Betrayed by one of his oldest friends, now Spike seeks vengeance by destroying what she helped build
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain."
Betrayed by one of his oldest friends, now Spike seeks vengeance by destroying what she helped build, and liberating the world from the greatest evil it has ever faced. An evil none would have ever expected. An evil he has named, "The Illuminati”, but first he must build an army of his own before he can challenge any member of this evil. Even if it means breaching the borders of life and death itself to do so.
As with my other fic, the rating and tag is not permanent, it may change as the story goes on. Cover change coming soon, I need to do artwork that matches the story first.
Hundreds of pony guards encircled a purple dragon that towered fifteen to sixteen feet in the air. Just in front of him sat the Princess of the sun and moon watching as the foretold event unwind in front of them. On each of the princess’ face displayed disappointment and hurt to all of their court that sat in the back ground watching the spectacle.
“What is the meaning of this?” The drake roared as he lowered himself into a defensive position. His claws were sharper than any blade the guard ponies could ever imagine, his scales stronger then the thickest plate of steal that the ponies could forge; even with its lose openings that could be exploited by anyone experienced with fighting a dragon, and his breath was equivalent to death itself. These factors alone gave any pony a reason to pause before trying to take on a full grown dragon, and this situation was no different, but still the ponies had a job to do and would do it even if it meant death.
“Hero of Ponyville, Protector of the Elements, and Sovereign of the Green Flame; you are here by sentenced to imprisonment indefinitely!” A pegasus guard called out as he flew closer to Spike.
“What? By who’s authority and what charge?”
“By the Authority of Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna; you are charged with treason to the throne. You have been working alongside other conspirators in efforts to create a coups d'eta. The Pegasus said as he raised his blade at Spike which infuriated him.
“Those charges are a LIE, I have done nothing less than serve the princesses faithfully.” Spike released roars that shock the castle’s foundations itself and scaring any pony who was not ‘hardened’ or military trained. This was signal to everypony that any form of communication was done, and only action was the only form of response now. Yet, none whether it was Pegasus, Unicorn, or Earth Pony dared to step forward carelessly unless they were ready to mean their ancestors.
Minutes felt like hours as none would dare move, ponies had numbers, but Spike had sheer power on his side. Swarming him would eventually lead to his downfall, but at the cost of hundreds of soldier lives. Even a few civilian ponies caught in the crossfire of dragon vs. pony. What am I going to do? My size intimidates them, but it only takes one to realize that I wouldn’t be able to fully defend three separate attacks simultaneously; sky, ground, and magic. Not to mention any attack that contains more than a fraction of my strength could kill nearly anyone in here whether or not I want the dead. Spike’s eyes surveyed the area beyond the guards and soldiers to the frightened nobles that stood in the back. Well this is a very pleasant Grand Galloping Gala now isn’t it?
His head turned towards the two princesses who facial expression still held disappointment, but their eyes sparkled. Their eyes told the drake another story, one of betrayal and heart break.
“No…i..it can’t be.” All defenses that the dragon had put up were gone in a matter of an instant. The guard ponies saw their chance and took it, success. The Hero of Ponyville had been taken down and restrained in magical constraints. It took several Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns working together to carry him out of the main court of the castle and into the deepest parts of the dungeon where Spike was never heard from again.
***** 1000 years later….
“Princess Celestia; t…that dragon has escaped!” A guard shouted as he burst into the throne room with green flames and screams of ponies following right behind him.
“Calm yourself and tend to the fires, but do not touch them or they won’t stop burning you until you are turned to ash.” Celestia kept a calm demeanor s she sent the guard away and walked over to a open window.
“Princess, what is your wish?” The guard caption asked. He was a large dark brown earth pony renowned for his strength and tactical prowess which was rivaled during the third Pony and Griffin war. The guard caption carried a claymore on his back at all times and wore a single layer of chainmail which covered from his neck top his flank, but stopped at the hooves.
“Nothing let him go, anypony we sent after him would just end up dead, and then we would lose some strength against my dear sisters little republic. Plus we need to stop Luna from expending her power; intelligence reports has stayed the ‘minotaur king’ has given her control over his army as well as free reign of his province. So tell me, how negotiations are going with the Diamond Dog Alliance?”
“Bad my princess, the leaders fear that this is becoming more than just a civil war, but is turning into a world war. By bringing so many minor nations into it while we still have The Hive as one of Equestria’s biggest enemies, and then the Dragon dynasty that had rose out of nowhere preaching the dragon’s Thu’um. While it seems to only be attracting dragons, it is doing it at an incredible rate and as we can see here a singular dragon is a devastating force, so I fear….”
“Noted commander, but we can’t defend from invading armies without first re-unifying Equestria and then getting the Crystal Empire away from King Sombre’s hooves once more.” Celestia said as she turned towards the guard captain. “We have much to do, and so little time to do it.. My little ponies are taking it the worst; many of them are fighting their own brothers, sisters, and /or parents in this war. Dusk Sparkle, you’re the only pony I feel I can trust at the moment and I thank you for your undying loyalty.”
“I will always be loyal to you my princess, and now I will take my leave.” The dark brown earth pony bowed before turning around and exiting out of the throne room and into the hall that were just a blazed moments earlier.
*****
Inside an unknown volcano somewhere in the badlands waited two figures, one was a gigantic beast; dragon in design which lay relaxing in a pool of lava. The second was a unicorn with a brown mane and light purple coat who paced back and forth in distress.
“Will you please stop that, you are making this nice lava bath less enjoying.” The dragon said as he shifted his head and wait towards the pony.
“How can you relax at a time like this Garble? He should have been here by now, and his last message was two months ago stating that he was ready to escape out from Celestia’s dungeon. Imagine my surprise when I got the message!”
Garble had grown a lot in two thousand years both physically and mentally. His size rivaled that of most dragons in Equestria. His body was long and slender rivaling that of lizards. His head and neck alone could easily be mistaken for a basilisk if his body was properly hidden.
“Horizon Sparkle, your family has been working alongside use for centuries, and just as we have come to trust you, we ask you to trust us. This is your first time meeting Spike the dragon, friend of the Sparkle family and even with what happened a thousand years ago he never stopped trusting your family. So just lay back and Relax, he’ll be here shortly.
“I..I guess you’re right.” Horizon said sighing in defeat before sitting on her flank and looking up at Garble the dragon. “Hey Garble, can you explain something to me? What is your part in all this? When Spike gets here you know what is going to happen, but I see no reason why you would choose Spike over the Dragon Dynasty.”
Before Garble could answer a green flame erupted in front of them; it turned and swirled opening up into a portal. Out of the portal fell the Green dragon, tired and exhausted to the point where the portal almost collapsed on the end of his tail.
“Welp, looks like he is here Horizon, open up the entrance and I’ll carry him in.” Garble cracked his claws. As he moved forward towards the purple dragon, the red dragon grew smaller in size until he was the equivalent to Spike. Horizon walked over to a volcanic rock that had dragon claw scratches on it, and used her magic to move the rock to the side revealing a passage just big enough for Garble or Spike to travel on their own.
The passage was a very tight fight for Garble carrying a recovering Spike, but at least they could get through it. After what felt like hours of walking, the two finally reached the end of the passage which lead into a large underground facility being manned and monitored by the many races of the world; Ponies, Dragons, Griffins, Diamond dogs, Zebras, and even Donkies. Thousands of creatures working and training; all prepared for one thing, war.
“It is too bad that Spike is out cold for this sight, I would have loved to see his face when he finally got to see the army he was building from within Celestia’s own dungeon.” Garble proceeded to carrying Spike to his chambers while laughing out loud purposely letting everyone know that they have returned.
“Yeah, I’m still amazed we were able to do this myself, I mean if you think about it….its almost implausible. I mean think about, Spike was believed to be dead, but in actuality he stayed in contact with part of my family he trusted with his very life, and did it for over 1000 years underneath Celestia’s snout. If he had trusted to wrong pony then none of this would be here now.” Horizon wrapped her mind around what if hadn’t trusted the Sparkles, but instead another one of her ancestors and then shivered.
“There is no point in worrying about it now Hori…..uh oh here comes your boyfriend.” Garble pointed at a rainbow maned Pegasus towards the two wearing black steel plated armor. He carried a broad sword on his side and a shield on his back. The Pegasus coat was a cyan color which gently had a strange complement to the black armor he wore.
