Destiny Crossover. A Hunter arrives in Equestria but in reality, she is more than just a hunter. She is in fact an Ahamkara, a Wish Dragon. This is her adventure in Equestria.
She was a Hunter. She had fought against Fallen, Hive, Cobal and Vex. She defeated a manifestation of The Darkness, Killed the Kell of Kells and slayed the Taken King. After those countless battles her home was lost, her Light was taken and something within her awoke, memories returned and as she fell to her doom her will remained and metal became scales for the briefest of moments and she survived.
After she took back her city she was sent to another world with nothing but her Ghost, her weapons and her will, she must survive.
This is the story of Dracona-3 and her Ghost. How they make friends and help forge a new era of peace between Equestria and The Last City.
As she flew and observed world after world she saw joy, sorrow, pain and peace. She saw the happiness and prosperity of the other races and wanted to be a part of it.
But as she saw her kin flock to a new system she glimpsed through a crack in time and saw her selfish and ancient brethren slain by wielders of the Light.
In grief and fear she shed her form of scale and bone for one of metal and circuits.
She lived on and helped the future slayers of her kin until The Darkness swept across the stars and slew her.
Centuries later she awoke to Light.
- Tales of a Selfless Dragon 1
An Exo paced nervously around a small room in some distant corner of the Tower. She was plain for the most part, white metal plates sculpted into a soft feminine face void of any distinguishing features or markings common of most of her kind and were it not for the broken left optic one would assume she had been activated before the fishing touches had been added.
Her outfit bore the purple, white and pink of the Nebula Rose shader which gave her chest piece, arms and cloak all of which were of the optimacy set, a girly yet regal look. Her helmet sat on a nearby table, a metal piece reminiscent of a knight's helmet and bearing the symbol of The New Monarchy faction. Her Orpheus Rig boots made little noise on the soft carpeted floor despite the agitated air around the small space.
Her Ghost hovered nearby as he watched with ever increasing worry, his honeycomb styled shell decorated with an Arctic pearl shader glinting in the light. The Ghost sighed and moved himself just enough to let the light bounce off his shell and into his Guardian's face.
The hunter hissed and blinked her remaining blue optic as she cleared the spots from her vision.
"Ow..." she groaned.
"Are you going to calm down now? It's not the end of the world." The Ghost advised.
"I know, I just-are you sure this is the right time to give it to him?" she asked and motioned to the quiver of Void Light arrows attached to the left leg of her pants where the corner of an envelope could be seen sticking out.
"Once you give Cayde the letter, we can leave. Isn't that what you planned on doing?" He stated.
"Yeah you're right, the sooner we get this done, the less of a chance I have of being found out." the hunter agreed.
It was then that the comms sparked to life and the voice of the person they set out to find came through.
"Hey Guardian, do you think you could help me with something?"
"Guardian? Are you alright?"
The worried voice of her Ghost, reached her auditory sensors as her right optic came online. She pushed herself to feet and looked around.
"You're alive!" her Ghost exclaimed but paused, his form hovered in front of her and his single blue optic looked at her in concern.
"Do you remember who you are? Who I am?" he asked nervously.
The female exo gave her Ghost a patient smile.
"I am Dracona-3, Guardian of The Last City, a Nightstalker Hunter, you worry to much, O angel mine." she stated.
The strange duo looked around the dark forest they found themselves in and the hunter quickly took stock of her equipment, muttering as she did.
"Mida Multi-Tool scout rifle, Drang sidearm and my sword...No ammo, well shit. I guess that's what I get for cleaning my gear and leaving the ammo behind."
"Now I really wish Banshie bought back ammo synthesis." Ghost commented.
"Can you reach the Vanguard?" Dracona asked.
"No, we're out of range." he replied.
"...Not even Cayde?" the exo asked pitifully.
"No," Ghost sighed. "I can't reach him either...We're on our own."
"Aw..." Dracona sighed.
A nearby bush rustled and the two locked their gazes onto it as a soft, frightened voice came from nearby.
"U-uuum... Hello?"
Dracona looked at her Ghost, he jerked up and down once in the equivalent of a shrug so she focused on the radar in the corner of her vision.
It showed a blue dot alongside the representation of herself, a blue arrow.
"Hello?" Dracona called out. "Could you help us, we're kinda lost..."
"I don't think we've been this lost since that one time you tried to find one of Cayde's stashes on Nessus." the Ghost said.
"Oh no! Are you los-”
A butter yellow pony with a pink mane stepped out of the bush, a look of concern clear on her face. Though as soon as she spotted the tall creature, she froze in fear. The Ghost could practically hear the thought process of his guardian as she looked at the strange creature. Dracona's demeanor shifted, gone was the hunter of fun and misadventure. She looked calm, regal as she crouched down to make herself look smaller.
"Greetings, small one. I mean you no harm so would you care to aid us, O companion mine?" the exo asked calmly.
The pony blinked and gasped quietly. “O-oh! I’m so sorry! A-are you lost?”
"We had an...accident with a portal," Dracona stated. "We don't know where we are at all and a guide would be most welcome."
Dracona paused and looked at her Ghost.
"Do you want to do introductions?" she asked.
"I think I will," the small robot replied and hovered next to the hunter. "This is Dracona and I am her Ghost."
"Really, that's it?" Dracona said flatly, the regal air around her gone. "You have a name too, you know."
"That's not important right now-" the Ghost protested.
"Ancestors damn it, ok. Ahem," Dracona said and cleared her throat. "This little floating guy here is Asriel, he's a Ghost, my Ghost. The short explanation is we have a symbiotic relationship, so where are we anyway?"
The pony smiled brightly. “Well it’s nice to meet you.” A brief, almost imperceptible flash of green flickered over her teal eyes. “I’m Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy tilted her head to the side in confusion. “What are you doing out here in the Everfree Forest? It’s dangerous.”
"There was this...artifact my boss wanted to keep for a trophy but it did something and opened a portal, so not wanting to go looking for him again, I pushed him out of the way and next thing I know, my Ghost and I are here." Dracona explained but quickly remembered something and checked the quiver of shadowshot arrows that was attached to the left leg of her pants.
"Oh no...." she groaned and her Ghost looked at her in confusion before he too remembered what had been stashed in there that morning.
"Looks like your love letter to Cayde fell out when you knocked him out of the way of the Vex Teleporter, I wonder if he found it?" Asriel commented.
"Ok, priorities....Can you take us to a village or something? If I'm going to be here long term I'll need supplies, a way of earning money and gems, that sort of thing." the exo stated.
"Why do we need gems?" her Ghost asked.
"You remember what happened with the fight with Ghaul?" Dracona asked softly.
Flashback
Ghaul had forced the Light into himself and atop his ship a lone hunter stood against him but something had changed. Asriel had noticed the more serious tone and odd speech patterns his guardian had taken on were odd to say the lest, though given that such an abrupt change had occurred only a few times in their journey to take back the city, those moments had always been brief, a flicker of something more within her optic before she was back to her normal self.
But something had snapped within her the moment Cayde said the Cobal shot off his arm. She pulled out a pair of ceremonial knives with blades made of bone and purple cloth wrapped around the silver grip. a strong piece of rope dangled of the hand guard with a single white, feather shaped scale tied to the other end. With those blades she had danced through the ranks of the red legion, a whirlwind of blades, death and destruction that reminded him she was once a blade dancer though her movements now were even more savage than the style she once wielded before.
Now though? She stared at Gaul with a hard predator's gaze as he finished his speech and stood before her. Her face plates shifted into a wolfish grin.
"You believe I cant best you? You are a fool, O enemy mine," She said. "You have taken my home, my hoard and my Light but you will not, you will NEVER, Take. my. Friends."
"Beware, O prey mine, for I am tired of hiding..." Dracona growled and in a flash of void light the exo hunter was gone and in her place....
A horse sized slender creature of shining white scales with leathery wings stood before the leader of the red legion with vengeance written upon her face. neither enemy nor Ghost had time to react as the dragon opened her maw and blasted a ball of solid light at her foe, the attack left Ghaul stunned and he could only scream in agony s the beast of Light descended upon him and with ripped his heart from his chest with a single bite.
No one else knew how the battle ended that day.
Flashback end.
"I remember, so the gems have something to do with..." the Ghost trialed off, unsure how to word it.
"I remembered a few old tricks," Dracona replied. "If I can get enough gems I might be able to jury-rig a way home, though I might try making communications array first, I want to make sure everyone back home is alright."
“O-oh! Y-yes. There is a town nearby.” Fluttershy said and shifted nervously. “I can take you there if you want.”
Fluttershy looked backwards, through the bush. “It’s not too far.”
"Thanks, lead the way and we'll stay close behind you." Dracona replied.
"And if anything attacks us, we'll protect you." Asriel added.
“Th-thank you. The Everfree Forest can be very dangerous.” Fluttershy replied, turned around and walked through the brush. “I was visiting a recovering friend when I heard a noise... which turned out to be you.”
