A very long time ago, during the winter the Windigos spread as the tribes fought with each other, a large number of Ponies of the three disappeared into the white thought to be lost to the snow. Over a thousand years later, it is found they weren't.
During the Great Winter almost all of the Nobles left many Ponies behind, only caring about themselves and not sparing a thought as they left there to the mercy of the cold and frozen wastes. All but one, a young Noble refused to leave the "lesser Ponies" behind, and was abandoned with them.
It was thought for over a thousand years that they had perished from the cold, lost to history never to be found again.
Until other counties, the Griffin Nations in particular, started talking about a small county inhabited by Ponies of not just the original three tribes but many other types of Ponies as well from hybrids to the unlucky ones changed by Chaos magic.
Princess Celestia had heard the stories for years but was never able to look into them herself because of multiple factors, like the return of her sister. Now that Princess Luna has returned and has been freed of Nightmare Celestia finally has the chance to look into these stories but because of her duties she is unable to do it herself so she sends her Student Twilight Sparkle and her friends to search for this "Lost Pony Country" and see if the stories are true.
Either Celestia nor Twilight and her friends where prepared for what they found.
So this little idea sort of started as just a thread post on a group I'm a member of (though the post was removed a few hours after, not that it's a problem. My guess was it was seen as self-promotion which I didn't intend at all.) and the ones who commented said it was a good base for a story and after thinking for a bit I agreed with them, so here it is.
There will be some references to Monster Hunter but not enough to be considered a crossover as none of the creatures or such will appear, just some ideas and concepts at the base level.
I will add a cover art when I can find a good enough picture.
It was well known that many Ponies disappeared into the snow and frozen wastes as the "Great Winter" the Windigos brought as the tribes fought with each other, these Ponies had been believed to be lost for over a thousand years.
But this wasn't the case.
To understand the story we must go back in time to before the Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi united in the first Heart's Warming.
The story begins with a Unicorn Noble named Shadow Flare, a young Stallion born to one of the most powerful families at the time. His coat was a midnight blue with a sapphire mane and tail, both with a single silver streak. His eyes were a metallic gold that shined with intelligence and his magic was silver. Shadow was considered to be very handsome as his darker colors really stood among the usually brightly colored Ponies and his charming and friendly smile only added to that.
However, Shadow was something of an outcast even among his own family thanks to a few things, the first being his love of hunting and enjoyment of eating meat with the former being his special talent; a Hunting Sword crossed over a crossbow. The second thing was that unlike other Nobles, he often hung around the common Ponies rather than his class which only further caused problems among his family. Shadow wasn't to fond of his family either due to his father's arrogance and sense of superiority, his mother's addiction to throwing huge parties for her "friends", and his sister how was in Shadow's own words; "A cold and black hearted witch."
This all came to ahead when the Great Winter set in and the Nobles fled before the white wall, leaving behind their servants and those they saw as their lessers. All but one, Shadow Flare had always had a deep sense of compassion and saw the whole split tribe thing as stupid and backwords. While this didn't get him any friends among the Nobles, he did earn the loyalty of those "lessers" and found himself among like-minded Ponies from the three tribes. While his family and the other Nobles fled, Shadow stayed. His father disowned him on the spot but Shadow simply said "No hairs out of tail."
Shadow did what he could to keep his followers alive in the harsh cold, showing them how to hunt and make warm clothing, teaching them how to work together to survive the winter and using his magic to keep them warm. This went on for months before Shadow and his followers found themselves in an abandoned mine that was quickly fixed up to be their shelter, while he wasn't able to save all of his followers Shadow had given his all for them. But it had taken a toll on him, his midnight blue coat had greatly faded to a bluish-grey while his sapphire mane and tail had lost all color, the single silver streak all but gone in the grey mess. His metallic gold eyes had faded to a dull gold and his silver magic was almost lost all color, his body had also gone from the well built frame from before to a weak and frail body. Shadow could barely move now and relied on his Ponies to help him, it soon became clear to them all that even if the Great Winter would end that Shadow would not live to see it for he had given his all to help his Ponies at the cost of his own health.
Shadow coughed hard as he laid on his back with a thick blanket over his chest as a fire cracked in the background, his head being help in the hooves of an Earth Pony Mare named Wild Rose as a Pegasus Stallion held a cup of water to Shadow's mouth, Wild Rose carefully tilting his head so he could drink. All round them were Shadow's Ponies, all of which looked very sad and quite a few were openly crying. A Unicorn Mare named Star Bright turned to an Earth Pony Stallion named Healing Green.
"Isn't there anything we can do Green?" Star asked as she held and rubbed Shadow's right foreleg, Green shook his head sadly.
"No, there's nothing more we can do. His body is too weak now and his sickness is moving faster, I'm afraid to say he wouldn't last for an hour at best, let alone the night." It was clearly quite painful for him to say from the look on his face, Shadow then spoke up.
"So this is the end huh? I guess it isn't so bad." He paused then coughed and hacked as those closest to him rushed to help, the attack only last for a second but Shadow pulled his foreleg away only to see a bit of blood on it. There were gasps and the Ponies stared in horror and fear. Shadow slowly spoke again.
"Well my friend, it seems that I on my last legs, I'm sorry I can't go further." Wild Rose leaned down and rubbed his chin.
"My Lord, you need to save your energy." Shadow just smiled softly.
"I've told you that you don't need to call me that Rose, and it doesn't matter now. As Green said I only have an hour at best, so let me say what I need to say before I pass, please."
"...Okay." Rose softly said as she began to cry, leaning Shadow up so he could see more of his Ponies.
"My Ponies, my friends." He started, "We all knew that this would come, with me giving my all for you. Now it has caught up to me and my health is failing, it wouldn't be long now before I close my eyes for the final time."
He gave them a weak but joyful smile.
"And I have no regrets, I would do it again in a heartbeat. But now it is time for me to let go, I've given all I could to you so I only ask one thing for you." His Ponies looked at each other, nodded their heads and looked back at Shadow.
"Ask away Shadow." A Pegasus Mare said.
"Look after each other for me, we survived this long by leaning on each other. We proved to ourselves that our tribes can co-exist with each other, that this whole division was wrong. We might be the last Ponies alive, let's not let that be in vain, whether or not this winter ends, show the world that we are not done yet and we will not go quietly into the dark. Show them all that above all odds we survived, show them that they were wrong."
Shadow let out a few short coughs.
"Can you do that for me?"
"We will Shadow, we will." Was the answer as his Ponies came closer, gathering around their Lord until their wasn't an inch of space between them, the Foals carefully crawling on Shadow, hugging and nuzzling him as gently as they could. Shadow smiled weakly as his head was laid down on a pillow, Rose still holding it.
"Thank you, all of you."
Shadow closed his eyes as his breathing began to slow, smiling despite knowing he was dying. As he said before, he had no regrets. Before he fully relaxed to let death take him though, a bright light filled the room.
Then he knew only darkness.
Shadow blinked as he opened his eyes, surprised at the action. Shouldn't he be dead now? He drew in a breath only to be more surprised at how easily it came, since the sickness took root he would have trouble even breathing. As his head cleared he noticed he was still on his bed covered by the blanket, the room around him was mostly empty expect for the fire which still burned brightly, and tending to it was Wild Rose and her daughter Lilly Garden.
"Rose... Lilly...?" Shadow said, his voice raw and scratchy.
Both Earth Ponies heads snapped back towards him, and what had to have been the biggest and brightest smiles he had ever seen appeared on their faces.
"Lord Flare!"
"Uncle Flare!"
Next thing Shadow knew was a Filly latched onto his face crying happily as she hugged and nuzzled for all she was worth followed quickly by Lilly's mother hugging him around the neck and nuzzled his ear. Shadow for his part was just stunned for a second, then smiled as he relaxed into their embrace and hugged them back.
"Happy to see you too." When they pulled apart he asked, "What happened? I thought I was dying."
Rose turned to Lilly and asked her if she could alert the others, the Filly jumped happily and rushed out of the room shouting "HE'S AWAKE!!" at the top of her lungs as Rose picked up a cup of water and tilted Shadow's head while bringing it to his lips.
"Here, drink."
Shadow did, signing as the cool liquid soothed his throat. Rose had just laid his head down again when the thundering of hooves filled the air as Shadow's Ponies charged in, each going to and hugging him as hard as they could. Shadow only smiled and hugged them back, after he had hugged all of them at least once he spoke.
"So... what happened? I remember closing my eyes to wait for death and seeing a bright light, and now I woke up still alive and apparently healed of my sickness."
Healing Green chuckled as he walked over to Shadow.
"Tell us my Lord, how do you feel?"
"I... feel good, great actually. Like I haven't felt in months."
"Well my Lord, to answer your question. That bright light was real, and it flowed into you healing the damage to your body. The Great Winter is over, a new spring has come."
Shadow blinked, then a large smile appeared.
"We survived long enough huh? Enough for a new start." He then looked confused, "How long was I out?"
