> Crest of Hope
>  by Von-Dragonblade
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


It is a cold, hard truth that each and every man must work out his own salvation in the matter of Success. Rules and advice may greatly assist -- and they undoubtedly do this -- but the individual must accomplish the real work. He must carve out his own Destiny.
~ William Walker Atkinson










BGM 1

Deep within the forest of the swamp town known as Hollow Shades, two bodies; A dragon and a pony, stood together side by side as they looked on into the distance. The two of them began to engage in conversation with each other. 

"Are you quite certain this is what you want to do?" One of them asked. It was the dragon. It was male, gentle and elderly.

"I leave him in your care....I trust you." The pony replied. It was clearly a stallion as his voice was gruff and commanding, but it had a hint of worry mixed in. To his side was a steel sword. Its handle was embedded with jewels and the blade had been worn out. The stallion stepped away from the old dragon and did not once look back.  The sun had set and the wind blew gently against the treetops as tension filled the air.

"Very well. I will guard him with my life. Different though he may be, I make this promise to you. Goodbye, Ignus..." The dragon said. The stallion nodded without looking to his companion.

"Farewell, my friend." Ignus said as he ran off. In the midst of this, two more figures, a dragon as tall as the elderly one and a small child had stepped forward. It seemed as though they witnessed the conversation between the two friends.

"Mom? What's going on?" The child asked. It was male, but it was clearly the voice of a child no less than 7 years of age. The dragoness looked down at the child and smiled sadly, gently rubbing his head.

"It's nothing, sweetie. Your father has just...decided to go on a trip." The dragoness said. The colt looked to its mother with worry.

"When is he coming back?" He asked. The elderly male got wind of his words and turned to face the two.

"He will not be coming back anytime soon, young one." He said as he walked forward.

"Who are you?" the child asked. He tilted his head to the side, showing that he was confused as he never met him before. The elderly male chuckled.

"You may call me Eldrich. I am a friend of your father's." The elderly male introduced himself. The child stepped behind its mother and hid his face. He was scared of Eldrich as his size intimidated him and he was not familiar with him at all. The mother could only look to her child and smile.

"Please forgive him. He's a shy one." She apologized. Eldrich smiled.

"It's quite alright. Aren't you a cute little thing. What's your name?" Eldrich said, directing his attention back to the child. The colt said nothing and kept himself hidden behind his mother.

"It's alright, sweetie. Tell him your name." The mother said, urging her child from his hiding place. The child fidgeted in place for a moment before he looked up at Eldrich. Gathering his courage, he opened his mouth to speak.


"....M-my name is...."






Intro











Crest of Hope





Chapter 1


BGM 2

"...on....Von....Von, snap out of it, will ya?!" The young dragon came to his senses as he was tackled to the ground by a maroon-colored dragon with yellow spikes and freckles.

"Ha! Gotcha, wimp! Maybe next time you'll learn to pay attention instead of day dreaming." The teenage dragon mocked. Von Dragonblade, the young dragon pinned to the ground, had a teal body with a yellow underbelly and orange hair on the tip of his tail. He brought his feet to his chest and kicked up, knocking the teenage dragon off him before getting back on his feet.

"That's enough, Garble. You know how much I hate rough housing with you!" Von declared. Four dragons came to Garble's side as they helped up their fierce companion and faced the young dragon. "I'm not going to continue." Von turned and walked away from them as Garble and his friends stood there and laughed at him.

"Go ahead and leave, runt! Go and dream about living with some namby pamby ponies. You'll never be a true dragon if you're hanging with ponies." Garble said with a mocking laughter. Von ignored him and went on his way. But it was true. Von was not like Garble and the other dragons. Unlike these dragons, who had a distinct hatred towards the ponies in the land of Equestria, Von was actually quite fascinated with them. Being a former resident of Equestria, he knew plenty about its landscape but not about its inhabitants: The Equestrians. He wanted to know more about them. How they lived, WHERE they lived, what they ate, what they did and what they celebrated. With this kind of behavior, Von was never thought of as a real dragon. Though Von was never like the other dragons to begin with. 

Von was a rather clumsy flier and had a bit of a distaste for gems, though he had to eat something to keep himself alive. But there was also one little detail that made Von even more different than his brethren: his father was an Earth Pony. That's right. Von is the half breed child to a pony father and a dragon mother. How in Equestria that was actually possible, Von had no idea and he wanted it to stay that way. With these in mind, Von was considered the misfit of dragon kind. But there were three dragons that always stood by Von's side, even knowing what he wanted. And today was his 20th birthday and he planned on getting his wish.

"Hey, Von!" A dragon called to him as he rested by a rock. It was a yellow dragon with black spikes and a purple underbelly. Accompanying him was a white-scaled dragon with blue eyes and an ice-blue underbelly to match. The two came up to their kirin companion and sat beside him. "Got into another fight with Garble, huh?"

"Right as usual, huh Axel?" Von said in a sarcastic tone. Axel laughed as the white dragon began to speak.

"You should not let what they say get to you. Their words are meaningless but if you let them get to you, then their words can become weapons." Von sighed and looked to his snowy friend.

"Always gotta spit out some kind of philosophy, don'tchu Arcius?" Von got back onto his feet and proceeded to walk away from them until they grabbed his arm and stepped in front of him to keep him from walking away. "What now?"

"Von, you've been acting a little weird. Mind telling us what's going on?" Arcius asked. His tone was one of worry and concern. Arcius normally had a calm demeanor, a mind as clear as the sky. But the moment his tone changes, it's best not to mess with him or even hide anything from him.

"What, did Garble say something about your parents? Where is he?! I'll rip him apart." Axel yelled as he started to march off, but Arcius grabbed him and held him back to prevent any conflict from occurring. Axel was a more hot-headed kind of dragon. Not as a joke because he was a fire dragon, but due to his temper. Axel was easy to anger and difficult to calm down. But deep down inside, he was actually a real softy. He liked things like bunnies, clouds and sunny skies. But he never told that to any other dragon about that except for Von and Arcius. Or rather, they found it out themselves and have kept it a secret since they did.

"No. He said nothing about my parents...at least, not today." Von said. "He just made fun of my attraction to ponies. That's all." Von turned and walked away from his friends but suddenly bumped into another dragon. Like Axel, Arcius and Garble, this dragon stood on two legs. It was a female dragon with large breasts and a slender figure. Her scales were a dark purple, complete with white spikes and a yellow underbelly. She had a tomboyish air about her and her stare made it pretty obvious when she looked down at Von, who was staring back at her.

"Hey, baby. Like what you see?" She asked in a sultry tone. Von just looked away from her, a blush burning on his face.

"Shut up, Cynder. I'm not interested anymore." Von said. Cynder giggled and placed a claw on one of his shoulders as she twirled around Von, causing him to turn around.

"Aw come on. You don't want any of this anymore?" She asked, pouting. She quickly smiled and did a few poses, occasionally lifting her tail and exposing her rounded buttocks to him. Von looked only for a second before he turned his head away in embarrassment.

"I-I'm not interested anymore, ok?! I told you before. It's over between us." Von declared. His ex-girlfriend just looked at him in amazement. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Von, the half-breed freak, was rejecting her. HER, of all dragons. Her anger reaching to a boiling point, Cynder glared at him and turned away.

"Fine. If that's the way you want it, then I don't need you either. Why don't you go chasing after those ponies you love so much?" She hissed. Von sighed and walked back over to his friends, looking back at her on the way.

"Sorry. I just....don't like you that way anymore." Von told her.

"Please! This coming from the dragon that tried fucking me in my sleep when his heat cycle came around." Cynder retorted. "Fine. Go chasing after some horse's ass for the rest of your life. See if I care." She huffed and with those final words, she left the trio. Arcius stared at Von for a few seconds until his gaze diverted to the departing dragoness, along with Von and Axel's.

"Axel....I don't mean to be rude....but your sister is an ass." Von said to his yellow companion. Axel nodded in response.

"I have no idea how you were able to survive her." Arcius chuckled at Axel's comment.

"Perhaps the same can be said of you." The white dragon laughed as Axel began chasing him around, their halfling friend laughing at their antics. These two were the closest friends Von had ever had in his time up on the mountain. Around them, he could freely tell them about his dreams or what he studied about Equestria's residents. But there was one more dragon that understood him more than anyone. The three of them kept horsing around when at that moment, the sound of footsteps caught their attention. The footsteps grew louder as the source of them got closer. The three of them turned to see another female dragon, this one being an adult, standing over them. It had scales of a smokey silver color and a creamy white underbelly. It's expression was a motherly one at that and had an aura of peace and  tranquility about her.

"Hello boys." The silver dragoness greeted. Axel and Arcius bowed their heads and the dragoness did the same before she turned towards Von and smiled at him. "Are the other dragons still making fun of you for liking ponies, sweetie?" She took her claws and grabbed Von, nuzzling the kirin in her bosom, causing him to blush and try to push her away.

"Mom! Come on! I'm not a kid anymore." Von whined. "But yes...they were. They keep making fun of me because of the way I look and because you and I are pony lovers. It's starting to get really old." Von kicked a rock on the ground and walked to the edge of the mountain and sat beside a small gem pile and among that pile was a book.

"Boys, can you leave us alone for a bit?" His mother asked. Axel and Arcius nodded in agreement and walked away to give the mother some time with her kirin child. After they left, Von's mother walked near the edge and sat by the gem pile. "Is something the matter?"

BGM 3

"Mom...How can you deal with it?" Von asked, nearly tearing up.

"Deal with what, sweetheart?" She replied. Von looked at her with red, tear-filled eyes.

"Deal with....this! This life we're living here among the other dragons. They keep ridiculing me just because I don't have an attraction for dragons and calling you a 'Pony loving whore of a mother', all because I'm...because I'm a freak!" Von exclaimed, pointing to himself. "Why did I have to be born....." Von's mother sighed and wrapped one of her wings around her child.

"You were born because we WANTED you, Von." She reassured him. "All the dragons around me and the ponies around your father believe that dragons and ponies should not be with one another, limiting who we are allowed to love. Believing that it is a sin for dragons and ponies to procreate with one another. With that I guess you could say a wall was put up between our races, keeping us from trying to understand one another and learn to love each other. But your father and I wished to climb that wall and prove that there is nothing sinful about our love." She smiled and patted Von's head gently, causing him to blush but he managed to smile back up at her. She gently took his hand in her own and nuzzled his cheek. "That is how you were made. You are the proof that our love is anything but sinful. You are the fruit of our union; Our hope."

