[Displaced] Waking up with a hangover, not unusual. Waking up as Igneel, a dragon that treats fire like a klondike bar? Not normal under any circumstances. Except maybe fanfiction...
[Displaced] When our hero went to a costume party, he never expected to end up in pretty pink pony land as Fairy Tail's most badass fire dragon. After an interesting turn of events, he is now the Red Diamond, the King of the Crystal Empire!
Be ready for humor, fights, and maybe avoiding responsibilities.
[All Fairy Tail characters used are not mine, only the creator's. Please don't hate me...]
So what happens when you wake up from a costume party that ended with you so drunk you could've out-classed a Lannister?
Usually, the answer to that question is a crippling headache with some guy who ‘accidentally’ wore the Pink Power Ranger outfit right next to you in the middle of a dark alley, butt naked.
For me?
I woke up as a dragon.
Igneel, to be exact.
It was quite worrying, to be honest. But weirder shit has happened. Like people who actually believe that the Sharknado will exist one day.
But you want to hear of my reaction and what I do with my new dragony body.
======•••======
My brain pounded against my skull, berating me for ever even touching alcohol in the first place. Truly, none could send such swift retribution as that of the organ keeping me barely functioning.
It took the better part of an hour and that accursed flaming ball of plasma to get me on my feet. It was at that moment I knew something was wrong.
Red scales had replaced my skin, with sharp claws doing the same for my fingers. My legs were bent at angles not unlike those of quadrupeds, but my arms remained the same general shape as before. My neck was significantly longer than before. A weight on my back had me realize that I had wings, and a quick feel revealed a tail. A large X scar adorned my chest.
I was a dragon. But I was no ordinary dragon! This was the dragon that most aspired to be!
I was motherf***ing Igneel!
Under normal circumstances, one would freak the hell out. Not me, though. Alcohol the previous night and the feel of skull-fuckery did help with that.
Seriously Brain! Lay off me once in awhile. I've already got enough to do trying to get my engineering degree without you punishing me for having fun.
As I was slowly getting over my hangover, I looked around the area.
Imagine a large cave with what seemed to have a lava waterfall going into a pool large enough for two of me. There were three corridors connected to the room. Curiosity took me down the left path.
That little beauty brought me to something that made my eyes widen and my brain to almost stop functioning.
You know Smaug’s horde? I've got that.
Piles upon piles of gold and silver and jewels! If I wanted to, I could quite literally take a bath of treasure. Scrooge McDuck would be jealous of this. One question went through my mind as I looked upon the wealth.
Is there a magic sword of dragon slaying in my lair?
For all that I was, a thief was not one of the monikers that I held. Until it was proven that this beautiful pile of wealth was mine, I shan't touch it. Granted, it took me a good while to finally go back to the previous room, but human greed is a fierce beast to fight. Was it worse now that I was a dragon? Meh, questions for later.
I went down the one on the right and found a sleeping area. In the ground was a shallow pit filled with furs, making a comfortable looking bed. I was definitely curling up in that after my date with exploration.
The last hallway lead to the outside. And was I surprised.
Snow. That was all the eye could see for miles. Well, that and mountains, but they were all buried in the icy blanket. The clouds were so thick that it completely blocked out the Sun. The wind was howling like a monster, threatening all who would be foolish enough to enter its domain.
I for one did not enjoy the prospect of meeting John Egbert’s demented winds, so back into the nice and lava-y caves I went.
As I neared the lava pool, I had an idea. If Natsu was immune to all heat-related attacks from the anime, was that similar for me. I ignored my hammering brain that was telling me that this was a bad idea, but I couldn’t care less. All lava was was heated up rocks. If that crazy bastard could eat explosions, then I could take a bath in liquid rocks.
I dipped my foot into the pool and was rewarded with a nice warmth. Following my foot, my body found itself in the warm embrace of the planet’s equivalent of blood. Gruesome analogy, I know, but it was the only one that fit. It was deep enough that it came up to my new hips. Curling my tail (that was going to take some getting used to), I sat down.
Now my head rested on the edge of the lava pool, and I was nearing slumber. God, why is this so good!
======•••======
Would you all believe me if I said a month had passed since that happened? Of course you would. This is my story after all.
Anyway, in that time, I learned that I was not in a hangover coma/dream. I was in the body of the King of the Fire Dragons. I learned basic dragon skills like flying and fire breath. And I could drink lava.
No joke on that last one. Filled me up as much as one would expect, but left me shitting literal bricks.
In that whole month, nothing happened. Literally, the only thing of note was finding an actual sword in that pile, and I could feel the enchantments on it. I didn't care if it was only used for bear hunting, that was going to be melted!
It was another day in my new, boring life. Chillaxing in my pool like a baller, almost heading to sleep when I smelt something.
It was the smell of a living being.
I followed my predatory senses to the entrance of my cave. And way beyond.
“Who the hell would walk in that?”
Steeling myself, I flew into the frozen land. I really wasn't going to question my body after tracking the smell for ten minutes. When I found the source, I almost facepalmed.
Before me, in the snow, was a crystal horse with a tattoo.
