replied shyly
Emerald beamed and jumped into the sky happily “Yes, you live in the foal home that’s great.” She said excitedly
“Um….why would living in a place where kids are abandoned a good thing?” asked Lizz
“No I don’t mean it like that,” emerald said putting a hoof around Lizz “I’m heading there right now, wanna go together…you know the way better than I do anyway I was gonna ask a lot of questions.”
Lizz smiled for the first time and turned to Emerald “Well if you don’t mind me leading the way I do not mind.” She said
“Lead on my good mare, lead on.” Emerald said quoting a line from one of Syrreth’s many old stories. 
Lizz led them through he streets expertly dodging everything as she walked, a few times Emerald was going to guide her away but realized that the mare had it under control. Only when it was time to cross the street Lizz reached out with her wing and rested in on Emeralds back.
“Wow you’re really tall.” Lizz said softly
“Yup, I grew quite a bit in my travels.” Emerald explained as they made it to the other side 
“Where are you going for this journey?” asked Lizz
“Well, some things happened so to save all my family I have to go to the princesses,” Emerald explained
“Would they help you?” asked Lizz
“Well my dad says they’re extremely powerful, he trusts them.” Said Emerald touching the stone as they neared the large home “wow, this place is actually quite beautiful.”
“Oh, thank you the kids do the decor ourselves.” Lizz smiled as they came to the door, without missing a beat she opened and entered, Lizz leads Emerald into the living room “wait here I’ll go get sister Daisy.”
With that Lizz trotted off into the house leaving Emerald alone, she walked around the living room looking at the pictures that lined the wall. Ever single group photo had different kids some even appeared twice but never a third or a fourth. Lizz was the only pony that appeared in every single picture.
“Dad,” Emerald whispered
“Yes what is it?” asked Syrreth
“I don’t think I would’ve survived in this place, to many sad memories here.” Emerald said softly “thanks for not putting me in a place like this.”
“No problem.” Syrreth replied
“And don’t worry I’ll save all of you.” Emerald said just as Lizz and a older mare walked into the room, Emerald turned to greet them both “Hello, RedBerry told me you have rooms to rent?”
“Hello, yes we have rooms, wow you’re tall” sister Daisy said making Emerald laugh “Lizz told me what happened in town, thank you for sticking up for my little Lizz.”
“No problem, so how much for the room?” asked Emerald “I’m famished.”
“Oh Lizz will take you to one of our rooms upstairs.” Sister Daisy said “because you helped Lizz in her time of need, please stay the night free of charge.”
“Oh no I couldn’t” Emerald protested, taking out the bits from her bag
Sister Daisy shook her head “we repay kindness with kindness in this house.” Sister Daisy said with a smile “dinner will be in the next few hours.”
“Thank you Sister.” Emerald said smiling
“You have a kind heart Emerald, we are happy to have you here.” Sister Daisy replied as Lizz took Emerald and led her to the stairs, once out of earshot placed her mouth close to Lizz’s ear “so, where are all the other kids?”
Lizz jumped and landed on her flank before laughing “You scared me.” Lizz said “your breath is so hot, the other kids are in school should let out anytime now I guess.”
Emerald cocked an eyebrow “School, that’s where you go to learn stuff right?” she asked 
“Yup.” Lizz got off her flank and led Emerald down a wide corridor and choose the ninth door on the right “My room is right over here, so you can have this one.”
“Alright thank you.” Emerald said “You can wake me up when it’s time for dinner ok.”
“Okay,” Lizz said in a disappointed tome, Emerald opened her door and turned to watch the young mare with her head low walk away, Emerald scratched the back of her head
“Spend some time with the little one.” Was the only thing Syrreth said suddenly “She needs this so do you.”
“Hey Lizz.” Emerald called, Lizz turned and her eyes though blind were fixated on Emerald “wanna come in and hang out for a bit?”
Lizz’s face lit up at that moment as she galloped towards the mare’s room and entered, Emerald closed the door behind her.

> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Emerald stayed for three days in the foal home helping around the house and helping with the young foals, she didn’t find it difficult to lea e she just wanted to help out in any way she can. During her time there sh had grown close to Lizz and saw her as a little sister, even Syrreth had taking a liking to her. Emerald found that Lizz had a peculiar talent even though she is blind she is able to paint and draw amazing pictures way better than anything she had seen. Emerald was also left astonished by her mastery of the piano. At night most of the foals in the home would ask to hear her play and sing. 
Finally when it was the time to leave to continue on her way to Canterlot Lizz was the first to protest as they sat on the porch outside.
“Why now?” Asked Lizz “Can’t you sty a little longer?”
“I’ve stayed long enough,” Emerald replied “I have a mission and I need to see it through.”
“Oh right you need to save your family.” Lizz said hanging her head “I’m sorry I’m being selfish.”
Emerald laughed “You’re not being selfish you just spoke your mind,” she said touching the young mare with her hoof “I promise to visit though.”
“No, that’s quite alright.” Lizz said with a shrug
“So…. You don’t want me visiting you okay, well take care.” Emerald said forcing a smile
“No silly, I’m going with you.” Lizz chipped “You know I can play my music for someone in Canterlot and they’l make my dream come through.”
Emerald raised a eye brow “Um, which dream is that?” she asked
“To be a world famous musician.” Lizz smiled “I get ot play my songs and sing for everypony.”
Just at that moment Sister Daisy walked outside, she came straight to the two mares.
“I heard everything.” Sister Daisy said, Lizz immediately hung her head “and I agree, your talent for the musical arts should be shared with all of Equestria.”
Lizz lifted her head in astonishment, Sister Daisy walked to Emerald and took up her hooves in her own, her eyes were already wet with tears.
“Take care of Lizz she’s like my daughter,” said Sister Daisy
“I promise.” Emerald said with a smile
“Does this mean we have a tag along?” inquired Syrreth “can we afford to take her with us?”
“Calm down dad, everything will work out for the best you’ll see.” Emerald whispered
The next day the two mares set out, Lizz had listened to Emerald instructions and packed extremely light carry bits and a warm blanket for cold nights. The foal house was outside to see them off, everyone had teary eyes as Lizz hugged them all in turn. Emerald waited patiently at the door not wanting to get involved in the heartfelt goodbye.
Soon it was over and with a wave both unicorn and pegasai left the town of ManeHieghts, Sister Daisy had offered to pay for their trip to the next town via carriage. She ignored Emerald’s decline and ordered one none the less. Her reasoning being, it’s the least he can do for all the help she offered over the past three days.
The mares say in the colt pulled carriage, Emerald lazily hung her head out the window looking at the scenery as they slowly go by.
“I can honestly trot faster than this.” Emerald groaned
“You’re used to doing things on hoof,” Syrreth said “why not enjoy this time you actually have to relax your body just a little?”
“Dad,” groaned Emerald “stop making fun of me.”
Lizz ears perked up then, her face became flushed a little before she spoke “Um, Emerald, I know it’ll sound very strange coming from me now,” she began “but that voice I keep hearing where is it coming from?”
“Oh, didn’t I tell you, changelings trapped all of my family in this black gem.” Said Emerald “Only the princesses and their magic can save them.”
“Oh, can you tell me what kind of ponies your family was?” inquired Lizz
“Well, first of all they weren’t ponies.” Emerald smiled
“No we are dragons.” Syrreth replied “I finally get the chance to speak to you Lizz, I am Syrreth this mare’s father.”
“P-p-pleasure to meet you mister dragon sir,” Lizz said ina  scared whisper “please don’t eat me.”
“Now why would I eat a cute pony like you?” Syrreth inquired “Besides you are basically a sister to my daughter that makes you my daughter as well.”
Emerald chuckled and returned to watching the slow passing scenery as Lizz and Syrreth conversed. She allowed herself to fall into a small sleep.
Someone was shaking her, Emerald opened her eyes slowly to see Lizz over her shaking her awake. 
“Come on wake up already,” Lizz said “we’re here.”
Lizz raised a hoof and was about to slap Emerald when the unicorn woke up, she touched the nose of the pegasus in forming her that she was awake.
“So where exactly are we?” asked Emerald
“This is the town of FlagStone.” Lizz said as they got out the carriage “Thank you for the ride mister colt.”
“You’re welcome Lizz, don’t forget us little ponies when you become somepony.” Said the colt as he trotted off
“I would never forget you guys.” Lizz called after him
Emerald stood where she was looking at the bare ghostlike town before her “Right, so this is where we gotta go through.” She said “Well, let’s go then.”
Lizz unfurled one of her wings and rested it on the back of Emerald as she led the way through the town. No pony was around to greet them, Emerald found that strange, she distinctly heard voices coming from inside the buildings, Lizz heard them too but choose not to acknowledge their presence.
“Lizz, we not stayeing another minute here.” Emerald said “Soemthign doesn’t fel right.”
“Agreed,” was Syrreth’s only response
“Okay,” Lizz said as they broke into a trot, the buzzing of wings was suddenly heard, Lizz was the first to hear it “I think there are bugs coming this way.” 
“Bugs?” asked Emerald she looks around, sure enough a black cloud was coming from behind them, the distinct sound of buzzing wings could be heard “yup, those are bugs.”
Suddenly form one of the houses a colt appeared in the window “Get away!” he screamed
Emerald looked at him as the bugs nears a frog hopped through the middle of the street, as the bugs flew over they left behind a dried up corpse.
“OH tartarus.” Whispered Emerald, she frantically looked around but saw nothing that could protect them from the instant death that would befall them “Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn!”
“What’s going on?” asked Lizz terrified “Emerald?”
Emerald ignored Lizz and continued searching for something, her eyes land on a tub of water using magic she pulled it them “Lizz I’m putting you in water hold your breath ok.” Emerald said before the mare could protest she dropped her in the water just as the bugs were upon them.”
“EMERALD!” Syrreth voice growled
“I know dad.” Emerald said as the bugs started to attach to her, immediately her body was covered in fire, she burning the bug like creatures off her. The bugs circled around the tob of water that held Lizz, controlling her flame Emerald encircled them both in the flame killing all in their vicinity. After a few seconds the bugs retreated most of them dead, Emerald allowed the fire to disappear.
Sitting in the tub was a smiling Lizz, her eyes were wide as he sat in the tub the water had evaporated.
“It’s safe now.” Emerald said 
From inside their homes ponies emerged they surround Emerald and Lizz their murmurs rose to a loud chatter as they questioned the two mares.
“I suggest getting out of here immediately.” Syrreth said
“I agree.” Emerald grabbed on to Lizz and teleported them away from the crowd they reappeared in one of the many ally’s thy had passed “Ok, we gotta leave this place before they find us.”
“You can control fire?” Lizz asked
“Yeah, it’s no big deal.” Emerald said “let’s get going.”


> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The princess of the sun Celestia laid asleep in her room, her body twists from side to side franticly. She calls out in the stillness of the night Luna to an unseen foe. Suddenly through the bedroom door the night princess bursts through. She immediately shakes the sleeping Celestia.
“Sister, sister wake up,” began Luna shaking Celestia violently
Celestia sits up suddenly wide awake, she look to Luna and wipes the sweat off her brow “Luna, I was having a nightmare.” Said Celestia
“Sister you and I both know that wasn’t a nightmare but a vision of things to come.” Luna stated “would you mind sharing what you saw?”
Celestia nodded, Luna walked to Celestia’s writing desk in the corner of the room and pulled out a feather and a writing parchment then returned to Clelestia’s side. Her horn lit up illuminating the room as she prepared to write.
“You may begin sister.” Luna said
Celestia took a deep breath “I saw death, so much death,” Celestia hugged herself from an invisible cold “there was a shadow of something sinister something we’ve never encountered before.”
“Can it be one of the forgotten creatures of Tartarus?” inquired Luna
Celestia shook her head “No this seemed a lot stronger than anything we’ve ever faced.” She continued “I also saw the changelings, they, they were in league with the shadow, they were chasing two mares…”
Celestia’s voice trailed off as she tried to figure out what it meant she looked into Luna’s eyes, her own filled with worry.
“Luna, what is happening?” Celestia asked “our land will be destroyed by this thing, we must find the pony in my vision.”
“We agree,” Luna said “can you describe the pony?”
Celestia shook her head “All I remember were those fiery eyes, and that white mane, with the tips were red as well” Celestia said with a sigh
“Shall we send out the royal guards to search for this pony” asked Luna resting the writing parchment on the table
“That’s quite fine.” Celestia said “I have the feeling we’ll be meeting this pony soon.”
Luna nods, before Celestia could say anymore, Luna placed a spell on the sun princess lulling her to sleep once more.
“Sleep now my sister.” Luna said softly “we shall see to it your rest is pleasant.”
Luna left the room of Princess Celestia, waiting on the other side of the door was a worried looking Princess Twilight, she was pacing in front the door. When she noticed Luna standing there Princess Twilight all but  tackled Luna.
“IS she alright, what’s going on.” Twilight queried worriedly
“Be calm princess,” Luna said “our sister is resting soundly, she had only vision.”
“A vision, a vision of what?” asked Twilight, Luna raised the writing parchment to Twilights eyes, the youngest princess read the exert of the vision and then looks Luna “This is bad isn’t it?”
“Very much so princess Twilight.” Answered Luna as Twilight helped her on her hooves once more “this pony our sister has described seems to be at the centre of it all, we must find her.”
“I shall have the guards keep an eye out on anypony with these features.” Twilight said  with a smile “and the girls have been itching for a adventure.”
Luna looks at twilight with a bit of concern “Remember Princess Twilight we are the rulers of Equestria and must carry ourselves as such.”
“Of course,” Twilight smiled “We won’t do anything that’ll cause problems, I Pinky promise”
“Somehow that doesn’t reassure us.” Luna smiled but with a wave of a hoof she brushed it off “be safe young princess.”
Princess Luna walks off leaving Twilight alone in the corridor with a wide grin on her face, once Princess Luna bent the corner, Twilight started jumping happily she rose on her hind legs and did a form of dance, that only she can. From around the corridor Princess Luna stood, she listened to the excited princess and shook her head.
“You are too excited Princess Twilight,” Luna whispered before walking off 
***
Deep within a mountain on the outskirts of Equestria stood a lone cave, from within a low hum emitted. The queen of the changelings Chrysalis stood the lone creature onteh outside of te cave. On her face she bore a evil smile.
“Afer so many years.” She told herself “I have finally found where you are.”
She took a steep into the cave only to be forcefully stopped by something invisible, the cave’s hum grew louder. Chrysalis coughed up blood as she fought against the hold.
“Stop,” She shouted “Norgan stop.”
The hold was suddenly released, a laugh is heard from within “You know my name.” A low voice laughed “Have you come to give me your life pony?”
“I am not a pony.” Chrysalis shouted “I want revenge on all those ponies.”
“Then why are you here?” asked the voice
“Simple, I’m hear to make you a deal,” smiled the queen of th e changelings “you will be freed but only if you pledge your life and power to me.”
“And what if I don’t?” asked the voice
“Then you will remain here for the next few hundred years.” Chrysalis countered, the grip on her body suddenly returned making her whince in pain 
“And what if I just kill you here?” asked the voice
“Think about it,” Chrysalis said “You almost had the entire land but because of those princess and their power you lost and was imprisoned here.”
“Oh, you do have a point,” the voice said “I Norgan, pledge my life to you.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Chrysalis smiled she levitated a gem from a pouch she had on the ground and plaed it before the cave, a thick black smoke emerged from the cave and entered the gem, Chrysalis laughed mechanically as she held the now possessed gem “With you not even the dragons can stand up to us.”
With the beating of her wings queen Chrysalis took flight and left the cave, her laughter filling the sky. 
***
Emerald and Lizz laid on their backs side by side, the night sky was like a blanket of stars as the moon cast it’s cool light caressing their bodies.
“Hey Lizz?” Emerald began
“Yeah?”
“Did you know there’s a princess of friendship?” she said softly
“Yup, Princess Twilight,” replied the mare, Emerald turned to look at her with a shocked expression 
“So they weren’t lying it’s true?” Emerald said loudly
“Where have you been?” inquired Lizz with a small laugh “of course it’s true.”
“Um, I was raised by a dragon who forgot to tell me things like this.” Emerald said shooting the words directly to Syrreth who said nothing “So the princess we’re going to meet will be these princesses?”
“Well, unless there are other princess we don’t know about, yes.” Lizz said with a yawn she turned on her side “I’m gonna sleep now, all that walking today have me famished.”
“S-sure.” Emerlad said laying on her back once agains she looked up at the moon, thoughts of a pony powerful enough to control the moon and sun flooded her mind, of course they would be able to save her dad and al the other dragons from the gem…right


> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Things are not always what they seem and Emerald knew that, the seaside city before her was one such that didn’t seem real. The busy ponies going about their business, or rushing to their next destination. The foals running through the streets without a care in the world. Emerald stood stunned her mouth wide open. Standing next to her Lizz had her wing on her back as usual.
“So where do we go from here?” asked Lizz
“I have absolutely no idea” replied Emerald still shocked at what was happening before her eyes “But, I think we should get over the ocean.”
Lizz turned to Emerald her eyes filled with questions
“I have no idea how we’re going to do that.” Emerald said, she took a deep breath, the salt air was refreshing but it felt like it was burning her throat “Hey dad you got any idea’s”
The gem on her neck pulsed for a second “I believe the earth and pegasai ponies all use the tools called ships to go across the ocean.” Replied her father “I suggest you get one.”
“Right… Where are we going?” asked Emerald with a confused smile
Syrreth groaned loudly “You are some kind of filly aren’t you,”” he said “you are going to Manehattan.”
“Wait, I thought this was Manehattan.” Emerald said
“Not even close,” chuckled Lizz “We are in the seaside town of GrandTower.”
“Why do they call is GrandTower?” Emerald asked, she looks up to see a lighthouse overlooking the town “okay, never mind.”
Lizz chuckles “I think we should get out of the street though, I think the Pegasus are going to make it rain.” She said
Emerald nodded and leads her to a small diner, as they entered the sound of thunder was heard as the weather Pegasus brought in the clouds. Emerald looked up at them from the windows of the diner in awe, as she has never seen weather ponies at work.
“Dad,” she whispers “How come we never had weather ponies where we’re from?”
“Equestria is a magical place Emerald.” Syrreth said “Something’s work differently in dragon land.”
Emerald nodded as a waitress walks up to them “Hello can I take you to your seats?” she asked, Emerald nods, leading the way the waitress sits them at a window table. She levitates two menus at puts them in front them “I’ll be back shortly to take your orders.”
“Thank you.” Emerald said as the waitress leaves, opening the menu Emerald looks it over and shrugs “They got hay fries and cucumber sandwiches, oh there’s also pies.”
“You really like pies huh?” Lizz asked smiling “I’ll have a cucumber sandwich and a appleshake, lemme guess you’re gonna get a pie”
“You know me so well.” Emerald teased as the waitress returned and took their order, Emerald looked back outside the window to the rain clouds “her Lizz?”
“Yeah?”
“How come I’ve never seen you fly?” Emerald asked looing at the weather Pegasus zip around the sky, Lizz remained silent “Lizz?”
“You’ll laugh if I told you.” Lizz said softly, she hung her head in shame
Emerald puts a hoof under Lizz muzzle and lifts her head “I would never laugh at you, come on why would I laugh,” Emerald said “I’m a pony who knows nothing about pony life.”
“That is true.” Lizz said “hearing you go crazy on the train ride was really something else, you thought we were going to die.”
“We were I felt every pebble,” Emerald said hurriedly “we could’ve fallen off.”
“No we wouldn’t.” Syrreth chuckled
“Stay out of this dad.” Retorted Emerald “come on tell me why Lizz.”
Lizz takes a deep breath “It’s cause,” she begins “I’m scared of heights.”
Emerald looks at her confused “You’re a Pegasus.” She said simply
“I know and that’s what so horrible about it.” Lizz buried her head in her hooves “a Pegasus who’s to afraid to fly, where has that ever happened.”
Emerald chuckled “We all got our flaws,” she said “remember I was raised by a ferocious dragon who couldn’t eaten me at any time.”
“I wouldn’t want that kind of indigestion.” Syrreth said with a cough “Getting rid of that belly pain would’ve taken a few centuries.”
“Dad, do you want me to drop you in the middle of the ocean?” asked Emerald, just then the waitress brought their meals and sets it in front of them they wait until she leaves, Emerald takes a bite of her pie “oh yeah Lizz you’re blind.”
“Oh, really I didn’t notice,” Lizz said “I just thought I was keeping my eyes closed.”
“No silly, I mean how can you tell you’re high up if you can’t see?” Emerald inquired 
“Well, I kinda feel it.” She said “pegasai are connected to the sky, when we’re in the air we feel everything in the sky that terrifies me.”
“Ohhh,” Emerald said understanding finally “well I doubt we’ll have to fly anytime soon.”
Lizz laughs as they eat
“Is everything alright?” the waitress asks coming over
“It’s delicious.” Emerald said between bites
“It’s good.” Replied Lizz with a smile the waitress turns to leave “wait, we could use some information.”
The waitress stops and looks to Lizz “Yes?”
“The ships, any of them sailing today?” asked Lizz
“There’s always a ship sailing dear.” The waitress said “I think the last one should be boarding in the next hour or so.”
Emeralds eyes grew wide, jumping from her seat she started hopping on spot as she took out bits and placed them on the table.
“Lizz, we gotta go buy tickets fast.” She said, Lizz got out her seat and followed Emerald, running back Emerald ran back in to the waitress “um, where’s the boat.”
“Oh, you go down this street and take the last left you’ll see the port there.” Said the waitress
“Thank you.” Emerald shouted running out the diner once again
Matching pace with Lizz, they ran down the street through the rain. Emerald led them to the in the direction the waitress had told them. As they ran towards the port there was a boat setting sale.
“WAIT!” shouted Emerald but it was in vain, the ship began to move, Emerald took up the pace “for dragons sae wait!”
They reached the port as the boat pulled away from jumping distance, breathing hard both mares stood in the rain and watched as the boat went further and further away. Emerald stomped her hoof hard.
“We didn’t make it!” she shouted angrily
“It’s my fault,” said Lizz “I was slowing you down.”
“It’s not your fault,” Emerald said still agitated “we just didn’t have enough information.”
A brown earth stallion walks up to them at that moment, he was fairly old and wore a sailor uniform and a pipe in his mouth. He stood next to them watching the boat go in the distance.
“You mares missed the boat did ya?” he asked 
“Yeah and this was the last one today.” Lizz said sadly
“Where you mares headed?” asked the stallion
“Well, we’re heading to the mainland.” Lizz replied “we gotta make it to Canterlot.”
The stallion looked at them wide eyes “You mares still hae a long ways to go.” He said taking a pull of his pipe “I am not headed to the main land but maybe I can take you all to the white island, it’s closer to the main land and you can hire a small boat from there.”
“You would do that for us?” asked Lizz
“Of course I will,” smiled the stallion “the spirit of generosity and kindness lives within us all teaching us every day.”
“The who and what now?” asked Emerald, the stallion looked at her shocked “Oh I’m just playing I know what they are.”
“Don’t frighten and old mare like that young filly,” chuckled the stallion “you had a old captain questioning what they were teaching in schools today, now come on the sea’s a waiting”
The stallion walked off towards the  few small ships docked in the port, Emerald and Lizz followed close behind.
“Lizz?” Emerald whispered 
“Don’t worry, I’ll explain the elements of harmony later.” Lizz whispered back
“Thank you.” Emerald said as they stopped in front the boat “The dancing Mare.”
“A’int she a beaut?” asked the stallion “me and her been sailing the sea’s since my retirement.”
“Wow,” said Lizz in awe as the stallion hopped on and motioned for them to do the same “shall we?”
“Be careful Emerald,” said Syrreth “the sea can be unforgiving maiden especially when it comes to one of her own.”
“I have no idea what you speak of dad.” Emerald said hopping onto the boat with Lizz 
“This old sea captain is married to the ocean.” Said Syrreth calmly “the sea won’t be kind to those taking her stallions.”
“Ew, dad that’s disgusting.” Emerald said as the stallion prepared the ship, Lizz and Emerald stood out the rain in the ships port
“Calm down filly.” Syrreth said
“So, what’s the white island?” Lizz asked “first time I ever heard of it.”
“The white island was a flourishing island filled with food and beautiful animals.” Syrreth explain “but that stallion the one called Sombra destroyed it, laying it to ash, hence the name white island.”
“King Sombra did that?” Lizz asked “I thought he was defeated by the princess and her friends?”
“He was.” Syrreth said just as the boat began to pull out the port, Syrreth stopped talking then as the captain entered the port and took hold of the wheel
“Don’t worry the rain will stop once we get away from the island.” He said pulling on his pipe and blowing a puff of black smoke “the names Tidal Waves, but you can just call me cap.”
“I’m Emerald and this is Lizz.” Said Emerald “thank you for taking us to the island.”
“It’s my pleasure little filly.” Smiled the captain “now you can enjoy the boat to your hearts content, we got food and drinking water below, and beds are down there too.”
“Thank you.” Lizz said “how long will we take to reach the white island?”
“If the sea favours us a week at most.” Tidal wave said 
“A week,” Emerald said “that’s ok.”
As they pulled further and further away from the port the rain eased, soon they were sailing in sunshine, Emerald and Lizz went out on the deck and sat, they felt the motion of the waves carry them along slowly. 
“This feels so peaceful.” Lizz said in a drowsy voice
“I agree.” Added Emerald as she looked over the edge at the crystal blue water, she saw her reflection staring back at her, her features had changed once again, her eyes were turning a shade of red while her mane was thicker than it was before “wow, I look so different.”
“What do you mean?” asked Lizz
“I don’t tend to fuss over myself much,” Emerald explained “if I see myself in the water or a stream or something, I’m lucky if I notice my own reflection.”
“You know, for a mare that can see, how can you be so blind to your own self?” chuckled Lizz
Emerald playfully hoofed Lizz in the face, they returned to hanging over the railing taking in the relaxation. Lizz explained to Emerald what the elements of harmony were along with some of their stories, Syrreth filled in the information they didn’t know.
Time passed quickly and soon both mares were asleep on the deck curled up in balls next to each other.
***