"I understand that, mom. I really do. But....I just want them to understand my ways. I want them to see WHY I like the ponies so much." Von got up from his resting spot and stepped towards the gem pile and picked up the book that was resting atop of it. Von stared intently at the book which was titled, Daring Do and the quest for the sapphire statue and smiled at it. "We're no different from the ponies. They just can't see it like I can. This book shows the adventurous life of one such pony. If ponies are actually tough enough to do some pretty dangerous things, then who knows what else they can do? I want to know more about them. How they live, where they live, what they eat, where they sleep. Everything they do that makes up the life of a pony. I'm sick of living only like a dragon!" Von huffed. "I'm part pony, so it's only right that I see the lifestyle of the other half." His mother smiled at him and she held him close to her, but they were soon interrupted by another presence.

"Don't tell me he's still going on about this little fantasy of his." A male voice called out. It was a deep, stern voice. Von turned his head in anger and saw two more dragons approach them. An adult dragon with lavender scales and a tan underbelly. He had a scar over his left eye, giving off the idea that it must have been in a few scrapes. The other dragon was quite odd. He was black with a purple underbelly. He was around Von's age given the fact it was the same size, if not taller than, the teen dragons on the mountain. But what was so odd about this dragon was that it brandished a steel sword, complete with a chest plate with matching leggings while the others wore no armor. "Silva, you spoil him too much." The lavender dragon said. Silva sighed and took her wing away from Von.

"I would ask that you do not criticize how I raise my child, Konan. Do not forget that I was willing to become your mate for the sake of my child and yours. So that we would have a whole family." Silva said.

"You became my mate because I TRIUMPHED over you. Nova you recall that, don't you?" The black dragon nodded his head to his father.

"Yes, father." Von looked to the dragon called Konan and growled. Von hated this dragon more than anything, for two reasons. Reason one was that this dragon constantly treated his mother like garbage and stomped all over Von's dream of going to Equestria. But reason two was the one that Von got irritated by the most; Konan was attempting to replace his father. Von did not like this one bit and he constantly urged his mother to leave Konan behind, but there was a reason that could not happen and that was the fact that Konan had 'earned' Silva as a mate. Or more along the lines, he won her. In their culture, the female dragons will only choose a strong mate and as such, other males will compete to earn the favor of said female. 

Should the male lose, the female will not acknowledge him and her attention will be earned by the victor. However, there is one other portion to this. Should a male emerge victorious and earn the female's attention, he must also compete with the female for the right to take her as a mate. Upon winning, the female will submit and become his mate. However, if the male loses, the female will deem him as weak and not become his mate. In addition to that, she will deem him only worthy of being humiliated because of how weak he is and humiliate him by turning him into her plaything.

"Be grateful that I am still willing to keep you two around....even if one is a pony lover and the other is her demon spawn." Konan hissed. Silva glared at him in return.

"My son is not 'demon spawn'. He is a child like any other dragon here and you know this!" She yelled.

"Don't you dare talk back to me!!!" Konan yelled back in response and he took his claw back and smacked Silva to the ground. A red imprint of his claw marked Silva's cheek and just seeing that made Von's anger boil. "Why don't you go chase that pony you love? Oh wait. You can't because that coward left you. Fitting for a wretch like him."

"My father is no coward!!!" Von yelled, standing up. "My father is a strong, brave pony and you better learn to respect him." Konan looked down at the kirin and narrowed his eyes in irritation.

"You better watch your tongue, little one." He said, taking a step towards him. He took one of his claws and grabbed Von by his throat, causing the young halfling to choke and gag and drop the book he had in his claw so he could force Konan to release his grip. Konan caught the book and brought it closer to his eye so he could read it. "A pony book?! Tsk. Nova. Burn it." He held his claw out to his son who turned and observed the book and without any further command, set the book ablaze. Von watched in horror as the only thing he had from Equestria burned before his eyes. Konan released the half breed, causing him to fall onto his back but he scrambled to his feet and went over to the book.

"No no no! Please go out!" Von shouted as he started breathing wind at the flames. Von's mother, Silva, was a wind dragon. As such, she possesses an elemental breath like all other dragons. Hers being wind. She and Von, though he is a half breed, are the only wind dragons left alive. That being the case, Von also possesses the wind elemental breath as well. When Von let loose his breath on the fire, the flames roused up and grew in size until they went out upon reaching the dirt and the book was no more than ashes. Konan scoffed and began to walk away from them, but not before turning his head to speak once more.

"Perhaps next time you'll learn to respect your father." He said. "Come, Nova." Nova nodded his head and started to walk off with his father.

".....You're....not....." Von muttered. Konan stopped walking and turned back to the kirin.

"What was that?" He asked in a stern tone. Von didn't lift his head to look at him.

"You're not my father....." Von muttered a little clearer. Konan stepped closer to him and lowered his head to Von's level.

"Didn't quite catch that." Konan said. Von then looked up at him with slit eyes that were filled with sheer anger.

"I SAID, YOU'RE NOT MY FATHER, ASSHOLE!!!" Von shouted. Before Konan could even blink, Von turned around and bucked his hooves into Konan's good eye, causing the colossal beast to reel back in agony. Silva watched in astonishment and this commotion earned the attention of all the other dragons around them.

"NOVA!!!" Konan shouted. "Get him!!!" Nova nodded his head and unsheathed his sword and held it to his step brother. Von got into a defensive stance, ready to receive Nova's attack.

"I'm not going to hold back, little halfling." Nova told him. Von didn't answer him. Taking that as his proof of resolve, Nova lunged at Von and cleaved his blade. Von ducked under the sword strike and swung at Nova's face. He dodged it, but he managed to nick his cheek. Nova grew angry by this and began to swing his sword wildly in a fit of rage. Von easily dodged his attacks as the attack pattern was very predictable and kicked the sword out of his claws and socked Nova in his chin sending the sword-wielding drake flying back into his father's chest, tumbling them both over.

"My name is Von Dragonblade, son of Ignus and Silva! Yes, I love ponies and my mother is a pony-loving dragon! Yeah, I'm different from all of you! Yeah, I hardly look a thing like you! And sure, maybe I don't like doing things the same way as you, tut I don't care about all of that." Von proclaimed. "I want to learn more about them, my father and the land that I am originally from and show you all that we're no different than the rest of them. And there's only one way that I will be able to do that!" Von then climbed up onto a rocky edge and looked back to all the dragons. "I'm going back to Equestria." Konan, hearing this, shoved his son off him and stood back up.

"If you leave this mountain, you will not be permitted back here. You hear me?!" He shouted. Axel, Arcius, Cynder and Silva looked to Von. He had a sad expression on his face and Silva knew why: Von was going to choose to leave the mountain and seek a new life, even if it meant that he would never be allowed back on the mountain again. He looked to his mother for an answer, but she gave him a smile. She didn't need to say anything for him to know what she was thinking. Go ahead, Von. Live your life. That's what her smile was saying to him. Without any instruction or further motivation, Von opened his wings and dove off the edge of the mountain. Konan and Von's friends ran to the edge of the mountain and they saw the young kirin shoot up into the sky and fade into the distance.

Von looked back towards the mountain and could only see small figures of the dragons. None of them gave chase and none of them protested, but he could hear the distinct sound of his friends whooping and cheering him on. He smiled and looked back to the way ahead of him and saw something on the ocean. It was far away, but he knew it was land. Ahead of him lay his destination: Equestria, home of the ponies and his birthplace. The moment he would land there, his new life would begin. He finally took his first step towards a new future, for this day marked Von's journey of hope and discovery.
















Chapter 1-End

> A Dragon in Pony's clothing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

A spry young child pranced about his home, his dragon mother smiling and attempting to calm him down the best she could. It was of little use, but the mother enjoyed seeing her little one be so happy and carefree. She knew the reason why he was so excited was that his father would be arriving soon, and he had been expecting him for quite some time.

"Daddy's coming home! Daddy's finally coming home!" The young kirin shouted happily. The dragoness smiled and grabbed her child's tail and picked him up, placing him in her lap. Once he was set down, he hugged her arm and smiled.

"I am aware of this, Von. But please calm down. Your father would get mad at you if you broke something." Silva said to him. Von smiled and his tail wagged slightly as he stopped laughing and looked at her.

"But I wanna play. Daddy promised we'd play when he came home." The young Von whined. "But I can't think of anything to play with him. Maybe we can play some hide and seek?" At that moment, the door opened and a stallion stepped inside. His coat was a dark blue and he was brandishing a steel sword, hidden within its sheathe that hung to his left side. He had hazel brown eyes and a blonde mane and though he seemed like a fighter, he had a gentle air about him.

"I'm afraid I don't have the energy for hide and seek, sport." The blue stallion said, addressing the young kirin. Von's ears perked up when he saw the stallion and his mother smiled upon seeing the stallion.

"Daddy!!!" Von shouted with glee as he jumped off his mother's lap and galloped towards his father.

"Nice to see you, t--OOF!!!" The stallion couldn't get the rest of his words out as Von had tackled his father to the floor and rested his hand on his chest.

"You're late." Von said as he started to pout. The stallion smiled nervously as his dragoness lover stepped forward and smiled at the two of them.

"Seems you made him mad, Ignus." Silva teased. "What are you going to do about it?" Ignus chuckled and lifted their child off of him so that he could get back up on his feet. Silva grabbed her lover's head and pulled it to hers, kissing his lips and the act caused their son to gag.

"BLEGH!!!! GROSS!!!" Von whined as he covered his eyes. The two lovers laughed at their son and broke apart from one another.

"I do apologize, sweetums. I met up with some of the guys and we had a few rounds before I went to visit an old friend." Ignus explained. Silva grinned at the mention of 'an old friend' and nuzzled Ignus' cheek.

"How is he doing?"

"He's doing quite well actually. He told me that he's recently become the new Dragon King."

"Dragon King? Hmph. He may be a leader, but nobody leads me." Silva huffed. Ignus smiled and rubbed her cheek.

"Well you certainly have no problem when I take lead." He said teasingly. A blush came to Silva's face and she looked over to Von, who was scooting along the floor in boredom.

"Ignus, please. Not in front of Von. He's too young to hear of such things." She whispered. Ignus laughed loudly at her embarrassment.