"Three days." Rose said, "We've been busy setting up a camp until we can find a more permanent place." Green Spoke again.
"The spring wasn't the only thing that happened either, let me help you up. Could somepony get a mirror?"
Shadow was helped to his hunches and looked into the large vanity mirror they had salvaged some time ago, his jaw hit the floor.
He looked as he did before everything happened, his coat, mane, tail and eyes had returned to their full colors, in fact they looked richer and brighter than before. His body had filled out again, and his magic after a quick test shine brighter than before. But those weren't why his jaw had hit the floor, the reason for that was his back;
Two large feathery wings the same color as his coat sat proudly, he looked back at them and brought a hoof up. They were real as he felt new sensations flow through them, he didn't have words for it as he reached up and felt his horn which was still there but was now a little longer. He didn't know what happened but he knew what he was now.
"I'm... I'm an Ailcorn?? How???"
The Ponies around him just shrugged, having no clue either. It took some time for Shadow to recover from his shock, after which his Ponies started helping him get use to his body again. Before he had been a half-head taller than the average Stallion, now he was a full head taller and was not use to it as more then once he hit his horn on something and he kept falling over from his legs being longer and a little uncoordinated from the transformation. Eventually he was able to walk more or less fine on his own and fold his wings against his back as he stepped into the sunlight. The snow was gone now, replaced with lush green fields and forests as a calm wind blew soothingly over him. He just took it all in, enjoying the new feeling of the breeze flowing through his wings.
"Well my Lord, what should we do first?" Rose said as she game up to him.
"Let's find a good spot for a new home, and see where it goes from there."
Rose giggled at the dopey smile Shadow had.
"As you wish my Lord. By the way, as we were gathering food we met a tribe of Ponies we'd never seen before."
Shadow looked at her in surprise.
"Oh?"
"Yes, it took a bit for us to understand them but they call themselves "Thestrals", and their leader wishes to speak to you when you're ready."
"Alright then, send a message I'll speak to them in a few days. I want to make sure my Ponies are on their hooves."
"Will do my Lord, we'll send a messenger out soon."
Rose and the other walked away as they went to work in the camp as Shadow looked to the sky, he was unsure of what the future would bring but he knew he would be with his Ponies every step of the way.
A thousand Years Later
Canterlot Royal Palace
Sometime after the first Nightmare Night after Luna's return
Princess Celestia let out a weary sign as she entered her personal chamber, happy that her work for the day was done and all that was left was to lower the sun. But she wouldn't need to do that for a short while so she went over to her bed and laid down as she pulled some papers, soon finding one she had seen before but hadn't had time to look into.
It was an old report from the Griffin Kingdoms about a small country that bordered Equestria to the west, from what Celestia have heard the county was home to larger-than-normal Ponies of all tribes that hunted large and dangerous creatures for a living. She had hear about this place many times over the centuries but was never able to look into it, mainly because of her duties to Equestria and her Ponies. The Griffin Ambassador had spoken rather fondly of the place seemly named the "Hunting Grounds" when Celestia had asked and she couldn't help but wonder about the place.
Celestia knew that this county was an unknown to her but at the same time they had never threatened Equestria so she saw no reason to do the same, in fact now that she had time to look into it maybe she could open contact with them. The more she thought about it the more she liked it. But until she could set time aside she would be unable to visit, but what about Twilight and her friend.
Celestia still remembered what had happened with the Zebra Zecora and had a thought.
'This could be a good experience for them, learn about a new culture and expand their horizons a bit.'
With that thought she set the paper down and picked up a scroll and quill.
Twilight shouted at the top of her lungs as she ran for her life, Spike hanging onto her mane for dear life as she and her friends crashed through the dense, visibility-inhibiting vegetation around them. They had no idea where they were going but they didn't care, as long as what was chasing them didn't catch them.
'It was only suppose to be a simple mission; find the country's capital city and make contact their leaders. And now here we are after our airship crashed and we're running for our very lives!'
Twilight easily remembered what had happened only a few hours ago, after getting that letter from her mentor.
Five hours ago
Canterlot Palace Throne Room
Princess Celestia smiled as Twilight and her friends entered the Throne Room.
"Twilight, my faithful student, how are you and you friends doing on this fine day?"
"We're doing well Princess, how's Princess Luna?" Twilight asked with a head tilt.
"She's recovering well but wouldn't be making any public appearances for awhile yet. You got the letter I sent?"
"We did Princess, it said you wanted to see us. Did we do something wrong?" Twilight asked, fear of disappointing her mentor already raising but before she could start "Twilighting", Celestia raised a hoof to stop her.
"No no no, Twilight. I called you seven here because I have a mission for you."
That caught the girls attention as they looked at her in surprise, Rarity asking,
"What sort of mission Princess Celestia?"
Celestia stood up and walked down from her throne, gesturing with a wing for them to follow her. As they walked down one of the castle's halls Celestia started speaking.
"Tell me, how much do you know of the world outside of Equestria?"
The girls looked at each other before Twilight answered.
"Not very much Princess, other than what Zecora told us of her homeland and the little Rainbow knows about the Griffins' land."
"Well then I think this mission I have for you should be a good experience for you."
The group entered a large room the Princess normally used for personal meetings, a large table was in the center with three windows on one wall that had a lovely view of the garden outside. Taking a seat the six Mares and one Dragon looked at Celestia as she started to explain their mission.
"You see, on the Equestrian broader to the north is a small country know as "The Hunting Grounds", or that's what the Griffins call it."
The girls each had varying reactions with Fluttershy shrinking into her seat at the name while the others looked at each other then back at Celestia.
"The "Hunting Grounds" your highness?" Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, I've know about this country for a very long time now but I never had time to look into it myself. Even today, thanks to my duties I am unable to due so, which is where you girls come in. I want you to take a small airship and see if you can contact the inhabitants, who according to the Griffin Ambassadors I've talked to are Ponies."
The Mane Six blinked in surprise.
"Ponies, Princess?"
"Yes, I can't tell you much as my knowledge is very limited but from what I know these Ponies have lived in the Hunting Grounds for a long time, perhaps before Discord's reign. They never contacted me and from what the Griffins said these Ponies are apparently rather recursive, preferring to stay in their country. From the Griffins' words these Ponies don't seem to trust outsiders very much. I should also mention that the few Griffins who have visited their Capital have never seen their leader, only that its a Stallion and their most skilled hunter."
"So you want to open contact with them first?" Rarity asked.
"Yes."
Pinkie started speaking in her usual way.
"Oh my gosh, new Ponies to meet. Wonder what cupcakes they like, or *GASP* The parties! I-" Pinkie's mouth was magically closed by Rarity.
"Pinkie darling, slow down. I wonder what sort of fashion trends they have."
The others began to talk about that they would find, Applejack wondered about what farming they had, Rainbow wanted to see if any of their flyers were as fast of her and Fluttershy imagined meeting the animals. Twilight was starry eyed at the thought of new books to read.
Spike laughed a little at the girls expressions and turned to Celestia.
"Well I think that answers the question, when will we be leaving?"
"In a few hours, the ship is being prepared now. You'll be flying it Spike, time to put those lessons to use."
Spike smiled happily.
"Sweet." Rainbow spoke up.
"Why can't I fly it? I'm an expert at flying." Twilight answered.
"Rainbow, you're an expert at flying with your wings. Airships are a completely different thing altogether and require hours of training." Celestia spoke next, her voice its normal tone but there was a firm edge to it.
"There's also the fact that you didn't have a license for airships Rainbow Dash, being caught without one while driving an airship could land you in jail for at least a few months."
"...Oh..." Rainbow shifted in her seat as Twilight turned to Celestia.
"We gladly accept this mission Princess, we wouldn't let you down."
"I know you wouldn't, but before you go a little warning: We know nothing about the land and from what the Griffins say the country is full of dangerous creatures that wouldn't be out of place in the Everfree Forest. Once you are past the broader head straight for the Capital, the few Griffins that visited have marked its location down on this map."
Celestia pulled out a map and opened it to show the girls.
"Here's were the city is, when you reach the outskirts you should be intercepted by their guard airships. Tell them you mission and they should take you to their leader or his representative and do not make any aggressive moves, these Ponies from what I know take their duties very seriously and won't hesitate to attack if they think you are a threat. You'll know when you reach the broader when you pass over an area they named the "Secluded Mountains"."
Currently
Things went wrong the moment they passed over the Secluded Mountains, a massive Dragon-like creature had roared and rose out of the caves that dotted the mountains. They didn't get a good look as it suddenly angled its wings and rammed into them in the form of a red comet for lack of a better word. While the hit had missed most of the hull, it was enough to send the ship crashing deep into the giant thick and lush forest at the base of the mountain cluster.
And it only got worse from there.