Princess Twilight happily trotted down her castle bypassing the throne room , she looked in all the rooms searching. Soon she came to the large meeting room, pushing open the doors she entered, laying on the ground asleep with a book in front him was a giant dragon his slow rhythmic breathing vibrated the ground under Twilight’s hooves.
“Silly dragon,” whispered the princess walking towards him “sleeping like this, you’re never gonna change no matter how big you get.”
Twilight trotted over to the dragon and stood in front his face, with a sly smile she used her magic covering his nose. After a few seconds the dragon began to choke of his inability to breathe, his eyes flashed open to reveal giant green orbs, looking down at twilight.
“Glad you’re up spike.” Twilight smiled dispelling her magic “We got work to do.”
“Ah, Twilight,” groaned spike “didn’t we rearrange the library last week?”
“Really it’s been two weeks already, we may need to rearrange it again.” Twilight said trailing off in her own little bookworm world, Spike lifted his head and yawned, using his claws he closed the mouth of Twilight stopping her from her rant 
“Twilight, I’m going to release your mouth.” Spike began “you’re going to tell me what is going on okay.”
Twilight nods as Spike removes his claw “Right so, Tia had a vision and it may be of Equestria destroying level.” Explained the princess opening her wings for extra emphasis
“Isn’t it always the same though,” Spike said scratching his stomach “think about it, Nightmare Moon, the changelings, Sombra…shall I go on?”
“This time it’s different,” Twilight said excitedly “we aren’t the ones to save the world this time, well I don’t think so, but from what Luna showed me, there’s this pony with fiery eyes and a mane of fire-“
“Wait stop.” Spike said holding up a claw “a pony of…fire.”
“That’s what Tia saw,” Twilight said annoyed that Spike interrupted her “anyway, the changelings are back and they’re working with some shadow thing, we got to find this pony before it’s to late.”
“Twilight, I’m going to say this because I love you,” Spike said yawning again “you are crazy.”
“What!” exclaimed Twilight “I am not crazy that’s exactly what Tia saw, you have to help us find her spike.”
Spike looked down at the pony he has called his sister since birth as she looked at him with sad eyes and sighed “When you do the sad eyes I can’t say no can i.” he said defeated “I guess I could use a vacation out the castle, I’m still not used to being treated like royalty.”
Happy Twilight flew up and hugged Spike’s muzzle “Alright, well lets go get the others, I have a feeling we’re all going to be needed on this.” Said Twilight “Do you mind if I change your size, it’ll be easier for you to manoeuvre”
“Sure,” Spike nods as Twilight lands once again and looks up at him her horn glowed as the dragon was covered in light and began to shrink  to a fairly smaller size, when the light faded Spike was only a bit bigger than Celestia “wow been almost eighty years since I was this size.”
“I know right, I remember the time you were small enough to side on my back.” Twilight smiled as they walked out
“A time you don’t ever seem to forget,” Spike mumbled making Twilight laugh “So where are they?”
“We had tea day before,” Twilight said thinking “They can’t be that far.”
“Right, you do know who we’re talking about right?” Spike said looking at Twilight, the guards of the palace watched as Spike and Twilight walked the palace grounds particularly Spike and his reduction in size “can’t you do a summoning spell or something?”
“If I did I would have,” Twilight said “this isn’t like your comic books Spike, I can’t just magically summon ponies when I want to.”
Spike stopped walking, and sighed “I can’t believe I’m telling you of all ponies this, but have you tried?” asked Spike “You’re the element of magic if I remember that correctly.”
“Fine, to prove to you that it doesn’t exactly work, I’ll do it.” Twilight huffed “And when it doesn’t work, you will have to redo the library.” 
“Deal,” Spike said slyly
“By word count.” Twilight said with a smile making Spike groan loudly, Twilight walked to the garden and sat in the centre surrounded by all the variations of fauna within the kingdom, with a deep breath she closed her eyes, Spike took a seat under the shade of a tree and watched her
A few minutes passed and nothing happened, but soon the purple aura appeared around Twilight’s horn, a beam of light shot into the sky , Spike watched wide eyed as the beam faded in seconds and Twilight opened her eyes.
“See Spike,” she said walking up to him “it didn’t work.”
“OKEY DOKEY LOEY!” the voice echoed through the sky
Spike looked at Twilight his lips curled up in a smile 


> chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seven days at sea to sailors was more or less a walk in the park but for inexperienced ponies, the trip was daunting. Two day into the trip both Emerald and Lizz got sea sick, the constant movement had them hanging their heads over the railing in an attempt to easy their suffering, which only added to it.
Their trip was peaceful, nothing was seen for miles as Tidal Waves steered the boat to its destination. After getting used to the motions Emerald help around the ship swabbing the deck. It wasn’t long before she was learning how to steer the ship as well, even Lizz took an opportunity to learn. 
On the morning of the seventh day as the sun rose Emerald was up on the deck looking at the sea when in the distance she noticed a small black mass.  She raced below deck and immediately woke the old stallion up.
“Tidal, I see something.” She said excitedly, the ruckus Emerald made woke the sleeping Lizz as well
“Emerald, is everything ok?” Lizz asked sleepily
“I see something.” Emerald repeated excitedly, Tidal opened his eyes, looked at Emerald and yawned; he rose from his bunk bed and slowly walked out onto the deck 
“What’s wrong?” asked Tidal Wave looking to the mare who pointed to the front of the ship “Well I’ll be, I thought we would make it by evening but this is just wonderful.”
“Is that white island?” asked Emerald 
“Yes it is, we had an amazing wind last night.” Said the stallion stretching “You go take some rest young mare, I’ll take over from here.”
“But I’m wide awake, I don’t feel sleepy at all” complained Emerald
“There a time and a place for everything Emerald Forest,” Tidal Waves stated “you need rest, so take the time and rest.”
“I agree with Tidal.” Syrreth said “You’ve been awake all night, rest will do you good.”
“Fine,” Emerald said defeated, she trotted out the bridge and made her way to the bunk beds, she didn’t realized how tired she was until she laid on the bed looking at the ceiling
Lizz had fallen back to sleep her soft snores filled the room along with the sound of crashing waves against the exterior of the ship, gave the unicorn a soft melody. Closing her eyes she allowed herself to drift to sleep.
“I’ll sleep only for an hour or so,” she said as she gave into sleep
Time flew and Lizz awoke from her slumber, the sounds that reached her ears first were the soft sound of a snoring pony. Cautiously she got to her hooves, not wanting to make any noise she crept to the stairs leading to the ship deck. She released a breath of relief as she reached the top of the stairs, proud of herself for being sneaky enough not to wake the very ear sensitive Emerald Forest.
As she stood on the deck feeling the warm sunlight on her fur, Lizz listened, the sounds of crashing waves wasn’t evident nor was the usual motion of the ship on open water. Instead the sound of bird cawed above her. She heard voices of stallions shouting commands at each other. Confused, the mare by memory alone walked through the ship to the cockpit.
“Tidal are you here?” she asked
“Oh, lassy you’re awake.” Tidal replied turning to her “I didn’t want to leave you mares alone and asleep on the ship.”
“Where are we?” asked Lizz
“We’re in the white island docks.” Replied Tidal Waves
“Oh Celestia, I need to wake Emerald up.” Exclaimed the young mare turning to run out the cockpit, the feeling Tidal Wave biting her tail stopped her in her tracks “Ow!”
“Don’t wake that mare.” Tidal wave said in a low commanding voice “she is very tired and needs this rest.” 
“But”
“No buts,” Tidal Wave said “Can I trust you to allow your sister to sleep?”
Lizz nodded reluctantly, Tidal wave released a sigh of relief and trotted the door
“I’ll be going to organise you girls a transport to the mainland.” He said “remember let her sleep, she needs the rest. Food is right where it was help yourself.”
With that the stallion was gone; Lizz sat alone in the cockpit listening to the sounds of the stallions on the docks as they shouted at each other in the most vulgar manner she has ever heard. It intrigued her to the point where she gathered the food she wanted and sat on the deck of the ship and listened to them insult each other and tell their many, many stories.
Time flew swiftly and Emerald awoke on her own, groggy she opened her eyes at the ceiling.
“How long have I been out?” she asked out loud
“A few hours give or take.” Replied Syrreth
Emerald flew out of bed “What, I should’ve been awake ages ago.” She shouted as she leaped up the stairs skipping a few in the process, once outside she shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight and waited for them to get adjusted. Once they were she found that they were docked on an island port, Lizz was sitting on the deck of the ship her ears were perked up and twitched ever so slightly.
“Lizz” Emerald called
The young mare jumped “Bucking Tartars!” she exclaimed turning to the source of her fright “you scared me.”
Emerald looked at her confused, the language she used was new to her yet it seemed not to fit the blind mare. “How long have we been docked here?” she asked
“You’re going to get mad.” Lizz said 
Emerald took a breath “I’m not going to get mad,” she said though her throat was dry and she felt the anger building up inside her
“Promise.” Lizz asked 
“Promise,” Emerald replied 
“We’ve been docked for almost five hours.” Lizz replied, instinctively she dropped to her stomach and covered her head with her hooves her eyes were shut tight waiting for the outburst from Emerald
Emerald was standing there unmoving, her eyes were closed, she took slow breathes as she tried to calm the anger within her.
“Emerald?” asked Lizz
“I’m okay Lizz, where’s Tidal Wave?” 
“He went to organize another ship to take us to the main land.” Lizz replied still cowering
“Get up Lizz, I’m not going to do anything violent,” laughed Emerald “that’s a promise.”
The unicorn sat and took one of the many muffins Lizz had lying around and took a bite as she watched the clear sky. Lizz got up from where she was and took a seat next to Emerald.
“I can feel it you know.” said Emerald “we’re close.”
“How can you tell?” asked Lizz
“I don’t know it’s just a gut feeling,” Emerald smiled “soon my dad and all the other dragons will be free and we can go back to the way we were before all this.”
Lizz hung her head visibly sad, shaking her head Emerald wrapped a hoof around the young mares neck “Well, not completely normal,” she said “we’re going to have a third pony in our messed up family.”
“Our family isn’t messed up little filly.” Syrreth said with a growl that made Emerald laugh
***
The darkness of the ever changing castle, the buzzing of wings could be heard from deep within. The screams filled the corridors. Standing above the Queen stood above her subjects her glowing green eyes filled with rage.
“How could you have lost them.” She roared angrily “you had one job”
“I’m sorry my queen, we have failed you.” The changeling cowered
“Failed, Failed, FAILED!” screamed the queen “You have done far worse than fail, all our work for naught.”
“Not for naught, my queen.” A changeling walked up behind his cowering comrade, the queen looked at the intruder of her subject’s punishment, the changeling bowed “forgive my rudeness.”
“You shall speak.” The Queen commanded
“He may have lost the gem, but from what he said it’s in the hands of just a pony.” The changeling stated matter-of-factly
“And what of it?” questioned the queen “without the gem the power it holds will be useless.”
“Not so my queen.” The changeling smiled showing its fanged teeth “the pony can be corrupted.” 
The Queen smiled, the rage slowly vanishing from her eyes “Corrupting the ponies soul.” She laughed “that’s marvellous.”
She jumped over the still cowering subject and loomed down at the changeling before her. Her smile was cold yet held a strange love for the changeling before her.
“Can you actually pull that off.” she asked 
“We can my queen, we are already standing by” said the changeling “all we need is for you to spare his life we need him to point out that pony for us.”
“If you fail, you shall share in his fate,” the Queen said turning she trotted around the cowering changeling, raising a hoof she rested it on his head “your life is spared for now, follow him, do what he says.”
The changeling got to his feet bowing continuously as he backed out the room “Thank you your majesty,” he repeated
“Do not fail me again.” The queen commanded once they were out the room, with a sigh the queen walked through the castle, the ever changing passageway seem to only appear once she was near. Soon she stood in a large room, a lone chair stood at its centre, green veins lined the chairs exterior pulsing, as if it were alive The queen trotted over to the throne and sat down, allowing herself to rest for a brief moment.
***
Twilight and Spike waited in the library, they were enjoying a board game together when through the window a glowing light appeared. It bounced all around the library before stopping above Spike’s head. In a small burst of light a pink pony dropped unto Spike’s head and looked down at his eyes.
“Spike you grew!” Exclaimed the energetic pony
“Pinkie, would you tell me that every time you see me?” asked Spike, as Pinkie jumped off his head and landed on top of Twilight bear hugging the princess 
“Good to see you too Pinkie.” Twilight laughed
“So, what are we doing today?” asked pinkie releasing the princess, she bounced around the room looking at the books “is there an unspeakable evil only we can help you with, is there a party that needs planning….I’ll get the cake!”
“No pinkie it isn’t a party, but we’ll have to wait till the rest of the girls are here, that way I won’t have to repeat myself.” Twilight said
They didn’t have to wait long as orange, white, blue and yellow spheres began entering the library; they each formed into ponies which hugged each other spike and twilight.
“So darling, your call to us was quite… forceful.” Said Rarity ‘what seems to be the problem.”
“Alright girls, we got a problem,” began Twilight 