"Is your friend alright?" Asriel asked as Dracona focused her sight on her radar and heads up display. Her abilities were ready to go and she noticed her super was still charging but the exo didn't mind as there was no warning about any incapability to revive if she went down.
“Oh yes. She lives out here and she had a bad case of the flu. She’s doing better now, I was simply bringing her some soup. I made.”
"While that is very thoughtful of you, isn't it dangerous to be out here all by yourself?" Asriel asked.
"This place doesn't exactly look welcoming." Dracona added.
“Oh.... Umm.. I’m out there enough that most animals know my scent. I’m good with animals.” Fluttershy stated and tensed ever so slightly.
"Eh, ok then." Dracona said.
Back at the Tower in a small storage area near the hangar, Cayde-6 picked himself up off the ground and brushed himself off.
"Well, that happened," he said quietly and opened up a commlink. "Hey, Guardian you alright?"
"Hunter?"
"Come on Dracona, this isn't funny." he grumbled as worry seeped its way into his thoughts.
His Ghost floated down and pointed out something on the ground, the Hunter Vanguard looked down to find a letter on the floor. He picked it up and couldn't help but blink in confusion.
It was addressed to him.
He opened it cautiously and started to skim the contents but paused and read in its entirety. Moments later he looked down at the vex Teleporter and back at the letter.
"Zavala, find someone to cover for me for a while, I've got a missing hunter to find." He instructed over a commlink to his fireteam.
"Cayde, we're still rebuilding and we need you here." the Titan Vanguard replied
"Did something happen?" Ikora, the Warlock Vanguard asked. "Did she finally confess?"
"Wait, you knew?" Cayde asked.
"Her Ghost was concerned for her well-being and came to me for advice on how to help her and he may have let it slip during the conversation."
"We don't have time for this, the people still need our assistance," Zavala stated. "Cayde, with The Speaker gone we need everyone here to oversee the rebuilding effort..."
"Yeah about that..." Cayde trailed off and he heard Zavala sigh over the comm.
"What happened?" the titan asked.
"You see I asked her to give me a hand in moving the vex teleporter-"
"You moved it? Cayde I told you to wait until it I was certain it was safe!" Ikora stated.
"I presume it activated?" Zavala asked.
"Yeah, Dracona knocked me out of the way but got zapped. I got a lock on her coordinates so..." Cayde replied.
"What's this about Dracona getting zapped?" came the voice of Amanda Holiday.
"Accident with the vex teleporter." Cayde replied.
"And you're gonna go find her?"Amanda clarified.
"Yep."
"With who's ship exactly?"
"I don't suppose you could hook me up with something?" Cayde asked.
"You're lucky, you know that right? Dracona said you can borrow her ship as long as you let your Ghost drive." The shipwright stated.
"Well Zavala, Ikora, talk to you later, I've got a hunter to rescue and besides,"Cayde said as he looked back down at the opened letter he carried. "I uh, owe her a date."
After a few minutes of relatively uneventful walking. They broke the treeline. “Well, we’re out. Ponyville isn’t too far away.”
"Sweet, Asriel I need you to scan for any resources we can use, food and water too," Dracona stated. "We don't know what kind of currency they use so we might have to scavenge what we can if negotiations go south."
"Working on it," the Ghost replied cheerfully. "I want you to be careful though, I'm picking up highly concentrated energy readings across the planet, wherever we ended up might cause some interference with any kind of device we try to build."
"So attune it to the energy of the planet then? Gotcha," Dracona replied. "Should be easy enough since we'll be using local materials anyway."
"If you say so," Asriel replied. "You have to build the thing after all."
“U-umm would you like me to walk you to town?” Fluttershy asked and scuffed the dirt with a hoof.
"Sure, I'm sure it would make a good first impression." Dracona replied cheerfully.
“How wonderful. Shall we go?” Fluttershy gestured a wing towards the path leading to Ponyville.
"Ok then." Dracona said.
The two make their way down the path until a loud whistling noise was heard overhead.
Both Ghost and Guardian let out a confused "Huh?".
A blue pegasus with a rainbow mane soared out of the clouds and landed in front of the two. “Hey Shy! What are you still doing out here? Twilight wanted all of- Wait, what’s that?”
“H-hey.. R-Rainbow...” Fluttershy stiffened as she spoke, clearly frightened.
“You doin okay there shy?” Rainbow’s eyes narrow a bit.
"Hi! I'm Dracona, this is Asriel." The exo stated as her Ghost bobbed up and down in greeting.
“Yeah. Sure. Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow waved a wing at the exo, and stared intently at Fluttershy.
"Is something wrong?" Asriel asked.
“Umm. excuse me. What’s going on?” Fluttershy’s voice spoke up from behind Fluttershy and Dracona.
Rainbow’s eyes snapped to look behind the two then snapped back to Fluttershy. “Changeling.” She hissed, snorting.
“O-oh crap.” Fluttershy shivers.
Dracona stepped in between the changeling and the blue mare staring her down.
"What's going on here?" she asked.
“O-oh my goodness!” Fluttershy’s voice yelps from behind the exo.
There was a whoosh and a flash of green light, and a strange feminine voice cried out from behind Dracona. “Please don’t hurt me!”
“Out of my way! That’s a changeling!” Rainbow roared, yet doesn’t attempt to pass the exo.
Dracona was wary, tired and frusytrated all at once.
"...I should care why?" she asked flatly.
“They’re Changelings! They’re evil! They suck out your love!” Rainbow replied as she spluttered for words.
“A-are you okay?” The real Fluttershy asked from behind the exo.
“Ah! D-don’t hurt me! I haven’t fed on anyone! I’m not part of Chrysalis’s hive!” ‘Fluttershy babbled.
“It’s okay... I’m not going to hurt you....” Fluttershy said in a calm, soothing voice.
“Fluttershy don’t go near it!”
"Hi, I'm a Guardian, a hunter. I knife stuff in the face for a living. Now please do me a favour and chill," Dracona said calmly. "If the changeling was a threat, I would've knifed it already."
"What do you mean by 'suck out your love'? That doesn't seem scientifically possible?" Asriel asked curiously.
“I don’t know! It’s egghead stuff!” Rainbow spluttered, her wings fluffed out and flapped in irritation.
“Oh you poor thing you look terrible.” Fluttershy gasped.
“I haven’t had any love n... awhile.” Fauxshy said sounding defeated.
“Awwwww!”
“Shy don’t hug it!”
Dracona shrugged and turned around to get a look at the changeling.
"Asriel, warn me if Rainbow does anything hostile." she ordered.
What she saw looked to be some sort of horse insect hybrid. It appeared thin and frail, and It’s legs were filled with strange holes and gaps. Ragged and papery insect wings protrude from a red shell. Large eyes of solid red peer up at Dracona as the Changeling shivered in the grip of the true Fluttershy. The hunter couldn't help but notice that the Changeling was a bit smaller than Fluttershy, as the insectoid was held firmly against the pony’s chest.
“H-hi. I’m Cidae.” The small changeling says nervously.
"Scan her." the hunter commanded and Asriel hovered over the changeling as beams of hardlight cascaded over her form.
"Fascinating, she's definitely an insect but her diet is brains? No that's not right. Ah I see," the Ghost stated. "She uses a form of energy manipulation to transfer the chemical reactions generated by positive emotions into a kind of liquid she can digest as long she assumes the form of something her target would associate with those emotions prior to feeding."
Dracona hummed in thought as her Ghost finished scanning and looked over at Rainbow, then over to the real Fluttershy.
"They copy the locals for a quick, easy meal as long as they don't get caught," Dracona summarized and scoffed. "By the Ancestors, that's dumb."
"You see if I needed to stay hidden for my survival, I'd turn into something that wouldn't raise suspicion, a random domesticated animal, a child. You know, someone that didn't already exist." the exo said.
"A broken exo?" Asriel suggested cheekily.
"Exactly." Dracona replied with a grin.
“What? What is that thing doing? What are you doing? I have so many questions.” Rainbow grumbled, slowly walking around the exo.
“We do what now?” Cidae blinked up at the exo in confusion as she unconsciously sinks into Fluttershy’s chest fluff. Which in turn caused Fluttershy to giggle.
Dracona plucked her Ghost out of the air and idly began to toss him from one hand to the other. Asriel didn't seem to mind, even as his Guardian began to pace around in a circle.
"How about this?" Dracona suggested as she walked. "You take me to I dunno, your leader or something and I answer everyone's questions in one big go so I don't have to repeat myself?"
"Sound good?" she asked and stopped next to Fluttershy and Cidae. "I'll keep an eye on these two."
"Ah- Gu- Fine!” I’ll take you to Twilight!” Rainbow snapped and threw her hooves in the air.
“Feeling better?” Fluttershy asked the small Changeling.
“A little. It’s not love, but it’ll do.” Cidae pulled herself out of Fluttershy’s grip with a light pop.
“It’s a bit of a walk, do you want me to carry you?” Fluttershy asked, getting to her hooves which showed that she was a head taller than the changeling.
Cidae gave her what appeared to be a flat look. “I’m Twenty Eight, I can walk on my own.”