"I wasn't even talking about that. I meant something else. Seems someone has naughty thoughts in her head." Ignus teased. Silva huffed, a small gust emitting from her nostrils as she turned and picked Von up and put him in front of his father. Ignus smiled at patted Von's head, causing the little kirin to smile at him. "Come on, sport. Let's go play some Dragon's Treasure." Von smiled and started to run outside.

"You won't find my gems this time, dad! Come on, mom. We can't let him win!" Von shouted. Silva giggled and followed after her child, Ignus following shortly behind. The three of them were like the perfect family. Laughing, eating and playing together, things seemed to look up for them. To them, nothing would ever be able to separate them. Until that one fateful day.....



Von roused from his sleep and looked around. He was sleeping on a patch of land on the ocean, the sun was rising and a new day was beginning for him.

"Another dream....." Von laughed to himself. He got up and stretched, scratching his head as he thought of the past.  "We were really happy back then. We never wanted anything bad to happen. But then...on that day...." Von bit his lip, holding back his sadness and turned to face the sun. "Nevermind that. Right now, this is an important moment for me. And i'm not going to let the past ruin it for me."


Chapter 2


BGM 2

Von spread his wings and took flight, leaving behind the patch of land that he rested upon and set his sights for his goal. It was much closer now than it was before as it took Von a full day just to get as close to Equestria as he'd gotten. On his way, a streak of yellow and blue flew past him, causing him to spin around in mid-air.

"Watch where you're going!!" The streak yelled back to him. It was hard to make out what it was, but the voice was clearly female. Von wanted to inquire who that was, but he didn't want to waste anymore time and continued flying towards Equestria. Given the high speed of a young wind dragon, even with that minor distraction, about 25 minutes went by until Von finally landed in Equestrian territory. He knew the way to Equestria very well, that being because he snuck over to Equestria when his step-father Konan was away. When he landed, he started to travel on foot, going down a path he took during his first visit.

"Doesn't seem like much has changed." Von said to himself. "But still, it feels good to be back. I feel more at home here." He smiled and continued on his way. Though he lived in Equestria once, he was isolated to one area. As such, he didn't know much about the other towns or cities. Hollow Shades was a more dark and murky area compared to the rest of Equestria. His old home was within the forest depths and in what seemed to be a swamp, so the sun was barely able to shine through. Given that fact and how some ponies reacted to his presence, Von was not able to go very far out from his home without his parents. But now that he was an adult, Von could see all the places that he never got the chance to as a child.

Von continued walking for a time, taking in the sights around him. Some of the sights were beautiful and breathtaking, while others were frightful and would make anyone run in terror. But Von enjoyed it nonetheless and went on his way.

"Let's see....the last time I was here," Von muttered, observing the area around him as he continued forward. "I passed that giant gorge and came through the bog. So I think I'm--" Von stopped suddenly when the sound of growls echoed from behind him. Von knew three distinct growling sounds in his lifetime: the growl of an angry dragon, the growl of his own empty stomach and the growl of a sleeping dragon. But this one was completely different. It was a malicious growl, one that was full of hunger. When Von turned around, he saw three wolves glaring at him with their glowing green eyes. But these weren't any ordinary wolves. They were made of wood, with leaves for eyebrows and tongues and branches for ears. "In that creepy forest." Von swallowed hard and started to back away as the strange Timberwolves crept closer to him. Von continued to back away until he backed into a tree, preventing him from retreating any further.

Von internally cursed at himself and brought his attention back to the Timberwolves. They drew nearer and Von's heart began racing. Von had to think of something quick. He wasn't able to run nor could he find some way to get around them. Immediately, Von knew what choice he had left and though he wasn't on the mountain anymore, he had some experience with this kind of thing.

BGM 3

"Looks like I have to fight." Von declared to the Timberwolves. Von balled his fists and prepared himself to attack. As if they understood him the wolves crouched low, ready to attack. Von initially did the same thing and charged at them and the wolves charged back. One of the wolves leaped towards Von, catching the kirin's attention and earning itself a swipe from Von's tail. It shattered, its fallen branches clattering on the forest floor defeated, as Von quickly turned and face the other two. One had leaped before he looked back and its sharp wooden teeth bit into his shoulder. 

Von cried out in pain as its teeth sunk further into his coat as the other clawed his side. Von growled in anger and with a swing of his fist, he smashed the wolf that clawed him into pieces. He then wrapped his tail around the wolf biting him and swiftly yanked it off, wincing as the teeth scrapped the wound. The wolf gathered its bearings and turned to him with a growl as it lunged forward at him once again, but he quickly stepped to the side with a smile. "Come on. Is that all you got?" Von taunted with a cocky grin. Seemingly affected by his taunting, the wolf made a mad dash for him and leaped, its claws extended as it tried to take him down. But Von reacted much too quick for the wild beast and with a strong right hook, the kirin smashed the timberwolf to pieces. Looking around him in a triumphant manner, Von smiled and turned away from the shattered bodies of the Timberwolves and proceeded onward.

"Well that was easy." He said to himself. He continued to walk away from the scene, dusting his hands off, when he suddenly stopped. A chilling wind blew past him and a shiver ran up his spine. Nothing was approaching him from any end and nothing lied before his path except for the trees. So that only left him with one other thing. He turned his head slowly to find a remarkable sight. The branches from the fallen Timberwolves began combining on one another each forming a separate body part until finally a new Timberwolf, one of colossal size, stood in place of the three fallen ones. Von could only stare in awe at the ferocious beast until its eyes set on its new prey: Him.

"Oh....merde." Von swore and faster than the eye could blink, Von flew up to the sky and away from the wolf. He looked back once to see if the colossal beast was chasing him, but it didn't. Once he knew he was far enough away, Von landed on the ground. But when he looked around, he noticed something different. The number of trees around him had grown thinner and ahead of him was a bright light. Now ordinarily, one would not head towards the light at the end of a tunnel, lest they never come back. But in Von's case, he did but that was mostly because he knew he wasn't dead. He kept going forward, the light growing brighter with each step until finally......

BGM 4

"Wow." Von whispered to himself as he took in the beauty before his eyes.





Before him was the epicenter of the pony community: Ponyville. Von had heard about this place when he was young, but he never thought he'd see it until today. There were ponies of various size, race and color wandering around town. (Not to mention all the gorgeous mares) There was a unicorn using what he believed to be magic to levitate some materials, and oddly another pony, and take them with her. The houses were quite modern looking and had unique designs to them. There were so many interesting things around him. Flower shops, a fountain, earth ponies, a baby dragon, a blonde-maned pegasus, weather ponies laying down on some clouds and--

"Wait. A baby dragon?" Von's attention darted back towards the unicorn he saw and just like he witnessed, there was a baby dragon traveling alongside her. It was purple with green spikes and was quite chubby. Von was interested in this little guy not just because he hoped to have another dragon companion, but it was also because he KNEW this dragon.

Back during the Great Dragon Migration, Von and his mother had left their home in Hollow Shades to forget the pain of parting with Ignus. The two of them traveled to Dragon Mountain and made that their new home. After Konan had made Silva into his mate, Von left with the other dragons during the migration. Some time after his arrival, Von had met Garble and the others in addition to his companions, Axel and Arcius. After he spent time with them, Von noticed something. Garble and his gang were picking on a little dragon that went by the name of Spike. Or at least that's what he heard them call him. He watched as they bullied and teased him to the point where he tried to stop him. But before he could, someone he knew very well had stopped him. It was Elder Eldrich, his father's companion and the new dragon king that had stopped him. Eldrich was aware of Von's personal dislike for confrontation and informed him that things would turn out well if he let it be. Reluctantly Von gave in and listened to him and in the process, he got to meet up with his father's old friend.

Now that Von was older and was living a new life, he could now interact with the baby dragon without any problems. While the other ponies around him weren't paying attention, Von went around one of the houses and tailed after the purple dragon. However, one of the ponies caught a glimpse of his tail. It was a unicorn mare with a mint-green coat, a pale cyan and white-striped mane and orange eyes. On her rear, just under her skirt, was a lyre-shaped Cutie Mark which completed her appearance. The skirt was white and she sported a black tank, just barely holding back her cleavage. 

She got up from the spot she was in and began to investigate until another mare, an earth pony, stopped her. She had a beige colored coat with a blue and pink-striped mane and icy blue eyes, complete with a Cutie mark depicting three pieces of candy. She was wearing yellow blouse which covered a pair of blue shorts that hugged her ass tightly. But she didn't seem to mind much.

"Lyra, where are you going?" The beige pony asked. The unicorn, known as Lyra, looked back to her companion and with a smile as she gently placed a hand on her shoulder before turning away.

"I'll be right back, Bon Bon. Don't worry." Lyra assured her friend as she went on her way. Bon Bon looked to her unicorn companion as she departed with a look of worry.

"I hope she doesn't get herself involved in any weird stuff. ...Or with weird ponies." Bon Bon let out a sigh and went off on her own, hoping her friend wouldn't get herself into any trouble.




Von continued to tail Spike and his two pony friends, hiding from their sight in any way he could the moment he believed he'd get spotted. As he kept following them he eventually reached a building, a rather fancy one at that, and witnessed his targets go inside. Not wanting to get caught, Von crept around the other side and peered through an open window and when he looked inside, his mouth went agape. 

The inside was breath-taking as the decor was beautifully arranged, there were designs and mannequins all over, wrapping paper and other tools were neatly arranged or tucked away and in the center of the room was Spike and his friends. He noticed that the white mare was moving her mouth, but Von couldn't hear a thing. Cleaning out his ear with his claw, he leaned closer and listened in.

"And I very much thank you, Spike, for helping me with these supplies." Rarity said. Spike smiled at her with a lovestruck expression.

"Anything for you, Rarity~" He said. Rarity smiled nervously and turned her head away from the infatuated dragon and this display intrigued Von.

So mom isn't the only dragon that is in love with a pony, huh?, he thought. He observed the two ponies, his eyes sizing them up and analyzing them. I want to find that very special someone of my own while I'm here. I'm sure there's one somewhere. I just need to find her.

"So, Rarity. Whatcha making today? Are you making new dresses? Can you make one for me like you did before the gala?! I want it to be my own design. But what would I want on it? Hmm. Oh i know! Maybe candy! Or balloons! Or streamers! Or maybe glitter! Maybe some confetti! Or lollipops! Oh wait.That's candy." Pinkie Pie spouted, giggling at her own silliness. Von sat there, observing the pink pony and shook his head.