“Garble, Horizon Sparkle, good you have returned. Our scouts report that the meeting will happen tomorrow night in the Everfree forest. The all will be there and this just might be…. Garble why are you carrying that dragon on you back?” The Pegasus flew around Garble examining the unconscious Spike. “Scratches and cuts on this scale, claws sharpness has been dull down… They probably can only barely cut rock the way they are now. He’d be useless two us, you should have left this stray to die where you found him.”
“How rude, listen and learn before you speak you brute! This ‘stray’ as you put it is our leader Spike, and is the reason why you are here right now anyways!” Horizon said as she stomped her hoof against the floor.
“Look here book worm I call them how I see them, and I see a useless stray!” The Pegusas turned his attention from Horizon to Spike and Garble. “So this is the Spike of legend and stories huh? The infamous dragon that single handedly saved Ponyville from a whole invading arm on their way to Canterlot…”
“The one and only, but I’m afraid I don’t know who you are, but you obviously know a lot about me. So, how about we even the playing field here and introduce yourself to me.” Spike caught the three by surprise with his comments before opening his eyes and tapping Garble as a signal to put him down.
“Well I am Rapid dash, the best fighter and second in command of the Dragon Fire Liberation!”
“Third in-command of the Dragon Fire Liberation!” Garble replied tauntingly.
“What? I’m second, only person above me in command is you…”
“And as of now, I turn all command over to Spike, the True leader of the Dragon Fire Liberation.” Garble cut Rapid dash off before he could finish his sentence.
Luna’s moon illuminated an eerie red color that reflected over all the land. The moon was the symbol of her strength and power, and the color represented the blood spilled by her loyal followers of the Luna Republic or so the princess of the Moon tells her loyal follower.
“Your highness, are you heading out for the night? If you give me a second then I will summon….” A toned Ultramarine Pegasus walked up to Princess Luna before she could take flight into the night’s dark sky.
“No my dear follower, this is something your princess must partake alone and none must know that I am gone.” The guard simply watches as his princess took flight before returning to his patrol of the lunar headquarters. It didn’t take long for the princess of the moon to reach her destination, Nightmare moon’s castle deep within the Everfree forest. The forest was a dark abysmal place where even the strongest of ponies would never dare to tread without good reason or good reward.
Over the centuries the forest became more….chaotic. Storms would form over the forest at magnitudes that no Pegasus would have dared to generate in fear of the destruction that would pursue. Lucky for Luna the forest took petty on her that night by giving her clear skies to fly through. Inside the throne room waited the princess of the Sun, Celestia
“My dear sister, you have finally made it! Everyone is down stairs waiting on our presence to begin the meeting. Celestia greeted Luna with a loving smile and nuzzle against her cheek.
“Then thy’ shall not make them wait any longer my dear sister, and it is good to see you again.” Luna replied as she nuzzled her sister in return.
“Well you two come on, we do not have all night you know! It is much harder for some of us to get through this forest unnoticed then others!” Chrysalis said as she walked out of a secret passage from behind the worn down throne. The two princesses only glared at the changeling queen before proceeding to follow her back into the secret passage way which led into a medium sized room with a large stone table in the middle of it.
“So we are all finally here, and my dear Celestia I must say your plot gets bigger each time I see you, are you doing that on purpose? Discord said while playing with his goatee.
“Why Discord in fact I am, just for you, but it is too bad your dragon will never get a chance to explore my Den.” Celestia replied as she took her seat next to Chrysalis and Luna right next to her.
“And before this conversation starts to get really weird, Celestia and Luna how is the ‘Civil war’ coming along after 200 years of fighting I am sure your ponies must be at their breaking point.” King Sombra said with an agitated voice.
“Actually their spirits are stronger then every, unlike you we have to maintain the appearance of purity and love. We are the beacons of hope ponies run to after the evil King Sombra retook the Crystal Empire and enslaved them all. Your Crystal pony rebels continue to contact our organizations believing we are their hope for freedom.” Luna gently giggled at the thought of the rebels blinded by their guise.
“ Oh and just some friendly advise King Sombra, they have a planned assassination attempt in one month, but they have not told us the exact date.” Celestia said adding onto what Luna had said.
“That is great and all, but really I am more interested in that little pet you let escape from out of your hooves.” Discord vanished into a blot of smoke which made its way across the table, and engulfed Celestia.
“Discord for the last thousand years, that purple nuisance has been your main concern, but you haven’t given us any real reason why we should care about him.” Chrysalis released a sigh of annoyance before Discord reformed between her and Celestia with arm around each ruler.
*****
“I don’t get it, we know where they are, and we know they are unprotected. So why are we not taking advantage of this opportunity to strike?” Rapid dash paced back and forth frustrated.
“Unprotected? Discord, the strongest of the five is the spirit of disharmony! His power alone could destroy our whole operation, and we forget can’t King Sombra true power is still unknown to us all! Luna and Celestia are masters of the highest arcane magicks, and Chrysalis is both the eyes and ears of the five; her changeling can become much more than just equine creatures.” Horizon Sparkle said without even glancing away from her book.
“I know that, her little web of changeling is the reason why our operations have never been successful in her territories. She always seems to know when, where, and how we are going to move against her.” Rapid dash ascended into the air crossing his fore-legs.
“Then she needs to be the first we take out, don’t you think? From the mission reports I spent reading since I got here yesterday after know tells me most operations have been guerilla hits against supply depots and specific locations that could be used as a back door. The flow of information is key when it comes to warfare, and is how Ponies was the war against Griffins. We cut off any and all means of communication between the Griffin army and their home land before we…. I’m sorry I’m starting to ramble now.” Spike sat the reports down and gave Rapid Dash his attention.
“That may be true and all, but Chrysalis also has the largest army of the Five, and we are barely a Militia. We kill a few thousands, but she has hundreds of thousands changelings all ready to sacrifice their lives at her command. If we must target someone first then I vote for King Sombra! He already has rebels moving against him, and once the Crystal ponies are free from his Tyranny and the rebels are in control of the Crystal Empire…” Horizon sat her book to the side while stepping closer to Rapid.
“They will focus their attentions and efforts on rebuilding their empire for their ponies, and not fighting someone else’s war. I have to say I agree with Spike on this one Rapid, remember while many here are fighting under our banner. They are fighting for the liberation of their homeland whether or not the five major world powers have some sort of organization together is either unimportant or implausible to many of them”. The light purple mare had turned her head towards Spike hoping that he would expend more on the subject.
“So, how long have you two been married?” The purple dragon was looking over the success rates in the last five military raids.
“Excuse me? Oh, no, no, no, no, no, and again no! Now is the time I return to the medical facility” Horizon shook her as she disappeared down the corridor that was nearest to her.
“She wants you!” Spike said, no longer capable of holding in a soft laughter he had within him.
“No she doesn’t… she hates me and I can tell and you saw the way she just acted. She wouldn’t even give me the chance of day if I asked.” The cyan Pegasus crossed his forelegs while looking in a random direction.
“Wait, you actually have an interest in her don’t you?” Spike redirected his attention to Rapid as the door behind him open allowing Garble to enter.
“Spike, the ponies are ready for the raid tomorrow, it will be a band of twenty-five. Also, I didn’t get time to tell you this yesterday, but your meditation chamber is also complete and ready for you to use for the raid. With your assistance we will be able to hit harder and faster, and one last thing. It has been over a millennium since we last did it and we have time now.” Garble stopped right next to Spike grinning suspiciously before looking back and forth between the Pegasus and Dragon.”
“D…did what exactly, or do I want to know?” Rapid Dash returned Garbles look with a scared expression.
Spike and Garble simply grinned as they started to walk away together. “Go easy on me Garble, because my back can’t take much pounding.” Spike eye’s gleamed sinisterly as they shifted from Garble to Rapid dash.
“I make no promises and the meditation chamber is big enough for us to do it in. Also, you are also welcome to us watch if you wish Rapid dash.” Garble never looked towards the armored Pegasus in fear that the expression of withheld laughter would give away their ruse
*****.
Celestia stood inside the old castle of the elements looking out the window down at King Sombra and Princess Luna nuzzling each other. Her face expressed more and more disgust the longer she watched the couple. The longer she watched the princess of the Moon give into the mare inside of herself and expresses emotional attachment to another.
“Does their relationship really disgust you this much?” A voice echoed through the room, but was soon followed by a physical form. The air around Celestia’s body twisted into cylindrical funnels which coiled around her body and constricted her movement. The Funnels slowly solidified into scales, and fur revealing it to be who she already knew it to be, Discord.