“O-oh! I’m sorry... I just assumed...” Fluttershy stuttered a bit.
“I know, I’m small. I was the runt of the cluster.” Cidae huffed with a small red blush on her cheeks.
"Lead the way," Asriel said as he floated out of Dracona's hold.
The Ghost turned to face his Guardian, who as usual, didn't have a care in the world.
"This planet has a lot of plant life, I'm detecting plenty of animals too," Asriel stated. "Just think of the quality of life we could give to people back in the city..."
"We'd have to prevent anyone from bringing any tech over, as much as sharing it with the locals would help, I have no desire to draw unwanted attention to this world." Dracona replied calmly as she slipped once more into a more refined, regal posture.
"You know, I really wonder which is the real you these days." Asriel commented.
"We've both been through a lot," the exo said. "Should we ever make it back to the Tower I'll explain everything in full view of The Vanguard, this I swear O angel mine."
“I am not getting any of this....” Cidea said as she moved up so she could be by both Dracona and Fluttershy.
“She said she’d explain.” Fluttershy spared her a glance.
“Why aren’t you freaking out like most ponies do?” Cidae turn her head slightly to look at the mare.
“Well you surprised me, but I saw that you were just scared and hurt, and I can’t just leave you like that.” Fluttershy blurted out with a hint of a blush.
“Fsssss!” Cidae’s tongue flicked out briefly and she almost tripped when she brought a hoof up to try and shove it back inside her mouth.
“Ugh, you’re all so slow! Common, I wanna get these two to Twilight!” Rainbow complains, flying overhead.
"Alright, we're coming." Dracona replied.
“Okay... Everypony just, be cool.” Rainbow said, trying to hide her nervousness as the group reached the very edge of Ponyville.
“How can we be cool? We’ve got a....” Cidae looked at Dracona. “A robot, and a Changeling. Do you really expect everyone to just ignore that?”
“I’m sure everypony will understand. Once they see you’re with us.” Fluttershy added, trying to sound hopeful.
"I'm sure we'll be fine, right Dracona?" Asriel asked.
"We will be fine and I promise I won't knife anyone if things do go south alright?" she replied cheekily.
“Please, please don’t hurt anyone.” Fluttershy looked up at the exo with puppy dog eyes.
Cidae’s mouth dropped open, and her tongue rolled out a bit. As if realizing what she was doing, the changeling quickly shut her mouth and glanced around to see if anyone noticed.
“Fine. Let’s just get to Twilight’s. The sooner we do that the sooner I can get some answers.” Rainbow’s glare was aimed more at Cidae than Dracona.
"Holy crap that's adorable..." Dracona muttered.
"How about we get moving?" Asriel suggested happily.
"Ok." the exo replied.
“Let’s take some back paths. I’d like to avoid as many ponies as possible.” Rainbow said slowly making her way into town, with the others following behind. Cidae had the benefit of changing form. Dracona however, was another matter entirely.
"Asriel, record everything! We're making history." Dracona said with a grin.
"Well, at least this can't get any worse right?" Asriel commented.
Cidae, disguised as a rather bland gray earth pony mare with a blue mane, shivered. “Why did you have to say that?”
“Everything’s going to be fi-” Fluttershy was cut off by a feminine cry.
”OH SWEET CELESTIA! WHAT IS THAT?”
“Buck! Run! Follow me!” Rainbow took off, which caused the other’s to gallop, and sprint after her.
"Damn it Asriel! You just had to say it." Dracona grumbled as she sprinted, her purple and white cape billowing out behind her.
"Sorry!" the Ghost replied as he flew after her.
“There’s Twilight’s place!” Rainbow thrust a hoof at a large tree.
Picking up speed, the pegasus burst through the door, almost knocking it off it’s hinges in the process. Fluttershy and Cidae piled in after her.
Dracona skidded to a halt and carefully stepped over the tangle of limbs as she walked inside. She looked very much like a kid in a candy store at the sight of the countless books shelved in the hollowed out tree.
"...I know Asriel, we have a job to do," she sighed as her Ghost looked at her expectantly. "I'll read later..."
"Assuming you can even read their written language in the first place and no, you can wait until after we negotiate a peace treaty with the ponies to learn it." Asriel replied sternly.
"I know." the exo begrudgingly agreed.
“What is Celestia is going on here?!” A loud voice rang out.
“Sorry Twi, emergency!” Rainbow up a set of stairs.
“Rainbow what?- Stop pushing!” The voice yelled from the top of the stairs.
“I’m so sorry, are you okay?” Fluttershy said and helped the disguised changeling to her hooves.
“I’m fine.” Cidae shook herself and turned her neck with an audible pop.
"That doesn't sound fine..." Asriel commented.
"You could just scan her for injuries." Dracona pointed out.
"Maybe after our lives aren't hanging in the balance, again." Asriel replied.
"I can't die," Dracona stated. "And you're smart enough to hide when faced with danger, besides we still have plan B."
"Which is?"
"Gather what we need from the wilds and people's rubbish bins, duh." Dracona replied.
"Good thing we're trying diplomacy first then." Asriel said.
“Feel free to scan me if it makes you feel better.” Cidae shrugged as she followed Fluttershy into the library proper.
“Rainbow, what’s so important?!” Twilight complained loudly as there was a shuffling noise from the stairs.
"I'll think I'll wait until this mess is sorted," Asriel said. "I might be able to find an alternative food source for you once I have time to gather more data."
"Do you have any family Cidae? It's kinda strange you're out in the middle of nowhere by yourself." Dracona asked as she followed them into the library.
“I was kicked out of my hive.” Cidae looked down sadly. “I screw up infiltrations.”
A purple unicorn stumbled out of the stairwell and looked around. Then she locked her eyes on Dracona, and her jaw dropped.
"So you're homeless?" Dracona replied and looked over at her Ghost. "Can we keep her?"
"Only if she follows you home," Asriel replied seriously. "You might want to focus on the purple unicorn though."
"Huh, oh right, diplomacy." Dracona said.
“I wouldn’t complain if you did.” Cidae shrugged.
“Uh.... Twi?” Rainbow poked the frozen unicorn. “Twilight?”
“Twilight, are you okay?” Fluttershy asked, clearly worried.
"Should we do something?" Dracona asked.
"I don't know." Asriel replied.
“Wh-what is that?” Twilight slowly raised a hoof and pointed at Dracona.
“It’s a robot Twi.” Rainbow pointed a hoof at Cidae. “And that’s a Changeling.”
“What?!” Twilight’s eyes snapped towards Cidae. The changeling in turn took a step back.
"I'm a she, thank you very much. My name is Dracona, I'm an artificial lifeform called an Exo. The small floating robot is my best friend Asriel." Dracona stated flatly.
"Hello." the Ghost said.
Wordlessly, Dracona sat down and began to fiddle with Asriel as she plucked him out of the air.
"I'll be more than happy to answer questions." she stated idly.
Twilight’s eyes snapped back towards Dracona, and an eerie smile split her face. “Let me just get my quills and paper.”
“Uh oh... You probably shouldn’t have said that.” Fluttershy glanced up at the exo.
"I'm sure I can handle it." Dracona replied calmly.
“Your funeral.” Rainbow chuckled as Twilight disappeared in a purple flash.
Two hours later, Twilight had a pile of notes that documented Dracona's rise as a Guardian, her exploits and crowning achievements.
"We just told our life's story...In two hours, why?" Asriel asked.
"We started from when you found me three years ago to now, that's your life story for the most part. Let's see there was the manifestation of the darkness, Crota, Skolas, Oryx, Ghaul and the dumb things I did when I got really bored. Yeah that's pretty much everything" Dracona replied and her Ghost remained silent on the fact she forgot a few important details.
"So...Any chance we can get some supplies to make a transmitter?" Asriel asked hopefully.
“Yes! Yes! Take whatever you need from the lab downstairs.” Twilight giggled madly while staring at her notes. “Spike! Spike! I need to send a letter to the Princess!”
“What...” A sleepy voice called from upstairs.
“Twilight, what about the changeling?” Rainbow asked, however Twilight was too busty giggling at her notes.
"I'll take Cidae with me, If she doesn't mind of course," Dracona stated and let her Ghost float freely. "Asriel, go on ahead and gather what we need, I'll stay up here in case I'm needed for anything."
"And she's gone all noblewoman on me again..." her Ghost muttered. "Alright, I'll let you know if we're missing anything."
The small robot zoomed off towards the basement.
“Thanks!” Cidae nodded at the exo.
“Twi! Changeling!” Rainbow thrust a hoof at Cidae.
“Uh huh.” Twilight wasn’t listening.
“Yes! I’m a changeling.” Cidae glared at Rainbow. In a whoosh of green flames Cidae returned to her changeling form. “We get it you’re racist!”
Rainbow froze when she saw the changeling’s true form. Then a grin crackled her face. She snorted, then... “BWAHAHAHAHAHA!” She fell to the floor laughing. “You’re so tiny!”
“Hey!” Cidae snapped, her wings buzzing in irritation.