No. Too bubbly. I like a girl who's cheerful, but that goes beyond my limits, he thought. His attention turned to Rarity, who seemed quite befuddled by the party pony's manner of speech before she went about her work. That one seems too snooty. I don't really like girls like that. I bet she's the kind of pony that overreacts to just about everything. As he said that, Rarity let out a loud gasp and dropped what she was doing.

"Oh dear Celestia! It's not here!" She panicked. Spike looked at her in confusion.

"What's not there?" The baby dragon asked. Rarity levitated cloth after cloth, frantically looking around for something until she put it all down.

"A very VERY special material that only gets put in stock once a year and it was vital for a new design I had in mind! It's probably off the shelves by now and now I won't be able to get any!! My dress is ruined!!!" She pulled up a chair and dropped back into it and started sobbing. "RU-HOO HOO-INED!!!!"

"Aw come on, Rarity. I'm sure it'll be fine." Pinkie Pie reassured her. Rarity stopped sobbing and jumped up from her chair and stared at her pink friend.

"How can you say that?! This dress was going to be one of my finest and now I can't complete it. This is horrible. Of all the worst things, this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING!!!!" She exclaimed. Von stared in amazement, unsure of what to say about the situation.

Called it. he thought. "Well I've seen all i wanted to see. Now, to head back into Ponyville and--" The moment Von turned around to leave, he saw Lyra standing behind him with the most peculiar stare on her face. It was one of amazement and confusion. He watched as her eyes scanned his whole body. A body covered in fur yet with a very dragonesque, dragon eyes, dragon wings and a dragon's tail. These were the things about Von that caught her attention, but then again the fact he was looking into someone's house would've caught the attention of anybody besides her. Her eyes trailed up until they locked onto his. Gazing into each others eyes, they widened in shock upon a sudden realization.

BGM 5

"IT'S YOU!!!" They both yelled. Upon the both of them yelling at the top of their lungs, Rarity's ears twitched and she looked back towards the window of Carousel Boutique.

"Is someone there?" She called out. Von looked back nervously to the window and began to panic, desperate not to get caught. He had a choice. Either take his chances having gotten seen by this mare or get caught spying by the other one. Von took a risk and covered the green unicorn's muzzle and dove into an alley with her. She struggled and kicked as Von kept her pinned to the wall until one of her feet made contact with his legs and he held it in pain, forcing him to let go of her and stumble backwards. Then by means of some invisible force, Von was forced against the wall of the alley and was held in place with his feet off the ground. Lyra glared at him, her horn glowing with the same magic aura that held him in place.

"Why are you back here, thief?!" She asked. Von blinked and stared at her.

"Who are you calling a thief?!" He quipped. Lyra's glare grew more furious and her magic pushed Von further into the wall.

"I'm talking to the pony...dragon....THING that stole my book!!!" She retorted. Von struggled a bit and looked at her.

"What book?"

"My Daring Do book, of course!" She screeched. Von stared at her for a good minute before realizing what she was talking about.

Oh yeah. The Daring Do book I got was hers. She WAS the first pony I met when I came here, he thought. If she didn't freak out from seeing me, she would've kept the book. "Hold on! I mean no harm. I can explain everything. Just...please let me down. I hate magic!" He yelled. Lyra saw his eyes fill with fright and reluctantly, she released her magic and he landed in front of her.

"I'm listening." She said. Von chuckled nervously and looked at her.

"Um....can we go somewhere more private? Like...I don't know, your house maybe?" He asked. Lyra groaned and turned away, waving her hoof signalling for him to follow as they walked together. Upon reaching Lyra's home, Von took his time to explain to the unicorn his exact reason for coming to Equestria and why he looks the way he does.

"You're a dragon-pony.....wanting to try and be like a normal pony?" She asked. She tilted her head in confusion, trying to understand Von's statement and the kirin nodded his head in response to this.

"I'm a Kirin, but that's right. I wanna learn how to be a normal pony. To blend in and see what it's like to live like one. But it's hard for me to do that because I'm....well....this." Von said, pointing to himself. Lyra shook her head and sighed.

"I'll say. I thought that dragons and ponies mating was some kind of sin or something." She told him, causing Von's eyes to widen in shock. "Oh well. I SUPPOSE I can help you--" Upon hearing her say that, Von lunged forward and hugged Lyra tightly.

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!!" He exclaimed, tightening his grip. Lyra struggled to free herself without the use of magic, but to no avail. Instead, she waited for Von to realize that he was hugging too tightly, which he didn't notice until a few seconds passed and let go of her.

"Don't do that again." She hissed. Von nodded his head in agreement and backed away from her until suddenly, his ears twitched when he heard a voice call out.

"Lyra!!!" A female voice yelled. Lyra turned to her window and looked outside to see the beige Earth pony looking at her. "Come on! We're gonna be late!"

"Just a minute!" Lyra replied. She moved away from the window and turned her attention back to Von. "Listen....um..."

"Von."

"Von....Listen, I'm going to be taking my marefriend out somewhere, ok? So just stay here for awhile." She said. Von nodded and Lyra proceeded to go out the door until she glanced back at him. "And don't touch anything!" With that, she shut the door and walked away with her Earth pony companion, leaving Von alone in her house.

"Well.....I guess there's only one thing left to do now," He said as he walked upstairs and into Lyra's bedroom and plopped on the bed, "and that's sleep." And as he said that, the young kirin drifted off to sleep, regaining his energy so that he could be prepared for the next day. Because when he'd wake up, he would start to live like any normal stallion.....................
























Chapter 2-End

> Pony Ethics 101
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Here I come!!!" Von shouted as he charged headlong at Eldrich. The elderly dragon smiled and and prepared to counter-attack. however Von slowed his charge suddenly. He lifted his head back and opened his mouth. After taking a deep breath, he unleashed a small ball of fire from his mouth that shot towards Eldrich. Eldrich moved his head to the side and turned to the blast as it hit a tree behind him and burned it to ash.

BGM 1

"Splendid work, young one." Eldrich said, praising the young kirin for his efforts. Von blushed and kicked his foot against the ground.

"Aww. I didn't do much really." Von replied. The two males conversed with one another about their sparring session when a silver dragoness came up to them, greeting the two with a warm grin.

"Is his training complete?" Silva asked. Eldrich chuckled.

"Yes. For now, at least. I have taught him the basic use of fire to the best of my abilities. It took some getting used to, but he managed to conjure up his first fireball." He said. "If he learns more on how to control it, then he may be able to use the power of fire for more than just that." Von jumped for joy when he heard that statement.

"Really?! I can learn how to...to shoot streams of fire?! Or....or light my claws on fire maybe?! Ooh! Can I even shoot fire out of my eyes?" The kirin asked excitedly.

"I'm not so sure about those last two, sweetie." His mother said.

"Those are some lovely, if not odd, examples. But yes, you will be able to manipulate fire in different ways. Be it surrounding yourself in flames to tackle your opponents or unleashing a devastating gust of fire to burn all that lies before you. But you must learn from the Primals in order to fully gain control of it....or at least as much control as your body can handle." Eldrich instructed. Von stared at him, confused.

"Who ARE the Primals anyway?" He asked. Silva and Eldrich nodded to one another before they both looked back to him.

"The Primals, as their names sound, are dragons of old and are the ones that have mastered the eight elements. Each one commands a single element, but they have complete control over it and help maintain balance in the world." Eldrich stated.

"Wait. I'm a dragon of wind. How can I even use fire anyway?" Von asked, looking between his mother and the elderly drake. Silva giggled a bit and smiled down at her son.

"Though we are dragons of wind naturally, we are of a generation where it is possible to learn how to use a different elemental breath or element in general through extensive training. And the reason for that is because...we've forgotten the true meaning behind our power." The dragoness explained. Von didn't say much, but he slowly nodded his head to let them know that he understood now. At least, he thought he did.

"So mom, when's dad coming home?" Von asked. The bright smile that had appeared on SIlva's face quickly turned to one of sorrow. She turned her head away and did not look at her child. Eldrich did the same, leaving Von confused and worried. "Mom?" 

Silva turned her head back to Von, reluctant to speak.

"I'm afraid your father will not be coming back, Von." She said in a low tone.

"Why not?" Eldrich turned to speak to him this time.


"Because....I'm afraid that Ignus............"




Von awoke from his slumber the following day in a cold sweat. He had yet another dream about his childhood. Looking over at his hand, he simply smiled.

"If I learn how to use the elements, maybe I'll be as strong as dad one day....or maybe even stronger." He told himself. As he got up from the bed Lyra let him lie in, the owner of the house herself came into the room and smiled at him.

"Oh good. You're awake. That saves me some time." The unicorn said. Von smiled and stepped closer to her. "Are you ready to start living like a normal stallion?" Von nodded his head in response.

"You bet!"




Chapter 3


Lyra sat Von down in one of her chairs once the two of them finished eating breakfast together. Some of the food ponies eat weren't all that bad. Granted, they had flowers and stuff in them but his taste buds couldn't make heads or tails as to whether they were supposed to taste bad for him or not. They were bitter yet sweet, much like the gems he used to eat. Of course, this was due to his pony blood but he decided not to question it. Upon Von finishing the Daffodil sandwich he was given, Lyra began to speak.

"Ok. I've never done this sort of thing before, but it shouldn't be too hard. The first thing you need to learn about acting like us ponies is that you first need to look like us." She said. She turned her head towards a bag and her horn began to glow, the contents of the bag glowing in correspondence, and some odd clothes floated out of it and in front of him.

BGM 2

"Uh....what are those?" Von asked, pointing to the fabric. Lyra giggled and grabbed her kirin companion with her hoof.

"These are your new clothes." She said. "I'm not going to have you living in my house and not wear proper clothes." She said, looking at Von. He looked down at himself and noticed that he was only wearing underwear, shorts and nothing else. As quickly as she finished, she grabbed Von and forced him into the other room.

"Huh?! H-hey! Don't-- HEY! It doesn't bend that much!!" Von protested. "Stop! Don't touch that! They're sensi-- AGH!!! THAT'S TOO TIGHT!!" Von protested more and more, but the unicorn paid no mind to them as she went to work on the young half breed. When she was done, she stepped away and began to point and laugh at how ridiculous she thought Von looked in the clothes she picked out.

"Y-y-you look so..." Lyra couldn't finish her sentence and quickly burst into laughter, falling on her padded floor and pointing her finger at him. "HAHAHAHA!!!! Ha! Oh my sides!!!"