“My dearest Celestia, why does your sister’s happiness displease you so?” The Draconequus shifted his body causing the princess of the sun to fall into the stone floor.
“Release me this instant Discord!” Her voice had an eerie calm to it. One that would send shivers down the spines of not only ponies, but even lesser dragons. Discord on the other found it beautiful and seductive even.
“Even if I released, you would still be bound be me. We are tied together and you know it my dearest Celestia.” He shifted again until they were face to face and staring into each other’s eyes. “The only difference between you and your sister is you let me in once and grew afraid of the feelings you felt. “
As Celestia opened her mouth to speak, out the corner of her she saw a dark form lying smugly on the ground watching the show. It was the changeling queen enjoying her front seat show to what she would believe to be a lover’s quarrel. Celestia closed her mouth and eyes while turning her face away from Discord, and her horn glowing bright enough to illuminate the whole second for of the castle as well as the surrounded forest for at least two miles. I will not give Chrysalis the fuel she desires so much!
As single beam was fired directly into Discord’s face causing his body to explode into large mass of smoke which slowly faded away.
“Was that really necessary, that hurt my eyes!” The Formless Queen shouted as she did her best to clear her blurry vision, but Celestia said nothing.
The princess of the sun simply took off into the night sky without saying a single word or looking back at the others who watched her fly away. Luna and King Sombra watched from afar, the princess of the night’s head resting against Sombra.
“I wish… we could stay like this a while longer, but I fear I must be taking my leave soon as well.” Luna pulled away from King Sombra and opened her wings.
“When this is all over Luna, I will make you my queen.”
“If… this ever ends my love. But I feel this game that we are playing will never end, but it will only get worse.” Luna’s expression changed from one of bliss to one of sadness that she would only show to him. She leaned in planting a gentle kiss onto his lips before taking off into the air and quickly vanishing into the night’s sky.
The meditation chamber was large by pony standards, but by Spike and garble; two full grown dragons. It was the equivalent to a medium size cave. In each corner of the room were Ionic columns, but they didn’t reach all the way to the roof, instead they stopped half way up. At the top of each column sat a dark iron cauldron which was mean to house flames. The cauldron barely shook as a large shock wave traveled through the room and causing any and all who were not flying to fall to the ground.
Over thirty ponies lay or floated there in amazement after just watching Spike throw Garble onto his back. “You are still as strong as ever my friend.” Garble said laughing as he climbed up off the ground.
“Oh please Garble, we both know I can tell your holding back. In a true contest of pure physical strength there isn’t even a competition between you and me. You’d overpower me in a matter of seconds.” Spike replied while laughing.
“Now are you ready of the second challenge? The pride of your flame is at stake here, so don’t you dare hold back!” Garble positioned himself a few feet away from Spike. Both dragons lowered their stances so they were barely inches away from the ground. Neither dragon was at the actual height, but was still quite huge in their current forms which rivaled some of the trees in the Everfree forest. Seconds felt like minutes as the two fears beast simply stood there staring each other dead in the eye, and without any warning; fire erupted from within the dragon’s mouths.
The green and red flames twisted and turned amongst each other. Neither fully capable of pushing the other back, but both causing the heat in the meditation chamber to rise to the point breathing was getting harder for the ponies watching in awe to do. Many started to leave out the chamber, but a few remained watching and waiting for the outcome of who would be victories in this heated competition. Spike’s flame started to waver as a stream of fire started to part on both sides of spike’s main fire stream. Each stream took the shape of a dragon’s claw and proceeded wrap around Garble and lift the fire dragon on the ground; slamming him against the wall before dispersing.
“Looks like I win the flame competition.” Spike said jokingly as he walked towards the red dragon and extended his claw out.
“Was there any doubt? You are after all, a master of the Anuk-Ri. Any dragon who thing they will be able to beat you in a fire fight would have to be crazy. Garble took Spike’s hand and pulled himself up onto his to hind legs.
“Well this has been fun, but we better get some rest, tomorrow we strike one of Luna’s and Celestia’s support depots. It will be risky, but I am more than sure Rapid Dash and yourself will be able to pull it off and of course you to will have my support.” Spike said with a grin.
“Wait, to do such a maneuver we will need to split our forces up into two groups. Even if we are only hitting supply depots, they will still be heavier armed then us and will take our full force. Also, why does it sound like you will not be joining us?” Rapid dash said as he shook himself out of shock from what he had just witnessed.
“Worry not, I will be there, with both team in fact, but not physically. Physically I will remain here in the meditation chamber over seeing both operations and providing support.” Spike replied as he pointed to what looked like a throne in the back of the room in between the back columns.
“Wait, what? This makes no sen…..”
“Just wait and see Rapid Dash, and Spike are you sure you don’t want to ease into this first and only hit one first? Having your conscious split like that cannot be too comfortable.” Garble asked.
“It is OK my friend, with any luck I won’t have to overextend myself this early into the war we are starting. Remember I am our Equalizer here, and I won’t be doing my job if I take it easy. Now everyone get some rest because we are going to have some real fun tomorrow, and can someone show me to our Supply base?”
*****
Early the next morning, no more than fifty soldiers showed up to the armory to get suited, majority was a mixture of ponies and griffins with ten diamond dogs thrown into the mix. The expression Rapid Dash had made the soldiers slowly back away in fear of getting a spear through their hearts.
“GARBLE, WE HAVE OVER FIVE-THOUSAND SOLDEIRS SO WHY ARE THERE ONLY FIFTY HERE?” Rapid Dash yelled at the top of his longs as he flew over to the dragon that was briefing the others on the plan.
“Good morning to you too sunshine and this is by Spike’s command. The two teams will only consist of twenty five soldiers; five of them will be Diamond dogs who will infiltrate the supply base from underneath and extract the weapons, food, and medical supplies. Also here put this on, Spike brought them in this morning this morning and wants every soldier wearing them at all times while out on the mission.” Garble tossed the Pegasus a green gemstone necklace.
“The hell is this? What do I need this for? It is bad enough we are splitting up our forces, but this is just suicidal! I read the mission reports on my way here and our targets are like a two week journey away one way and yours is even further. This all makes no since what so ever.. I am going to go have a word with our so called leader!” Before Rapid dash could fly off Garble grabs him by his rainbow colored tail.
“If you would stop talking and actually listen for once then I will explain, just like I explained to the soldiers. First off, normally it would take a week to get to your target and two months to reach mine, but…..” Two green flames swirled on the far end of the wall. “And there is our ride, as I was saying thanks to Spike being here; one of the many abilities the wielder of the Anuk-Ri possesses is the power to create portals between two points. So the takes what would take a two month trip and turns into less than a five second trip.” Garble said releasing Rapid Dash.
“Wait if he can make moves like that then why doesn’t he just open mortals up into let say….Celestia’s bedroom and kill her?” Rapid Dash asks staring at the portals of fire genuinely amazed.
“He can only open portals up at areas he holds knowledge of, while he could move our entire army into Canterlot, such moves could easily be disastrous to make such an attack while their military is still at it strongest. When we start make movements into areas such as the badlands, we will be moving on foot, because he will only be able to take us so far still shortening the journey. As far as these necklaces go, these are crystalized pieces of the of Anuk-Ri and as long as we carry them; Spike will be able to see into a certain area around us. This gives him the ability to create portals needed for our escape and even return to this area if need be. Now ready your soldiers and know that The Anuk-Ri wielder is not only watching over us as we go into battle, but will be lending us even more assistance.” With that Garble commanded his soldiers to enter into the portal on the right with him falling behind him.
“Wait, one more question, I realize its dragon tongue, but what does Anuk-Ri mean?” Rapid dash asked stopping Garble from entering the portal.
“Dragon-Fire.” Grable replied before stepping into the portal.
*****
“My queen we have word that the Princesses of Equestria have lost a supply port each. Our network states that the attacks were simultaneous and so fast that they defenders didn’t have time to fully prepare and defend themselves.” A young changeling kneeled before Queen Chrysalis who laid upon a stone bed covered in velvet pillows.
“Who were the attackers?” She responded as she brushed a lock of her hair back behind her head.
“The attacker on Luna’s forces was The Red Dragon Might, Garble. The Attacker on Celestia’s forces was The Dragon Slayer, Rapid Dash.” The changeling responded.
“Garble?” Queen Chrysalis stood up, and walked over to the window giggling. “So has my big dragon finally decided to make his move? Interesting, a dragon praised for being one of the strongest of his kind. Joins forces with a killer of his kin, oh how I wonder how this team up came to be.”