I was in f***ing My Little Pony.
Damn you little sister for this knowledge!
What the hell did I do that night,I asked myself as I flew it back to my cave.
======•••======
Sombra laughed as he watched the pony run into the frozen lands. And why wouldn't he?
It would take weeks to make it far enough south to where Equestria lied on hoof. In that time, either wendigoes or frostbite would claim her life. It was a willing death sentence. No creature short of the amalgamation could live more than one week.
Get help to overthrow me? I think not.
He turned away to face his palace. The kingdom he usurped from his dear sister years ago.
Soon, he will be ready to take his rightful place as Conqueror of the World!
The warmth of my body did wonders for the small equine. It made sense, really. Ultimate Fire Dragon that treated magma like a Klondike bar should have an incredible body heat.
Took until we were a minute away from my cave before I heard screaming and thrashing in my clawed grip.
I sighed. “If you don't stop, I'll drop you back into the snow again.” That stopped it.
“Um… Mister Dragon?” Female voice.
“Yes.”
“Why are you here?”
“Because I live here. What’s your excuse for running into an eternal blizzard?”
“... to save my home.”
I perked up at that.
Finally, something interesting! As much as one could love their cave in the middle of Winter’s Grip, I was bored out of my skull. Plus, it meant the one thing that I wanted most.
SOCIAL INTERACTION!!!
…
I may need to visit a psychiatrist.
As I saw the entrance to my lovely abode, I slowly lowered myself down onto the ledge just outside. I could almost feel the pony melting from the comfortable heat that was being emitted.
I didn't know if bringing her close to such a heat source was good for her, so I simply held her in my scaly arms inside the entrance. Damn me and my living in Arizona! Wait… this is a really messed up joke I’m in.
“So… can I ask your name?” Oh shit! What is my name?! I panic and the first thing to greet my mind is Igneel. Sure, why the hell not. After all, better then the Fire Dragon Ted.
“Igneel. Care to do the same?”
“White Pearl.” Ah, Steven Universe inspired OC maybe?
We simply sat in silence as the bitter cold left her. To say it was awkward was an understatement. She was probably contemplating if I would eat her, and I was wondering what I could say that didn't sound threatening.
“Care to explain what you meant? About your home?”
And tell me she did.
Her home was the Crystal Empire, a great place to raise the kids. Beautiful weather, nice neighbors, megalomaniac overlords, low taxes. You know, the works.
This Sombra asshole was currently forcing all his ‘subjects,’ that he inherited after the princess’ death, which he no doubt had a hand- hoof- whatever in, to become mindless drones that only did one thing. Obey him. To take over the world.
Cliche, I know, but this was apparently dark and broody’s thought process.
In all honesty, I've been bored out of my skull for the past month, so what harm is there in a little tyrant toppling? Plus, he sounds like a pompous asswipe. Those are always the best people to f*** with.
I gouged out a small hole into the wall and put her inside. She seemed about as confused as I was expecting.
“I'm going to the Crystal Empire. If a bastard like that lives near by, I don't wanna ignore him until the last minute when he’s at my doorstep. Very bad for property sales, I believe.”
As I was about to take into the air, she shouted for me to wait.
“P-please, please promise me you’ll end him!” The determination in her voice was evident. To have spent as long as she did under his iron fist was very impressive.
I simply smiled her way and took off into the snow and wind.
…
Where the hell was this Empire?
======•••======
Sombra watched as his plans were nearing the end of stage one. His soldiers were fully equipped, his slaves were being loaded up with supplies, and his supercharged crystals were waiting for an enemy.
He chuckled to himself. It was almost too easy. None but himself had so thoroughly studied black magic, so that meant none knew how to defend against it.
The isolation of the Empire left little to no outside contact, leaving nopony important to learn of what was going on.
And even though they are powerful, the new princesses of Equestria were but fillies, young minds that were easily corruptible. Not to mention their guardian, Starswirl, was an old stallion, feeble in body, and no matter how much magical power he had, it wouldn't be enough. With luck, he’ll just have a heart attack just looking at Sombra’s army.
Before he could leave his balcony that overlooked his Empire, Sombra felt something bypass the barrier surrounding his land. A big something.
He turned to see what was foolish enough to dare-
OH DEAR FAUST IS THAT A DRAGON!!!
It was a bit smaller than a normal dragon. It's body was more similar to a Minotaur than any dragon Sombra ever saw. It's head was of a different shape, not slender but bulky. There were many other differences, but it was, undoubtedly, a dragon.
Sombra steeled himself. Though it was rare, dragons did come to ransack the Empire. Most who tried died from frostbite or left, and the ones that did arrive were weak from exhaustion. Even then, the dark king had spells specifically made to slay dragons. What unnerved him the most was how healthy he looked. His crimson scales shined, with no flaws in them other than the scar on it’s chest.
His pegasai flew into the air while the unicorns charged their spells and the earth ponies prepared the crystals. The dragon just smirked at the attackers.
With a powerful beat of his wings, the dragon tossed most of the advancing pegasai into their earth-bounded cousins. Those that didn't fall were swept aside by his massive tail. The unicorns fired off their spells, only for the behemoth to fly around them in an almost graceful fashion.