> Chapter 13
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two days had passed since their arrival on White island Tidal wave allowed the mares to stay on his ship for their stay while he went about his business and in addition found them transport to the main land.  Everything was looking up, they were treated kindly by the sea stallions but Syrreth didn’t think kindly to the fact that most of them talked about their flanks a lot. Emerald shook it off saying the sailors meant no harm, but Syrreth only growled.
On the third day staying on the ship a large cruise ship docked into port, Emerald and Lizz were on the deck half asleep in the sun when their light was suddenly taken. Emerald flew up away fully, to see the large cruise ship next to their little boat, he jaw opens in astonishment.
“That’s so big.” She whispered in awe
“Emerald, what is it?” Lizz asked rolling over on her stomach
“It’s the biggest ship I’ve ever seen.” Whispered Emerald looking up at the cruise ship “How many ponies fit in that?”
From the docks someone called, Emerald snaps out her bewilderment and looked over the deck to see Tidal Wave on the docks calling to them. He waved Emerald down next to him was a grey stallion wearing a navy blue jacket and a white captains hat. Emerald and Lizz got off the ship and walked towards the two stallions.
“Girls I want you to meet my good friend Captain Shores.” Tidal Wave introduced pointing a hoof to the stallion standing beside him
“Pleasure to meet you.” Lizz said with a smile
“Likewise,” said Captain Shores, Emerald only nodded in his direction but kept her eyes on Tidal Waves
“Shores here, has agreed to take you all to the main land.” Tidal Eaves explained gesturing to the ship “’he’ll be heading in that general location anyway.”
“Thank you very much.” Emerald said finally looking at the stallion “we are grateful of your help.”
“It’s nothing, as a sea pony it’s my duty to help those in need.” Said Captain Shores “if you will follow me I will take you on a tour before we set sail.”
“We’re leaving now?” inquired Lizz
The captain chuckled “No, we’re just here to get a few supplies” h e said “A few drunken ponies had a little problem in spilling our stuff overboard.”
“Wow that’s kinda rough.” Emerald said
“It is,” especially when the ponies are your own crew, nobody told them not to have fun with the passengers while they’re off duty, but for all that is Celestia they over did it and lost a lot of our food.”
Tidal wave laughed then, he toppled over wheezing, his laugh continued though raising the suspicion of some of the on lookers. Finally the stallion stopped laughing enough to talk.
“That story you just gave, was deja’vu.” The stallion chuckled “remember we basically did the same thing when we were younger and we tried to escape the ship with all the cider.”
“Those were different times Tidal, we at least left them food.” Captain Shores scoffed “Come along ladies, before my esteemed colleague here starts talking about his adventures with mares.”
“I believe that was you my friend.” Tidal Wave laughed as the Captain bumped hooves with him as he walked away, he then turned to the two mares “Well it’s been a pleasure you two, look me up if you ever come around this way again.”
“Of course we will.” Smiled Lizz, the blind mare stood on her hind legs and hugged the station tightly before letting him go “I’ll miss you.”
“Yeah, not much of a hugger.” Emerald said holding out her hoof to which Tidal accepted “Thank you for everything, we owe you a lot.”
“Just b safe,” Tidal said with a smile
Emerald and Lizz walked away then following Captain Shores into the cruise ship. Once inside Emerald jaw dropped once again, it was like a mini city, many ponies were walking around some bore towels around their necks and their face covered in what she can only describe as white goo, Griffins were also around. Emerald walked directly next to Lizz, keeping their bodies as close as possible so the mare won’t be lost in the crowd.
They followed Captain Shores to the elevators where they went to the second floor, Captain Shores explained to them that the cruise ship is a trip around the world and the ponies here live on the ship for a year. On the second floor was the ship rooms, most were taken except a few of the couple rooms.
“Are you comfortable in here?” asked the Captain as he showed them into the honeymoon sweet, the sot music of the room started automatically
“Of course,” Emerald said with a smirk that made the captain go red “the fun we’ll have in here.”
“Why would we have fun?” Lizz asked
“Emerald Forest, you are out of line.” Boomed Syrreth’s voice
Emerald laughed and walked deeper into the room “Sorry cap’ couldn’t help playing that trick on you.” The mare smiled at the captain
At ease once more the captain smiled and stood in the doorway “Please use the phone if you need to get anything, dinner is served promptly between the hours of six and nine.” Said the captain “Breakfast and lunch run till two in the afternoon.”
“That’s great,” laughed Lizz “Emerald eats for twelve stallions.”
“I DO NOT!” exclaimed Emerald turning to them angrily “I eat for twenty, get your figures right Lizz.”
“Oh, sorry.” Chuckled the mare
Captain Shores shook his head “We should set sail in the next two hours or so, enjoy the pleasures our ship has to offer.” He said “anything you need please call.”
Captain Shores was about to leave “Captain,” Emerald called, he spun to see the mare standing right in front him “How long will it take to reach the main land?” 
“Approximately three weeks.” Said the captain matter of fact
“Oh…thank you.” Emerald said as the captain walked out the room and closed the door, Emerald walked to the heart shaped bed and dropped on it, she felt the water in it move around her weight
“Emerald calm down, it’s not like we’re going anywhere.” Syrreth said
“Not funny dad.” Emerald groaned  
“Why don’t you go explore, that will take your mind off things at least.” Syrreth continued “We knew the journey was going to be a long one Emerald, don’t lose hope now.” 
Lizz walked over to the bed and climbed on “This is so squishy.” Laughed Lizz as she bounced happily 
Emerald thought for a moment, things were going exceptionally smooth and it didn’t sit right with her, something wasn’t right There’s no way her luck would be so good that nothing would be wrong. IT just hasn’t happened yet, was her conclusion. While Lizz played on the bed Emerald decided to explore the rest of the room. The bathroom was big enough to fit two ponies in and there were also matching his and her robes.
There was a large closet in the corner of the bedroom, a key in it. Opening the mare peered inside and closed it immediately. She took out the key and placed it on the top of the closet and returned to the bed.
“What do ponies use those things for?” she asked herself, feeling a little embarrassed she slapped herself with a hoof “that’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Just then there was a jerk, the entire room moved, the ship was on its way again, Lizz stopped playing on the bed and got on the ground.
“We’re moving again.” She said 
“Seems like it.” Emerald replied
“It doesn’t feel like Tidal Waves ship, I hardly feel anything at all.” Lizz added “you think it’s because the ships really big?”
“I think so,” replied Emerald “Wanna go check out the kitchen.”
“You’re hungry aren’t you?” smiled Lizz “of course, then we’ll check out everything else.”
Just then there was a knock on the door, Emerald tensed ready for a fight 
“Who is it?” asked Lizz oblivious to Emerald’s posture
“Housekeeping.” Came the reply, Lizz felt for the door and opened to reveal a older earth pony standing in the door way, in her mouth she held a small bag, she somehow smiled while holding the bag and entered, Emerald relaxed a little but kept her guard on full alert as the mare rested the bag on the bed “This is a gift from the captain.”
“What is it?” Emerald questioned
The mare opened the small bag to reveal bits “As the captains guests, he has provided you with this to be used as you may.” Said the mare
“Is it bits?” asked Lizz excitedly
“Yeah,” replied Emerald “what does he mean by entertainment?”
“Well, there’s our club, the casino and other attractions you might want to indulge in.” said the mare
“Did you just say casino?” Lizz piped up she grabbed Emerald by the face “we have to go there!”
“What’s a casino?” inquired Emerald, Lizz and the mare looked at her dumbfounded, Syrreth only chuckled “what.”
“You have not lived,” Lizz said in a small voice “Ok it’s decided, we go to the casino, Emerald get the bits, and you’re going to be schooled in awesome.”
Lizz walked to the door, her tail swaying happily, Emerald turned to the mare and smiled “I’m sorry for my sisters um…excitement over this casino.” She said holding the bag of bits in her magic “can you thank the captain for us, but first show us this casino”
The mare nodded as Emerald ran out the room after Lizz who was down the hall waiting impatiently, once Emerald was next to her again the blind mare rested her wing on Emerald’s back the housekeeping mare led them to the fourth floor.
“This is where the casino and all other pleasures await.” Said the pony “The casino I that way.”
She pointed them in the initial direction before leaving, as  the  two mars walked, they passed a mini theatre and cinema back to back, a restaurants and a club that was next to a no named looking place that only stallions entered, finally they reached the casino. Its bright lights beaconed to them. Stallions dressed in black jackets stood at the door, their eyes were covered with dark shades as well.
“Well this looks inviting.” Emerald said as they neared, the two Stallions looked at the mares and allowed them into without a second thought “well that was unexpected.”
Inside the casino mares and stallions adorned in the most expensive jewels stood around tables playing games with cards and other activities that Emerald knew nothing off. Lizz on the other hand bounced with boundless excitement.
“So, where do we go first?” Emerald asked
“Blackjack!” Lizz practically screamed before the sentence was finished
Emerald led the way through the people until they found their target, four stallions stood around a table while a unicorn shuffled a deck of cards before them.
“Mind if we join?” asked Emerald
“Sure.” Replied the stallion, he made room for them to be around the table “aren’t you two mares a little young to be gambling?”
“I have no idea what I’m doing here.” Chuckled Emerald, the stallion looked at her shocked but Lizz placed a hoof on Emeralds muzzle
“You got me don’t worry about it.” She said with a smile “we’re gonna clean out this entire place.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my friend?” asked Emerald with a small smile “well my hooves are in yours”
“I don’t like you gambling Emerald.” Syrreth said after a few seconds
“Oh, I thought you were asleep dad…wait do you guys sleep in there?” Emerald asked as the dealer dealt them into the game, the unicorn placed her attention back to the table, and she leaned close to Lizz “So what do I do?”
Well the basics of this game is to get to the number twenty one or as close to it as possible.” Lizz Explained “Excuse me dealer, what is the value of the ace here?”
“Ace is eleven.” Replied the dealer as he finished dealing the cards
“Alright thank you.” Lizz smiled, she felt for the bag Emerald had and pushed it all forward “we bet everything.”
“What!” exclaimed Emerald “why would you bet everything?”
“Blackjack is like my superpower.” Lizz whispered into Emerald’s ear “I never lost a game; they underestimate me because I’m blind.”
“Oh.” Emerald cooed “show me your magic them Pegasus pony.”
Lizz chuckled pushed the bag forward again as the dealer looked at her a smirk came over his face. The mare took her cards and didn’t look at them as everyone around the table took a hit.
“What are you going to do?” asked the dealer
“I’m gonna stay.” Lizz said calmly
“Are you sure, don’t you want your friend to see what cards you got?” asked the dealer his smile never faded “She’ll help you out a lot.”
“No, I’m good.” Lizz repeated resting her cards face down
The dealer revealed his cards to show the number eighteen, the stallions groaned defeated as most were either under or way over the desired amount. Lizz smiled as she heard this.
“Will you show us your cards miss?” asked the dealer
“Sure.” Lizz flipped her cards to show an ace of spades and a ten of hearts, much to everyone’s astonishment, Lizz smile grew as she heard their combined gasps “What did I get?”
“Blackjack.” Stuttered the dealer
“Great, let’s play again.” Lizz laughed as Emerald tightly hugged the mare 
“How did you know you were going to win?” asked Emerald
“I kinda just follow my feelings when it comes to these things.” Lizz explained “I always trust my gut.”
The game went on for more than three hours with Lizz cleaning house, soon they had to have waiter stallions to assist them in carrying their winning to the cashier, but not before Lizz had a swing at the poker table. Once again better all her winnings, except for their initial starting bits. After an intense few rounds Lizz won the game and walked away with the winnings as well. Once cashed the mares walked away with a small fortune.
“That was amazing Lizz.” Emerald said as they walked down the corridor, using her magic the unicorn held the winnings over their heads “I never expected all that.”
“In times of financial trouble I used to gamble.” Lizz said with a smile “Sister Daisy didn’t know though, she thought I was working helping out at odd jobs.”
“Odd jobs?” 
“Yup like anyone would hire a blind pony, so I gambled, at first I won a little, but then I became unstoppable.” Chuckled Lizz “I was ordered to only play once every few months by the casinos though, I cleared them out with ease.”
Emerald laughed “I could see that happening now.”
“Lizz is truly an amazing pony.” Syrreth said his voice held the pride as a proud father to which Emerald only smiled
“Alright, so after we drop this in our room wanna go explore the rest of the boat.” Asked Emerald as they entered the elevator
“What kind of question is that?” Lizz smirked “there’s still the pool and the restaurants oh don’t forget the clubs.”
“Ok slow down hatchling,” Emerald said pushing a hoof over Lizz’s mouth “we got a few weeks before we hit main land we’ll check them all.”
“Why did you call me hatchling?” asked Lizz once Emerald’s hoof moved
“Oh, sorry I was raised by a dragon remember so, I guess my speech will be a little like theirs sometimes.” Emerald explained as they walked out the elevator for their floor, as they walked towards their room. 
Once the bits were placed in the room they left once again and started to explore the ship. The top floor was the open deck where a large pool and other activities could be held, as they walked though they found a spot at the pool and both ordered fruit drinks.
“This is so relaxing.” Lizz said with a sigh
As they relaxed they both fell into a calm slumber, as the cruise ship travelled through the ocean it was suddenly struck by something, waking the two mares immediately.
“What’s going on?” asked Lizz drowsily
“I have no idea.” Replied Emerald, she looked around everypony was standing around just as confused as she was when a loud horn was suddenly blasted. Lizz covered her ears in pain.
“What’s going on?” Lizz exclaimed
“EVERYPONY PLEASE MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THEIR ROOMS PLACE,” said a stallion over the loud speakers “WE HAVE ENCOUTERED A MINOR PROBLEM.”
Calmly the ponies began to make their way into their rooms. Emerald and Lizz got to their feet as well as they made their way into the ship. Suddenly the ship was hit again and again, water splashed onto the ship as they ship rocked. Suddenly from the ocean something rose into the sky, its long snake like body towered over the cruise ship. Most of the ponies were running inside they were screaming at the top of their lungs as the staff of the ship made their way to the deck preparing for the battle. Emerald stood at the entrance of the door with Lizz, looking up at the creature that peered down at them with cold eyes.
“And there it is.” She whispered “there’s the dilemma.”