Von narrowed his eyes in annoyance as the feeling of these alien clothes were quite uncomfortable. His wings had been tucked into the shirt, so he could not spread them like they needed to, most of his tail had been tucked against his rear so that only a bit of it would be exposed, the sleeves of the shirt and the pants he wore were tight around his legs. And lastly.....there was THAT. Oh dear merciful Celestia, if it got any tighter around there than it already was, it would split in half. Point blank, the clothes were much too tight for Von.

"It's too tight on me. Can't I wear something else...or maybe NOTHING at all?" He pleaded. Lyra shook her head and stood back up, making eye contact with the halfling.

"Sorry. But you're a guest in my household. And until you get your own place, you gotta live by MY rules. And this new rule requires you to wear clean clothes if you want to blend in with us ponies." She explained. Von groaned in annoyance and began tugging at the pants she put him in.

"Then can I at LEAST keep my shorts?!" He replied. Lyra giggled and with a single flash of magic, his pants disappeared and his shorts were back on. His tail slithered to the ground and he sighed in relief at the feeling of being released from the polyester prison, but his relief faded quick when a certain something came to mind. "Oh my...excuse me for a minute." Von said as he rushed to the other room and began to use his hand to examine south of the border. "Let's see....one....two....three. Ok. I'm good now!"

"Huh?" Lyra said as she was quite curious as to what he did.

"N-nothing. So...what next?" Von asked, joining Lyra in the living room. Lyra smiled and used her magic to levitate a small bottle over to him. Inside was an unknown green liquid. It was warm, the smell coming off it revolting and it made Von want to puke. And more likely than not, Von was about to be forced to drink it.

I'm gonna have to drink this, aren't I?, Von thought.

"Here. Drink this."

Yep. Von groaned and gripped the bottle in his hand and tilted it towards his lips, the warm liquid touching his lips before he tiled it away and looked at the mint green unicorn. "Where did you get this?"

"I got this from somepony in the Everfree Forest. Now hurry up and drink it." Lyra urged. Von stared at her for a long minute, unsure as to whether or not to take her word for it. But he was willing to do anything to be like a normal pony. So, he took the bottle and brought it back to his lips. The green liquid nearly went past his lips when another thing crossed his mind, stopping him from drinking yet again.

"You went to the Everfree Forest?" He asked.

"Yup." Lyra replied.

"The forest with those wooden wolves?"

"That's right."

"And you managed to get through....without getting eaten by them.....just to get this."

"Yeah. Actually, the Timberwolves aren't so bad. They're actually pretty gentle if you don't disturb them." The unicorn said.

"Then why did they attack me?!" Von exclaimed.

"They said you smelled like somepony they came across once in their life."

"Somepony they-- Wait. You understand them?!"

"Yeah. I can understand Timberwolf speech." Lyra said, smiling.

"HOW?!"

"There are alot of things I do that...I'd rather not explain." The unicorn looked away with a shame-filled look, of which prompted Von to wonder exactly what kind of pony she was. But he ignored it and proceeded to gulp down the liquid. It tasted as vile as it smelled. Von felt the desperate need to puke, but he managed to bear with it and swallowed. He smacked his lips a couple times, getting a sample of the after taste of the liquid. He wasn't sure what it was, but he was certain it was a type of fruit.

Mango, maybe? Or is this melon? Ah whatever, he thought. His focus shifted as a tingling sensation swam through his feet. No. Not just his feet. His whole body tingled. He started to panic, unaware of what changes were going through his body. It was frightening and he wanted it to stop. But soon, the sensation overwhelmed him and everything went black.

Von awoke several moments later, his head feeling quite foggy. He stumbled back onto his feet and looked around. Lyra was standing there agape, staring with widened eyes at the kirin. Von looked down at his feet and back at her.

"What? I don't feel any--" Von looked back where he wings were and saw they were not there. Not just that, his once-proud dragon tail had turned into a normal pony tail, the spikes on his head were gone and his sharp fangs had been replaced by regular teeth. "W-w......WHAT HAPPENED TO ME?!?!" Von screamed.

"I don't know! I asked her if she could make a potion for turning something into a pony and she brewed this up. I thought she didn't believe me and gave me a dud! I didn't think this would actually happen!!" Lyra retorted. Von shook his head and looked in a mirror and staring right back at him was a teal Earth pony stallion.

"Whoa...I look....awesome! That stuff really worked wonders." He said with a grin. "I look the part. Now I just need to learn what you guys know." He turned to his unicorn companion and smiled as Lyra quickly regained her composure and returned the smile.

"Alright. Now that you look the part, it's time for your lesson." She told him. The two of them went back into the living area and sat on the couch, undisturbed as Lyra began to lay down the events that have transpired far before he arrived.

BGM 3

About an hour went by as Lyra finally finished giving Von the rundown on all that has happened around Pony society. From the time of Nightmare Moon's return to the revival of the Crystal Empire. Some things had been quite catastrophic for the ponies, but she assured them that they always pulled through somehow and that they always will as long as harmony existed. Von took her words to heart and looked outside of the door when he opened it. The sun was shining bright over the pony-filled town, its light warming his heart and a smile spread across his face.

"Alright. I'm off." He said. He waved as he bid good day to his unicorn friend and set out into town. He took in the sights around him, smiling the whole way. As he passed by a few ponies, they eyed him a few times and he looked back at them nervously. He expected them to shun him or think that he was weird, but they smiled right back at him and waved to the disguised kirin.

They don't suspect a thing. It's really working, he thought. Let's see.....I think I'll head on over to that Sugarcube Corner she mentioned. Von turned his head toward a building with a candy-coated roof and began to trot towards it. It was quite different to be walking around with a pony body, but Von was willing to deal with it. For now, Von the kirin was nowhere in sight. The days of Von the stallion have now begun....




BGM 4

"You wished to see me, father?" Nova asked as he approached the dragon. Konan lifted his head and looked to his son.

"Yes. I called you here for a matter of grave importance." He told him. Nova listened to his father and gave him his undivided attention as Konan told him the precise reason why he called him there.

"Father, you cannot be serious." Nova protested. But despite not wanting to believe his father's words, he knew it was the truth. "Are you quite certain you wish for me to do this?"

"Yes, I am. I would not ask this of anyone else. I can only trust you with this task." Konan said. Nova bowed his head to his father and looked back up at him.

"And my task father?" Konan stared at him, his eyes narrowing in anger.


"Bring. Von. Back!"























Chapter 3-End

> An angels wings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

"Bring. Von. Back!" Konan yelled. Konan was not one to mince words. When he ordered something, he meant for it to be carried out. And the dragon that would carry out said orders was none other than his offspring, Nova. 

"You wish for me to force him to come home?" Nova repeated. Konan glared at him in annoyance. Nova is the kind of dragon that would obey his father without question, but he is not particularly fond of using force to get things done.

"Yes, I do. He will not listen to reason. This much we know. So the only way to get him back here is to bring him home by force." The lavender dragon told him. Nova was reluctant to listen to him, but he wanted to make his father proud and not earn his anger. So without further hesitation, he bowed his head.

"At once, father." Nova placed his sword into his sheathe and spread his wings and took flight. He aimed himself in the direction of Equestria and continued flying. On his way, however, he was starting to get cold feet. He wasn't that close to Von, but he still thought of him as a fellow dragon and his sibling, despite his....origins. So naturally, he would feel bad about what he was about to do. Clutching his claw to his chest, he continued flying towards his target.


Von.....please listen to me. I don't want to have to fight. If you resist....I'll have no other choice.....


	


Chapter 4


BGM 2

Von was having the time of his life as a regular, anyday old stallion as he walked through Ponyville. There were things about being a stallion that he thought to be different than what he really was. The anatomy wasn't all that different, just replace his tail, wings and whatnot. The food didn't taste all that bad either, thanks to his new tongue. The only thing he had a hard time adjusting to was wearing the new clothes. Yeah, he thought they were a little cool but they felt weird on his body. However, he had to get used to it if he was gonna keep living, or try to live, in Ponyville. He was happy about this, but he was deeply saddened because of one little detail.

I feel like this is cheating, he thought. From his perspective, this is true. He wanted to understand the lives of Ponyville's residents, but he didn't want to become a pony just to do so. He wanted to do it with his own eyes, as his true self. But how can I?, he continued to think. I'm born from a relationship that should not have been. I'm a devil child....a child of sin.... He sighed and continued on his way until suddenly, he bumped into another pony, falling over in the process. "Ow..."

"Oh! I'm sorry." The pony said. It was a mare's voice.....and a beautiful one at that. Von rubbed his head and slowly reopened his eyes, gazing into the eyes of the mare that knocked him over. And in an instant, his jaw dropped. It was a pegasus mare. She had a orange body and a green mane. With green eyes, a blue t-shirt and black jeans, she stood over him with a look of worry.

"Hey. Are you alright?" She asked again. Von continued to stare into the green eyes of the pegasus. He was at a loss for words. On his way through Ponyville, or rather sneaking around in Ponyville, he had seen plenty of mares before he encountered Lyra. Each one of them was prettier than the last. But this pegasus....she wasn't pretty.....she was BEAUTIFUL! Von had never seen a more attractive pony in his whole life....or ever, to be honest. But that might've been the case because he couldn't take his eyes off her breasts....for a moment. 

Back on the mountain, Von never specified what pony species he was attracted to the most. It just so happened to be the pegasus. And this one just so happened to be his type. But he wasn't entirely sure. Still though, she looked lovely. To him, it was almost like she was....

"An angel..." He muttered. The pegasus stared at him with a confused look on her face.

"What?" Von shook his head and looked back at her.

"Oh...nothing." He said, getting back onto his feet. The pegasus smiled at him and her wings fluttered a little.

BGM 3

"That's good. I thought I hurt you for a sec. Sorry about that." The mare apologized. Von chuckled a bit and smiled at her.

"It's quite alright. I wasn't watching where I was going." He replied. They stared at each other for another minute and started to laugh together, the other ponies waving to them and they waved back in response. "I'm Von. What's your name?"

"Reina." The pegasus answered. "Hey. How come I've never seen you in Ponyville before?"

"I....." Von didn't have much of an answer. This Reina seemed trustworthy, but he needed to wait before he could reveal the truth. "....just moved here." He finished. "Yeah. I just moved here a few days ago. From Hollow Shades." Reina giggled and smiled at him.