“Rainbow, that was awful!” Fluttershy gasped. “Why are you being so mean? Cidae hasn’t done anything threatening. She was kicked out of her hive, how do you think that makes her feel?”
"Cidae is my friend Rainbow, show some respect." Dracona growled.
“You are?” Cidae looked up at Dracona in confusion.
“Oh yeah? What are ya gonna do if I don’t” Rainbow smirked.
“Rainbow.” Fluttershy said warningly, her brow furrowing.
"I. Knife things. In the face. For a living." Dracona stated clearly. "Cidae is the first alien I've met today that hasn't tried to shoot me and in my line of work that's saying something."
“I have a scary awesome friend.” Cidae smirked back the the rainbow maned mare.
Rainbow’s face, in turn, fell to a look of unease. “Gotcha.”
A small purple and green scaled bipedal lizard trudged down the stairs, rubbing his eyes and yawning. On blinking away the sleep his locked his eyes onto the changeling and the exo. ”Twilight, is there really a robot and a changeling in the library?”
“Uh huh.” The purple mare looked up at the small lizard. “Oh Spike! Good. can you send this to the Princess?” Twilight levitated a scroll towards Spike.
“Sure...” Spike takes the scroll and exhales green flames, instantly disintegrating the letter. The ashes fly up and out an open window. Spike then turns towards the two non-ponies. “Hi...” He says awkwardly.
“Hi...” Cidae responds in much the same way.
"Hey." Dracona greeted casually.
“So... Somepony wanna tell me what’s going on?” Spike looked between the ponies, exo, and changeling. However before anyone could answer the front door opened, and a pink earth pony trotted into the library. On her back was a basket containing letters. Quietly humming, the pink mare trotted over to Cidae, hoofed her a letter, trotted over to Dracona, hoofed her a letter, then proceeded to trot downstairs.
"I ran into Cidae, the changeling, while looking for help to gather the resources I need to contact my boss to send someone out here to pick me up," Dracona explained as she opened the letter. "Now what on earth is this?"
"Dracona? A pink pony just gave me a letter," Asriel said over the comms. "I found everything we need to get in contact with the city too."
"Good, head back up and I'll start building in a minute." the exo replied.
“That’s the Pink One.” Cidae shivered.
“Oh, that’s Pinkie Pie. She just does things like this.” Fluttershy shrugged.
"Ok..." Dracona and Asriel said warily.
The Ghost floated over to his Guardian.
"What does your letter say?" he asked. "I can't open mine."
The exo blinked and stared down at her letter.
Princess Dracona Snowstar, You are incited to you'rte Welcome to Ponyville Party at Sugarcube Corner the letter read and Dracona decided to not mention is was written in ancient Ahamkram.
"I think we're invited to a party," she replied. "Cidae, what's in yours?"
“Ciadaemorphos You are invited to you’re Welcome To Ponyville Party at Sugarcube Corner.....” Cidae blinked. “How......”
“Ummmmm... It’s Pinkie Pie?” Fluttershy said weakly, trying to be helpful.
"Free food? I'm game," Dracona said. "I'd better get that transmitter built though..."
"Party first, transmitter later," Asriel stated. "You're still recovering from your fight with Ghaul and the stress of writing that letter, so I think some time off will you do some good."
"Yeah, good point," Dracona replied. "I never turn down free food."
“Fight with who now?” Rainbow looked over at Dracona, looking curious.
“I can just sit there. I’ll be fed enough by the positive emotion in the air. That is, unless I spoil the party.” Cidae looked down, frowning a bit.
“You’ll be fine. You’re the first nice changeling we’ve come across.” Fluttershy said, walked over to her and put a wing over her back in a hug.
“Thanks.” Cidae replied and brightened a little.
"You know, I bet I could make the transmitter at the party," Asriel suggested. "Then you could tell everyone at the party and the Vanguard how you defeated Ghaul."
Dracona's face plates shifted as she frowned, carefully weighing the pros and cons.
"I suppose, you were there Asriel and you still chose to stand by my side after it all," the exo mused. "Well this was bound to happen sooner or later."
She smiled gestured to the front door.
"Come O companions mine! A celebration awaits." she declared.
"This is going to be interesting." Asriel commented.
Sometime later the small group left Twilight to her notes and headed to Sugarcube Corner. The lights were out and there was no sign of any life in the building.
“It’s too quiet in there.” Cidae frowned and narrowed her eyes at the eerily silent Bakery.
“It’s a surprise.” Fluttershy said, almost in a whisper.
“Well if anyone tries to jump me I’m going to start shooting.” Cidae snorted. “I don’t like surprises.”
“But... you’re a changeling...” Rainbow looked at the changeling mare in confusion.
“So?” Cidae turned her head to glare at the mare. “Are you being racist on purpose? Because I can’t tell anymore.”
“I’m not racist!” Rainbow cried, throwing her hooves in the air.
"How about I go in first?" the Ghost suggested as his Guardian also looked wary of the building. "Dracona and ambushes do not end well."
"Fuck the Hive..." the exo muttered at the reminder.
“Hive?” Cidae asked and blinked at Dracona owlishly.
“Yes please.” Fluttershy nodded.
As Asriel flew in to ask the party goers not to surprise them Dracona decided to answer Cidae's question.
"The Hive are a race of aliens that live in a perpetual state of slaughter, they need to constantly kill things to sate the hunger of worms they are bound to," she explained. "Long story short, they are a cult of death and carnage, killing everything that isn't one of their own."
“I regret everything that led to that answer.” Cidae said, turning a little green.
“You fought those things?” Rainbow’s jaw dropped as she half-flopped to the ground? “So awesome!”
“They s-sound horrible.” Fluttershy shivered, hiding behind her mane a little.
"They are horrible." Dracona stated.
Meanwhile Asriel had found a way into the building via an open window.
"Hello?" the Ghost called out. "My Guardian would be very grateful if you started the welcome party before she entered the building, um please?"
There was a brief moment of silence from the building.
“Awwww. He ruined the surprise.” Came a disappointed voice.
“That’s out queue to go in.” Rainbow grinned. “Food....”
“Ya know maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” Cidae suddenly looked apprehensive. She took a step back, but was stopped by Fluttershy’s hoof.
“Cidae, you’re going to be okay. Nopony here is going to hurt you.” Fluttershy tried to sound comforting.
"I'm an experienced fighter, I do not like being ambushed, party or not," Dracona stated as she walked in. "Also, please be nice to the changeling or you'll be excluded from Weird Storytime ok?"
The exo made a beeline for the food while her Ghost found an empty corner to work on the transmitter.
The ponies watched the exo in stunned silence. Then Cidae walked in.
“CHANG-!” A pony began to shout.
“NO!” Fluttershy shouted, Her wings flaring out at her exclamation. “DON’T YOU DARE!”
The room went dead silent once again.
“Cidae is a kind and gentle Changeling! She hasn’t hurt anypony! You're all going to treat her just like anypony else got it?!” Fluttershy snorted, her glare roving over the stunned crowd.
There was a quiet fwipping noise as Cidae’s wings snapped out straight. The Changeling stared unblinking at the butter pegasus before her.
"So do you ponies not want Weird Storytime? 'Cause I was going to talk about how I beat up tyrant emperor and stuff." Dracona drawled as she started piling various party foods onto a paper plate, by stabbing the foodstuff with her hunting knife and letting it slide off onto the plate.
“Oooo! Story time!” Pinkie gasped, rushed over, and sat in front of the exo.
Dracona’s announcement, and Pinkie’s reaction broke the hold Fluttershy had on the crowd, most of which moved over to hear the exo’s story.
Cidae, just stood motionless, staring at the heaving form of Fluttershy. Like a switch being flipped, Fluttershy blinked and gasped. “Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry!”
Dracona walked over to her Ghost, who had finished building the transmitter. A circle gems was attached to a series of wires, all of which led to a metal pole with a beacon and two small speakers welded to it. The entire thing was held upright via a metal stand.
"Go enjoy the party, I wanna eat first." the exo stated and took a seat next to the device.
"Why don't you all go say hi to Cidae?" Asriel added. "You might make a new friend in the process."
Asriel glanced at his Guardian and sighed, Dracona had tuned out the world around her to focus on stuffing her face. As the ponies move off to enjoy the party, Rainbow meanwhile flew over to Dracona. “What is that?”
Across the room, Fluttershy finally calmed down from her minor panic attack and noticed Cidae staring at her. “U-uummm, Cidae are you alright?” In response, Cidae simply nodded dumbly.
"This is a transmitter, it will allow us to get in contact The Vanguard, hopefully I can reach Cayde first, He's Dracona's boss," Asriel explained."And probably the only one that will get her attention."
Dracona paused, shot her Ghost a 'don't you dare' look and resumed eating.
"She likes Cayde." Asriel happily added.
His Guardian grumbled in annoyance at him but was too distracted by food to really be offended.
“And who’s this Cayde guy again?” Rainbow cocked her head to the side.