> Chapter 14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flying above the clouds, a giant purple dragon beat his massive wings as his head hug low looking at the land. He was searching or rather using his hunting instincts to aid in hi search. On his back six ponies sat they were in deep conversation with each other, even though they were high up and the wind should cause a hamper for them to even keep their eyes open they sat as if they were in a small tea house.
Spike chuckled to himself as he thought of a prank, as they reached the ocean, Spike waited till they were over the very deep parts. He lifted his head and turned to the ponies still in conversation. With sudden speed he spun on his back and managed to grab all six ponies, they screamed in terror as Spike nosed dived towards the water.
With a large splash they were all submerged, as their heads popped up one by one they six ponies gasped for air as spike laughed hysterically. 
“Spike!” Twilight exclaimed hitting the water with a hoof
“What,” Spike gave a toothy smile “it’s not my fault.”
“Then, whose fault is it?” asked Rarity
Spike’s smile grew “We were supposed to be looking for this pony” explained the purple dragon “but you guys are just talking on my back, a little more and Fluttershy would’ve had tea laid out.”
“I-I wouldn’t have laid out tea….unless somepony wanted tea.” Fluttershy said shrinking away 
“Spike’s right, we should be helping,” Apple Jack added “we’ve just been so busy with our duties and all that we got caught up in the conversation Spike.”
“Speak for yourselves, I was paying attention the whole time.” Rainbow Dash said hitting hoof to chest “I’m awesome enough to do the two.”
Spike pulled Rainbow Dash under the water at her remark making all the other ponies giggle. Just then the sound of a blaring ship horn pierced the sky snapping everyone in its direction.
“That’s a distress signal.” Apple Jack stated her body rose out the water and stood on the waves, narrowing her eyes she scanned the area “There!”
In a flash Spike was out the water, Twilight was right beside him, even though she was smaller than him she kept up with his pace without any effort. Around them the orbs of their friends kept pace as well. 
Soon they came upon the sight, a giant sea serpent was attacking a cruise ship, the horn blared off again as the serpent attacked the ship continuously. The unicorns of the ship had placed a shield around it but it would only hold for so long.
“Flutter Shy, Rarity Apple Jack, you ponies tend to the hurt ponies.” Twilight commanded “Spike, Rainbow and I will see about the threat,
“Yes.” Everypony agreed before nose diving into danger


***
Emerald looked at the sea serpent as it trashed against the invisible force field the unicorn staff members were creating. She saw the sweat and the strain holding the force field placed on them, her anger slowly rose. The gem against her chest pulsed in a rhythmic fashion. She stepped forward, A earth pony grabbed onto her tail in an attempt to pull her back but with a small flick of her tail the mare was free.
“Emerald, what’s going on?” Lizz asked in a shaky voice “why is every pony panicking?”
Emerald stopped she had forgotten about Lizz, turning back Emerald looked to a elderly couple and walked over to them, the pulsing in her chest grew, she felt the roars of the dragons within the gem, it shook her body making her drop to her knees. Emerald got up and stood in front the couple.
“Can I ask you a favour?” she asked through laboured breaths
“What is it?” the mare said, her voice was gentle and soothing
“Please look after her,” Emerald pointed to Lizz “I’ll be back soon.”
The mare nodded as Emerald turned to Lizz and pulled the young mare in, she placed their foreheads together.
“I’m coming back in a bit.” Emerald said “Stay with these ponies till I return.”
“Where are you going?” Lizz asked wrapping her hoof around Emerald
“Just to blow off some steam.” Smiled the mare, she released the pony and led her to the elderly couple “I’ll be back.”
Emerald turned and trotted out onto the deck, the shouts of the ponies calling her to return fell on deaf ears. They needed to fight… No, she needed to fight; she felt it down to her bones, the feeling of danger; the thirst for the battle. The trashing sea serpent was her pray. Emerald threw her head back as a roar escaped her lips, the ponies behind her shrank at the ungodly sound that escaped her lips. The unicorns holding the force field together lost concentration shattering their only line of defence.
The serpent seeing its way in aimed for another attack, it attempted to slam its body on to the deck of the boat but another roar from the skies made it spin around. From above a purple dragon and Alicorn pummelled down, around them five glowing orbs came at full speed. Emerald looked at the figures coming at them and roared once again, she hunched down and jumped with all the power she could muster. The cruise ship rocked as Emerald left its deck, around her fire began to dance with natural yell this time the unicorn hoofed the serpent in its jaw. Using the levitation magic Emerald roared again at the flames.
From above the purple dragon grabbed the serpent before Emerald could attack again and managed to throw it into the sky as the Alicorn and the blue orb that exploded to reveal a blue Pegasus each attack the serpent as well with magic and melee attacks. The other three orbs Emerald saw floated around the cruise ship forming a magical barrier.
Emerald roared catching the attention of the purple alicron who watched her wide eyed, the fire danced around her body as the intense heat it emitted managed to boil the water she levitated over.
“Get away from my prey!” Emerald shouted to the purple dragon that wrestled with the serpent, fire began to leak from her mouth as a flaming ball began to form “GET AWAY!”
The ball was sent flying towards the purple dragon, wide eyed the dragon could do nothing but take the impact of the attack. He released the serpent allowing the creature to get away by diving under water. Emerald began to form another ball again but a orb was suddenly around her.
“Calm down pony.” A thunderous voice echoed “we are not your enemies.”
The feral Emerald turned to the source of the voice, the purple alicorn, next to her the blue Pegasus flew behind her protectively.. the dragon recovered quickly and came to the side of the alicorn.
“My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle my little pony” said the alicorn “what is your name?”
“You’re a princess?” Emerald asked tilting her head, her breathing was laboured and fire still ran over her body “Then you’re the one we’ve been looking for.”
Twilight said nothing as she lowered them to the cruise ship “You were looking for me.” Twilight said once they were safely on board, immediately the crew and members of the patrons all rushed out and encircled them, they all wore large smiles on their faces and bowed to them, Twilight smiled to them 							   							   “Thank you all, please arise.”
The ship captain trotted over to them, he wore a huge smile on his face as he bowed before them 			“Princess, thank you for your aid with the sea serpent.” Captain Shores said
“Captain,” Twilight said “is there any place me and my friend can talk?”
“Yes, my office.” The captain raised his head and led the way into the ship
“Please follow us.” Twilight said to Emerald walking through the crowded, everypony looked at Emerald with fear their eyes stole quick glances of her before looking away agai. Before anything Emerald walked to the two elder ponies that were still with Lizz.
“Thank you for taking care of he” she said 
“It was our pleasure” the mare replied with a kind smile “now, don’t let all that anger go unchecked you can seriously hurt somepony.”
“Yes ma’am” Emerald replied, Lizz extended awing and rested it on Emeralds back before they entered the captains office where the alicorn along with five other ponies awaited, a large dragons eye looked on through the window
“Now, shall we begin?” asked the alicorn