“Excuse me my queen, but there is much more. Our scouts who surveyed the battle said the so green draconic like creatures made entirely out of green fire. They were the reason the battles were won so quickly. The creatures seem to appear one after another out of nowhere Attack anything that moved and would wreck everything else. If damage they exploded lighting ablaze anything within fifteen feet. The ponies had no way of defending themselves against it, but Garble’s and Rainbow Dash’s forces seem immune to the flames even if they themselves appeared to be shocked.” The changeling never looked up at his queen; that was only a privilege granted to those who truly worthy of catching the queen’s eye.
“Ri Akali, so Discord wasn’t playing his little game when he informed us about them at the meeting. Send word to Luna and Celestia; tell them it was The Dragon Fire Liberation that attack them, but don’t tell them Garble had something to do with the attack. Also send note to Luna, Celestia, and King Sombre that we have verified that Discord was correct in the fact that Spike can create constructs out of his fire. Oh, and what about escape; what routes did they take?”
“T..that is the weirdest thing of all my queen, they disappeared just as fast as they appeared. The scouts said they stealth fully went on the pursuit in hopes to find where they have been hiding, but as soon as both parties entered the covered area they emerged from; they were gone without a trace.”
“…You may leave.” Chrysalis said with little agitation in her voice before looking out the window and surveying all that she ruled as far as her eyes could define. The land the changeling queen ruled was a land of stone, dirt and canyons. Every building was building in her kingdom was built into the sides of cliffs and was connected by either tunnels built inside the cliffs or by bridges made of the stone that was removed from the sides of the cliffs to make the buildings. Her castle itself was extravagant, and easy to spot as it its entrances was a large equilateral archway with two smaller version of it on either side of it. The windows of her cliff side palace were design in a trefoil arch style, and was only true was for a outsider to know where her palace begin and ended on thus cliff.
*****
“So would you all like to explain to me or the princess exactly what happened? Oh, and word to the wise, I am nowhere as near understanding as she is.” A pink coated mare walk closer to a wounded soldier Pegasus who was struggling to pull himself away from her.
“P…please captain… It all happened to fas…..”
“Me it is then!” The punk mare wore a utility vest jacket which contained eight pockets, and around her waist were three strap on Fanny packs. She reached into the fanny pack that on the right side of here waste and pulled out a miniature syringe in which she proceeded to stab the Pegasus in the right hind leg with; squeezing on f the substance in the needle into his body.
“Wh…what was that captains please spare me!” The Pegasus asked; his heart racing as the fear in his eyes caused the pink mare to smile sinisterly.
“Save you, for failing our princess? OK!” The pink mare then reached into her top left vest pocket and pulled out a small tube with a twist on cap. “What I just injected into you was poison from the deadly Nocturne plant you will start to hallucinate as well as vomit uncontrollably, but as you know we ponies are incapable of vomiting. Due to our actual anatomy our esophagus shuts down whenever our stomach get bloated which leads to Colic and ultimately our stomach’s rupturing and killing us. In this bottle sits the only known antidote to the plants poison but it only works at early stages of the poisons affect.” The pink mare placed the tube down in front of him. “But if what I injected you with is not Nocturne poison, but instead simply water and you drank the antidote. The antidote will cause your heart beat to constantly increase until your heart explodes. Now live or die, make your choice!” The pink mare said giggling as she watched the Pegasus debate amongst himself whether or not he should drink the antidote.
Garble, Horizon, and Rapid entered into the meditation chamber together slowly proceeding to make their way up to Spike who wore a hooded black cloak which only revealed his snout and claws. The room itself was dimly lit by low green flames in each of the cauldrons that sat on top of the pedestals.
“What are you supposed to be a dark lord now?” Garble said as his sat in front of Spike.
“Spike I have some Que….” Both Horizon and Rapid said a the exact same time before turning their heads to look at each other. Rapid’s eyes shifted to Spike who only gestured his snout towards the mare.
“S..sorry Horizon, you can go first and I’ll wait to ask mine.” Rapid said as he tried to hold in his competitive nature.
“That is very uncharacteristic of you Rapid, thank you. Now Spike I’ve been wondering this for a while and your presence here as a well-seasoned dragon and friends of the last known wielders of the Elements of Harmony. Why haven’t they returned; I was under the assumption the wielder’s job was to maintain the balance of harmony, but no new host have arisen and I can’t come up with an answer even with my research. The light purple mare asked as she climbed into Garbles claw who proceeded to hit her on his shoulder.
“I once asked the same question about thirteen hundred years ago, and with the permission of Celestia was allowed to research and locate the next bearers of the Elements. For two hundred years I found nothing and that it is when it clicked to me. Instead of looking forward, why don’t I take a trip to the past and learn how the elements moved. What I learned amazed me; the elements moved the exact same way as the Anuk-Ri; it moved through the bloodlines of the past wielders.” Spike Said as he pulled down the hood.
“Wait through the bloodlines? By that logic in this day and age I would be the Element of Magic much like my ancestor Twilight Sparkle and Rapid Dash would be loyalty.” Horizon said as she started to contemplate on what she was hearing.
“But, I am not the Element and neither is he and I was hoping to know why?”
“That Horizon… is my fault and my greatest shame.” Spike said as his claws dug into the arm rest of the throne he sat in.
“How is….wait are you telling me?” Horizon watched the purple drake closely.
“Yes, I am the single reason why the elements have not returned for over two-thousand years."
“How are you the reason spike, I don’t get it; what did you do?” Rapid Dash flew up into the purple dragon’s face.
“Sit down Rapid and do you not know your history? It was pretty much a big deal when it happened. Two-thousand years ago after Equestria one the second changeling war and Spike gained the title ‘Hero of Ponyville.’ He asked the Element of Generosity for her hove in marriage and she said yes.” Horizon used her magic to pull Rapid dash back and sat him next to her on Garble’s shoulder.
“That is correct, and beyond that the rest is self-explanatory. Our love was one of a fairytale. The beautiful princess falling in love with the hideous beast so to speak; we were always there for one another, and always by each other side. As time went on we slowly came to the realization that I couldn’t give her the one thing she truly desired.” Spike closed his eyes and turned his snout to the ground.
“A family, dragons and ponies are incapable of crossbreeding.” Horizon said as she placed her hoof over her snout.
“I loved her … I desired her and I got her, but I broke the chain in achieving my greatest accomplishment. My love for her stopped the continuation of the Elements of Harmony.”
“Spike, now I know it is too late, but I am about to ask you something extremely personal. When you was with Rarity, did you spiritually interlock with her?” Garble asked out of the blue. “At that time I knew of no such thing my friend, but what does that have to…”
“I know you haven’t read the Thu’um, but in within it; it speaks on the second wielder of the Anuk-Ri. His name was Deathwing and was born of a pony and dragon union. The Thu’um also speaks on who a dragon could mate with any species as long as they are spiritually interlocked. It also talked about the sixth wielder who was a dragon zealot and commanded a purge of all none pure dragon kin. He even wanted to destroy parts of the Thu’um that spoke on Death wing, but that just caused the dragon species to turn against him finally.”
“W..what!” Spike said shocked.
“Yea, if we had become friends just two hundred years sooner I could have told you that, but at this time the dragon populace was at war with itself because territory was overlapping and many families of dragons were going to war with each other. It took me three hundred years to unite the dragon clans and even longer to try and build peaceful relations with the rest of the world… I’m sorry I’m getting off subject, my point is Spike it was not your fault.
“Yea commander, you were still young by dragon standards and were only beginning to learn.” Horizon added onto what Garble said.
“That is something to keep in mind, thank you Garble and thanks for your support Horizon. Now Rapid what is your question?”
“What the hell happened yesterday, what were those things, and what is everything you can do exactly?” Rapid responded.
“Those are some interesting questions, but firstly. Those creatures were known as Ri-Akali; or translated ‘Fire Construct’. The Anuk-Ri can do many things from being gateways to becoming physical objects tied to my will. The ones you saw were just me creating cannon fodder so you could get the supplies and get out with minimal loses.”
“Well how many can you….”
“No I cannot create a never ending army of them they longer they are out, and the more there are, the more they drain me. I could only create those first few hundred because I had time to meditate before the battle. In larger battles I may have to focus my flame onto other purposes or I many even be out there fighting myself. When I was at my prime a thousand years ago the most I could create was about five-thousand, and that’s counting the fact I had my conscious split up into several different places at once controlling them. As far as what else I can do…well you are all about to find out.”