Sombra was a little more than pissed as this dragon, who should be a frozen and hungry mess, was treating his army like a bunch of drunken toddlers.
The dragon saw the dark unicorn, and flew into the air, and landed with ground shaking force. He inhaled and threw his head back.
The roar was one of unmatched Power. One could feel the buildings vibrate from across the Empire. Sombra was lucky to have spells protecting himself from most damage, otherwise by simply being near the vicinity of the roar would have made him deaf. Instead, his legs turned to jelly, they would not move no matter how hard he tried.
He almost tasted fear.
======•••======
God do I love dramatic intros! And what was more dramatic than that! I am a f***ing badass!
The black unicorn that I’m guessing is Sombra just stared at me, trying to hide behind a poker face.
I pointed a claw at him.
“You Sombra?”
“Y-yes! I am Sombra, the Black Diamond! Who are you to break into my Empire?”
“Name’s Igneel, and you’re going to be toast.” That sounded so much cooler in my head, but it got the reaction I wanted out of him.
As he just stood there in a moment of confusion, I leaped forward and tried punching him. Emphasis on tried. I had apparently not broken all of Sombra’s toys.
Explosions hit me on my side, sending me flying a good hundred meters. I wasn't hurt, thankful for my apparent immunity to most magics and heat. It did feel like I was hit by a football in the ribs, so points there.
Really quick, just wanted to point out that this American will mostly use meters because frankly, they’re easier to understand. Down with the Conformists!
I stood up to see that large red crystals, easily half my size, were shooting fireballs at me. I was once more impacted by the force of the blasts, not the actual explosions themselves.
I landed in front of some purple ones, this time shooting lightning at me! If it weren't for the fact that I only felt slightly tingly, I would've thought this was overkill.
I heard a classic villain laugh to my right, seeing the smug bastard on top of a small chariot.
“You didn't think that I would've had countermeasures against your kind? Well, prepare to feel utter agony, you overgrown lizard! ANTI-DRAGON CRYSTAL BARRAGE!”
With that, black crystals erupted from the ground, aimed right at me. I crossed my arms and folded my wings over myself in order to- huh.
You guys know the feeling when a cat walks across your back? That's the pressure I'm feeling. It was actually kind of cute, in a rejected Chucky doll kind of way.
He did the whole evil laugh at his oh so clever insult as I stayed still for a moment. Honestly, you’d expect some hero to take advantage of that. Oh, wait!
I spread myself out, shattering the dark crystals. Sombra stopped laughing at the sight. I flew a few meters into the air and tested something out.
See, if I could eat magma, and Igneel taught Natsu to eat fire, was it really much of a stretch to see if I could eat fire?
As I inhaled, the flames from the previous explosions started entering my mouth, and I could feel the power rushing to me. As I did it longer, I noticed that torches around the block started going out, and trails of fire were coming from further away. My stomach ballooned to almost twice in size before I unleashed hell.
I used my tail to knock Dracula’s result of beastiality into the air, getting the tyrant into my sights away from any major buildings. His horn started glowing. And I Roared.
“FIRE DRAGON RRROOOAAARRR!!!”
A torrent of flames escaped past my jaws right into the smug bastard before he did whatever it was he wanted to do. The heat was so intense that I saw some of the buildings get a slight red glow and the ponies had to cover their eyes. My Roar lasted a good half minute before I decided that was enough overkill.
There weren't even ashes.
I looked around, and saw the fearful denizens, all of them wondering if I was going to treat them as a BBQ as well. Or maybe take over with a worse iron fist. Hoof? I don't even know anymore…
I needed to change that. I didn’t like being looked at like a bad guy, not even in Skyrim! At worst, I’d be that one Sith that followed the Light Side of the Force and make a few sarcastic comments here and there.
I flew higher into the air and thanked my luck for such a loud voice.
“Ponies of the Crystal Empire, hear me! Sombra is dead, and those under his control have hopefully been set free from his influence! He stole your freedom, and now I give it back! Celebrate, find loved ones, and cherish this gift that had been stolen from you! And I'm sorry about the property damage, please don't fine me.”
With that, I flew back to my cave. I'm guessing that they had a herd mentality, and the dragon that quite literally fired their king didn't do well for their night of celebration. You know, common herbivore vs carnivore scenarios.
Plus, I needed to get White Pearl out of my cave before she did something she regretted. Like sleep in my bed. That shit was comfy!
======•••======
A week after that whole ordeal and I'm sorting through the piles of treasure. If I've been here for this long and no one claimed this for themselves, then I'm gonna use it. Maybe. Probably not.
It was just going to look pretty and decorative in all honesty. I might give some of it away if someone would present me with some cola and small talk. I’m very generous for a fire breathing lizard of death.
I had just finished putting the gems into their own little corner when I smelled a familiar scent. Ponies.
It wasn't unexpected that they’d find me. After all, I did return Pearl back to the Empire, albeit making myself as unseen as possible. And leaving her a good kilometer away. Was that a dick move? Naw.