> Chapter 15
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight waited till the captain of the cruise ship left them alone within his office but only after insisting that they were served tea, only then did Twilight turn to face the two mares before her. 

"So, you're a princess?" asked Emerald cutting to the chase immediately, she eyes the purple unicorn and shook her head "you don't look like a princess."

"I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of friendship." Twilight introduced herself smiling "and these are my friends the elements of harmony, who might you be?"

"I am Emerald Forest, Daughter of Syrreth and this is Lizz, she's like my sister." Emerald followed suit motioning to Lizz

"A pleasure to meet you Princess Twilight," bowed Lizz, Emerald raised a eyebrow at the gesture but thought nothing of it 

"If you're a princess you should be able to help me save my dad, right?" asked Emerald

"You said your dad was Syrreth right?" asked Twilight, Emerald nodded "How can that be, you are not a dragonpony."

"Twilight, dragonponies have not been seen fer decades," the orange mare with a yellow mane said

"You're right AppleJack but it doesnt make sense, she's the daughter of Syrreth the dragon," began Twilight "the same dragon that unified the races against him."

Emerald looked at her confused just as the dragon on the outside of the ship began to chuckle, everypony turned to face him.

"What's so funny?" asked the animated pink pony "I wanna laugh too."

"Twilight, dragon ponies haven't been seen for a long time yes, but id you look her over you'll see she isn't a dragon pony." Spike laughed "Emerald was it, how is Syrreth your father?"

"He found me and made me his daughter," replied Emerald "how else would he be my dad."

"That, was really kind of Syrreth." Fluttershy whispered, the gem around Emerald;s neck pulsed with pride

Twilight sighed "Alright I get your point." she stated "but there are questions I want answers for young unicorn."

At that moment there was a knock on the office door the white unicorn opened it and was greeted by two waiter ponies pushing trays of food and tea. After their quick bows they departed. Emerald made her way to the trays and prepared a plate for Lizz.

"Tell me why were you looking for the princess?" asked Twilight

Emerald stepped to Twilight, close enough so she could see the gem glistening on her neck "All the dragons except my uncle and some hatchlings are locked inside here." she said bluntly "we were attacked by these things called changelings."

"Changelings?" shouted Twilight "are you sure?"

"Well, that's what uncle Balor said." shrugged Emerald, from the corner of her eye she noticed Spike's green eye widen in surprise "you know him?"

"Well..." Spike's voice trailed

"Spikey here is the father of Balor and Syrreth." Rarity said matter of factly 

"RARITY." shouted Spike he gripped the boat rocking it violently as the white unicorn laughed as he peered down at her with one eye "we'll talk later about this."

"I cannot wait," smirked Rarity

"Oh go get a room." Rainbow dash shouted

"Excuse my friends, they don't know when to be serious." Twilight sighed "but Rarity is right, Spike is the father of Syrreth and Balor."

"Dad?" asked Emerald out loud "is that dragon my grandfather?"

'Yes' the reply was brief

"Why didn't you tell me this before, I blasted my grand father with a fire ball." Emerald began to pace as everypony stood watching her talk to herself "didn't it seem important at the time?"

'Not really, I enjoyed watching him get blasted' Syrreth chuckled 'serves him right'

"Emerald?" asked Rarity "are you alright dear?"

Emerald took a deep breath "I'm fine." she said "princess Twilight, can you save them?"

Emerald stepped to Twilight and took off the necklace she wore, and held it to the alicorn princess. Twilight took the gem in her hooves and looked at it closely.

"I think the princess will want to see this first," Twilight said "if the changelings are the ones who did this, no telling what kind of magic they could have used breaking it could set of a trap."

"To the princesses." Pinkie shouted happily "and then we can throw Emerald a welcome party."

"I hope the princesses could help, changeling magic is tough isn't it?" Fluttershy whispered

"We'll be able to help," Twilight said "in the meantime, AppleJack you and Rainbow go to the Crystal Empire, warn Shining Armor and Cadance, the changelings will be drawn to their love"

"You got it Twi." AppleJack said before grabbing the blue pegasus and dragging her out the office "see you all in three shakes of a parasprite.'

"What's a parasprite?" asked Emerald

"You don't wanna know." Rarity said shuddering 

"The rest of us will head to Canterlot," said Twilight "get this to the princesses as soon as possible."

Twilight pointed to the necklace that was once again around Emerald's neck. The gem pulsed lightly as it's warmth caressed Emeralds coat.

"Hey granddad," Emerald said turning to Spike "you have year to make up for, got it."

"Sure." said Spike excitedly "Rarity and I will LOVE to show you around."

"Of course we will darling" Rarity chuckled "Won't that make Twilight your great grandmother?" she asked

Emerald tilted her head confused as Lizz stepped towards her and placed a wing on her back "So, are we going Canterlot now?"

"Looks that way." Emerald said "finally dad can come out of this thing."

'Do not get your hopes up Emerald, they might not be powerful enough to free us.' said Syrreth

"Come on dad have a little faith, you said the princesses were powerful right," began Emerald

"Emerald?" asked Twilight "why do you keep talking to yourself?"

"I'm not talking to myself," Emerald retorted "I can hear dad from inside this thing."

She pointed to the gem on her chest that glowed

"Can anyone else hear him?" asked Twilight

"I don't know never tired," Emerald shrugged "never even thought of that."

May I?" asked Twilight, Emerald levitated the necklace over her head and placed it onto Twilight she waited a few seconds 

'Can you hear me Princess?' asked Syrrreth

"I hear nothing." Twilight said disappointed "maybe it's some connection you share."

"Maybe." Emerald shrugged

***



Queen Chrysalis stood on top the tallest mountain with in the wasteland, around her neck she wore the gem that contained Norgan. Chrysalis eyes were closed as she focused, around her green spheres appeared, they rotated at a very fast pace. The sky, turned green as the land began to wither away.

Opening her eyes Chrysalis laughed "This power" she laughed "the power to decay everything."

'This is but a fraction of our power.' Norgan said from within her "with you fully releasing me from my prison and our combined strength, all will fall."

"Ooo, I like the sound of that." laughed Chrysalis, she released her magic allowing the wasteland to keep some form of structure before turning "my people should be nearing their destination soon, then it shall all be over."

Queen Chrysalis took flight leaving the once barren wasteland a poisoned ruin.