"Really? Me too. Well, i didn't move HERE. I moved up to Cloudsdale. Got my own little house and everything." She told him. Her voice was so alluring. Von felt like he was talking to an angel, the way her soothing voice flowed from her lips. He felt like he just wanted to lay his head in her lap and listen to her lull him to sleep. He felt like he wanted to hear her voice every time he woke up in the morning. He felt.......like he heard this voice somewhere before. He wasn't sure how, but Reina's voice sounded oddly familiar to him. As he thought about it, Reina spoke again, breaking his train of thought. "Hey. If you're from Hollow Shades, how come I've never seen you before?"

"I......don't get out much." Von said sorrowfully. It was technically the truth. He was inside his home most of his life since his birth. "So....what do you do up in Cloudsdale?"

"I'm a weather pony. You can tell cuz of my Cutie Mark." Reina said. She pulled the top of her shorts down a bit and showed him. Von looked to where she pointed and saw the mark. The mark present was a rain drop, a rather large one, adorning her supple....luscious.....well-toned curves....

AAAAH!!!! No! You just met her. Don't think stuff like that, Von screamed at himself in his mind. He felt like he was already giving a bad impression by thinking lewd thoughts about a pony he just met, even if he did think she was beautiful. Reina smiled as she watched him adore her Cutie Mark when she thought of something.

"What's your Cutie Mark?" She asked him. Von stopped staring and looked at her nervously. He was royally screwed. He remembered that his father had a Cutie Mark and told him how he could earn one. A Cutie Mark represents ones special talent. All ponies have one. Once a pony finds out what they excel best at, their Cutie Mark will appear, was what his father told him. His father's Cutie Mark was of two swords, which he said he got when he became a knight in the Holy Guard. It was a group of knights and clerics that worked separately from....who was it again.....Celestia's Royal Guard. 

When Ignus got called away, Von was sure that it was the Holy Guard calling for his aid. Since then, Von had been training hard to become stronger and to find his special talent, just like his father before him. Because he has pony blood inside of him, he would not be exempt from getting a Cutie Mark. He trained hard and vigorously everyday, whether it had been with Eldrich, his mother or even by himself, all in hopes that he would find his calling.

And yet to this day, he has still not discovered his special talent. "......I don't have a Cutie Mark." He finally answered her. Reina gasped a little and looked at him.

"W-why not?"

"I'm still looking for my special talent. But I'm sure I'll find it. Thanks for being concerned though." He said, smiling. Reina smiled back after a moment and she stayed silent to allow Von to speak again. "So....I was wondering. If you aren't doing anyhing, would you maybe.....wanna hang out sometime?" Reina giggled and looked at him with a teasing grin.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" She inquired. Von's face flushed with red at her straightforwardness and with little reluctance, he slowly nodded his head. "Hmm.....sure!" She answered, jumping for joy. Von was a little confused. He was happy to see Reina smiling, but he didn't think she'd be THIS happy just because he asked her on a date. Maybe she had a crush on him, too.

...Nah.

Von stared at her for a moment. "Um....Why are you so happy?" He asked. Reina stopped and blushed as she looked away from him.

"W-well.....*ahem*....it's just.....you're the first stallion who's ever asked me out before." She admitted. Von blinked, trying to understand what it was he was just told.

"You've......never been asked out by a stallion?" He asked. Reina nodded her head. "How come?"

"I guess they just weren't interested." She bluntly stated. Von couldn't believe his ears. How could this beautiful mare not have any stallions vying for her attention or even ATTEMPT to ask her out. It ought to be a crime......though that may be a little over the top. Von smiled at her and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Well, I promise to give you the time of your life." He told her. He stopped and thought for a moment. ....Nah. That didn't sound perverted at all. ......Did it? Reina smiled at him and turned away as she spread her wings.

"Great. We can go out tomorrow then. I kinda have to get back up to Cloudsdale. I have to help gather some of the rain clouds. We're scheduled for some rain some time this week. See ya." She bid farewell with a wave of her hand and a single flap, she flew away. Von waved goodbye as she faded into the distance and once she was out of sight, one of the biggest smiles ever seen in Equestria spread across his cheeks.

"AWESOME!" He shouted to the heavens. Of course, it only took him a moment to realize that he was still outside as he looked around and saw the eyes of many mares, stallions, fillies and colts staring at him. They all seemed worried, some of them a little scared or disturbed at his sudden outburst. Embarrassed, Von smiled sheepishly and walked away from the eyes of the crowd. 

However, while he was on his way back to Lyra's, he felt something strange. It was tingly. Not the feeling he felt in his heart just TALKING with that pegasus, but it was something different. 

"What the hay?" He looked at his body and didn't notice anything different. But just then, he felt something pointy touch his tongue. He licked around inside his mouth and felt something familiar: fangs. He frantically looked around until he saw the window of a store and ran up to it and looked at his reflection. He opened his mouth and right inside were his fangs. But he noticed something else, too. His normal pupils had become slits once more. In addition, he felt a warm yet soothing feeling in his gut. There was no doubt about it. Only one thought had crossed his mind: the potion was wearing off! "Oh no oh no oh no. Not now!!!" He yelled to himself. He turned back onto his original path and started to sprint to Lyra's. He didn't bother to stop and wave to the ponies that greeted him as he passed by. Instead, he just let out a quick "Hi" as he continued to run. He was so close. Just a couple more feet and he'd be--

BAM!!! Von crashed into another pony. He opened his eyes and looked at the pony...or rather ponies in front of him. It was actually a single pony, but he was seeing two of her because of how dizzy he was. It was a unicorn mare with a lavender coat, the same color that made him think of his step father and a purple-pink mane. She was wearing a short skirt with a purple star decorating it, a pair of reading glasses and the way her mane looked, he guessed that she was a librarian of sorts.

"Oh my. I'm so sorry." The mare apologized. Von was still panicking as he could slowly feel the effects of the potion wearing off with each second that passed.

"No no. It's alright." Von said with a nervous and jittery tone. He quickly got back onto his feet and dusted himself off as he was about to go, but he felt a magical force prevent him from leaving. He turned and looked at the unicorn and noticed that her horn was glowing, just the same way Lyra's was earlier in the day. She was using her magic on him to keep him in place.

"I sense a strange magic coming from you. No...not magic. More like hidden potential of some kind. Are you from around here?" The mare asked. Von was panicking more and more, screaming inside his mind for him to hurry home, his eyes begging the mare to release him.

"No! I'm not." Von replied. The mare studied him more, as if trying to find out what he really was and this caused Von's heartbeat to quicken as her gaze intensified. Finally, the mare looked him the eyes and stared at him. Inside, she was deeply confused. She had never seen a pony with eyes like his before. She wanted to know how they got that way. She wanted to know more about him.

"Where are you from?" She inquired. Von was getting fed up playing 20 Questions with her. He wanted to hurry and get this over with so he could go home.

"Hollow Shades. I just moved here!" He yelled. The unicorn continued to hold him in place with her magic, still studying him as Von continued to panic as he could feel another part of his body starting to change back. He had to think of something quick before he was discovered. He looked at the mysterious unicorn and....wait. That was it. She didn't know him and he didn't know her. So maybe.... "Hey. I didn't get your name." He told her. The mare's eyes widened in realization and her horn stopped glowing, her magic releasing him in the process.

"Oh! I'm sorry. I was asking you all these questions and I never even told you my name." She said. She closed her eyes and cleared her throat. "Good evening, My name is Twi--"

"Sorry! Gotta run!!!" Von shouted, interrupting Twilight. He turned away and ran off when suddenly something smacked Twilight in the face. She stumbled back and rubbed her cheek with her palm and she looked back to Von as he kept running.

"Hey!" She yelled. Von didn't answer and just kept running. Twilight levitated some of the books she was bringing home with her and placed them back in her bag. Her cheek still hurt and when she got home, she looked in her mirror and saw the indent of a dragon's tail on her cheek. "Was that a...no, it couldn't be. They don't exist and even if they did, it's strictly taboo for them to be made." She told herself as she went about her business.

Von continued to run, getting closer and closer to his destination when he felt another change. Something under the shirt he wore was trying to break free. He realized his wings had come back and that only made him freak out more. Only a few more parts of his body had to change back before he was normal again. Von ran into another pony but instead of crashing into her this time, he ran by her and caused her to spin out of control in an orange blur.

"What in tarnation?" He heard the mare call out. Again, he ignored it and continued running until finally, he arrived at Lyra's. He opened the door and ran inside, slamming the door behind him and locking it. He panted heavily and looked to the stairs and yelled for the mint green mare.

"LYRA!!!" He shouted. No response. His panic started to subside, but he was a little worried. He walked upstairs in search for the mare when he heard a noise. It was the sound of ragged and heavy breathing. His ears twitched a little more as he listened intently to the sound: it was definitely Lyra's voice. "Lyra?" He called out again. This time, he got an answer.

"W-what?" He heard her say. Her breathing was a little off and the noises got louder as he crept closer to the room. "I-i'm b-busy right n-OOOOH that feels good." Von sat in front of the door. He knows he heard a sound like that before. Right now, he was in no drakes-land. If he opened the door, he would see something that didn't need to be seen. But he desperately needed more of the potion so he could go on his date with Reina tomorrow. He was stumped. Either he opened the door and got possibly scarred for life or he leaves her alone. As he thought about it, an image of his mother and himself from a week ago, came to mind.


[~~~~~~]


"Hey mom. What was it like when you and dad met?" He had asked her. Silva giggled at his question.

"It was quite a magical moment. Your father....around him, I felt more loved than anyone in my entire life. I never believed that I would be loved as much as he did me. Especially from a pony." She replied. "I always wanted to do my best for him. Make sure he came to a clean home. To make sure that whatever stress he was dealing with, I would relieve him of it. To make sure that he was well-fed and I would always clean his injuries. Granted, your father got hurt just about everyday, but it made me happy to know that I could help him in some way."

"And what did dad think of you?" Von asked. Silva's entire body turned pink when he asked that question. She regained her composure and looked back at her child.

"Your father.....he thought I was an angel. He made me feel like the most beautiful dragon in the world. He wanted to do everything in his power to make me happy and I wanted to do the same. He made me feel special and I knew....that one day he and I were meant to be together...."


[~~~~~~]


Von thought the same thing about Reina. She was an angel. He wanted to be with her. He wanted to get to know her and vice versa. And more importantly, he wanted her to accept him for what he really was. And the only way that could come true is if he went on this date. He took a deep breath and reached for the door with his hand and opened the door.