The ship was a total lost though thankfully the only ones on the ship were the Mane Six and Spike, and that Dragon didn't follow them. Unfortunately luck wasn't on their side as almost immediately after they had recovered a pack of new creatures appeared from the underbrush. These were around the size of an Equestrian Pony with small and slim wolf-like bodies that was mottled green and yellow in color with black onyx scales on their necks and backs, their underbelly was reddish blue in color with a head and hood similar to a cobra with yellow gill-like organs on the side of their neck.
Fluttershy didn't even get the chance to try and talk to them because the creatures were on the attack right away and forcing the girls to defend themselves, Twilight was able to use her magic to push them back and create a shield before things got to hot and check her friends. Most of them had injuries but were okay, AJ however had a set of three nasty looking gashes on her side that Fluttershy quickly cleaned and covered. Rainbow was the worse however; she in her typical way charged head into the pack and was swarmed instantly. Both wings were badly broken and it was clear from a glance that she wouldn't be flying for a long time, possibly permanently if they didn't get her to a hospital or something soon. Her body was covered in gashes from the creatures' claws and teeth and she had lost a bit of blood, not too much but enough that she was having some trouble.
Nopony said anything about that if Twilight hadn't cast the shield when she did Rainbow would have been dead.
Things then got much, much worse.
A loud and deep roar filled the air as the creatures' heads shot up and they turned tail and fled fast, at first the girls wondered why. They didn't have to wait as Pinkie let out a shriek and dived to the side as a large, black maw filled with needle-like teeth suddenly slammed into the ground where she had been a moment ago. The maw ripped free of the ground and stared at them with blazing red eyes.
This creature was much larger, being big and long enough to wrap around Ponyville's Town Hall at least six times and still have plenty of length left over. Its body was snake-like and many hook-like spikes traveling along its body which started out clustered around its head and neck, and becoming more spread out along its long body, ending at the base of its tail. Its chest has glowing vents, which huffed steam as it exhaled. Numerous fangs were visible in its mouth as it hissed, including four very large ones towards the front that jutted out externally. A very long, black forked snake-like tongue shot out several times getting the sent of the Ponies and Dragon, small puffs of flame spewing out with each exhale. The body was covered in dark blue scales with two rows of red bony plates run along its back, going from the eyes to the tail with its underside more of a dark green color while the face and jaws were covered in sturdy plating, particularly resembling a full face helmet. The most striking feature is its long blade-like tail the same color as its back plates.
The snake-like creature sat there for a second, its tongue flicking out several times before it let out a loud, hissing roar and reared back. Twilight reacted first, shouting at the top of her lungs.
"Run girls RUN!!!!"
And run they did, none of them stayed put as the creature's head and open maw slammed into the ground where they were seconds before as the six ran for their lives with Spike hanging onto Twilight's mane for dear life, the snake-like creature in hot pursuit. None of the girls had ever been a situation like this, sure they had faced Nightmare Moon but she hadn't tried to kill them right away where as this creature was bent on doing so. They tried their best to stay together as they ran, jumping through bushes and ducking under roots and branches thicker then Big Mac's legs. The creature behind them crashing through like it was nothing, Twilight really wished she could see where they were going but the thick vegetation around them made it so they could at best only see a few meters ahead, At the back Rainbow got unlucky when she stepped on a weak spot and was sent tumbling down a steep drop, separating her from the others. And it only got worse as one of the wolf-like lizard creatures charged her.
Rainbow was no coward but even she knew that she couldn't fight a creature like this, so she ran again. But she didn't get far as she missed a root just sticking out of the ground which her back hoof caught and she went rolling before stopping at the base of a large tree. Dash's wings weren't hurt any further thanks to Fluttershy's wrappings but Rainbow's right back hoof had been twisted and she couldn't run any more as the lizard slowed and started to stalk towards her, Rainbow swearing she saw a smug look in the creature's eyes as she scooted back. It crouched down and leaped at her teeth and claws bared, Rainbow could only scream as she covered her eyes.
A sudden thump in front of her caused her to slowly open her eyes, the lizard was dead. A blade not unlike the tail of the snake creature going through its back and out its chest. Then a large hoof grabbed the handle and pulled the blade out, Rainbow following the hoof to its owner.
What she saw caused her mouth to drop open.
The hoof was attached to a huge Winged Thestral Stallion that was easily close to being eight feet tall with body mass to match, he had a dark grey coat and dark blue webbed mane and tail typical on Thestrals, the latter two having several holes and tears in them. His right eye was the standard yellow with slit pupil but his left was a milky white with two large and deep scars running from the base of his head fin, over the eye and down to his chin, he wore armor that bore a great resemblance to the snake creature with chainmail under the plating, metal gauntlets and boots, and shield over his flanks. Over his back was a series of bags and pouches and on the belt of the armor was a book of some kind along with a tiny light green lantern.
His wings however, while the same dark blue as the mane and tail, were almost as big as his body when folded and were also covered in tears and holes though not enough to hinder flying. There was also a strange crossbow-like object on his right foreleg.
He wasn't alone either, next to him on his left was a strange bipedal cat-like creature around a half-head shorter then an Equestrian Mare that resembled a lynx with red fur and gold stripes, paws, ears, and tail tip, and wore armor that was similar to what the Thestral wore with a red paw symbol on its chest plate, on its back was a hammer-like weapon with a long handle. On his right was a a large wolf-like creature that was easily big enough for a Pony like Big Mac or this Thestral could ride on its back, it had silver fur with a smokey grey underbelly, muzzle and lower legs. Like the Thestral and cat it too wore similar armor.
As Rainbow took this all in the Thestral placed his sword on his back and stepped forward.
"We don't have much time miss," His voice was rather deep and gruff sounding, "those things travel in packs and more will be here soon. Can you walk."
"I... I don't think so. I badly twisted my hoof and my wings are broken."
"I see..." He walked forward and picked Rainbow up by the scuff, setting her on the back of the large wolf, who lowered itself to make it easier before letting go and strapping her to the creature's saddle.
"Are there more of you?"
"My friends, seven of us in total. I lost them as we were being chased by this large snake with a blade for a tail."
"A Bladed Serpent, better hope my own friends reach them before it does. Let's go."
Rainbow stayed silent as they began moving, watching the Thestral kept his gaze forward as his ears turned in multiple directions every few seconds. It wasn't long before they saw a red flare shoot up into the sky a fair ways ahead of them.
"Looks like one of my teammates found yours, let's go."
He spread his wings as the cat hopped onto his back and with a great blast of air took to the skies as the wolf charged forward, easily keeping pace with the Thestral. Rainbow was in awe of the Thestral's wings and their power.
"Wow..." Was all she could say.
At the same time
With Twilight and the others
The girls ended up trapped in a dead-end as the snake blocked any chance of escape, that was also when they noticed that one was missing but they didn't have time to dwell on it as the snake roared as it reared back again. Spike jumped off Twilight's back and drew in a deep breath, before releasing what had to have been the biggest stream of flame the girls had ever seen from the baby Dragon. The snake recoiled in surprise but when Spike ran out of flame the snake looked no worse for the wear other then an ash-covered face, and a very annoyed look. Twilight pulled Spike back with her magic as the snake brought its bladed tail-end down on where the Dragon was a moment ago.
The snake let out a hiss as it shook the ash off its face and looked back at them, its tongue flicking in and out several time. It then let out another roar and dived towards the girls who screamed and huddled together as it did, only for something to stuck the snake in the side of the head and knock it off course, causing the snake to slam into the rock wall with a pained roar as it tried to recover. What had hit it was a large insect that looked like a cross between a wasp and a rhino beetle, with the body of the former and the shell and horn of the latter. It was a reddish blue in color with large glowing green wings that pulsed like a heartbeat and looked big enough to be able to sit on Big Mac's neck and head with the six legs wrapped around the former.
As the insect flew past another shape landed in front of them, it was an Earth Pony Stallion around the size of Big Mac with a tan coat and back mane and tail. His eyes were light green and he was wearing leather armor with plates and scales that invoked the appearance of a Dragon, over his eyes were a pair of black-rimmed goggles and on his left foreleg was a strange crossbow-like object. Over his back was a series of bags and pouches and on the belt of the armor was a book of some kind and a small light green lantern. Held in his left hoof was a pole arm weapon with a long spike on both ends and a head with a hammer and curved spike close to one end. The Pony wasn't alone as with a meowing sound a bipedal cat-like creature around a half-head shorter then an Equestrian Mare that resembled a lynx with blue fur and black stripes, paws, ears, and tail tip landed next to him. It wore armor that was similar to what the Earth Pony wore with a green paw print on the chest plate, and there was a curved metal sword on its back. Quickly joining the cat was a large wolf-like creature that was easily big enough for a Pony like Big Mac could ride on its back, it had black fur with a silvery-grey underbelly, muzzle and lower legs. Like the Earth Pony and cat it too wore similar armor.
The insect flew back down landed on the Earth Pony's neck before latching on and resting, The Pony not seeming to notice or mind at all. The snake reared back and roared as it shook its head and looked back at the group hissing angrily, it then opened its mouth and fired a stream of flame at them. The group dived out of the way as the cat pulled a small object and threw it at the snake's head, exploding in a dark brown colored cloud that caused the snake to stop shooting flame and recoil its head from the cloud.