“Ooo! What’s going on with Cid?” Pinkie popped up next to Fluttershy, grinned and glancing between the two.
“I don’t know.” Fluttershy sounded worried.
Pinkie looked back and forth a few times then stated in an oddly serious manner. “She likes you.”
Cidae simply nodded dumbly once again.
"Cayde-6 is the Hunter Vanguard, the leader of all the Guardians who choose to take up the role of a Hunter." Asriel said.
"I'm a Hunter." Dracona added as she finished eating.
"Cayde is Dracona's boss, he's cocky and labels himself as the gentleman theif type." the Ghost continued.
"He jokes a lot and doesn't take things seriously, which is breath of fresh air when your life consists of endless fighting and tying to keep an entire city safe for one more day," Dracona said. "Cayde is awesome."
“Whoa... He sounds awesome.” Rainbow said and grinned. “What’s so special about Hunters?”
"Well, Hunters are fast and kinda reckless," Dracona said. "I don't want to spend all day explaining the differences between Titans, Hunters and Warlocks so, I'm the rogue essentially."
"So, Weird Storytime?" Asriel asked.
"Weird Storytime," the exo confirmed and brushed herself off. "Alright everyone who wants to hear how I single-handedly saved my home from an invasion?"
Most of the ponies within the bakery immediately rushed over to hear the exo’s tale.
“O-oh...” Fluttershy blushed as Cidae finally blinked.
The changeling looked around. “What happened? I spaced out for a minute or two.”
“Fluttershy yelled at everypony before they could freak out and you turned into a statue.” Pinkie giggled.
"I work as a Guardian, it's my job to protect The Last City from our enemies, The scavengers known as Fallen, the worshipers of death called The Hive, the all converting, terraforming force of the Vex Hivemind, the tainted, darkness drenched Taken and finally the planet destroying, militaristic Cobal," Dracona began. "I have killed a Vex God, a Fallen Leader, a Hive prince and his king! But nothing could have prepared me for the war that would claim countless lives and rob us of our home."
"We Guardians are granted the power to protect the Last City and it's people by the will of The Traveler, a massive sphere that has given us the power to wield Light against our foes," she continued. "But the Cobal, led by their new Emperor Dominus Ghaul, attacked and stole our city, our Traveler and our Light from beneath our feet and slaughtered any powerless Guardians that his troops, the Red Legion came across."
"Dracona and I confronted Ghaul atop his ship but without the Light of the Traveller, we were powerless to stop him." Asriel added.
"So we ran, we fled and spent several days living in the wilds before were found by survivors of the attack." Dracona said.
Dracona paused her tale to gauge the reactions of her audience, they were stunned into silence.
"We, along with every other Guardian that escaped made our way to shard of the Traveller that had laid dormant in a dense forest and it was there that the shard returned our Light to us, so we could fight back," Dracona said. "From there we travelled across the stars to reunite with our leaders, Zavala, Ikora and Cayde-6."
"Once the Vanguard had been reassembled we stole a Cobal ship and snuck into the city, while a small unit led by the Vanguard distracted the Red Legion Dracona and I used a Vex Teleporter to get onto and destroy Ghaul's super weapon that he had aimed at our sun." Asriel added.
"After that, all that was left was to confront Ghaul and take back our home." Dracona paused and prepared herself for the big finale.
"Ghaul had stolen the Traveller's Light for himself and tried to wield the powers of a Guardian against us," the exo stated. "But we had an ace up our sleeves for I am not just a hunter..."
She stopped, nervousness ate away at her but before she could continue, the speakers on the transmitter crackled before a familiar voice came through.
"You're an awesome Hunter, am I right?" Cayde-6 said over the commlink. "I'm right aren't I."
The sound of the Hunter Vanguard's voice gave Dracona newfound joy and confidence.
"Yup, Ghaul didn't even know what hit him!" she said cheerfully. "He was so awestruck by my mastery of the Light that he went down in two hits! I've fought Fallen Vandals tougher than that."
"[There you have it folks, Dracona beat the stuffing out of Ghaul and saved the day, why don't you give her a round of applause?" Cayde suggested.
The room was silent. Most the ponies didn’t know what to do.
“So, you’re Cayde? The guy she has a crush on?” Rainbow asked with a grin.
"Rainbow!" Dracona scolded.
"The one and only," Cayde replied. "So you're looking after my hunter eh? Has she been behaving?"
"Cayde!" Dracona whined.
“Eh, don’t ask me. Ask her Changeling.” Rainbow shrugged. “Hey Flutters, Changeling, come say hi to Cayde.” She called across the bakery.
“I have a name!” Cidae yelled back as Fluttershy and her trotted across the bakery to join the pegasus and the exo.
"Aw you made friends? Great, look I can't stay on the line for long but I borrowed your ship." Cayde said.
"...Please don't break it..." Dracona begged.
"Relax it'll be fine, got a lock on your coordinates too," Cayde replied. "Should be about a day or so until I touch down so keep yourself safe Dracona."
"Will do." she said.
With a click, the transmitter fell silent.
“Soooo.... You’re here for a day?” Cidae asked cocking her head to the side.
“Where are you going to stay?” Fluttershy asked, looking concerned.
"I was just going to camp out." Dracona said.
"It wouldn't be the first time." Asriel added.
“I’m sure somepony would allow you to stay with them.” Fluttershy looked thoughtful.
“I would, but I live in a cloud house.” Rainbow shrugged.
“And I’m homeless.” Cidae, shrugged too.
"I'll just camp out, I saw an empty field outside of town and I don't exactly have any of your currency to pay for stuff." Dracona stated.
"I'll store the transmitter away for later," Asriel said. "And I'll see if I can store some of the party food for later too."
"Sweets for tea? Awesome," Dracona replied and looked down at her empty plate. "I'm gonna go grab seconds."
"Well, I’ll join you. Not like I have anywhere else to go.” Cidae said and grinned at the ghost.
"We'd be more than happy to have you join us Cidae." Asriel said as he started transferring the transmitter to his Guardian's inventory.
“Thanks!” Cidae chirped.
The party eventually wound down, and Cidae, Dracona, and Asriel found themselves heading out of town, but not before assuring Fluttershy and Rainbow that they would be okay. It didn’t take them long to find themselves a nice quiet spot to settle down for the evening.
"The tent is set up," Asriel happily stated.
"Cidae gets the tent, I'll sleep outside." Dracona stated as she set up a worn and slightly tattered blanket to lay on.
"Alright, I'm going to defrag in the bag tonight, will you be alright?" Her Ghost asked.
"Yep, you need a blanket or anything Cidae?" the exo asked.
“I’ll be fine.” Cidae smiled. “Thanks for the tent. I haven't slept in something in..... I don’t know how long.” The Changeling happily ducked inside the tent. “Ooooooo!”
"It's big enough for a group of three Guardians, so you should have plenty of room." Dracona commented and sat down on her blanket.
"Well, everything looks fine here. I'll just get started on that defrag," Asriel said as he teleported himself into Dracona's barely noticeable bag. "Goodnight Dracona, love you."
"Night Asriel, love you too." His Guardian happily replied.
"Aaaand he's offline, good. I swear he worries too much," The exo commented. "Hey Cidae, you tired yet?"
“No.” The changeling said from inside the tent. “There’s so much stuff in here!”
"Oh yeah, that thing probably still has my crap from Australia." Dracona realized and walked over to the tent.
Peeking in, her statement was confirmed with the majority of the interior of the three man tent was stacked with boxes of everything from canned food to bits of weapons and armor and folders bursting with pages upon pages of notes. The exo shifted some things around to make more room for her guest.
"There we go, you should have enough space to stretch out," Dracona said and thought of something. "Do you want to know what all this stuff is from?"
"Yes! I would love to hear it." Cidae gasped.
Unknown by the two of them, Asriel was still awake and in the midst of intergrating the communication array into his own systems. He quietly pondered on the best course of action as he did so. It was clear to him that his selfless, doubt riddled Guardian was going to reveal her true nature to the changeling, they shared a similar history after all but the Ghost wondered if he could alleviate his dear Hunter's fears somehow.
The integration completed and Asriel switched on a secure voice channel, one that his Guardian wouldn't hear.
"Zavala? I have something The Vanguard needs to hear," Asriel stated. "It's about what happened to us after we defeated Oryx. Just listen closely."
"Well it all started, a year or two ago? I can't really keep track of time all that well but anyway, I was like most Guardians and had no memory of my life prior to meeting Asriel, did you know his name actually spelled A-z-r-a-e-l? He changed it after I told him about a story I found tucked away in my belongings about a prince who became an angel to save his kingdom. In the book the name is spelled A-s-r-i-e-l and my Ghost got the spelling officially changed because he said it sounded more like his style," Dracona rambled. "Where was I? Oh yeah, so I had no memory of who I was right? So we went looking, now most exo were built by a company called Clovis Bray, or something. But we scanned what few Golden Age records we had and found out I was created by a small independent research facility in Australia."