I exited my newly claimed treasury to find at least a dozen ponies at the entrance of my cave, all wearing winter clothing. Six were pegasai, four were unicorns, and the last two were of the normal variety.
Two of them removed their helmets, revealing a mare with an orange coat and white mane, the other was a deep blue stallion with a red mane. But the most memorable thing about them was that they looked like they were made of crystal.
“Are you the dragon Igneel,” the mare asked, showing no fear. Just a mask that cracked, revealing excitement.
“I am. May I ask why you decided to pay me a visit?”
And then I was royally confused (I did pun!) for what had to be the fifth time of my life. All of them bowed to me!
“We the citizens of the Crystal Empire have come to a consensus. We would be honored if you were to be our King.”
I was going to be doing a lot of paperwork, wasn't I?
The last month was extremely interesting. I was named King of the Crystal Empire. And with that, a few changes came to my new kingdom.
First off, I had to help restore the ‘Crystal Heart,’ which is basically the ponies’ only real protection against what goes bump in the night. The light show that happened was spectacular, true, but felt like overcompensation.
There was renovating the castle. That mostly meant getting rid of anything black and scary looking. I was honestly surprised when I discovered I could walk through most of the building without bonking my head on something every five minutes. I'm just blaming the previous owner’s arrogance.
I gave a speech about how I would do everything I could in order to protect them. Quite sappy, yes, but necessary.
Then, I was basically paraded across the Empire, waving at ponies and speaking to the ‘officials’ of the place. Kids love me and adults have some sort of hero worship going on.
And I have a new moniker, the Red Diamond.
They usually name the greatest rulers after different colored diamonds. There has been a White, Yellow, Blue, Pink, and Black Diamond.
The Black was, of course, Sombra. Self imposed title.
The Pink Diamond was his sister, whom he promptly offed. Her title was more of a way of saying how sorry they were that they couldn’t stop Sombra.
The White Diamond was the first ruler and founder of the Empire. Planted some sort of seed from a magic tree or something.
Yellow Diamond successfully defended the Empire from something called ‘Umbrums’ that I really don’t like the sound of.
Blue Diamond is part of the reason that the Crystal Heart came to be. Helped save the place when wendigos decided to visit. Not a nice day from what I've heard.
After all of that was said and done, the fun part began.
Now, because Sombra wanted everything, and I mean everything, to go through him first, that meant that all of the load was thrown onto me. Taking the book 1984’s example and having my slight laziness motivate me, I arranged Departments.
There are five in total. Department of Defense. Department of Arcane Sciences. Department of Agriculture. Department of Commerce. And the Department of Security.
Department of Defense is basically our new military, which is headed by a sweet but intense mare called General Rose Quartz. They deal with everything violence related, from police to castle guards to the army.
Department of Arcane Sciences is, of course, for magical studies. The one in charge is Archmage Gold Star, and really doesn't get my puns. His Department handles this ranging from schools to government research projects.
Department of Agriculture is basically what it sounds like. In charge of the Department is Overseer Emerald Forest, and helps make sure that no one starves to death easily.
Department of Commerce controls all our trading, currency, jobs, and international diplomacy missions. The one in charge is Administrator Radiant Sapphire, and is extremely good with words and loopholes in any contract.
Finally, Department of Security. I specifically made sure that this one wasn't as well known as the other four because of it’s purpose. Mostly, it handles how well our intelligence of other countries are. That’s right, suckers, I've got my own army of spies! The head of this is Spymaster Obsidian, and has made sure that everything is going smoothly and we haven't gone into a war so far.
And when it comes to big projects, all the heads of the Departments and King, me, must have at least four of us agreeing to it. It helped the citizens be at ease, knowing that no one person, pony or dragon, had all the power.
My only jobs now were basically being a figurehead, making laws legal, and making sure that nothing goes horribly wrong.
======•••======
I was currently inside my new room writing all that I knew of my species for Gold Star. The damn stallion was quick to point out how much of an oddity I was, and to appease him, I told him that I would write him a full report. That was a week ago.
I wrote all that I could about dragons from Fairy Tail, which I appropriately dubbed Elemental Dragons, like how they were mostly immune to most types of magic and us gaining strength from eating our element and other such things.
You know, if I came here as a dragon, there might be others who are less hospitable then I am. Might need to get Defence and Arcane Sciences to work on something like that just incase.
I’m nothing if not cautious.
Well that and lazy.
======•••======
Today, we were meeting foreign dignitaries. More specifically, the two princesses from Equestria. I've never really met royalty before, and my steward, White Pearl, was helping to make sure that everything went smoothly.
“All the preparations have been made, sire. The Princesses are due within the next hour or so. Now stop fidgeting and get ready!” She smacked her hoof onto my leg, but I didn't feel a thing.
“I'm sorry, but I'm nervous. What if I make a mistake and accidentally insult them! Oh God I'm not ready for this!”
Pearl had enough of my rambling and full on bucked my leg. It didn't hurt, but still…
“If it makes you feel any better, this is also their first experience with foreign dignitaries as well. Just let me handle all the paperwork.”