“What do you mean?” Rapid responded.
“As I went over more and more of past battle report and information brought in by our informants. I came to the conclusion even if we got the diamond dog clans, the griffin rebels, and the Crystal pony resistance to join us; it would still take about five hundred years of guerrilla warfare tactics of hitting supply deposits before we could catch up to just one of the leaders in military strength; let alone all five.”
“Yes we know this already, and we are all ready to fight until we die! Change doesn’t happen overnight; it takes years of dedication and hard work.” Rapid Dash said as he lifted into the air while raising his blade.
“Yea well I have a plan that will cut that time down by half increasing our power greatly, but this plan is also a double edge sword. Even if it succeeds… it could still fail and increase our enemy’s power astronomically, but I do believe it is something worth the risk.” Spike said.
“And what is this plan?” Garble asked.
***** Discord in a throne room full of molten lava, the room had only one entrance and no windows. There was a singular path to him made of stones that barely pierced out of the lava. His through itself was crafted out of volcanic rock which seemed to float there in the air just above the bubbling lava. The only light in the whole room came from the lava itself which didn’t reach beyond discord himself leaving the whole ceiling in darkness.
“Interesting, no ingenious in fact; interesting doesn’t pay enough respect my draconic friend. Crystalizing the Anuk-Ri, giving them to your soldiers and using them as bacons for your clairvoyance.” In discord’s claw was a crystal which was revealing images of Spike, Horizon, Garble, and Rapid dash sitting in the meditation chamber talking amongst each other.
“Anuk-Ri bearer, may I speak with you?” dark brown drake said as he entered the chamber stepping on the stones,
“Make it quick!”
“We have heard the call of the Anuk-Ri from elsewhere; this means unmistakably there is another who would it. By law of the Thu’um you must challenge him to combat, our law states there can only be one wielder and that wielder is he who leads us.” The drake said in a proudly tone.
“Why do you tell me what I already know? Did you forget I was the one who wrote the Thu’um in the first place? I was the one who gave you the Anuk-Ri back when I was the Ancient one!” The lava began to chemically change into ice, then rock, then gas which floated up into the air, and finally Rocks and bricks that crashed back down to the ground while hitting the drake. “I wrote we must fight to the death, but I never said it had to be done immediately! The other will come to me when he is ready and when he does; none of you are to interfere! Simply lead him to me!” With that Discord’s body begin to swirl together until nothing was left.
*****
Dusk Sparkle entered princess Celestia private quarters after hearing a noise from outside. The noise got louder as he came closer to a mirror the stood as tall as the princess herself. Dusk placed one hoof around his blade as he walked in front of it and stared at the glass.
“Oh, it is only you! The princess is not here at the moment and will not return until later on tonight.” Dusk said as he lowered his hoof from the hilt of his blade.
“Where is she?” Within the mirror a dark blur with two eerie green eyes stared at the dark brown earth pony.
“She is out.” Dusk simply repeated. Within a second a eagles claw reached out of the mirror and entrapped Dusk within its talons.
“I will return tonight, when the moon is at its highest. If Celestia is not here then I shall hold you responsible.” The voice said with a eerie laugh before the blur and claw turned dust.
“….How…does a reflection…..turn to dust?” Dusk Sparkle shook his head before looking at the balcony to notice Princess Celestia was watching the whole ordeal. “Princess.” Dusk said as he bowed before her.
“Ah commander, I am glad you are here!” The light pink alicorn used her magic to lift the earth ponies sword. “I was going to wait until tomorrow to do this, but I’ll do it now and make the announcement tomorrow.”
“My princess, you don’t mean?”
“Of course I do this what you and your families have been serving me for since you fell out of my grace.” Celestia placed the edge of the blade up against the earth pony’s shoulder. “I princess Celestia here by restore the honor and title to the Armor family. Dusk Armor, will you take the mantle of commander of the royal guards as your ancestors did before you?” “Yes my princess. By your command I am no released of my burden. I no longer am held down by the Sparkle family which fell out of your grace and dragged the Armor family with them. As a descendent of the great Shining Armor; I serve you and only you with no question or hesitation, and I will not stop until I erase the burden completely off my family tree that is the Sparkle family. When I find her… it will be my blade that separates Horizon Sparkle’s head from her body!”
“Good, now tell me how you plan to deal with the supply depot we lost yesterday.” Celestia replied as she placed the blade by his side.
*****
“No, absolutely not happen!” Rapid dash said as he flew left and right in Spikes face!
“Rapid dash calm down and sit down!” Horizon shouted!
“Calm down, are you even listening to him? As a practitioner of the healing arts…..how are you not upset about this?” Rapid dash said as he turned towards Horizon!
“Who said I am not upset, this plan doesn’t settle well with me either, but I’m not going to yell in Spikes face about it! Garble, as the only one here who is emotionally unaffected by this plan. What do you think?”
“Well the Thu’um speaks of the Anuk-Ri being the flame of like itself, and in theory it could be used to breathe life or a second life into something. The question is Spike; can you handle a task of this magnitude? You will be stepping beyond the boundaries placed by the old gods and if you succeed then what?”
“I can’t believe are humor this madness! Let the dead remain at peace and buried with the past! We the creatures of this day most been the ones to pave the way for a new future!” Rapid dash shouted.
“If I didn’t know any better Rapid, I would say you are more worried that the past will claim the glory for what you do this day instead of actually let them rest. Also Garble, its more than a theory I have done it a few times to rats and roaches while being chained in Celestia’s dungeon. While I may have been her prisoner, my name and titles still carried some weight and granted me some leniency. I’ve never done it to something as big as ponies though, let alone six.” Spike replied.
“And what if you succeed? Those six knows Celestia from a time where she was kind and loved by all. Bringing them into a world such as ours….”
“I know they may try to find something from the past to cling to and help them fit into this world. That is why this plan is a double edged sword, because if they choose Celestia…. Not only do we have to fight the big bad five, but we will have to deal with the Elements of Harmony as well. If they choose us, we will not only have a strong magic backing us, but an even more power political tool.” Spike Replied.
“Political tool, do you think the element’s names will hold water in this time and even if they did. Do you think people will truly believe they are the real elements that died two thousand years ago?” Horizon asked as she used her magic to pull Rapid dash back by her side again.
“If you can prove they possess the elements then that should be enough; whether or not they are the last known bearers doesn’t matter.” Spike responded.
“Wait, you are talking like it is already been decided and we are going to do this….” Yelled Rapid Dash.
“Operation: Grave robber begins in one week, prepare yourselves; this will be a direct attack on Canterlot itself. Our objective will be to retrieve the remain of the last known element of harmony wielders; Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy!” Spike said with a grin.
Horizon had stood outside what was considered the soldiers R&R hang out; it was ultimately a bar for soldiers who were off duty to relax and drink their fears away. She always hated coming here because there was always one stallion who thought they could court her, and sometimes there was one that wouldn’t take no for an answer. The violet mare giggled a little after remembering what Rapid Dash did to that stallion after he walked in on the scene. The mare sighed before walking in slowly and scanning the scene before making her way towards the bar.
Each step she took caught the eye of every nearby stallion; it could have been the fact her coat was recently groomed and held a bit of a shine to it, or the fact or mane also was cleaned and straightened to the point it flowed with every step to it. There was one stallion sitting at the bar, a cyan pegasus who coat and feathers were ruffled and mane looked a mess as if he had been in a fight with a brush and lost. She took her seat next to him and without hesitation, used her magic to pull the next glass of alcohol to her before he could reach it.
“Exactly how long have you been here?” Horizon asked, her voice held a sympathetic tone.
“Why are you here? Thought you hated this place?” Rapid responded.
“I was asked by Commander Spike to meet him here. I don’t think I need to ask why are you here…” She levitated the class up to her snout and swirled the liquid within it.
“On contrary to what you may believe… I was asked by Garble to meet him here….dammit….” Rapid begin to rub his hooves in his face.
“So that is how it is, Spike and Garbel just wanted to get us together in a nonprofessional environment. I can only assume this is some misguided attempt to further our romantic relationship.” The mare said before taking a small sip of the liquor.
“I guess now or never… look Horizon… I kinda, I mean …”
“You like me, you love me, and you have strong unexplained feelings for me. I’m not a simpleton Rapid; I have always known about your feelings. How else would I know that I could do things like take the drink from someone as hot headed, egotistical, prideful, and violent as you and not suffer some type of repercussion from it? Your willing to go at Garbel and Spike aggressively with no fear of being struck down; so what could a single mare do?” Horizon to another sip from the glass.