"We went there and followed a paper trail and a few cryptic messages left by one of the scientists there and we found an underground bunker," Dracona paused and rifled through one of the boxes. "There's a picture in here somewhere."
Eventually Dracona pulled out a photo of a run down bunker decorated with bright colours and posters one would normally find in a school or daycare center.
"The scientists were taking in orphaned and homeless children en masse and even though the place looks rundown now, from the records we found the kis were actually well cared for and happy," Dracona explained. "As for why a group of researchers were taking on so many children, was because of this-"
She flipped the photo over to reveal a highly detailed sketch of a four legged dragon with feather shaped scales, leathery wings and long, curled feathers cascading down its neck with smaller plumage covering its chest and the end of its tail. The dragon's head was facing the viewer, it was missing its left eye and the creatures lower jaw was separated into a pair of tooth filled mandibles with small, pointed tusks on each tip.
"This is an Ahamkara or 'Wish Dragon', the lead scientist had managed to contact her and was using the children as a bargaining chip to get the dragon to divulge information as this particular specimen was the equivalent of a person with a mental illness and needed the assistance of others to survive."
"All Ahamkara have psionic abilities that manifest as an Aura that they give off, which can bend reality according to their will. A normal Ahamkara cares only for themselves, their possessions and their direct descendants for if a Wish Dragon has no confidence, no sense of self worth then their Aura will feed on that negativity and destroy them."
"A selfless Ahamkara is a dead Ahamkara, so the saying goes," Dracona said. "Still with me so far?"
“I gotcha.” Cidae nodded. “It looks kinda bird-ish. Not like the dragons around here. Not that I’ve actually seen any of the dragons around here.”
"Well it is a wish granting space dragon, so its bound to look different," Dracona said and continued on with the story. "This Ahamkara lived a life of servitude in the hopes of being a part of the everyday happiness that other races find normal as such a concept was a sigh of weakness in her kind and without that joy in helping others, her lack of self confidence would have led to a slow and painful death."
"Fortunately Ahamkara have a physical soul that houses their being. They usually live on a separate plane of reality and utilize the strength of their Aura to travel to this plane of reality. With this newfound fact the lead scientist made one final deal with the Ahamkara, in exchange for knowledge, for power the scientist would create a body to house the Ahamkara's soul so she could truly interact with the world around her," Dracona explained. "Do you remember what I was looking for at the start of this?"
“Uuuuummm.... No...” Cidae trailed off looking sheepish.
"I was looking for my origin, who I was before I became a Guardian," Dracona said and smirked. "I regained my memories when Ghaul attacked the city."
Her face fell as she recalled the state of the bunker but quickly regained her composure.
"We found out that the Ahamkara had gotten her new body and was working in Russia when the Collapse happened, she died 500 years ago, only to be found by a Ghost and resurrected as a Guardian."
"I, O companion mine, am Dracona-3. An Exo, a Hunter, a former Blade Dancer, a Nightstalker and...An Ahamkara," Dracona finished and pointed at the sketch. "That was my original form."
"Wait, my best hunter is a dragon?" Cayde asked on Asriel's secured channel.
"An Ahamkara in the City, Just how sincere has our Guardian been? How do we know she isn't a threat?" Zavala asked.
"I believe it would be best if we all took some time to reflect upon this."Ikora stated.
"Al-alright,"Asriel replied as all three Vanguard leaders signed off. "Dracona's not going to like this...."
Cidae blinked, absorbing the information. “You’re.... a Wish Dragon in the body of a sapient machine?”
"Yup, this was custom made just me!" Dracona replied a bit too quickly, the relief of Cidae not abandoning her evident on her face. "Just don't tell anyone ok? My kind have a bit of a bad reputation."
“Like anyone would believe that you’er a dragon.” Cidae giggled. “I like you better this way. I much more prefer machine people over reality warping dragons.”
"Back in The Last City, the people would believe me even if I told them I had simply talked with an Ahamkara," Dracona replied seriously. "A long time ago Ahamkara were once lived on the same world as humanity and with egos the size of the sun most of my kind get their entertainment or resources from other races. They cared not for kindness or sympathy and making a deal with perfectly healthy members of my kind results in a high price indeed."
"The City did not take kindly to the demands of the Ahamkara and hunted them to extinction. I have no doubt that if I were to reveal myself to those in the City that I care for, I would be banished at best and... Killed at worst."
"All Ahamkara possess at least something other races would find valuable, be it knowledge, power or even a chance to change the turn of events, mark my words there would be people that would seek me out for such things," Dracona explained. "It could divide the City and that is the last thing the people need right now."
She sighed.
"Were it not for Asriel, my fear and despair would have destroyed me a long time ago," she stated and put in an effort to smile. "Sorry, you probably didn't need to hear all of that."
Cidae sat down on her haunches and raised her forelegs. “Hug?”
Dracona stopped and stared through the small changeling, memories of countless human children asking for same thing flitted through her mind. Her daze lasted for only a second as she pulled Cidae into a hug.
"Thanks," she muttered.
“You’re welcome.” Cidae grinned.
"There is something I've been wondering Cidae, see I have this problem. Once my mission here is done and I return to the City, what am I going to do with you?" Dracona asked. "To give you home is one thing but I'll need to figure out what to put on the paperwork if I want to get us an actual apartment, I can't keep living in my ship anymore with you around."
“What;s wrong with living in a ship?” Cidae cocked her head to the side.
"Not enough space." Dracona clarified.
Cidae raised an eyebrow. “You do see how small I am right?”
"I still don't think it would be a good idea, you deserve an actual home," Dracona stated. "So what do we put on the paperwork?"
“Ummmmm... Ciadaemorphos. Hiveless Changeling... Don’t really know what else to say.” Cidae’s brow furrowed in thought.
"Well, we have few options, I could legally adopt you, list you as my roommate or I could buy the place and be your landlady if you want to have the place to yourself," Dracona suggested. "Which idea do you like best?"
“Roommate works for me.” Cidae nodded.
"Sounds good to me," the hunter replied with a grin. "It'll be nice sharing a living space with someone again."
Dracona deposited the changeling onto the floor and stood up.
"It's getting late, I'll let you get some sleep Cidae," she said and walked out of the tent. "Goodnight, sleep well."
“Sleep well Dracona, and thanks again for the tent.” Cidae said with a yawn.
"No problem." the exo replied and walked over to her blanket.
She flopped down onto it and gazed up at the stars. Her mask of kindness and strength slipped away as worries and fears danced in her head. Those fears stayed with her long after she fell asleep.
She was running. Scaly paws kicked up dirt as she ran, a gun fired and she winced as the bullet punched another hole through her tattered wings. Her white scales marred with wounds borne of multiple weapons and broken ribs screamed in agony as she forced her tired and battered form to keep moving.
A Titan's Sunbreaker Hammer flew through the air and shattered her right foreleg. The blow sent her crashing to the ground. She tumbled to a stop and bleary-eyed, looked up as footsteps approached.
The sound of a pistol reloading forced her mind to focus on the hunter before her and her heart broke at the sight.
Cayde stood before her broken form, his signature pistol primed and aimed at her head, ready to fire.
She squeezed her eyes shut as she waited for him to pull the trigger.
“BEGONE!” A voice boomed from seemingly everywhere, causing the ground beneath Dracona to shake.
Dracona felt more stable, more lucid. The haze of the dream vanished from her mind. The Ahamkara paused and willing to take the risk, opened her eyes just to find out what was going on. Cayde was gone. In his place stood a midnight blue pony mare, with both a horn and a pair of wings. The mare’s mane was like a shifting mass of the night sky itself.
She was giving Dracona a curious look. “We have never seen, nor felt a dream such as thine.” She spoke elegantly, like a noble for some bygone age. “Pray tell, who art thou, dragon?”
Dracona blinked and she pulled herself to her feet and sat down. Her jaws moved and clicked as she tried to speak but quickly she remembered what form she was in.
"I am Dracona, one of the last remaining Ahamkara," she telepathically replied as her mandibles twitched. "I wasn't aware this was a dream, though that would explain things."
“We are Princess Luna, guarding the dreams of sleepers is our charge.” Luna nodded. “And yes, this is a dream.”
"A princess?," Dracona wondered. "Twilight mentioned something about writing to one, was that you perchance?"
Luna shook her head. “No. T’was a letter to mine sister.”
"Ah, I take it you both have some form of power in this land yes?" Dracona asked as she slipped into the familiar role of the negotiator, a role normally used with selfish or cruel intentions by most Ahamkara.
Dracona was not most Ahamkara. She would see to it that any kindness granted would be returned tenfold.
“Indeed Dracona.” Luna nodded. “Our sister rules the Day and raises and lowers the Sun. We rule the Night and raise and lower the Moon.”
The statement of raising the sun and moon was so absurd that it broke Dracona's demeanor.
"You what? Ok wait, no forget that. Look I could use your help," Dracona said and with a bit of focus, shifted into her exo form. "This is the form I sealed myself into and well... This is a bit of long story, do you have time?"
“Time moves differently in dreams. We have time.” Luna said with a small smile.