“Where would I be without you, Pearl,” I mockingly/lovingly asked.
“Still holed up in your cave, bored out of your skull.”
“Very true, very true.”
We waited outside the palace, all the Department Head, with the exception of Obsidian, were standing by my side. Most of the denizens of my Empire came to watch for the two arriving Princesses.
Before I could say something stupid, a chariot pulled by two pegasai came into view. It was pretty large, around held the size of my torso, a lavender coloration with gold accenting it.
As soon as it landed, two armored unicorns exited and stood on either side of the door. And what came out almost made my heart stop.
She was beautiful, in the way that nature and symphonies were beautiful. Easily a head taller than most around her, her alabaster coat shone. Her pink mane was draped elegantly behind her, almost shimmering with magic. On her flanks were images of the Sun, making me guess that this was Princess Celestia.
The second being to come out was no less elegant than the first, midnight blue coat with a lighter shade for her short mane that covered one of her eyes. Her Cutie Mark was that of a crescent moon, identifying her as Princess Luna.
The final one to exit was a tad strange. It was a light blue, elderly unicorn with a God-level beard that simply demanded respect. He wore a cloak and wizard’s hat, both of which had stars and bells. I'm gonna guess that this is that Starswirl I've been hearing about.
All three bowed in greeting to me, the announcer confirming my suspicions about their names. I bowed to them, a bit awkwardly might I add, but it was the respectable thing to do. Now putting on my ‘Sebastian Impression.’
“Princesses and Starswirl, we are honored to have you here today. If you would follow me, we can go to the council room while they set up your rooms.” My voice was spot on classy mode, manners were on point, and all that was left was making them laugh a bit and see to the treaty.
The treaty was to be known as the Crystal Dragon Treaty, and basically detailed that we were to be allies during times of strife, be it for them or us, and to support them passively during times of peace. Equestria may have been a major superpower, but was still as vulnerable as any other country out there. It also helped us get supplies that we were short on, such as wood, different types of food, and cloth.
It was going to be a long day today…
======•••======
As the diplomacy went on, the visitors asked a few questions that were relating to me and the setup of the Empire. I had to admit, the two sisters were very likable. Celestia was the one asking how the government was most of the times, with me having Pearl answer them.
Don't look at me like that! I just proposed the ideas, she was an integral part for getting them to run.
“I do believe that should be it.” Oh sweet GOG that took forever. I walked out of the stuffy conference room to sweet, sweet outside air. I was about to fly out for a few minutes before I heard hoofs coming my way. A single set.
“King Igneel Diamond.”
“Please, refer to me as Igneel, Celestia. If we are allies then we should be on friendly terms, no?” Turning to my equine ally, I flashed her a smile that visibly made her flinch. Damn you sharp teeth!
“Very well, Igneel. ‘Twould it be acceptable for mine own sister and I to visit again? Thy Empire is most quite quaint.” The ye olde English was thick with this one.
“Of course, my lady. It would be an honor to have you come back. I just hope that they involve less dead trees.” And thus, I received one of the most adorable giggles I’ve ever heard. We talked for a good few minutes before I escourted her to her quarters.
When I saw the door close, I again heard two females giggling and talking about something involving ‘strapping stallions’ to something. Must be a woman thing. I honestly took to the skies before I heard any more. It’s not good to listen in on conversations that one has no need to be in.
Let me tell you, the best part of all of this was the sights and flying. I watched as the setting sun created an amazing effect, reflecting off of the buildings and denizens, creating a mosaic of bright colors and beauty that could not be replicated by anything that was on Earth.
As I surveyed my domain, I knew in my heart that I would protect it and all my citizens with my dying breath. Because isn’t that what a King is expected to do?
A being stood amidst the ice covered mountains of the Frozen North, evaluating the crystalline city-state with partial interest.
The denizens were cowardly without their guards and King. He could spook one and the rest would follow in blind panic. Even those with wings and magic were susceptible to such a tactic. Truly, these deformed horses were pathetic in every way.
The one thing that kept the figure’s attention was their King. A crimson dragon-like being that showed up one day and became their ruler the next. Was this some sort of vanity project for the drake or maybe he really cared for them? Only time would tell in the future if he were to turn out to be it’s savior or the next tyrant on that very short list.
Either way, they were living on top of something that he needed.
He pulled out a rust brown book with a gold name on the cover.
“Beyla, I summon you.”
======•••======
“That concludes today’s court. Everypony may leave now.” Everyone left the throne room, leaving me, Pearl, and ten guards.
I swear, when I said that this hour would only be for important problems, they came with all of their problems. I mean, come on, I setup a police force for these kind of petty grievances! Don't come to me saying how your cats went missing or shit like that. Seriously, why the hell would Celestia suggest this! Well, at least this will only happen once a week.
“Think we can try screening them before arriving,” I asked my steward as we walked down the halls. “Like, putting on a social event for kids or a serial killer are important. Not most of whatever that was.”
“As you wish, my King,” she said. “Personally, I believe that it’s good they come to us with things like that.”
“May I ask why?” She has to stand there with me for crying out loud! No one should have suffered like we did. Those poor brain cells shall be missed.