“If you knew…then why act how you do?” Rapid asked, still not looking in the mare’s direction.
“Because feelings are powerful things, and while yours may be clear to you; mine are still clouded Rapid, and I just don’t know. I can’t say I care for you the way you care for me, but I also can’t say there isn’t something there. I am attracted to you Rapid, but I don’t know if….if it is actually romantically or sexually.” She took a one last sip of the glass before sitting it down on the counter.
“W…what?” Rapid slowly turned his head to meet her gaze. Horizon’s eye s contained a lustful sparkle within them which sent shivers down the Pegasus spine.
“I’ll be in my lab if wish to speak with me further on this subject.” Horizon stood and made her way to the exit. Each step she took was accompanied with elegant sways which captured the eyes of every male in the bar.
Eyes quickly shifted to Rapid once the mare’s presence was no longer in the bar. It was obvious that their conversation was overheard by just about every pony in the bar, and by tomorrow morning will be the talk of the army. Yet the Pegasus simply ignored the stares and even snickers as he now mentally debated with himself on what to do next.
Outside the bar Horizon hoof laid over her heart as she took deep breaths replaying the last part in her mind.
“I…I can’t believe I actually acted like a…a”
“A mare chasing after what she wanted?” Garble said with a chuckle.
Both Garble and Spike stood on each side of here watching and snickering. This caused the mare to freeze completely in terror to the point that even her breath slowed down.
“I guess you were right Garble, I didn’t think she had it in her to go through with it.” Spike said as he waved his claw in her face.
“That means I get the free day to go to the badlands; and the trip will be taken care of by you.” Garble replied as he poked the mare trying to get a reaction out of her.
“As we said, but I wish you would tell me more about this special contact you have in changeling land though. I don’t need a friend completely disappearing on me, also lets leave her be. If everything goes according to plan then she will also be able to help him even more.” Spike and Garble begin to pull away from the mare before starting back to the meditation chamber.
“Well, I’m sorry, but I know she would rather remain in the dark, and I know it would be better if she remained unknown for now. Maybe later on she will be revealed to you, but I must ask you to trust me on this Spike!” Garble opened the door to the meditation chamber for Spike.
“You first your majesty.” Garble said in a sarcastic manor.
“Ah, thank you my court jester!” Spike Replied as we walked in and to his seat which sat in the far back.
“Jester, you could have at least made me a low ranking guard.” Garble laughed as he caught up with Spike.
“Or I could have made you a serving wench!” Spike broke into laughter as he put on the robes that laid on the arm of the throne.
“Oh, you ass…. Anyways, I already have one of your crystals so I just need you to open a portal to the crystal capitol.” Garble said while continuing to laugh.
“….Garble….Last I remember, that is where Chrysalis’ castle is located. Why….” Spike’s laughter came to a sudden halt.
“Spike, you trusted me for over a thousand years ever since we came to peace with each other nearly fifteen hundred years ago. Now on that friendship, no on the bound that holds our friendship together; I ask you to trust me. I promise I’ll tell you everything later.” Garble stared Spike in the eyes.
“Your right, I’ll try to put the portal somewhere safe. Oh, and Garble… you suck at being a shadow player in this game ours.” Spike chuckled before taking his seat and opening a flame portal next to Garble.
“Dang, and here I thought I would never be caught!” Garble waved at Spike before jumping into the portal. Unknowing to either the other end opened up in front of Chrysalis’ castle, and when Garble stepped out he found himself surrounded by thousands of changeling soldier.
“Thank you Spike, for not knowing Chrysalis changed her castle location 200 years ago” As the portal closed behind the red dragon; Garble started to make his way forward to the castle’s entrance. Even though the changlings surrounded him in a defensive manor, not a single one attempted to stop him. He made his way through the castle to Chrysalis chamber where she laid there as if she was awaiting his arrival.
“Oh, look who we have here…. You haven’t visited me in7 years!” Chrysalis said with contempt in her voice.
“Yea, sorry about that I as busy as of late and honestly… I was expecting some type of fight when I returned to you.” Garble stepped closer to the changling queen just to be cut of by one of her royal guards.
“Just because I haven’t order my babies to attack you on site; doesn’t mean I have forgiven you Garble! You hurt me on the night you simply left without a single goodbye. Instead you imply left this letter saying you would return to me soon… I should have known never to love a dragon.” Chrysalis said as she levitated the letter writing by the red dragon.
*****
Rapid had his fifteenth drink since Horizon left out the bar; his mind still filled with the things the violet mare said to him. Any Stallion would jump at the opportunity that was offered to him, so why was he still sitting in a bar having another drink? The answer was a simple one; he didn’t fear the intimacy he would have with her, but instead what would happen after. His feelings for her were much more than mere carnal desires, but what if afterwards that is all her feelings were.
With a deep breath Rapid stood on his hooves and made his way out of the bar and on his way to the medical center where Horizon’s office was located.
“Horizon are you in here.” The cyan stallion called out as he knocked on the door.
“Rapid… you actually… came!” The violet mare made her way to the door from her desk. Her face held an expression of both embarrassment and nervousness due to her earlier actions in the bar.
“Calm yourself Horizon; I am not here for that….I don’t think I could with you even if I wanted to.” Rapid stated as he rubbed his head.
“Wait, what? Are you saying I’m not good enough?” The mare gave him a annoyed stare.
“No… that is not what I meant… It is just that I really care for you. Much more than I am capable of saying and well I don’t know. Look at me, I can pick a fight with Spike and Garble but can’t say the words I want to say to you… I’m sorry for disturbing you so I’ll just.” He turned to walk away just to be stopped by a gentle tug on his tail.
“There is more bothering you than your feeling for me… isn’t there and it has something to do with Spike’s plan doesn’t it?” Horizon asked simply.
“….I guess you can say that; something about him in general just doesn’t sit right with me. This plan to bring back the dead to fight a war; now he is playing match maker as well with the little stunt he pulled earlier today. How do we really know we can trust him, and he is not just another Discord or Celestia in the waiting.”
“It is not just Spike, you don’t trust Garble either do you? You have a distrust of all dragons don’t you? What all have you been letting build up?” The mare asked as she started taking steps back and pulling him into the office.
*****
“So, what do I have to do this time to make it up to you Chrysalis? You know you are my favorite lady” Garble said as he nuzzled his snout against the changling queen’s neck.
“Oh, no.. I won’t be forgiving you so easily this time Garble!” Chrysalis did her best to hide the gentle smile that was slowly forming on her face.
“Of course, I stayed away from my loving queen for seven whole years without as much as a letter and I am now ready to make amends for!” The red dragon stood on his hind legs and placed his closed fist against his chest .
“Ooh… Right there, yes…that feels so good!” Chrysalis moaned as she laid on her back with a draconic tongue moving from one end of her underbelly to the other.
“Slower….slower…yes!” Her legs kicked the air wildly as the sounds she made echoed throughout the chamber, and even reached the guards standing outside the door; making them turn completely crimson red.
Garble took hold of one of the mare’s hind legs, and gently held it in place as his tongue started to lick the her inner thigh and leg. At this, Chrysalis started thrashing even more wildly with her eyes rolling back. Her body shivered with ecstasy at his tongues very touch until she could no longer take the pleasure.
“Stop, stop, stop, stop!” She cried out to Garble who only looked at her before continuing his licks.
“Y..y…you are forgiven! N..now stop before… you make my tell and pillows even wetter!.” The mare panted.
“You mean, YOU wet your tail and pillows! You are still as sensitive as ever my queen and still the mare of my heart.” Garble responded as he climbed on top of her and nuzzled your snout.
“That one element…..sure knew what she was doing when she had taken a dragon as a love…… Your tongues are unbelievable! Anyways if….I am the mare of you heart…. Then why don’t you tell me what Spike is planning?” She responded after finally regaining herself and looking up at him with bedroom eyes.
“You know I won’t, nor can’t betray Spike’s trust in me. The same way I can’t nor won’t betray my love for you and tell them anything about your kingdom.” Garbe placed a kiss onto Chrysalis lips.
“Would you let him kill me?” Chrysalis asked staring into Garbles eyes.
“I would do everything in my power to make sure that doesn’t happen…that doesn’t need to happen; even if it costs me my life, my love!” He stared back into her harlequin colored eyes.
“My Red Knight!” Chrysalis said with a giggle as she pulled him down into a deep kiss.