And so the dragon talked. She spoke of how her kind were hunted and reason why, she spoke of The Last City and the effort to rebuild, she spoke of her duty as a Guardian and her fear of being discovered and above all she spoke of her greatest worries.
The land Luna and her sister ruled was abundant with the things people back in the City needed and she went to share with the princess her desire to start the journey to peaceful coexistence between the City and the beings of this world. She talked about the foes she faced and the worry that she would draw them to this peaceful world, she worried the negiations would fail and above she worried about what kind of future was left for her and those scant under her care.
Lastly she told the princess that she was afraid of tearing the City asunder if the truth of her true nature got out and confessed that she didn't know what she should do.
Luna spent some time in silence. “Perhaps...” She mused.” Perhaps, now is not the best time to reveal thine true nature. Everypony is still recovering and the wounds are fresh from battle. With emotions already tensed, we think that yelling your companions now would end poorly.”
"Yeah, you're right," Dracona admitted. "But that still leaves the negotiations with, well with you and your sister. We need food, water, building supplies and well..."
She hesitated even with an idea on her mind. "I was wondering, even with all of this going on, that I might be given a plot of land? Pardon my language but shit will hit the fan sooner or later and I owe it to those under my care to ensure they have somewhere to call home at the end of it all."
Luna smiled. “We will speak with our sister. We are sure that we can get you a plot of land to work with. We expect our sister will send Twilight Sparkle a letter in the morning.”
"Glad to hear it Princess," Dracona replied. "Oh yeah, where exactly do you two live anyway? I figured I'd just book an appointment and do this whole diplomacy thing properly, well as properly as I can manage anyway."
“We live in Canterlot Castle, within the city of Canterlot.” Luna replied wit ha smile. “Surely you have see it? The castle upon the mountain?”
"Oh that thing? Got it, I'll start heading there in the morning...I have more of a solid plan now, thank you Princess Luna." Dracona said sincerely.
“You are quite welcome fair Dracona.” Luna gave a small bow. “We wish the a restful and peaceful sleep.”
"I might just have a good nights sleep for once," Dracona replied and bowed in return. "I won't keep you, may your duties for the remainder of the night go well."
“Fare thee well.” Luna’s horn lit up with bright blue light and everything faded to black.
Dracona awoke to her Ghost sitting on her chest.
"I might have made things worse..." Asriel admitted.
"What?" the hunter grunted and sat up, her Ghost floated up and hovered at eye level.
"You were talking with Cidae last night right?" Asriel asked.
Dracona blinked sleepily and bluntly asked one question.
"The Vanguard know don't they?"
"I was only trying to help!" Asriel explained.
"....."
"Dracona?" Asriel asked worriedly.
Dracona looked at her Ghost and sighed. "We have a job to do, I'll see to the Vanguard later, is Cidae up yet?"
“Wha?.. Wha’s goin on?” The changeling sleepily asked, as her head popped out of the front of the tent.
"My Ghost did a stupid, in the meantime, I have the next stop of our journey sorted out." Dracona replied.
"Really? Where are we going?" Asriel asked.
"To the giant castle on the mountain overlooking Ponyville, that's where we'll find the rulers," Dracona explained and yawned. "But first things first, what are we gonna do about breakfast?"
“Oh... okay.” Cidae yawned. then suddenly seemed to freeze mid-yawn. She closed her mouth and looked at Dracona, a look over confusion clear on her face. “Wait, we’re going where now?”
"Canterlot Castle." Dracona replied while Asriel stored the tent and blanket in her inventory.
She didn't bat an eye when he was able to do so without disturbing Cidae but the exo was used to the way her Ghost often did things.
"Why don't you both go as yourselves?" Asriel suggested. "It would make a truthful first impression, right?"
".....I have no words to describe how frustrated I am right now." Dracona stated.
"So, that's a no?" Asriel asked.
"Sure it'd be faster, in my original form I could just fly us there and the Vanguard know I'm an Ahamkara anyway," Dracona said and looked over at Cidae. "What you want to do? Fly or walk to Canterlot?"
“Uuummmmm. Flying might attract way more attention than we would want.... So let’s walk.” Cidae said, s she looked lost in thought.
"Alrighty then, just remember only turn into a pony that doesn't exist and you'll be fine," Dracona advised. "Just imagine what you would look like as a pony or something, that's what I'd do."
"And what would you look like as a pony?" Asriel curiously asked his Guardian.
"An albino, that's what I look like as an Ahamkara so I assume pony me would be the same," she replied. "Let's head into Ponyville and see if we can snag some food for the trip, I'm hungry."
“Hmmmmmm.” Cidae furrowed her brow in thought. “Let’s go. I need to think about this.”
As the group walked, Dracona began to think and plan.
"Asriel, if anyone tries to contact us, open a secure channel. I'll need to do damage control." she instructed.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Her Ghost asked.
"I have an offer the Vanguard won't be able to refuse and once this mess with the ponies is sorted I'll make sure you and Cidae are looked after and put my plan into action." she explained.
"As long as you know what you're doing." Asriel replied.
"This is me we're talking about, we both know I'm winging it." Dracona stated.
“Uhhh... Asriel, should I be worried?” Cidae asked the ghost.
"About you or me? No," the Ghost replied. "Knowing Dracona, if something does happen it'll be up to us to protect her."
"As if I'm going to let you two put yourselves in danger for my sake," Dracona replied. "I'll be fine, really!"
"I swear, if your plan is lock us up somewhere so you can sacrifice yourself, I'm-I'm, well I'm going to be very angry!" Asriel stated hotly.
"I discarded that plan, you'd try to kill yourself just to stay with me." Dracona said calmly.
"Then what is your plan?" Her Ghost asked.
"I'll offer the Vanguard a deal, for the continued safety of myself and all those under my care," Dracona began and grinned. "I'll bring back The Speaker."
"But The Speaker? The leader of The Lasy City is gone! He's-" Asriel spluttered.
"I have the power to bring him back," Dracona firmly stated. "But we need to work with the pony rulers first, this way we'll get back into the vanguard's good books and work from there."
"So... Cidae, have you decided on a disguise yet?" Dracona asked.
“Yus” The changeling chirped. In a burst of of green flame, Cidae was suddenly a crimson unicorn with a grey mane and pink eyes. On her flank was the image of three blue stars. “I’m Eventide Haze.”
"Nice!" The exo commented. "Onwards to Ponyville, hopefully I can get some free food off of the locals, I mean I can always go without but if we're walking to Canterlot I need to eat something."
"We should be able to get something at the very least," Asriel added. "These ponies are surprisingly friendly."
“Hey... I don’t want to sound offensive, but why do you need food when you’re ...... synthetic?” Cidae asked weakly.
"Exo can still eat and drink, you saw me at the party," Dracona explained. "Most exo need and drink for the same reason organic creatures do, just not as often. As For the most part my need for food is one part psychological, as I'm used to getting hungry and thirsty and one part medical as all my exo form does is lessen the pain of my original form's ailments, not heal them completely."
"It's like this," she continued. "Any wounds I sustain in one form are dulled when I don the other. The injuries haven't gone away, I've just adjusted the metaphorical wrappings so it's only a constant annoyance instead of paralyzing agony."
"I wish you'd take your injuries more seriously." Asriel said.
"I don't really have the time." Dracona replied and she got the impression her Ghost was pouting at her complete disregard for her own well-being.
“Huh. I guess I was a little distracted at the party.” Cidae shrugged.
"Eh, stuff happens." Dracona replied with a shrug as the village came into view.
"Now, where to begin?" she wondered.
“Maybe Sugarcube Corner for breakfast?” Cidae asked thoughtfully.
"I'm broke." Dracona replied flatly.
"Maybe Twilight can help, she was nice." Asriel suggested.
"I guess, I was going to head to a marketplace I saw yesterday and try to haggle," Dracona replied. "... Eh, let's go bug the science pony."
"So tree library?" Asriel asked.
"Tree library," Dracona replied. "If Twilight asks for more info, feel free to tell her I'm a Wish Dragon."
"Really? You don't care anymore do you?" Asriel asked flatly.
"My days are numbered O angel mine, I have to stop giving a shit just to survive." Dracona said.
"Right, your Aura..." Her Ghost replied sadly and his Guardian nodded.
“To the library and the science pone.” Cidae nodded.
When they arrived, Dracona knocked on the door and given how early in the morning it was the exo wanted to be sure Twilight was actually awake before barging in.
“Hold on.” Spike’s voice called from beyond the door. There was a brief scrabbling of claws on wood, then the door opened. Spike stared up at the three. “Oh, hey. You do know this is a library right? You could have just walked in.”
“This is a Library?” Cidae asked. “I’ve never seen anybody check out books.”
“Give it a few minutes.” Spike replied and rolled his eyes. “Come on in. You want breakfast? I’m making Twilight some now.”
"We'd love to join you for breakfast, it sucks that glimmer isn't a currency that's accepted around here. I wouldn't have to mooch off of you if I wasn't flat broke." Dracona sheepishly admitted.