“Because it means they’re comfortable. That the dread from Sombra is leaving, and there’s less fear and more hope around. And that they trust you as a King to help with their personal lives.”
I rose my non-existent eyebrows at that. It's true that the denizens have seemed more cheerful lately, and that they didn't jump at every shadow that crossed their path. I was just giving the credit for the last one to the installation of street lights I had the DoC work on. Truly magic is amazing if you can set up those old gas lamps from the 1800s without the use of gas or a material that would potentially pollute the city. My enhanced nose would probably decide to put itself under a guillotine if I smelt gasoline everywhere.
Was I really that good a King, though?
All I’ve done was shoot some fire and made a government that did most of the work for me. Hell, lately I’ve only been passing off ideas in hopes that someone would actually go through with it. Is that what makes me a good man, or a lazy one if I don’t get involved with my own version of Kirkwall’s politics.
“Anyways,” Pearl stated, pulling me out of my thoughts. “Today the DAS wanted to present their latest project in order to get more funding.”
“Project Aegis, right? Wasn't that some sort of force field generator?” Their last test almost blew up a block. Luckily I was used as a shield by the small ponies, so no deaths.
“No, that wasn't as high on their list, but more of a pet project for them at this point. This one is called Project Null.”
“Hmm, sounds cryptic but alright. I'll get lunch then go meet up there. DAS HQ?”
She chuckled. “As always, sire. Have fun.”
Oh I will. Plus side of being a king in magic pony land, there were some exotic foods to try. For example, my new favorite dish is a griffin recipe for seared hydra. Not as bad as it sounds, let me tell you. Granted, it's hard to find and kill them, so I restrict myself to important holidays.
Right now, because I have no idea if it’s good for me to eat only meat and fire, I had a nice salad with bits of chicken sprinkled here and there. Less costly than other things.
I looked down at my body. Over the last few months, I've noticed an increase in chubbiness. Damn, turns out I can't just do nothing and keep those killer abs. Maybe I should invest in an exercise routine? For all I know I could end up looking like a giant water balloon!
After that was done, I requested a group of pegasi guards to follow me. It was mostly for show, but I learned early on that it helped keep the populace’s nerves down. Somehow.
Now, we built the DAS HQ a fair distance away from the castle due to the… experiments. Not all of which were explosive, but better safe than sorry.
I smiled down at my Empire. Not even six months and we’ve turned things around.
A lot of people heard about what happened and volunteered to come help out. Multiple unicorns are teaching at schools, earth ponies are helping out with our farms, minotaurs and griffons have enlisted in the military, and a few zebras were working in the hospitals.
The DoC found a great trading resource, the crystals. They can store more magic than gems, completely reusable, and were very sought after. A lot of that revenue was spent restoring some of the city. I did have a plan that allowed us to not be 100% dependent on the magic rocks, but they were the best we had.
The flight there brought a lot of cheering my way, causing my smile to widen.
“Enjoying it, sir” one of the guards asked me.
“I'm lovin’ it,” I referenced in a quiet voice. What I wouldn’t give for a trip to Wendy’s or McD.
We neared the DAS HQ, the ground rumbling when I landed in the clearing they had put in for me. Definitely need exercise…
“My King, welcome,” a sea green unicorn said, followed by almost half a dozen others.
“It's no problem,” I said, raising a hand. “I heard that you've got some new toy that you wanted to show off show off?”
“Oh, yes! Come, this way my lord!”
So we walked through the crystalline corridors, the guide going into all sort of crazy facts and information that basically meant this:
They’ve been developing a generator for a magic bubble that negates all magic. Example, place one down in a unicorn filled area, and none of them will be able to give off even a spark while inside the zone. Something that would be a problem was that it didn’t do anything to magic cast outside the bubble that went in.
The test went as followed. A unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony showed off what they could do. All very Sailor Moon style, but it was enough to show that they were almost prodigies. But inside the bubble? Unicorn was basically useless, pegasus couldn’t fly, and the earth pony failed to cultivate a single seed. All in all, I was very impressed.
Very good investment incase we get any dangerous criminals that relied too much on magic or we get into a war. God I hope we don't do that.
And since I was a decent man-lizard-king, I decided to see if I could also be negated by this. I wouldn’t believe if I was the only human sent here. Everyone exited the area when they turned on the bubble. I focused, drawing up that primal feeling that I felt whenever I breathed fire. It felt like a wild animal, thrashing and ready to be released from it’s cage.
“Fire Dragon Roar!” All that came out was the equivalent of a powerful unicorn’s fire spell. Wasn't as impressive to see as my usual torrent of fiery death, but it was amazing when you think that they just effectively turned a nuclear powered flamethrower into a scented candle.
“There are some kinks in the system, of course, but I’m sure that with time we will be able to perfect this,” Golden Star said, apparently showing up out of nowhere. Oh, wait, some of them can teleport. I need to learn how to do that! Or at least make one in my fridge, bring lunch to me while I’m in bed! Wait, I have servants for that. Damn, I can’t even make myself lazier.