*****
Spike sat alone in the meditation chamber letting his thoughts flow freely about.
“Now Spike, I think this is the first time we have been alone since we got here!” His baby form materialized in front of him as the room itself started to fade into obscurity.
“Yes it is Spike, but we had to wait! Much needed and still needs to be done.” Adult spike replied.
“Anyways, what is important right now is how are you feeling Spike?” Baby Spike asked as he crossed his arms.
“The same way any other creature would be feeling after recently escaping a dungeon.” The larger dragon answered.
“Don’t try that with me, you know what I mean; if you continue with this plan of yours… You will see Rarity again, so I ask again. How are you feeling Spike, and remember you can lie to all the creatures of the world, but you can’t lie to me.” The baby dragon said as he tapped a single talon against his scaly arm.
“Haha, you got me…honestly I am scared out of my mind. What if all six side with Celestia? The Elements of Harmony will be back, but the power could become corrupted if tainted by her lies. What if….” The larger dragon stared off into nothingness.
“Bull shit!” The baby dragon simply replied.
“What?”
“You can fool all of Equestria, but you can’t fool yourself Spike. You are afraid, because you think she will hate you. You made her a promise, but couldn’t keep it. Sweetie Belle died in your claws, her blood soaks each one of your talons and you can never un-see it. “The smaller dragon’s eye started to glow a eerie yellow as the world of nothing start to feel with matter.
There the purple drake stood in a back alley at the darkest hour. Blood stains the wall as five mutilated bodies; two ponies, two griffins and one diamond dog, lay torn to pieces. He looked down in his arms to see a beaten and raped Sweetie Belle trying to hold onto what little life she had left. Spike stared into her eyes, as one last tear swelled up and flowed over the top of her snout the very edge of her nose. Her eyes closed for the last time as the tear fell down onto the ground.
“Spike, you continue to hold on to such memories… and yet you let others go…” Again the world around Spike shifted and changed until only he and Rarity stood alone at the Cemetery.
“S..spike, I knew you would be here. You couldn’t save her Spike… You can’t…save everypony pony Spikey Wikey.” Rarity looked away trying hold in her tears.
“I promised….I promised you in our wedding vows; I would love and protect .. not just you but your family as well. Your mother, father, and little sister; I will let nothing hurt any of you and be there when I am needed. She needed me and I knew she needed me, but I just let her go….I let them all go.” Spike said as the sky turned dark and rain started to pour down on top of the two.
“You had no choice… you couldn’t have stopped Sweetie Belle from going with them, she is….was a teenager after all.” Rarity’s voice slowly started to crack up making it more apparent that she was about to burst into tears.
“I could have….II should have followed… If it wasn’t for Snips and Snails telling me what they had overheard…The fucker might have gotten away with it! If only I was faster…if only….” Spike put his head into his claws.
“If only this and if only that….it has be more than two-thousand years and you still let this hunt you. She forgave you many years ago… She never held you responsible in the first place; only you did! You placed yourself in the protector’s seat after their parents passed away!” The little dragon said as the world slowly started to fade away again.
“I….i….” Before he could say anything, his meditation was broken by the sound of the door opening.
“C..commander Spike? M…may I have a word with you?” A light yellow Pegasus stepped into the chamber which was completely empty of light.
“Yes, and you are?” He replied as the door slammed shut behind the mare. His eyes started to glow green in the darkness giving her a direction to look in.
“I…I…I…I…I…” She stuttered, unable to formulate a single thought out of fear.
“Speak chil…..ahahaha.” Spike slowly started to laugh as the chamber filled with light from the green flames that appeared on top of the columns.
“Calm yourself, I am not going to eat you. I was simply meditating when you entered..” Spike said as he removed the cloak’s hood from on top of his head.
“B…but, the glowing green eyes…” The yellow Pegasus tried to swallow a lump that was caught in her throat.
“Sorry, when I heard the hesitation in your voice… I kind of wanted to mess with you.” Spike replied as he scratched his snout.
“….” She simply stares at the gigantic creature that sat before her still scared to speak freely.
“It is ok, are you here about my recent plan, to resurrect the Elements?” Spike asked, as he stood onto his hind legs and removed the robes completely.
“Well, yes… Allow me to introduce myself. I am Silky Langue, the diplomate who has been working to create an alliance with the northern Diamond Dogs tribe to create an alliance.” Silky stated as she held her head hi, her curly main gently bounced with each of her movements.
“Well Miss Silky, what seems to be your concern?” He asked as his body grew smaller until her was eye level to the yellow Pegasus.
“Well…my ancestor is the one known as Fluttershy, and I must say…. We should allow the dead to remain…well dead.” Silky said with a frown.
“I understand your concern fully Miss Silky, and please rest assured if there was another way then I would not resort to such a tactic as this. Please note that I am well aware of what I am doing and when this all ends; I will be ready to accept the consequences in full.” Spike responded as they both walked to the chambers entrance.
“As you say commander, I can only make my complaint on this idea known.” She stated disappointedly.
*****
As Garbel made his way out of the changling capitol and into the deserts waste land of the badlands; the red dragon could never shake the feeling of being watched. He chose to walk over flying in hopes to avoid bringing even more unnecessary attention to himself. As he got deeper into the deserts, the sand’s started shifting unnaturally and within seconds he found himself trapped in a large claw made of sand.
“Well, hello there Mr. Red Dragon…what was the rest, might?” A voice came from out of nowhere.
“It is Red Dragon of Might, Garbel, but we seem to have a problem. You know and see me, but I can’t see you.” Garbel said as he struggled to free himself.
“Oh, you know me well.” The air swirled in front of garble, taking the shape of discord’s head.
“Damn, you never get any less uglier…” Garbel said as he laughed.
“That is why I always liked you Garbel. Even in the face of something you stood no chance against, you would laugh your fear away. That is why I chose you to lead my army, but instead you turn your back on your own kind…” Discord said as the air solidified into his head with no body.
“Well you know, dragons are supposed to know no fear, but hey… every creature knows fear….even you Discord.” The red dragon felt the grip get even harder.
“Oh? Tell what is it I have to fear Mr. Red!” Discord said as his head spun in a wheel.
“Spike! Whether you believe it or not he has read the Thu’um…. He knows your secrets Discord. How and what you use to be. It is such a shame when a god falls… the destruction you brought to the Sea and Flutter ponies… How you created Dream Valley, a place of eternal bliss for all, and then damned all creatures to live on this god forsaken rock! And how you granted Tarek…..”
“Do you have a point to any of this, or do you just enjoy stalling” Discord said yawning.
“Oh, no I just enjoy hearing myself talk!” Garbel tried to laugh again, but the sand made it hard to breath.
“Well, as much as I do enjoy your voice, I have reason for being here today. I wish for you to deliver a message to Spike. I could do it myself, but I figure it would be more fun this way. It helps raise questions like; how did I know you were here and did are you still trust worthy. No, knowing Spike, he will still blindly trust you even if you hand him this letter from me.” The winds twirled forming a scroll as big as Garbel.
“So….how did you know I was here anyways? Come on now one likes secret keepers!” The sand around Garbel started to break apart and fall to the ground.
The red dragon caught the letter while opening his wings so he would gently glide to the ground instead of tasting a face full of sand. Once on the ground, he did his best to open the scroll, but it wouldn’t budge.
“You could at least wait for me to leave before trying to read it you know, but either way it is magically sealed and only a true wielder of the flame can open it.” Discard said as he rolled his eyes.
“You know, you still haven’t told me how you found me!” Garbel repeated as he looked up at the sky to see that Discord’s head had vanished.
“Wait, let me get this straight….Discord gave you this letter?” Rapid asked, standing a few feet away from Spike, who sat in his meditation chair, and Garble who stood adjacent to the Rainbow maned stallion.
“Precisely.” The red dragon responded.
“He knew EXACTLY where you were, and when you’d be making your way back here?” The stallion continued.
“I guess so, what do you want, for me to draw you a map?” Garble responded.
“I want the truth dragon! First you go all secret on us, and now you bring back a one on one challenge letter from Discord to Spike!” Rapid yelled as he stomped his hoof on the ground.
“That is enough Rapid!” Horizon said, finally making her presence known as she stepped beside Rapid.
“There is no way you believe this story Horizon?” The cyan stallion asked.
“I can’t deny that the statistics plays far from Garble’s favor here, but Garble has never led us wrong before Spike took his place as leader.” Horizon said as she looked between the pony and the red dragon.