"I'll be scanning the shelves if you need me, I want to get a grasp of the written language, might come in handy for later." Asriel stated and flew into the library with his Guardian following suit.
“What’s glimmer?” Spike asked as he moved out of the way to let the three in.
Dracona pulled out a few of the small, glittering blue cubes and showed them off.
"Glimmer is a material that is used in a wide variety of things in the Last City and because of its versatility and usefulness it's the most common kind of currency we have," Dracona explained and gave Spike a small handful of the cubes worth 500 glimmer. "Here, why don't keep this lot? Might be useful if you ever go to there."
“That looks delicious.” Spike began to drool as he stared at the substance.
"Don't eat it, it's money not food," Dracona said and flopped down onto a cushion. "Plus it's alien money, might make you sick or something."
“Okay.” Spike sighs. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“Dragons eat gems.” Cidae commented as she browsed the shelves of books.
"Wish Dragons eat anything," Dracona replied. "Most dragon like creatures are omnivorous or classed as extreme omnivores like me. I could eat dirt and get nutritional value from it, though I'd have to turn off my taste sensors first."
"Says the Hunter that ate a Cabal." Asriel said cheekily.
"Dude, I've taken a bite out of Fallen, Hive and Cabal. Cabal at least taste nicer than the other two and no way in hell am I ever gonna eat a vex, that's just asking for trouble."
"Hm, true." her Ghost replied as his hard light rays scanned the books on a nearby shelf.
“Ummm.... I’ve never eaten anypony.” Spike called out from the kitchen.
“I haven’t eaten anybody either.” Cidae said looking thoughtful. “I feel like I’m missing out.”
"To be fair, I was desperate, losing my home and nearly dying meant I had to take what I could get for a few days until I found civilization again," Dracona stated. "I mean, I am technically a Wish Dragon's soul fused to an empy exo, acting as a Guardian to save the last remnants of humanity from hostile forces so I just turned a bunch of dead enemies into lunch, I needed the energy."
"It was either that or eating dirt. I hate eating dirt." She added.
“Oh, that explains it.” Cidae mused.
"Yup," the exo replied and looked thoughtful. "You eat love right? I wonder if you're able to feed off of me?"
“I would assume so.” Cidae nodded. “You do feel.”
"You have a point there, I'm just trying to cover my bases, not much point to taking you in if I can't provide for you and all that." Dracona stated.
“Hugs work fine. The only love I’ve ever actually felt was stolen. Not by me. It was from another collector. I actually don’t know what true love feels like.” Cidae mused. “I had to be the one changeling in the him with morals.”
"I'll figure something out, we'll get by," Dracona said. "Hey Asriel, how goes the translation?"
"All done, I'm compiling any kind of information we could use into your spare hardrive, as well as some books you might like." the Ghost replied from a top shelf.
"Organized?" Dracona asked.
"Of course."
"Good," his Guardian replied happily. "I wonder what's for breakfast?"
“Breakfast!” Spike called as he brought out plates pilled high with scrambled eggs and pancakes.
“Oh that looks so good!” Cidae moaned, drooling a bit.
"I'm so stoked right now," Dracona agreed. "That food looks so good."
“Oh yes!” Cidae gallops over to the table right as Spike begins setting the plates of food on the table.
“Morning.” A sleepy Twilight announces as she sleepily plods down the stairs from the loft.
“Morning Twilight. Coffee is in the kitchen.” Spike smiles at her as she passes Dracona, not even noticing the exo.
Dracona took a seat at the table, unfazed by Twilight's morning attitude.
"Dracona? I found something you might want to hear," Asriel stated from his spot amung the bookshelves. "Does the title 'Dragons of the Three Stars' mean anything to you?"
"Yeah, listed under fiction?" she asked.
"Yes, this book details ancient legends of dragons that granted knowledge, power or aid to any that proved themselves worthy." Her Ghost confirmed.
"Yep, sounds like them alright," Dracona replied. "They're Ahamkara who were cast out of the main realm due to being diseased, sick in the head like me. They formed a new kingdom which became a dumping ground for any exiled or sick Wish Dragons the rest of the populace didn't want to deal with," Dracona explained. "The Realm of the Three Stars it's called, ruled by three dragons. I grew up there after my birth parents abandoned me."
"So these are Ahamkara, then why are they referenced all the way out here?" Asriel asked.
"They probably foresaw our arrival and left things behind as a clue to help us out, either that or Dad got really bored." his guardian replied.
"Dad?"
"Tempus, King of the First Star took me in back then," the exo replied to her Ghost's curiosity. "The Three Kings find worlds to influence or observe all the time, they find a place and send their subjects to help out the locals."
The exo looked back at the pile of pancakes.
"Theorize later, food now."
“Ah, that’s what I needed.” Twilight announced with a sigh as she trotted out of the kitchen and sat down at the table next to Cidae. She looked over at the disguised changeling chowing down on some eggs.
“Who are you?” The purple mare asked in confusion. Cidae’s response was to look at her. Then the “unicorn’s” orn and eyes flashed green.
Twilight recoiled. “Cha-” Before she could even finish her sentence Cidae showed a forkful of pancake into the mare’s mouth then went back to eating.
"Hi Twilight." Dracona said around a mouthful of pancakes, her plate piled high.
“Hmmph?!” Twilight tried to say through her mouth full of pancake and her wide-eyed gaze snapped towards Dracona.
“Twilight, remember to chew your food.” Spike said as he returned to the table with his own plate of eggs sprinkled with small gems.
"Say Spike, do you guys have food that'll last a while? We're headed to Canterlot and if you wouldn't mind we could use some food for the trip." Dracona asked.
Asriel muttered something about ponies not making sense as he scanned an educational tome about weather magic. "We're dealing with aliens Asriel." His Guardian reminded him and he just grumbled quietly.
“Says the floating robot talking to a large robot in a room with a talking fire breathing lizard at talking magic horse and a shapeshifting bug pony.” Cidae commented dryly after swallowing.
Spike snorted, trying to hold back his laughter. “Y-yeah. I think so. Looking for anything in particular?”
Twilight just sat there, chewing her food, her eyes locked on the changeling.
"Whatever Cidae will like should be fine-" Dracona began before her Ghost interrupted.
"Anything that won't spoil easily and some chocolate if you have some, Dracona has quite the sweet tooth. As well as whatever Cidae would like."
"...Asriel it's not like we can pay for any of it." Dracona sighed.
"We both know you'd go without to keep Cidae happy and healthy, you did the exact same thing before the Collapse." Asriel chided.
"That's why I have you this time around?" Dracona replied with a smile.
"Precisely." Her Ghost stated.
“If you want we can give you some bits so you can get something at Sugarcube Corner.” Spike grinned, Then his face fell and his brow furrowed. “Come to think of it, why didn’t you go there? The Cakes and Pinkie would probably given you wherever you needed.”
“All I actually need is someone friendly nearby.” Cidae shrugged.
“Don’t you mean somepony?” Twilight spoke up.
“That is literally racist.” Cidae said glancing over at the unicorn. “I am not a pony, Neither is anyone else in this room.”
"Ok, I think we need to address something," Dracona stated calmly and faced Twilight. "Twilight, the fuck is your problem? I'm kinda getting sick of this distrust and blatant discrimination."
“Well... She’s a changeling. They steal love! They ruined my brother’s wedding!” Twilight blurted out, gesturing wildly at Cidae.
“A queen had the gall to impersonate a Princess and have her hive attack Canterlot.” Cidae said bitterly.
“Changelings are evil!” Twilight continued as if unhearing.
“CHRYSALIS DAMNED OUR ENTIRE RACE!” Cidae roared back, her disguise disappearing in a burst of emerald flame. Twilight’s words died in her throat at the changelings words. “We already have a hard enough time getting by! That- That bitch just made it infinitely harder! We could generally be ignored, but now, because of her, we are actively being hunted!”
“H-hunted?” Twilight squeaked out, paling.
“Yes. Hunted.” Cidae seemed to wilt. “Chrysalis’s attack on Canterlot made us out to be the monsters that everyone thought we were. Because of that, we were now considered a threat by many races of the world. Griffons and Minotaurs don’t have governments based around Harmony...”
There was a cough and a belch and in a puff of smoke, a scroll landed on the table in front of Spike. Only seconds later there was a knock at the door.
“I’ll... uhhh... I’ll go get that....” Spike said awkwardly.
Dracona was silent, mind whirring, ideas forming and a single notion made clear.
It was the Collapse all over again, the Great Hunt all over again.
"Not again, I won't stand idle this time." she muttered.
Through the link with his Guardian, Asriel could see the checklist as it formed within her mind and steeled her resolve.
1. Create peace between The Last City and Equestria. 2. Save the Changeling race. 3. Discuss peaceful coexistence between herself and the vanguard.
There was a glint in Dracona's optic and Asriel sighed in resignation and flew over to her.
"The more lives we save, the better things get right?" he asked.
"Yup." Dracona replied calmly.
“Ummm...” Twilight?... We have company.” Spike said from the doorway.