Rarity cringed from the look of the cloud.
"Oh tell me that isn't what I think it is." Pinkie meanwhile was shouting,
"Fire?! That's cheating!"
The large Earth Pony ignored them as he looked around and saw a large boulder hanging from the tress by weakened vines, right above the snake's head. He pulled a round object from one of his bags and placed it on the crossbow-like device, pulling it back with a click. He leveled his foreleg and aimed for the vines before firing the object, showing the device was a small crossbow. The object flew true and straight, hitting the vines with a small explosion that broke the boulder free and that rock slammed down on the snake's head, sending it to the ground thrashing about. The Earth Pony turned towards the girls and shouted.
"We need to move! That wouldn't last long, come on!"
There was no argument from the girls or Spike as they followed him and his two companions, jumping off a rock ledge as the snake recovered. As the girls ran the Earth Pony showed some impressive acrobatics for a Pony his size, twisting and turn around trees and rocks like a rabbit avoiding a predator, his two companions easily keeping up. Hearing the snake crashing through the underbrush behind the the Earth Pony pulled out what the girls recognized as a flare gun and he aimed and fired it into the air, the bright red flare very visible against the clear blue sky.
"What did you just do?" Twilight asked.
"Signaled my own friends to come, they'll meet with us soon. Keep moving quickly."
The crashing behind them that was getting louder with each second reminded the girls that the snake was still behind them, so they followed the Earth Pony. As they ran Applejack came up to Twilight.
"Well Twi, I think we found our Ponies."
"Seems that way." Twilight said breathing heavily from the running.
The group jumped out of the tree line and into the open plain as the Earth Pony turned around loading his foreleg crossbow with another projectile and firing it just as the snake came out, the projectile hitting it square on the snout and exploding in a bright flash of light. The snake didn't even have a chance to rear back from that as another explosion stuck it in the left side of the face, knocking it to the ground. The girls looked over that way to see another Pony, a Shark Pony Stallion no less, wearing a set of metal plate armor with numerous bags and bandoleers all over it. The Shark Pony was a ocean blue in color with a short black mane and black dorsal fin, white underbelly and coral yellow eyes. In his hooves was a massive cannon with a round "pan" on top.
Next to the Shark Pony was a cat and wolf like the ones with the Earth Pony but the cat had black fur with white stripes, paws, ears, and tail tip. It too wore armor that was similar to what the Shark Pony was wearing only the chest piece had a brown paw print, and there was a set of two short metal sword on its back. The wolf had red fur with a fiery orange underbelly, muzzle and lower legs and much like the two Ponies and their companions it too wore similar armor to the Shark Pony and the cat next to the Shark Pony.
Said Pony continued to fire at the snake as the cat was jumping up and down waving an arm at them, Fluttershy later saying to the girls that the meowing sounded like either "Over here!" or "Come at me bro!". Either way the Earth Pony told them to get over there and the girls didn't argue and ran, the Earth Pony and his companions following behind them. The Earth Pony brought the girls over to behind a rock and told them to stay there before charging into the fray as the Shark Pony run out of ammo and had to reload, his cat giving him another pan as he cocked the weapon. The snake meanwhile had recovered and was charging at them, as the snake reached them the Earth Pony used his pole arm to fling himself into the air as he loaded his leg crossbow and the insect on his neck let go and attacked, stinging the snake with an electrical zap from its stinger to the snout. His cat and wolf joining him as they jumped on the snake's back.
The girls and Spike watched the fight progressed, amazed and shocked at the sight. The Earth Pony held on tight as the snake tried to get him off as he beat it over the head with his pole arm as the Shark Pony reloaded and continued to fire, aiming carefully to avoid hitting his allies. After a few seconds the snake threw off one of the cats, The Earth Pony's, who landed with surprising grace as the Shark Pony's wolf came up carrying a rocket of some kind. The Earth Pony was then joined from the air by a Pegasus Mare armed with a mace and close to the same size as the Stallions with a dark green coat, red mane and tail, and light green eyes. She was wearing a trench coat with armor plating fitted to it and pouches, bags, and bandoleers completed the look. Her wings were also quite large, easily being close to the size of her body when folded.
Like the other two she was joined by a cat and wolf, the former had white fur with blue stripes, paws, ears, and tail tip while the latter had black fur with a green underbelly, muzzle and lower legs. Both wearing outfits similar to the Mare with the cat having a black paw print on its chest piece and a double-head sword on its back. The Mare and her companions jumped onto the snake's head and began attacking as the cat on the ground lit the rocket fuse and dove for cover. The two Ponies heard and saw the rocket launch and jumped off, the Mare grabbing the Stallion's forelegs and carrying him into the air as the two cats and wolves also jumped clear as the rocket hit, resulting in a large blast of fire and smoke that completely covered the snake.
The Earth Pony dropped down to the left of the Shark Pony as the Mare landed on his right, their respective companions joining them as the cats each landed with a meow. The snake shook and coughed as the smoke cleared, and with a loud hiss it brought its blade-like tail tip to its mouth and in a shower of sparks ran it in between four specially shaped fangs, pulling out a glowing and heated blade which it shook like a rattle with a long hissing roar. Fire spewing from its mouth as it did.
The three Ponies and their partners readied themselves as the girls and Spike looked on in worry, when a screech filled the air and in a bright flash something slashed the snake across the jaw and sent pieces of scale flying. The something was a huge Winged Thestral Stallion that was easily close to being eight feet tall with body mass to match, he had a dark grey coat and dark blue webbed mane and tail, the latter two having several holes and tears in them. His right eye was the standard yellow with slit pupil but his left was a milky white with two large and deep scars running from the base of his head fin, over the eye and down to his chin, he wore armor that bore a great resemblance to the snake creature with chainmail under the plating, metal gauntlets and boots, and shield over his flanks. Over his back was a series of bags and pouches and on the belt of the armor was a book of some kind. A book that the other Ponies also had along with the lantern that was a different shape for each Pony and all of them were giving off the same light green glow.
His wings however, while the same dark blue as the mane and tail, were almost as big as his body when folded and were also covered in tears and holes though not enough to hinder flying. There was also the crossbow-like object on his right foreleg.
He wasn't alone either, joining him was a cat with red fur and gold stripes, paws, ears, and tail tip, and wore armor that was similar to what the Thestral wore with a red paw symbol on its chest plate, on its back was a hammer-like weapon with a long handle. And a wolf with silver fur with a smokey grey underbelly, muzzle and lower legs. Like the Thestral and cat it too wore similar armor.
And strapped on the wolf's back was...
"Rainbow Dash!"
"Guys, boy am I happy to see you!"
The snake recovered from the blow but had decided enough was enough and it made haste, running away from the Ponies and their partners who didn't relax until it was out of sight for a few minutes. Once they were sure it was gone the four Ponies relaxed, the Thestral speaking.
"We're clear, it wouldn't trouble us now."
"You sure?" The Mare asked.
"Bladed Serpents may be aggressive and brutal creatures, but they will run if damaged too much. It will be wary of us next time me meet, now for our guests here."
With that the four put their weapons on their backs and turned to the Mane Six and Spikes, who looked back a little intimidated by both the four's size and their apparent fighting abilities. The Thestral spoke again in his deep and gruff voice.
"So little Ponies and Dragon, who are you and why are you in our lands? You're clearly not from around here if you had no idea how dangerous a Bladed Serpent is."
The Mane six and Spike were silent for a few seconds, but Twilight soon stood up, cleared her throat and started speaking.
"My name's Twilight Sparkle, these are my friend Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike." She said gesturing to each respectively. "We're sorry if we're trespassing but we're from Equestria and here sent here by Princess Celestia to make contact with the Ponies here."
Three of the four Ponies eyes widened in surprise while the Thestral merely raised his good eyebrow, then quietly spoke.
"So, she finally decided to make contact. Like the Hunt Master always said she would." He looked at the Mane Six. "Whatever message you seven have save it for our leader, the Hunt Master. He's been waiting for Celestia to make a move for a very long time now."
Twilight and the others looked surprised.
"He has? How come he never tried to make contact?"
"You'll have to ask him as none of us know for sure, all we have on that regard is rumors with the most well know one being that he doesn't true those outside our country. Anyway we haven't introduced ourselves yet: I'm Night Star, my Pony friends here are Deep Fin, Sharp Shot, and Garden Mace." He said gesturing to the Shark Pony, Earth Pony, and Pegasus respectively.
"The cats you see here are called Palakyne while the wolves are called Calhounds, these two types of creatures have been companions and allies to us for many, many generations, all the way back to soon after our country's founding. For the Palakyne the one with me is named Fire Claws, the one with Deep is Abyss Runner, the one with Sharp Shot is Hidden Sky, and the one with Garden Mace is Thorn Shadow. For the Calhounds mine is named Metal Flash, Deep's is named Red Sun, Sharp's is named Dark Sky, and Garden's is named Black Forest."