“You can’t be….. Spike, you have been quiet this whole time. Please tell me that you don’t believe this story.” Rapid asked, yet all Spike responded with was the lowering of his eyelids and a simple nod.
“I can’t believe this; no I won’t stand for this! I want the truth Garble, even if I need to beat it out of you!” Rapid said as he took his broad sword’s handle into his mouth and unsheathed it.
“RAPID! What do you think you are doing?” Horizon yelled, as she rushed to step in front of him.
“Move out of the way Horizon, if this is the way Rapid wants it; then I will not deny him.” Garble said as he reduced his physical size to match that of the Cyan pony.
“Spike, stop this!” Horizon called out as she ran over to his side.
“I’m afraid I can’t, while my time here has been brief, I assumed something like this would happen sooner or later. I guess it is appropriate that it is distrust that would cause the two to clash, but I must emit; I believed it would have been me that clashed with Rapid and not Garble.” Spike replied.
“W..why do you say that!” The violet mare questioned.
“Simple, for an organization like ours to survive in this world, we must have trust among each other. Rapid never trusted either of us; he doesn’t trust dragons and was just waiting for a reason to strike. I don’t know Rapids history, but I could tell from the look in his eyes that he is a pony of combat. He is not like you Horizon, your logic and your truths; comes from study and understanding. His truth comes from the battle field and the quickest way to end this is just that.” Spike answered as he watched the two figures that stood before him.
The dragon and pony stood silently, staring into the eyes of the other as seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like hours. After what felt like infinity, Rapid launched himself into the air, spinning, and throwing the blade at the dragon with an incredible amount of force. The blade flew past the dragon, impaling into the ground just a few inches behind Garble. The Pegasus yanked his hoof back, causing a strong highlight to reveal a tiny silver line that connected from his hoof to the hilt of his sword.
Followed by a strange sound, the blade of the sword split in two, each blade fell outward to the sides, yet remained connected at the tip; turning the weapon from a sword into a sword like scythe. With a second powerful yank, Rapid pulled his newly transformed weapon back towards himself with one of the blades coming towards the back of Garble’s neck. The red dragon moved closer to the floor, pulling wings downward just before the blade could connect to him.
“So, that is Retribution….” Horizon mumbled as she started at Rapid fearfully.
“Retribution?” Spike asked.
“An old and powerful relic believed to been magically infused with the power to adapt to any situation needed. When the blade sleeps, it looks like a regular sword, but once awaken, it magical properties can change to even pierce through the toughest of dragon scales. It was the weapon that allowed him to defeat his first dragon and earn his title.” The violet mare replied.
By the time retribution returned the Rapid’s snout, it had reverted back into its natural state, and the shield that sat on his back was now strapped to his left foreleg. He raised his right hand to the hilt of the blade, and hundreds of wires flew from it, completely wrapping around Rapid’s hoof and locking the blade in place allowing him to free his snout. Rapid began to fly in circles around the red dragon like a predator stalking its prey for the final kill.
With a quick turn and Swing of his sword, Rapid creates multiple blades of wind which rained down over the dragon who dodged each blade effortlessly. Each one of Garbles movements was almost as if he was an elegant dancer moving swiftly across a constantly changing stage.
“Interesting, but I’ve seen enough.” Spike said as he closed his eyes once more.
“Really, are you going to stop this before it gets out of hand?” Violet asked with a hopeful expression appearing on her face.
“No, this is something that must be settled between them, but what I know is; this is a fight that Rapid has no chance of winning. If these short demonstrations are any clue to Rapid’s true capabilities then he has a long ways to go before he can take on a Seraph.” Spike replied.
“S…Seraph?” The mare asked before looking back at the scene of action and reaction.
“Oh, so you don’t know? There are two types of dragons, Seraphim or Seraphs and Acolytes. Seraphim are the higher order of dragons that ascended and unlocked the power left to us by our ancestors; my Anuk Ri being a prime example. An Acolyte is a dragon who is still growing, trying to achieve that next level in their life” Spike said as a puff of smoke escaped his nostrils.
“Ok, but why say Rapid doesn’t stand a chance? Why bring it up no…..wait are you saying that Garble is one of these Seraphs?” Violet quickly turned back to Spike.
“Yes, he is a Seraph of Might, unlike me who is a Seraph of Magic. I made a statement during our first doing that in a serious competition of strength, Garble would over power me in seconds. That was me putting it lightly. Garble’s power is known as Mah Gol Mahlov, or in your tongue; Mother Earth’s Embrace. It is quite an ironic power for a flyer really, as long as he remains connected to the planet. He can adsorb its power into him, making his physical strength limitless, and making his body almost indestructible, but only when he is connected to the earth.” Spike said with a chuckle.
“What?” Violet almost yelled as she quickly turned back to the fight that was at hand.
Rapid was no longer in the air, but was standing barely a few feet away from the red dragon and making a constant barrage of slashes and impalement attempts that just kept getting dodged. One attacked caused the dragon to turn away from Rapid, sending Garble’s tail slamming into the Stallion’s shield with enough force that it sent the well-grounded pony sliding all the way to the other end of the chambers.
“Good thing I enchanted that shield with protection magic or that hit would have destroyed that shield.” Voile mumbled out loud as worry started to cover her face again.
“Oh, so not only can you heal, but you can enchant as well? You are quite the versatile Unicorn, you know that, but for now I think it is time we brought an end to this. Garble, Mah Gol Mahlov!” Spike called out.
“Mah Gol Mahlov!” Garble simply replied before taking deep breaths and closing his eyes.
Rapid paid Spike no mind, his only focus was on Garble who had no changed from a defensive reactive stance to a more passive one. Combat was nothing new to Rapid, he knew his strengths and his limitations even if didn’t show them. He was also a fighter warrior who depended more on his base instincts in battle then a long term strategy, and his instincts were telling him that this was the final moment. Rapid unstrapped the shield from his hood with his snout before slinging it off to the side and then holding his blade out directly in front of him.
Retribution started to change once more; this time the blade grew in length, but flattened out in width. It continued to flatten until the edge was sharp as a diamond. Once the physical appearance was done, sparks slowly started to discharge around the blade, moving from the hilt of the blade to its tip. Rapid looked up from his blade to the red dragon who was staring, and waiting for him with glowing white eyes. Without any hesitation, the two launched at each other, each foot step Garble to caused the entire complex to shake as if it was feeling the aftershock of an earthquake.
Once in distance, Rapid unleashed a power thrust with Retribution, aiming directly for Garble’s head, just to have the blade caught in mid swing by the red dragon, and held completely in plaace. Jolts of electricity jumped from the blade into the dragon that seemed completely immune to it, as the two began to stare each other down until finally, Rapid pulled back.
“I see, so you really didn’t lie to us…” Rapid said as he sheathed Retribution.
“Do you finally understand now?” Garble spoke, his voice roared like thunder. “Yes, about this anyways….” The cyan pony replied.
“Hold on, does any creature want to explain what just happened here, because I’m lost now.” Violet yelled out.
“Simple, we spoke through combat; instead of words… just pretend I said some deep, proverbial bull crap so we can move onto the next topic at hand.” Garble answered sarcastically.
“Yea, like who is going to fix those cut marks in my chamber floor.” Spike added.
“Really, you to Spike?” Violet asked disappointed a little.
“I’ll tell you when this meeting ends.” Rapid said as he flew over to them.
“Now onto our next order of business, I didn’t mean to keep this from you all, but the reason for my trip to the bad land.” Gatble said as his voice returned to normal.
“Well, wasn’t it to meet with your contact?” Spike questioned.
“That, and to, well re-establish an old relationship with an old flame of mine. You see the contact and flame are one in the shame. She can be an incredible ally and just what we need to fight our enemies, but you guys need to trust me.” Grable said, as he returned to his usual height.
“Of course my friend, do you mind telling us who this mysteries lady of yours is?” Spike asked with anticipation.
“I was hoping to keep it quiet a while longer but there is no denying it. It is Chrystalis the changeling queen herself.” Garble said as everyone in the room just stood there staring for countless minutes.
“I’m sorry Garble, I must have water in my ear, because it sounded like you said that it was Queen Chrysalis.” Violet was the first to respond.
“No, you heard right.” Grable replied,
“Well, it is obvious we stopped this fight too soon, because you need some sense knocked into you,” Rapid said as he reached for retribution once more.
“Garble, I don’t even know where to begin….” Spike replied.
“You don’t need to, you know.. She isn’t so bad if you take your time to get to know her without fear.” Garbe stated.