“Well, this will definitely be useful. Maybe we would be able to cover the city in case of an enemy invasion, seeing as how most here use magic for almost everything.” Oh, my brain is definitely working on the way this could be used…
“Well, so long as you-”
“Your highness! Your highness!” We both looked up to see a very disgruntled pegasus fly towards us, frost covering his wings.
“What is it, soldier?”
“A-a massive thing is approaching the city. We sent an envoy to m-meet it, and it just f-froze them before smashing them!”
Oh shit, I hope it isn't wendigoes. “Describe it. Fast.”
“M-Minotaur like in build. Grey skin, I think, scales maybe. Crystal shaped head. It stood taller then you, your Highness.”
Shit, was this a demon? “Have you informed the DoD?” He nods his head. “Good soldier. Head back to the barracks for some food and rest. God knows you earned it. Gold Star, this project has the crown’s full support. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a visitor to greet.”
“Do make sure they don't ruin the fixtures, your Majesty.” Wait, was that a joke? “It took much effort to return the city to former glory and then some.” Or not.
I gave him a thumbs up and flew off in the direction that the pegasus came from.
So, for those of you who don't know the layout of the city, here’s a crash course. The Imperial City of Oblivion (because that is an awesome game that you should buy) is broken up into seven sectors. The Crystal Empire is built similarly. You have the Market District, which is a good fourth of the city. Residential, another fourth. The Educational, which has the DAS HQ and multiple schools and research facilities, took up around an eighth. The Manufacturing District takes up a forth. There’s a district dedicated for Military uses that mostly included training facilities and the like. Finally, surrounding the city by a kilometer out was the Agricultural District. Guess what we do there? We have a few sentry posts set up every few hundred meters surrounding the farming areas.
It took me roughly fifteen minutes to fly all the way to the decently sized group of soldiers that had gathered at the edge of the Agricultural District. And a flash of pink told me exactly who else was here.
“Fleet Admiral Rose Quartz. A pleasure to see you again. How's your fiancé, Something Sparkle,” I told the pink unicorn as I landed. Now, if you’ve ever seen Steven Universe, you can probably guess her coloration. If not, then she had a peach colored coat and a massive, curly, pink mane. I think her cutie mark was a rose, unsurprisingly enough.
“Cosmos Sparkle, sir, and he’s well. Now, can I guess that Down Feathers reached you? Because if not, you'll be very surprised.” These fucking puns for names, man. They’re insanely wonderful if you have a taste for them. If not, ‘ugh’ is the most common thought if you were ever to arrive.
“Yeah, he told me about Abominable Snowfreak there. Mind sharing the specifics with little ol’ me?”
“Well, we can't pick it up with heat sensing magic, mix that with its ice magic and we have a good idea on how it survived for so long out there, and it has a decent camouflage. Massive obviously, reports say that it’s slender and parts are made of ice. In short, we probably don't have the home field advantage anymore.”
I scratched my chin, thinking. I don't remember any ice specific demons from Fairy Tail, and definitely don't remember any with that design. Was it a fanmade one? They never really did say how many Zeref made. Shit, I probably should have continued the series. I kind of stopped watching when Igneel got chomped in half. Probably a bad decision on my end, but alas, c’est la vie.
“Alright, get soldiers at each outpost, keep weapons focused on the last known location. Keep up all magical tracking devices for when the damned thing shows itself. And be ready for a signal if anything goes downhill.”
“As you wish, my king. You heard him, fillies, get a move on!”
Ah, so nice when everyone follows my orders. Now, onwards to do the obvious decision of allowing the King to be placed in the most danger because he has a need to be either heroic or retarded. Five bucks on the latter, to be honest.
The instant I crossed the boundary that was the Crystal Heart’s weather affecting magic (which I needed a way to extend eventually) the blizzard that seemed to forever reside in the Frozen North.
Oh tits it's freezing out here! That’s what you get for spending months inside the 78 degree city 24/7, my brain reasoned. I mentally flipped myself off, because that's what I do, before trying to sniff out the possible enemy.
The only smell out here was ice, misery, and a lack of peppermint hot cocoa.
Probably has to do with its nature. But where could it be? This thing was going into the city for whatever reason and we were completely blind. Oh well, I've worked with less info. After all, I did kill Flemeth in Origins on the hardest level on the first try.
That probably isn't very inspiring info given my current scenario.
Eventually, I did notice something. Even admits all this wind and snow, the rhythmic pounding of giant feet were muffled slightly by the snow. Turning to the source, I was sad at the lack of visibility that kept me from seeing the whole thing.
If any of you have seen Justice League: Gods and Monsters, then good for you, this will be easier. The form that I could make out looked a lot like those robots from the movie. Very broad upper body and it seemed to have skipped all the leg days. It's long arms dangled at its sides, nearing where its knees should be, and ended with very sharp looking appendages.
“You are the Fire King in this Land of Ice? If you wish to live, flee. My Master will not stand your interference.” Well wasn’t that cryptic. Good news though, this thing is probably female judging by it’s voice, so that’s a thing.
Welp, time to try that trick that Luna showed me. RCV; Activate!