Twilight spoke next.
"Pleasure to meet you all, and thanks for the save back there."
"No problem Miss Sparkle, We may be from different countries but we're still Ponies." Night's companion nodded their heads in agreement, joined by their Palakyne and Calhound friends. Garden spoke next.
"So you said that Celestia send you seven to make contact with us?"
Twilight was about to correct her when she remembered that her mentor had told her not to as these Ponies were not part of Equestria and almost nothing was known about them. So instead she nodded her head and confirmed.
"Yes, we were told to travel straight to the capital of the Hunting Grounds and meet with the leader or his representatives."
Deep chuckled.
"Well first lass our country isn't called "The Hunting Grounds", that's what the Griffins call it. The name is actually "Astera", it means "Star". Sharp spoke next.
"And no need to apologize, its a common mistake outsiders make." Garden finished.
"Though the "Hunting Grounds" isn't inaccurate."
Night then felt a few tugs on his tail and he turned to look, seeing his Palakyne release his tail and walk up.
"Yes Fire Claws?"
"Meowtser, we should head home now, it's getting late." He, from the sound of his voice, said pointed to the setting sun.
"I see, better move then if we want to be home before supper."
Rainbow spoke up with a head tilt.
""Meowtser"?" The other girls and Spike couldn't help but giggle, Sharp gave a chuckle of his own and spoke.
"One thing you quickly learn about Palakyne is that they insert cat-based puns into their speech."
Fluttershy came forward, looking a little excited.
"Oh wow, I never seen cats able to actually speak Pony language before." Fire for his part just gave a chill meow and said,
"That's because we've never left our homeland."
Fluttershy gasped as she put her hooves over her mouth. "That's just so incredibly wonderful, I-I just don't even know what to say."
The four hunter Ponies just smiled at this, then told the girls it was time to go. Night took to the air alongside Garden, the former carrying Twilight who was holding Spike and Applejack while the latter carried Rainbow and Pinkie. Sharp and Deep whistled and a Wyvren-like creature wearing a harness of some kind appeared and the two fired a grappling hook that was part of their foreleg crossbows, latching onto the harness and being carried into the air. Sharp carrying Rarity and Fluttershy. The four's companions hopped on with the Calhounds jumping onto their backs while the Palakyne grabbed hold of their tails.
Later
During the flight Twilight asked questions and the four and their Palakyne answered as best they could, for one the Mane Six had learned that the foreleg crossbows they each had were called Slingers and they were multipurpose support tools all Hunters used that served all kinds of uses out on a hunt such as firing projectiles and nets plus being used to grapple across gaps and access higher or lower levels. Applejack had asked how the four Ponies were so big with Sharp telling them it was many generations of hunting dangerous creatures like the Bladed Serpent. They also learned that the lanterns they carried were actually small cages holding insects called "Tracking Flies", which were tiny light green glowing insects that were used on expeditions, or for tracking down a creature and were able to pick up particular scents and substances, which actually how the four found the Equestrians in the first place.
Eventually the capital, named Shadow Lair, came into view. Despite its name, the city from the air looked far more well lit and was like Canterlot in size, but it reminded the seven of their home Ponyville from it's more open placement of the buildings. While it starting to get dark the girls and spike could still make out a few land marks. As they were flying towards the front gate they could see a large castle wall surrounding the city which had its back to a small mountain, to the left was a large port with large, spread-out fishing villages on either side that went into a large body of water but they couldn't tell if it was an ocean or not, a large lighthouse was easily visible. To the right was the city proper but they couldn't really get a good look right now. At the back of the city was a castle sitting proudly at the base of the mountain.
Soon the group landed at the main gate of the city which had a large and towering stone pillars on either side, as they landed a group of four Ponies, two Pegasus Stallions, one Western Kirin and one Talzpony, all wearing a full suit of plate armor covered by midnight blue robes with metallic gold edging and a silver symbol of a two-headed, four-winged, three-tailed Dragon. They carried different weapons and a large shield, clearly they were some kind of guards. They reminded the Equestrians of the Royal Guard but clearly much more militarist and their poster told the Equestrians that these guards mean business. Night spoke to them and soon they nodded their heads and let the group through. Night turned to his group, starting with his companions.
"Well guys, this is were we part ways for now. I'll take care of our guests."
"Alright Night, we'll see you all tomorrow." Sharp said.
Once the group had past the gate Sharp, Deep, and Garden with their companions went their separate ways, saying they'll met up again the next day. Night looked towards the Equestrians.
"Now I want you seven to stay close to me, the Ponies here are a bit wary of outsiders and no offence but you seven stick out like a sore hoof. While I doubt you'll be in any danger it would be easier and better if you're with me, as a high-ranking Hunter I'm well known so we shouldn't have any trouble."
"We will we meet the Master Hunter you talked about?" Twilight asked.
"Tomorrow most likely, as your visit is unexpected and it's late I don't think he'll be in the mood. Plus last I hear he was off and a very large hurt, a Dragon has been threatening some of our outer villages and the Hunt Master is either going to get it to leave, or put it down. And just for clarification, I don't mean Dragons like Spike here or what you might be use to. I'm talking very large and very dangerous creatures. But we've spent enough time here, follow me."
As they walked through the city the Equestrians got a lot of surprised and somewhat wary looks but thankfully no hostile ones, though there was plenty of curious looks, though they eventually reached the castle and after checking with the guards went inside, making a quick stop with the healers to look at Rainbow with the Equestrians getting a shock of how advanced their medical know-how was, with Rainbow being able to fly again like her wings were never broken in the first place. Twilight had said that their medical spells were far ahead of what Equestria had. Soon they reached a room that reminded the Equestrians of the Grand Hall in the Royal Palace, Night waved his hoof out.
"This here is the Castle Tavern, where Hunters from all over Astera meet, share drinks and tell stories. This is also where we'll meet two individuals who have close contact with the Hunt Master."
They walked down a set of steps and past the many tables as Hunters of various Pony races looked over in surprise as the Equestrians, causing said group to feel a little self-consensus from all the stares. As they reached the back of the room which held a long, curving table with many open stoves and food cooking on open flame which bathed the room in a warm and welcoming glow Night called out.
"Rose Lilly! You in?!"
A voice answered immediately.
"Night Star! You're late! I know the Hunt you took was a four tier level but-"
An Earth Pony Mare with a lavender coat a bit darker then Twilight's and pink mane and tail with white streaks was saying as she walked from behind a giant soup bowl that a Palakyne was tending to before stopping in her tracks and mid sentance. With her was another Palakyne with soft white fur that was quite a bit rounder then the others and was wearing a blue hooded shawl, yellow scarf and blue sweater with a belt holding various ingredients and cooking tools. On her snout was a pair of small glasses. The Mare in the meantime was wearing a brown greatcoat with a symbol pin on the collar.
Both looked very surprised at the Equestrians.
"Well now, I never thought I would live to see the day." The Palakyne said as she walked forward, Night leaning down to allow her to give him a hug around the neck as he gently returned it, The Mare coming up beside them.
"So, it seems Celestia has finally moved to make contact." Rose Lilly said.
"Indeed Rose, this is Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike. Guys, this here is Rose Lilly and the Palakyne is the Grammeowster Chef. Rose here is the Hunt Master's personal aide, a position that her family has held since Astera was first founded a very long time ago." Rose spoke next.
"Since my many times great grandmothers Wild Rose and her daughter Lilly Garden."
"Greetings dears," the Grammeowster Chef spoke with a soft, warm and friendly tone. Night continued.
"The Grammeowster Chef or GC for short, as her name implies, is Astera's best cook. Every Hunter in the country loves her cooking."
The GC waved a paw.
"Oh you flatter me dear."
"Well it's true." Twilight spoke up.
"Pleasure to meet you both, Princess Celestia hopes for peace and harmony between our countries so we're hoping to make it true."
The GC gave a nod.
"Well dearies you'll have to speak to the Hunt master about that. How about I make you some food, you must be starved from your trip."
As if in answer the stomachs of all seven Equestrians gave loud glows that were heard throughout the, much to their embarrassment and the laughter of the gathered Hunters.
"Seems that way." Applejack said, Twilight asking another question.
"Night said we would be meeting the Hunter Master tomorrow, something about a Dragon hunt?" Rose answered.
"Yes, a Greater Iron Dragon." Night flinched at the name.
"Oh crap, that's what was threatening our outer villages?!"
"'Fraid so, the Hunt Master had now choice but to slay it."
"Any losses?" Night asked, his tone worried.
"Thankfully no, it was slain before it could calm any lives but the Hunt Master is exhasuted and wouldn't be in the mood for any meetings tonight." Rose turned to the Equestrians. "Sorry but it's best to let him rest."
"Its alright, we understand." Twilight said, her friends speaking their agreement. Rose nodded and turned to Night.