"B-Bon Bon. Not there..." Lyra moaned as the beige mare licked her horn. Von's eyes widened in shock at the act in front of him.

"Um..."

BGM 4

Lyra and Bon Bon looked up and saw the young half breed sitting in the doorway. Lyra simply blushed, but Bon Bon's face filled with fright.

"W-w-w-w....." She stammered. Bon Bon was beyond shocked. She'd never seen something like Von before in her entire life. She had heard rumors of dragon-born ponies, but never thought that any of them existed. And there was one right there in front of her. Sitting right there. In Lyra's house. Lyra looked to her marefriend and sheepishly smiled before turning back to Von.

"The potion wore off?" She asked. Von nodded his head in response, looking back to his body and seeing that the potion wore off entirely.

"Yeah. I was trying to tell you what happened...but it seems you're a little busy right now." Von said, chuckling. Lyra blushed as some of the drool on her horn dripped onto her muzzle.

"Uh....yeah. Um....it's getting a little late. Why don't you go on ahead and rest up and we'll--"

"Talk later, right?" Von said, finishing her sentence. "Right. That might be better." Von turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him with his tail as he proceeded to the guest room. However the moment he closed the door, the sound of Bon Bon screaming emitted from the bedroom but it was muffled soon after. Von went into the room and closed the door behind him. He no longer heard the screams of Lyra's mare and he leaped onto the bed. He narrowly dodged a bullet today. But in the process, he met the most wonderful mare ever. And the best part: he was going out on a date. His very first date. He would have to do everything in his power to make sure nothing went wrong. But what would he wear? Where would he take her? What would they eat? What would they do? Would he have to wear cologne? Would she expect him to bring flowers? What if she changed her mind? What if she didn't like him? What if she didn't want to be around him? And why was he asking himself all these questions?

"Calm down, Von. It's just a date. Your first date, yes. But no need to fret. Just....be yourself." He told himself. He rolled his eyes at his last words. "Yeah. 'Be myself'. How can I do that when I can't even be my true self around her? ....Maybe if I just act how I normally do, then she might see that I'm not that different from anypony when I reveal myself. Yeah! That'll work." He smiled and curled up on the bed and closed his eyes, drifting off into peaceful slumber as he continued to dream of the time he and his mother spent together.




"So dad treated you like you were a goddess?" Von asked.

"Yes. He made me feel like I was the only one for him. He accepted me for what I really was. He didn't care about my species. He just wanted to make me happy. I never once wanted to leave his side. I wanted to stay by him always. Because I knew he was the one for me." Silva replied with a smile. Von chuckled and looked up at his mom.

"That's a really romantic story, mom."























"And then we fucked!"

"Dammit mom!!!"






Chapter 4-End

> Cold Shoulder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Daddy, why are we here?" The young kirin asked his father. Ignus chuckled and patted Von's head as they continued onward to a large building.

"Well, your mother has gone to spend time with a few other dragonesses and I certainly couldn't let you stay home alone." He told him. Von pouted and looked up at his father.

"But I wasn't going to be alone. I was gonna go play with R--"

"Exactly. I couldn't let you stay home alone. You are too young to be staying in the house alone with a mare....or filly, in this case." Ignus said. "Now come. Now you get to see where your daddy works." The two of them continued forward until the large building came into full view, appearing to look similar to a castle but it was not. All around and inside it, there were sword-wielding stallions and mares and even a few nurse mares.

"Wow! What is this place?" Von asked. Ignus chuckled and stepped in front of them before they entered.

"Welcome to Sacred Guard Headquarters." He exclaimed proudly.

BGM 1

"Well well well. If it isn't Ignus." A stallion's voice called out. Ignus turned around and smiled while Von stood there and stared at the stallion. It was an armored unicorn with a somewhat muscular build that stood at about Ignus'. He had a dark red-coat, a striped mane of silver and gray and emerald green eyes. To his sides were two large axes and adorning his side was a Cutie Mark in the form of a medal. "You aren't on duty today. Why are you here?"

"Well my wife has gone out, so I brought my son here to see the line of work I'm in." Ignus explained. The unicorn stallion looked to Von with a glare of utter disgust and hatred that caused the young kirin to hide behind his father.

"So that's the demon child you bore, huh?" The unicorn hissed. Ignus looked to his companion.

"Now now, Bastion. I would appreciate it if you didn't call him that. He's like any normal colt. Just trust me on this." He pleaded. Bastion looked to Ignus and back at Von before he turned his back to them.

"Whatever. Just make sure he doesn't break anything, got it?!" Bastion declared as he walked away. Von's ears dropped down but perked back up when Ignus whispered to him.

"Don't mind Bastion. He's always cranky. But his mood always lightens when I do this. Watch." Ignus straightened himself back up and called out to Bastion. "Hey Bastion! I heard Sheryl's been looking for you!" Bastion's ears perked up and he glanced back towards the father and his child. Von could hardly see it, but a blush appeared on Bastion's cheeks before he continued onward. Von smiled and laughed at that little display, earning a smile from his father. "That's my boy. Now come on. It's time you learn an important part of being one of the Sacred Guard."

"What's that, daddy?" Von asked. Ignus chuckled and took Von further into the headquarters. After some time, Ignus led Von into a part of the building that seemed almost like a church. The area gave off a gentle and peaceful aura. Inside this part of the building were many stallions and mares and in the very front was an old stallion, dress almost like a preacher.

BGM 2

"And to finish off today's sermon, I would like to ask for one of you to come up here and speak the final prayer. Is there anypony willing?" The old pony asked. None of the Sacred Guards spoke or raised their hands.

"I'll do it." Ignus called out. The entire crowd looked back towards Ignus and Von, their eyes widening in shock upon seeing the kirin. Ignus walked to the front of the room with Von following close behind him, completely aware of the stares that he was getting until they reached the podium the preacher had stood at. Ignus and Von turned to face the crowd, all of them now focusing on Ignus.

"Dad....." Von mumbled, hiding behind his father. Ignus turned his head and looked back to the young half breed.

"Watch closely, Von. I'm hoping you'll carry this prayer with you when you get older." He whispered. He turned back to the crowd and began to speak the prayer, the crowd repeating his words in unison.


"My honored brethren....we come together, to unite as one....Against those that are damned, we show no mercy....for we have none....Our enemies shall fall, as we apprise...to claim our fate. Now and forever.....we'll be together....in love and in hate....."


Von watched intently as his father recited those words with ease and took them to heart. Von could see the underlying message in those words but before he could say anything to his father about it, Ignus got the jump on him.

"You know it too, right? That is the motto of the Sacred Guard. To fight for what you believe in, no matter the odds. If anyone gets in the way of your dreams or your hopes, don't let them. Stay strong and let that hope be your guide. No matter how bleak things look, no matter how hurt you are, even if all is lost........you must never surrender." Ignus told him. Von nodded his head in response. The two of them talked amongst each other a bit more, Von prancing around his father until another stallion came up to them.

"Lieutenant Ignus?" The stallion called to him. Ignus looked at him.

"What is it, soldier?" He replied.

"There is somepony here to see you... she says it's urgent." The stallion nodded his head back towards the pony in question and she stepped forward to them. It was a white mare with matching wings and a multi-color mane. She wore a white dress with golden trimmings and it had a long slit up the side of her legs. But something was odd about her. Von knew about earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi but he'd never seen a pegasus with a unicorn horn before. She was tall and wore some kind of royal jewelry and adorning her flank was a Cutie Mark in the shape of the sun.

"May I help you?" Ignus asked. The mare giggled and looked at him.

"Indeed you can. I would like to speak to you in private." She told him. Ignus looked at her in confusion.

"And your name would be?" The mare giggled again and smiled.

"How rude of me. I grow tired of formal introductions, but I suppose I must." She cleared her throat and smiled at Ignus and even Von, much to his confusion as she spoke her name.


"My name is Princess Celestia."


	


Von awoke from his slumber and looked outside. A new day was dawning and it came to mind that today was the day he and Reina would go on their date. He sat up in the bed and yawned, scratching his side with his claw.

"Another dream....." He muttered. He looked at the ceiling, thinking hard about the words his father spoke.


Stay strong and let that hope be your guide. No matter how bleak things look, no matter how hurt you are, even if all is lost........you must never surrender.


"Never surrender, huh?" He repeated. He chuckled at the thought when another crossed his mind. "Princess Celestia.....what did she want my father for anyway?" He sighed, rose up from the bed and went over to the window. "Well....whatever. It was in the past. Right now, I got more important things to worry about. The main thing on today's agenda: get ready for my date!" He squee'd and ran out of the room so he could speak with Lyra about the pegasus he met. His heart was leaping for joy and his eyes glimmered with hope. Today was going to be a good day.....




Chapter 5


"WHAT?! Are you serious?!" Lyra yelled at the sudden news. Von nodded sheepishly.

"Yes. I'm going out on a date today."

"Oh wow. Just one day as a normal stallion and already you found yourself a mare." Lyra praised. "I'm impressed. So where are you going to take her?" Von lifted his finger in an attempt to respond, but nothing came to mind. He hadn't thought about it. Where WOULD he take her?

"I'm so screwed...." He groaned. Lyra giggled and looked back to Bon Bon, who was still quite stunned about Von's appearance.

"Bonnie, mind helping me out a bit here?" She asked. Bon Bon didn't respond. Von lifted his head and looked to the earth pony and frowned a little.

"It's my fault she's like that." He said. Lyra immediately smacked him in the back of his head with her hoof. "What was that for?!?!"

"Don't go pulling that crap. It's not your....well....maybe a little. But that's because she's never seen one of your kind before. Come on Bonnie. Pull yourself together." She called to her marefriend. Bon Bon quickly regained her composure and looked to the unicorn.

"Huh? Oh. Sorry." She apologized. She looked over at Von, still a tad uneasy but willing to speak to him. "So who is this mare?" Von sighed a love-filled sigh as he looked to the both of them.

"Her name's Reina. She's a pegasus, a weather pony from Cloudsdale." He told them. "She's sweet, funny, athletic, has never been asked out by a stallion and most of all, she's beautiful." He nearly fell to the floor upon emphasizing that last word and his tail wagged with excitement. "And get this: she's from Hollow Shades, just like me."

"Hollow Shades? But nopony has been there in years." Bon Bon exclaimed. Von lowered his head again.