“I am King Igneel of the Crystal Empire, but you probably guessed that. If we can help you, we’ll see what we can do for you. But if your intentions are malicious, then tell your Master that we need a serious heart to heart chat over neighborly manners.” Don’t look at me like that, I get nervous in one on one confrontations and say sarcastic shit. For some reason, it doesn’t carry over to public speaking…
She brought her ice covered arm and pointed it right at me. “Again I tell you, abscond if you wish to survive.”
“Sorry, but that’s not happening. Explain yourself now before-” It was just the day of interruptions as the demon fired an ice pillar right at my shoulder.
I rolled out of the way, the projectile flying off into the distance. Another few pillars of ice were fired at me, grazing my scales. “Alright so this is happening,” I said to myself.
I roared, barreling towards her with my claws stretched out. Before she could get out of the way, I grabbed her arm and pulled a Goku, flying into the air and spinning as fast as I could before throwing her into the ground. I rushed forward and breathed fire at the demon, enveloping her completely in my flames.
Well that went better than I- I was ripped out of my monologing as an icy hand reached out, gripping my throat.
And boy howdy did she look pissed.
“RRRRERAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!” She screamed as she threw me onto the ground. Jumping high into the air, I could make out an ice blade jutting out of her elbow
“Shitshitshit,” I said, rolling out of the way of the incoming shish kabob icicle headed towards my chest, where my scales were admittedly weaker. The ground where I used to be was instantly filled with a spiky demon.
I flew into the air a bit and continuously did that thing people in military planes do all the time, fly in a line and send out a stream of constant fire. Heh, puns.
After she had gotten up, I wrapped my tail around her neck, which is prehensile I learned early on. Pumping my wings hard as I could, I flew both me and the demon into the air. Then, I mentally thought of a fitting reference.
Igneel used Seismic Toss.
It was super effective, seeing as how I had probably cracked the currently unseen ground with the force. Then, Igneel used Fly.
Sadly, I flew right into the ground. See, I had forgotten that snow was technically ice, and it turns out that she can manipulate ice. Whodda thunk it. So, she subtly moved the large mushroom cloud created from these impacts out of the way, leading to me missing. And by God did it hurt!
Within seconds, she was standing on me, foot at my throat as she was constantly hitting my head with a large stick made of ice.
I Roared, but it only went past her.
“Haha, is this all that Master was worried about? You’re pathetic!”
I started chuckling too.
“Oh, are you laughing at how sad this is, too, Red Diamond?”
“Hehe… I installed railguns.”
She cocked her head at that before a large boom sounded, and something tore through her shoulder. Using her lack of momentum for a split second, I pushed her off me, taking once more into the air as more shells were fired at her.
“Wha- How-?” Then she noticed. On her left was the Empire. On her right was a wall of intense dragon fire.
“See, we couldn't exactly find where you were because of your extremely low body temperature,” I explained to her. “I think this evens the odds, no?”
She roared in anger before another shot through her torso. The demon attempted to rush past the flaming barrier, but I used my tail to knock her backwards. After a few more shots, I landed on top of her after sending up two letters made of fire.
SF.
Stop Firing.
“This… isn't a fair… fight, wyrm,” she spit out.
“Oh, I'm sorry,” I sarcastically shot at her. “But you were about to attack my Empire, slaughter it’s citizens, and you expected me to fight fairly? It's the duty of a king to put the livelihood of those under him before his honor. And you know what, the only reason I came out here was because we couldn't target you. If you want to know, I've got contingencies in place for almost anything, especially Fairy Tail fan made demon shits like you.” I once again wrapped my tail around her neck, this time tighter than before. “One of the first things I did after setting up the government was invest in TAVR, time altering virtual reality. Each of those gunners have five years experience firing guns that have only existed for three months. So I'm in no danger for what I'm about to do.”
“My master… will hunt you down… so long as you live in… that Empire...”
I gave her an intense stare that made her freeze up. “Then it's a shame that I don't plan on leaving.”
And I flew into the air, propping her body up enough to the point where they had a clear shot against the fiery background.
R.
Resume.
It was five minutes later that I finally sent the stop signal, the demon having gone limp two minutes ago. Cyan blood covered the snow, the horrendous smell assaulting my augmented sense of smell.
I flew back, body trailing behind me.
As I entered the barrier, cheering was heard from all of the soldiers. Dropping it, I motioned towards Rose. “Good work. Take this back to MAS for study. And make sure not to make it widely known that we have a demon body please.”
“Yes, your majesty,” she saluted.
As I watched them haul it off, I was now worried for what was to come after having the Empire attacked by a large uncategorized monster.
“Pearl is going to give me so much work to do…”
======•••======
After that day, the knowledge of their attack by and successful defeating of the demon Beyla was spread like wildfire. And that was only the beginning. For centuries afterwards, the Crystal Empire was constantly under siege by demons. This constant state of strife and fear eventually lead the Empire to become the most technologically advanced country to exist on the face of Equus. And under the careful, and albeit hesitant, rule of the Red Diamond Igneel, they were not going to fall any time soon.
When asked for a comment, he had only one thing to say.