"Me and a few Palakyne were just about to bring him his food when you arrived."
"Well best not to keep him waiting then."
Rose nodded and she left with a number of Palakyne carrying a very large plate covered by a cloche left the room as Night and the Equestrians sat down at the table, soon getting their food. Night had a plate with a full ham with potatoes on banana leaves, a bowl of lobster stew, some kind of dish the Equestrians didn't know, three skewers with different types of meat stabbed into a pineapple with apples and cheese, and a large mug of a white liquid. Night smiled as he grabbed the fork in the ham and began to eat. The Equestrians watching in amazement as the Threstal chowed down on a meal that would have fed at least three or more Equestrian Ponies, though they figured as being bigger the Ponies here had to eat more food in one serving.
The Equestrians meanwhile got the GC's special dish: A large meat and vegetable stew, a bowl of cream and mushroom soup, a cheese dish, two large sausages with cheese, a full loaf of bread, and seven mugs filled with eggnog. Spike even got a few gems. Rainbow took a taste of the meat stew and quickly the seven were chowing down like no tomorrow, those around them smiling or laughing in a good-natured way.
Pinkie would sat after that if the seven of them ended up staying for awhile they would need big bellies. After they finished eating Night took the Equestrians to to his room, saying they could bunk with him for the night. His room was fairly sized for a Pony like him and his two companions with a large bed, weapon and armor racks, a large chest, and a table with various tools and a lantern on it.
"Not really much but it's my room and that's enough for me."
As the group settled in Twilight began asking more questions.
"Night, what's a "Greater Iron Dragon"?"
"From your reaction it must be something nasty." AJ added.
"It is girls," Night picked up a symbol badge and show them it, "Iron Dragons are the most powerful and dangerous creatures in Astera, the Apex if you will. In appearance they have two heads, four wings, and three tails. Their bodies are metal/silver in color with red underbellies, six large horn-like spikes on the back of their heads, large black fins that run from the center of their back to half-way down their center tail, and red wing membrane that changes to blue towards the edges with their tails having fins which are blue. Their tails are tipped with black sword-like blades. There are three known types; Lesser which are the smallest of the bunch at thirdly feet tall and a hundred feet long, the Greater which is three times that size, and the rare Titan which is another three times bigger."
He set the badge on the table and continued, the Equestrians looking horrified just at the sizes.
"What really makes them so dangerous is what their capable of: Iron Dragons are well know here for their immense intelligence, bordering on sentience along with legendary destructive tendencies as well as a startling degree of deliberation, almost unbefitting of such a creature. Iron Dragons prefer to live their lives in isolation and are quite calm when not disturbed, but will turn extremely aggressive if they feel threatened in anyway. No matter the foe and are Instantly aggressive upon sensing intruders and its aggression matches that, and both showed aplenty in combat. When engaging an enemy, their strikes are both brutally strong, ceaseless, and insidiously placed. Between its rapid charges, unexpectedly swift acrobatics and aggressive re-positioning, Iron Dragons are said to embody the concept of fierce intelligence. Only adding to this are its various powers: Iron Dragons possess control over Fire, Lightning, Water, Ice and a strange red and black energy that not only massively increases the damage the other powers do but also temporarily render an opponent's magic useless. They are also able to release a unique Water-like substance also acts as a form of flammable liquid which an Iron Dragon can set ablaze when it utilizes its fire capabilities and create unique Ice structures that can store lightning charges, causing them to explode within a set time on top of generate an immense charge of energy, allowing it to execute a devastating burst of power that will decimate any who are unfortunate enough to be within the vicinity of this tremendous power."
He shuddered.
"But the most Disturbing thing, is that the Iron Dragon's melt the remains of fallen Hunters together and wears them as armor- a practice that can only be described as a mockery of how we use creature parts for equipment. While it is possible this behavior is purely instinctive, witnesses that survived an encounter have claimed that the process is thorough and deliberate enough to be called intentional on the Dragon's part. Not many will take on even a Lesser Iron Dragon, fewer will take on a Greater, and in both case even few survive. But for the Titan, only one Hunter has ever lived to tell the tale; our very leader the Hunt Master. He's also the only one to ever slay a Titan and live."
Needless to say, the Equestrians were absolutely horrified by the fact that a creature that powerful and intelligent was around made them very worried. If one of those made it to Equestrian...
Night nodded his head grimly.
"Indeed, thankfully they are very solitary and prefer to stay away from others. You've seen this symbol all over the city? It's based on the creature, as it is the one we fear and respect the most.
After that they talked for a little bit, founding out the wasp/rhino beetle-like insect on Sharp's neck was called a Kinwasp then turned in for the night.
Meanwhile
In the upper levels of the castle
Rose Lilly knocked on a large door before entering, the room beyond held what one would expect but not much else. In the center was a large bed with a big lump in the middle, a lump that moved as the smell of food reached its nose. The lump was a massive Pony with a midnight blue coat with a sapphire mane and tail, both with a single silver streak. His eyes were a metallic gold that shined with intelligence and his magic was silver as show as he lit-up the room with six blazers
This Pony was none other then Shadow Flare, the very same former Unicorn that over a thousand years ago had given is all to protect his Ponies and became an Ailcorn from it. While his personally was more or less unchanged and he still had his his charming and friendly demeanor, his appearance had changed considerably: He was much taller now, standing even taller then Celestia with horn included by a good head or so, his pupils had gone from round like normal Ponies to silted like that of Thestral, a set of fangs had grown out to reach just past his chin, his front hooves had transformed into four-fingered hands, his tail had grown out like that of a lion with his original tail at the end of his new one, and a large webbed fin like the one on most Thestral Stallions had grown out of the back of his neck that went from from the back of his head to in between the shoulder blades.
His wings, once the normal size for a Pony, where now gigantic. When folded up they could be worn over his back and shoulders like a feathery cape, and the could easily be mistaken for one.
Besides those changes, Shadow had gained many scars over his long life. Most of them were small but the most noticeable was a set of three large and deep gashes over his face that ran from over his right eye, down his snout, and to the left side of his chin. An older scar from his greatest enemy: A Titan Iron Dragon that had been named "Old Scars" from the many it had gained as well.
Shadow gave a soft smile as Rose entered the room, the Mare returning it.
"Hello Uncle Flare, I have your supper and some important news."
"Oh?" Shadow raised an eyebrow, "What sort of news, another Iron Dragon causing problems?"
"No thankfully, Celestia finally moved. We have seven Equestrians; six Ponies, all Mares. and one Dragon, here to make contact. As you always said they would."
Shadow was surprised at the news, then frowned as he looked at the bed in deep thought.
"So... she wants to met us at last. I knew this day was coming from the moment the first outsiders visited our homeland."
"So what should we do Uncle?"
He looked back at her.
"Take things as they come Rose, we all knew this would come. Tell our guests I'll meet with them tomorrow but don't tell them I'm an Ailcorn, I want to see their reactions when I show them."
The smile on his face spoke volumes, Rose placed a hoof over her mouth and giggled into it.
"I still remember the story you doing that to the Griffins."
"That was a great moment, seeing the shock on heir faces."
Rose lowered her hoof and looked Shadow in the eye.
"Uncle Flare, I have to ask: Why have you never tried to contact Celestia before now?"
"Well besides banishing her own sister, now to be fair she had a very good reason to do so, I'm wary of her power and I do not trust the Nobles she has. The same kind that left us to die during the Great Winter." Rose raised her eyebrows.
"Uncle, you were a Noble during that time, and it has been over a thousand years since then." Shadow reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"True on both Rose, but the more things change, the more the stay the same. I knew what was truly valuable while the others fled. Funny how that choice to stay actually spared me the death they all suffered. But what's to say the Nobles wouldn't be the same despite being different Ponies."
"Same trash different leaders."
Shadow nodded as he removed his hand form her shoulder
"Right Rose. But I'm gonna give our guests the befit of doubt and see what they are like with my own eyes. Where are they now?"
"They're bunking with Night Star." Shadow raised an eyebrow as a sly smile appeared on his face and he leaned forward.
"Oh, well you better let them know that he's your's, before one of them grabs him."
Rose blushed up a storm as she sputtered.
"UNCLE!" She swatted his shoulder as he gave a laugh. "We're just friends!"
"Are you?" Shadow didn't even try to spot his smirk from getting bigger. "Because from what I know Night would be considered a nice catch to the Equestrian Mares. So you need to make you claim."
"We're not seeing each other!"
"You two hang out all the time when Night's not on a hunt, sit next to each other during meals, walk side-by-side in the city, and brush your tail against his back legs, flank and tail all the time."
Rose's blush went from pink to full red.
"How do you know THAT??!!" Shadow's smile matched that of a shark.
"I see many things, I know many things, including all that happens in my city."
Next thing Rose knew she was on her side held down by Shadow as he gave her a noogie.
"UNCLE, STOP!!"
"Not until you tell me that you have the hots for Night Star."
"I DO NOT!"
"Oh, I have ways to make you talk." He lifted a wing and hovered the tips of the feathers just above her belly, with the tips just touching her coat. Rose's eyes when wide, already flinching from the feeling.
"No Uncle! You know i'm very ticklish!"
"I know, a trait that has passed down through your family. So tell me."
"No."
"Alright."
Poor Rose stood no chance as Shadow slowly ran his feathers over her stomach, causing to laugh loudly as her hind legs kicked out rapidly. It wasn't long before Rose had enough.
"OKAY OKAY! I DO HAVE THE HOTS FOR NIGHT STAR! STOP!"
Shadow stopped and pulled his wing back as he released Rose, who curled into a ball giggling as the laughter wore off. Once Rose had recovered and sat up Shadow placed a hand on her head and rubbed her scalp, Rose closing her eyes and leaning into it, making a sound almost like a cat purring.
"Rose, your family has been my closest friends even back when I was just a Unicorn, I want to see that line continue and have more foals to spoil sweet."
"I know Uncle, I'm just not sure if he feels the same."
Shadow chuckled.
"Have you seen they way he looks at you Rose, he's totally head over heels for you. Those little tail tugs he gives you all, those are his way of showing that he likes you."
Rose blushed again.
"I do like those little tugs, and I do think that if it wasn't for my greatcoat he'd give my flank a nip or two once in a while."
"Just talk to him Rose, I'm not saying you two have to have foals right away. Though practicing would be a good idea."
"Uncle!" She batted his face with her tail as Shadow laughed.
"You know I'm only teasing you Rose, I did the same with your mother and her mother, all the way back to Lilly Garden.
"I know Uncle, and thanks." She reached up and gave him a big hug, Shadow returning it as he smiled and rubbed her back. Rose then had the Palakyne bring in his food and left for her own bed, planning to tell Night tomorrow. Shadow in the meantime looked out one of his windows, gazing over his city and Ponies.
"And so it begins Celestia, we never meet all those years ago so I know you'll be in for a shock when we do finally meet face-to-face." He then turned to his food and chowed down, as an Alicorn of his size he had to consume a lot of food, enough to feed at least sixteen of his Ponies and forty-eight or more Equestrian Ponies*. After he was finished some Palakyne took the empty plates away and he gazed out one of the windows, looking over his city and its Ponies. He didn't know what was to come, he only hoped that all went well. But he knew from long experience that things never went that well all the time, still he would be ready to defend his Ponies as he had so long ago if he would need to.
He laid down and pulled his thick blanket over his body, soon letting sleep take him while he wondered what the reactions of his guests would be tomorrow and planing how to get Rose Lilly and Night together if they didn't on their own first.
As the sun filtered through the windows of Shadow Flare's room, the massive Alicorn peeling his eyes open as he woke up from a long and good night's sleep. Letting out a yawn and licking his lips Shadow stood up from his bed and after making it he laid back down and pulled a small rope next to his bed, soon a group of Palakyne armed with grooming tools entered through one of their own doors and went to work on Shadow. While he could groom himself just fine he liked the gentle care the Palakyne had and it allowed him to better focus on the morning reports, he smiled and turned his head to look at the door.
"Three... two... one..."
He lit his magic up and opened the door, revealing Rose Lilly standing there with her hoof raised to knock and a deadpan look on her face.
"Every time Uncle, how do you know?"
Shadow chuckled. "Many years of the same thing Rose, each of my personal aides have always come to that door at the same time so I've committed to memory."
Rose shook her head as she walked up to the bed as Shadow shut the door and Rose sat down, pulling out a small stack of papers from under her greatcoat
"Anyway, nothing too serious this morning Uncle: Besides our guests from Equestria, a Salvage Team has been sent to recover what they can from the Equestrian Airship, and there are a few reports of creature movements but nothing of note so far."
"Good," Shadow said as he laid his tail out at its full length to allow the Palakyne access to it, he jumped a little with an "Ow!" when one accidentally caught it in between the teeth of a comb.
"Care back there, you guys know my tail is rather sensitive."
Rose shook her head. "I remember the stories about how you freaked out at the transformation into this." She said gesturing to Shadow's body and the various... "attachments" it had.
"To be fair Rose, Alicorns were known of back then. It was these other features caught me off guard, you'd freak out too if your forehooves became fingers and your tail grew out like a whip. I'm just glad it was painless."
"Fair enough Uncle, so about our guests? When would you like to met them?"
Shadow looked over at his day planner, running a finger along until he reached today's date.
"Well bearing any attacks or anything else that needs my attention, I've got a meeting with the Council regarding these events but otherwise there's nothing happening today so... how about after supper? It'll gave them plenty of time to explore the city and get to better know us while I'll have time to get ready and make plans."
"Sounds good Uncle, that will also allow me to set some things up on my end like making them passes."
Shadow nodded as the Palakyne finished grooming him and Rose went to get Shadow's breakfast, not noticing that Shadow was reaching out with a foreleg. Before Rose could react she suddenly found herself in a headlock and Shadow was giving her a nooige.
"GAH! UNCLE!"
"Got ya Rose, now for this!" Next thing Rose knew she was on her back and Shadow was blowing a raspberry into her belly, causing the Earth Pony to squeal loudly with laughter. Eventually Shadow let up and Rose curled up into a giggling ball, after a short while she gave Shadow a playful glare.
"I'll get you back one day Uncle."
"Don't be so sure Rose, you mother and her mother said the same thing." He said with a large grin, causing the two to laugh. After Rose had recovered she and the thoroughly amused Palakyne left to do their other duties, as they did that Shadow looked out the window that overlooked his city and Ponies.
"And now we will meet later on my guests, I wonder Celestia... who did you send to make contact."
Night Star's Room
Twilight blinked as she started waking up, started for a brief second before remember the events of yesterday. Around her the others started waking up as well, followed by Fire Claws sitting up and stretching with a cute meow as Metal Flash stood up and started to nose Night, who groaned and rolled onto his size which caused the Calhound to let off an annoyed snort.
Fire Claws chuckled as he looked over at the giggling Equestrians.
"Meowtser can be difficult to wake up sometimes."
Metal Flash hopped onto the bed and after placing his front paws on Night started doing a leap-push, causing Night to groan again.
"It's my day off Flash, go back to bed."
Applejack whispered to her friends. "This reminds me of Winona on some mornings, only with a much bigger dog." She finished to further giggling.
Night shifted again, not noticing his long tail had fallen out of the cocoon of blankets he had wrapped himself in. Fire Claws got an evil grin and carefully moved over to it and picked Night's tail, before giving it a good bite. Night jumped at least four feet letting out a mix of a pained hiss and whiny before crashing back onto his bed while Metal Flash got clear and Fire Claws released the tail, the owner of the limb giving the Palakyne a nasty death glare with teeth bared.
"FIRE CLAWS!! WHAT THE BUCK!!?"
Said Palakyne gestured his head toward the laughing Equestrians, which caused the Thestral to facehoof.
"Oh... right."
It wasn't long before Night got his gear on (the Equestrians noticing a small but long knife attached to his belt that they'd missed before) and lead the Equestrians to the Castle Tavern, which was mostly empty right now but Night groggily told them that in an hour or so the room would be filled so if they wanted to get their breakfast and start the tour they'd better get on in so they could be out before the rush hit. The group got their meals and after a quick breakfest Night lead them out of the room, running into Rose on the way out.
"Morning Rose." Night said as he bit back a yawn.
"Morning Night, girls, Spike." Rose greeted back, the latter two greeting back as Rose looked at Night who was rubbing his eyes.
"You never were a morning Pony Night." She said with a giggle.
"I'm a Thestral, we don't like getting up at dark O' clock." Night said, as the Equestrians giggled.
Rose smiled and turned to their guests. "I have some news for you seven: The Hunt Master has agreed to meet you after supper, giving both him and you plenty of time to prepare. Sound good?"
Twilight, being the "leader" of the Mane Six, nodded her head. "That would be wonderful, we've been wanting to take a better look at the city now that it's day time, see how the Ponies here live compared to back home. I would love to see the Library." Behind her the others added their own thoughts; Pinkie wanted to see the bakeries, Applejack was curious about how the Astera Ponies handled farming, Rainbow was hyped to see the airships, Rarity wondered about the fashion, and Fluttershy wanted to meet the animals. Spike meanwhile was curious about the Hunters themselves.
Rose smiled as she pulled out some cards attached to straps out of her coat pocket.
"These are passes that will let the city's inhabitants and guard know that you seven are ambassadors from Equestria so please keep these with you at all times." Rose explained as she handed them out, once she did Rose turned to Night. "Mind if I tag along? Other than a Council Meeting for the Hunt Master which he doesn't need me for and I don't have anything else for awhile."
Neither Rose nor the Equestrians missed the way Night brightened up.
"Sure Rose, come along."
Rose smiled and started walking past Night who quickly but quietly leaned his head down and as Rose passed him he grabbed her tail in his mouth, getting the familiar cotton candy taste and gave the tail a gently pull. This caused Rose to squeak in surprise and she rewarded him with a bat of her tail over his face and a smirk. Like Shadow Flare had said it was Night's way of show that he liked her.
The group walked through one of the halls which the Equestrians noticed, now that it was day time and they weren't rushing, that the hall had slots in both walls and even the ceiling for crossbows and bows, Night explained that this was for defensive reasons.
"You see," He explained, "When the castle was first built danger was all around so the place was built to be as hard to take as possible."
"Well it seems that the builders were successful at doing that." Twilight said. "Having grown up in the Royal Palace, I can say that the defenses here are much tighter. Especially the Guards."
As the group had been walking they had passed by numerous individuals that had to have been guards if their armor was anything to go by: Unlike the ones they had seen last night these one wore heavy plate armor that completely covered them from ears to hooftips, even their tails were armored. The armor itself was red and gold with a purple iridescent sheen over it, a dark red and blue scale cape that resembled wings flowed from their shoulders to cover most of the body exposing only their shoulders, front legs and chest as well as their tail which was whip-like and tipped with. The most noticeable things was the, gauntlets, helmet and neck armor; the gauntlets where thick with heavy curved spikes that from the Equestrians' guess were designed to either as offensive for defensive, maybe both, and could block weapon strikes and maybe even hook and pull a weapon from an enemy. At the end of the gauntlets were four figures to better grip their weapons with each figure was tipped with a claw an inch or two long, and on the left foreleg was a custom Slinger. The helmet had been shaped to resemble a Dragon of some kind with two large, golden horns on top as well as frills the same colors as the armor but in a darker shade extending from both sides of the neck armor, which resemble a cowl.
Held in the right "hand" was a halberd the same color as their armor but had what appeared to be a revolving cannon built into the handle.
For some reason that Twilight couldn't explain, she felt rather intimidated by these guards. A quick glance behind her told her that the other Equestrians were filling the same way. She chalked it up to their larger size, they actually made her bother Shining Armor who was not a small Stallion, look small. That and they looked ready to slay anyone that proved to be a threat.
Rose noticed their glances and spoke up.
"No need to be scared girls, while they are intimidating the Guards wouldn't hurt you if you don't give them a reason to. Still nice to see the intimidation factor is working." Night chuckled and continued for her.
"These Guards are well trained and have many years of battle under their belts, having battled many monster attacks on Shadow Lair."
"Monster Attacks?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes, as you likely saw the city is surrounded by a large and thick wall." Rose explained. "While it's not often attacks do happen, especially if Elder Dragons are involved."
"And for clarification," Night said," We say "monsters" to avoid confusion with creatures like us, Griffins and so forth.
"Okay," Twilight said, "But what are Elder Dragons?"
"Well Twilight, here is Astera we have several classifications for the monsters that live in the land. "Elder Dragons" refers to a class of monsters that unlike other monster types, which classify monsters by shared traits, are creatures that defy typical classification and reside outside of the standard ecosystem, regardless of their resemblance to a dragon. These monsters are rare creatures with immense power that have lived since ancient times."
"It's true." Rose explained, "The closest thing we can compare them to would be living forces of nature, able to control the very environments around them. We know of one that can control the winds and weather with far greater range than any Pegasus could hope, one that lives deep below the surface with an entire ecosystem centered around it, and one that actually hunts and eats other Elder Dragons."
"The Iron Dragon is classified as an Elder Dragon, and due to how powerful and dangerous the type is only highly experience and high-rank Hunters are allowed to hunt them. And even then only under special circumstances, like say one is threatening a village." Night said.
"For the most part we try to just leave them alone, which as far as we can tell seems to be mutual from them as well: We leave them alone and they do the same. Only on rare occasions have we had any conflict for the most part." Rose finished.
The Equestrians looked at each other in worry, while they knew of the history of Celestia and Luna facing off against many threats during the early years of Equestria, these "Elder Dragons" from what Rose and Night had just told them sounded to be on a whole other level, especially the Iron Dragon if even half of what Night told them last night was true.
By this point the group had entered what was known as the "Grand Hall", which was the first room those coming into the castle would see, and it was quite the sight; The floor was white marble with a massive Iron Dragon Icon (which the Equestrians had learned was what the symbol Night showed them last night was) made from dark sapphire blue marble in the center, gold pillars with the same purple sheen and massive red, blue and silver tapestries lined the side walls with doorways and balconies in between them, and high above was a giant skyline that allowed the morning sun to bathe the room in a warm light.
"Wow." Twilight said in awe, the place reminded her of the foyer in the Castle of the Two Sister, yet this one was seemed to put it to shame. The others were also in awe, especially Rarity who focused on the tapestries. "I must say darlings, these are incredible works of arts."
Rose smiled. "Those were commissioned when the castle was first built, by a Mare named Art Star. She came from a long line of artists and even today her descents still carry it on. Before Star passed on she made those as a thank you to Shadow Flare, for everything he had done."
The Equestrians turned to her, Spike asking "Who's Shadow Flare? I'm guessing an important Pony."
Night chuckled. "He was more than that young Spike; Shadow Flare was the founder of Astera." He lead the group over to a giant portrait of a young Unicorn Stallion; His coat was a midnight blue with a sapphire mane and tail, both with a single silver streak. His eyes were a metallic gold that even in the still painting shined with intelligence and his mouth had been shaped into a charming and friendly smile. Rarity couldn't help but comment that he looked very handsome.
"Shadow Flare was born a Noble, part of one of the most powerful families of the time. But when the Great Winter came the Nobles left our ancestors to die... all but one. Shadow Flare was considered a black sheep among the Nobles, primarily for the fact that he always chose to mingle with the common Ponies then other Nobles. When the others fled Shadow stayed, his father disowning him on the spot." Rose chuckled as see looked at the painting. "But from the story that's been carefully past down through my family; Shadow merely looked his father in the eye and said: "No hairs out of my tail.""
This caused the Equestrians to laugh, Rainbow and AJ the hardest. Even Twilight couldn't help but giggle, she knew a few Nobles who could be told off. After a moment Fluttershy spoke. "He... he sounds like a great Pony."
Rose smiled at her. "He was, Shadow stayed with his followers for the entire time keeping them alive with his magic and showing them how to hunt and make warm clothing. Sadly while he wasn't able to save all his followers, most of them survived thanks to him." She then let out a sad sigh. "But it came at a heavy cost; Shadow's health went downhill after months of fighting the hash cold to keep his followers alive and by the end of the Great Winter Shadow's midnight blue coat had greatly faded to a bluish-grey while his sapphire mane and tail had lost all color, the single silver streak all but gone in the grey mess. His metallic gold eyes had faded to a dull gold and his silver magic was almost lost all color, his body had also gone from the well built frame from before to a weak and frail body. Shadow could barely move by then and had to rely on his Ponies to help him move, and just to finish it off; he caught a sickness that caused him to cough up blood."
Rose gazed up at the painting.
"Shadow had given his all to help his Ponies, but at the cost of his own health."
She didn't need to finish, the Equestrians understood how the tale ended and looked at the painting in a different light; they felt awe at Shadow's deeds and respect that even during the worst times he never abandoned his Ponies. After a minute Twilight spoke.
"He sounds like a wonderful Pony, shame he never got to see his Ponies thrive."
"Yeah," Rarity said. "If only he could see them now." She turned to Rose and Dusk, who smiled back.
"He'd be very proud, that's for sure." Dusk said, only Rainbow noticing the tiny glint in his good eye.
'Now what was that? Does he know something we don't?'
Rose and Dusk continued the tour before Rainbow could dwell on it so she pushed it to the back for her mind and followed after them, but not before taking a last look at the painting of Shadow Flare. The group noticed and stopped as Dash landed in front of the painting, and to their surprise Rainbow gave it a salute and said; "Shadow Flare, as the Bearer of Loyalty I can say for certain you went above and beyond the call. I'd never leave my friends or family hanging, as you never left your Ponies hanging. I only hope you can see what they've become, and that you're proud of all they have a accomplished. Rest in peace, for you more than earned it. May Harmony watch over you."
With that she finished the salute and returned to her friends, who smiled at her. "I didn't know you could speak that well Dash." Fluttershy said.
"I have mad respect for those that despite the worse stick true to their friends, and I mean what I said; Shadow Flare more than earned his peace."
Rose and Dusk gave each other knowing smile, if they knew their Hunt Master like they did he would have heard every word. Soon the group walked down one of the halls, while high above in his room Shadow Flare watched, touched by Rainbow's words. A single tear ran slowly done his cheek.
"Thank you, Rainbow Dash. I am proud of their accomplishments, but I still have my job to do and watch over them for as long as I live."
He stood up and made his way to the room were the meeting would be held.
"Step by step the time comes Celestia, I know you had good reasons to banish your sister, who returned to you. I just wonder how our own meeting will go."