"Yeah, i know. There were alot of residents there, even while I was around. But eventually, everypony started leaving. I think the reason for it was because of all the events that had been going on. Things in Ponyville, events in Canterlot, the rise of the Crystal Empire...." Von trailed off and began thinking hard about the Crystal Empire. I want to see that place for myself, he thought. He shook the thought out his head and looked into the eyes of the two mares. "But I do know that mom goes back there on occasion. She goes to visit out old home and think about all the memories we made there. She leaves violets, dad's favorite flower, by the doorstep and usually stays for about an hour." Bon Bon and Lyra looked at each other and back at Von, waiting for him to continue but he didn't. He didn't want to say and he didn't want either of them to ask why, but it was too late for that.

"Why does she wait there?" Lyra asked. Von sighed and turned away from them.

"...She waits there in hopes that my dad would return." He deadpanned. Lyra and Bon Bon kept quiet, as did Von. Silva missed Ignus with a passion. The days they spent together, the time they spent talking with one another, the nights they would cuddle together and the evenings they spent as a family. But the one who probably missed Ignus more was Von. His father left while he was of a young age. Something like this would leave a deep scar in a child's heart: Growing up without his father, his real father for most of his life, dealing with the ridicule from others because of his origins, suffering the abuse from the stand-in that keeps calling himself his father. It was all too much and he'd had it.

Von shrugged off those thoughts and smiled. It would do him no good to dwell on the past, not when the most amazing thing was going to happen for him today.

"Anyway," He started, "where do you think I should take her?" The two mares started tapping their chins and thought about it. Where could Von, a first-timer in the dating world, take a pegasus who has also never been on a date before?

"Hmmm." They both hummed. Suddenly, wide smiles spread across their cheeks as they looked at him. "A picnic." They said in unison.

"A picnic?" He repeated. But doesn't that seem kind of cheap?, he thought to himself. "Why a picnic?"

"Well think about it for a second. The two of you go on a picnic together, head up to one of the tallest hills in Ponyville, all alone and you eat your food together." Lyra started. She nodded her head to Bon Bon, who started to speak.

"Then while you guys are there together, you confess to her how you feel and admit what you really are. But only do it when the mood is just right. And if anything she'll confess to you, too." Von just stared at them in shock.

Do they seriously believe that something THAT sappy is actually going to work?, he thought. That's probably how they got together anyway. Might as well humor them. "Yeah. That might work." He lied. Lyra giggled and proceeded to the front door, Bon Bon tailing behind her.

"Well, I'm gonna see if I can get Zecora to make some more of that brew. I'll see you in a few." She said. She waved goodbye and they both trotted out the door. Von smiled and sat down on the couch, daydreaming of the event that would soon come about. Him and Reina, side by side, sharing a romantic moment. And then when the time would come, Von and Reina would share a kiss as the day went by. She'd caress his cheek with her hand and then--

"Whoa! Heh. Better keep those thoughts out of my head." Von told himself. He looked down and facepalmed at the sight of his shame. Even though he told himself not to think of such things, his body could not hide its arousal. He sighed in irritation. "Perfect...."

About an hour passed when Lyra and Bon Bon returned. Von had gulped down the potion that she brought back and once again gained his stallion form. He donned the clothes Lyra had given him and grabbed the basket that he prepared while they were gone. He lifted one of his hooves and waved goodbye to the two mares as he left the house. Lyra smiled as he departed and turned to sit on the couch when she noticed something. There was a white spot on the couch that she never noticed before. She leaned closer to it and sniffed. It was musky....and fresh......

"He didn't...." She mumbled. Bon Bon walked over to Lyra, still looking back to the door and accidentally bumped into her mare, causing said unicorn to hit the white spot with her nose. Lyra's eyes shot wide open the moment she hit it and a blush appeared on her face.

"Something wrong, Lyra?" Bon Bon asked. Lyra gasped and used her magic to grab a napkin and wiped up the white spot and what was on her face before she turned and smiled nervously at the earth pony.

"Oh....nothing." She lied. She giggled nervously and started cursing mentally. I'm going to kill him when he gets back!



Von strolled through Ponyville, as happy as can be. He was finally going to go on a date with the mare of his dreams. ...In a sense. He always DID dream of being with a beautiful mare and now he was GOING OUT with a beautiful mare.

"This is so awesome! I can't believe i'm going on a date! And with a pegasus." Von told himself. As he trotted down the street, he started humming to himself until the mare he was thinking of came into view. "Reina!"

"Von!" She replied as the stallion called out to her. "What's with the basket?" Von smiled sheepishly and looked her in the eyes.

"Well....I just thought that maybe we could go on a picnic. You know, sit on the hill, eat some food, get to know each other and make out." Reina's face flushed red and raised a brow at him.

"Um....what was that last one?" She inquired.

"....eat food." Von lied. Reina giggled and smiled at him.

"Well, you did put alot of effort into this. So yeah. I'd like to go on a picnic. I know just the spot, too. Come on." She spread her wings and started flying, but at a low enough speed and altitude so that Von could follow her. He happily followed, walking behind her with the basket in his hand and smiling.

This is so awesome!!!, he thought.

~15 minutes later~

This is horrible!!!, he thought. The entire time we've been up here, I've barely spoken a word and being so close to her is.....well, wonderful but embarrassing at the same time! Von had been internally cursing and screaming at himself some time after he and Reina arrived at their dating site. They shared a few words of conversation until things went quiet. Reina started eating some of the food, paying no mind to the fact of how silent Von was, while Von himself was panicking. Ok. Calm down. Stay calm. You're on a date. You're here with the mare you have a crush on. She seems fond of you. Sure, you're lying about what you really are just to be around her but it's not so bad.........right?

"Hey." Reina called out, snapping Von out of his train of thought.

"Y-yes?" He replied.

"What do you think of me?" Von's face flushed with red, but it went away when he mentally slapped himself.

You idiot! She just asked what you think of her! Now's your chance to confess. Tell her how you feel! "Um...well....I think you're really sweet and kind. You seem really smart, too. I actually find it cute how athletic you are and you're really funny and...." Come on, Von! Bring it on home!!!! Von swallowed hard and looked into the green eyes of the pegasus. There was no turning back. He had to confess or Reina would never know how he felt.

"And?" Reina asked, wanting to hear the rest.

"And.....I think you're the most beautiful mare I've ever met, so will you go out with me?" Von spat out all at once. He stopped to catch his breath, his gaze meeting Reina's and she was shocked. Her face was completely flushed with embarrassment, her wings spread out to her sides and she stood completely still.

"You......you think i'm.....beautiful?" She asked with a stunned tone. Von couldn't find words, so he nodded his head slowly. "And.....did you....just ask me....out?" Von nodded.

"I......want you to be my marefriend." He confessed. The two of them continued to stare at each other, both of them completely red with embarrassment and gazing into the others' eyes. They stayed silent for a moment, Reina beginning to move closer to him.

"You really want me?" She inquired. Von nodded in response and took a step forward of his own.

"Yeah. I really mean it." They stepped closer and closer to each until there was little distance between them.

"You don't know how long i was waiting to hear that." Reina said, giggling. She closed her eyes and leaned closer to Von, her lips pursed. Von's eyes widened with shock as a sudden realization struck him: he was about to receive his first kiss. It was all about to happen. All he needed to do was respond the same way and it was official. As he leaned in and pursed his lips with his eyes closed, something came back to mind. He stopped and looked at Reina.

"Hold on, Reina. Before we kiss, I have something I want to say." Reina fixed her face and leaned back, staring at him puzzled.

"What is it?" She asked. Von swallowed and looked at her.

"I'm.....I'm not really a--"

BOOOOOM!!!!!!

BGM 3

A loud explosion echoed through the air, interrupting Von as the two looked around.

"What was that?" He asked. The two kept searching the area until Reina pointed her hoof outward.

"Look!" She shouted. Von looked to where she pointed and saw a pillar of smoke coming from the center of Ponyville. Von sniffed the air and caught the scent of the smoke. It was most certainly caused by a fire, but not just ANY fire. No....this was different. Something more lethal....and much more powerful. Sensing something terribly wrong, Von started  to sprint down the hill and proceeded towards Ponyville. "Hey! Wait! It's too dangerous!" Reina called out, chasing after the disguised kirin.

If this is what I think it is.....then everypony will know the truth!, he thought as he continued on. He had a feeling in his gut that he was right. And that wasn't the only thing he was feeling. He could feel the potion wearing off again.....but it didn't matter anymore. All that mattered was making sure that no one would get hurt.



The two of them continued running through the streets of Ponyville, more pillars of smoke forming in town. They followed the path of destruction until they reached the source of the flames. Von's eyes widened in horror and Reina took a step away from the beast.

"W-w-w-what's a...." She stuttered. Though she was about to retreat, Von did not as he knew that one day he'd confront this foe once more.

"I knew it..." He murmured.

BGM 4

Standing before him and a crowd of terrifying ponies was none other than Von's step brother, Nova. Nova cocked his head back and took notice of the two ponies behind him. He turned to them, sword in hand and stepped forward. Reina was shaking just a bit, but she managed to stay tough. Von, however, was not shaking nor rearing back.

"You two. I have a question to ask you." Nova stated. "I am in search of a young half-breed. He goes by the name of Von. I know he has come here. Where is he?" Reina shook off her fear and stepped forward.

"There is only one Von here and that's this stallion here." She said, pointing to Von. "There is no half-breed or whatever here. So please leave." Nova continued to stare at her until his gaze turned towards the stallion. Their eyes locked and an intense flame roused up inside them both. It only took him a short while, but the black dragon instantly knew who it was. Nova took his sword and held it to his side, smiling down at Von with an anxious grin.

"Nice to see you again, little brother."

"...." Von stayed silent, staring back up at his step brother as the potion continued to wear off. Reina looked over at him and noticed that his tail was longer and no longer hairy.

"Von?" She called to him. He didn't reply.

"Why are you here, Nova?" Von demanded. Nova sighed and looked back at him.

"I was sent by father to bring you back. If you come without resistance, then father will forgive you." Nova explained. Von growled at him, his body reforming back to its natural state.

"Forget it. I don't intend on going back to that asshole." Von declared. Nova sighed and looked to his brother.

"I thought as much. I guess I really will have to use force." He said sorrowfully. He redirected his attention back to Reina and unleashed a torrent of flame upon the pegasus. She closed her eyes and covered herself with her wings, bracing herself for impact. But the fiery feeling never came. She opened her wings and saw Von standing over her, his form having been restored. He flapped his wings and shrugged off the burning flames before turning back to his brother. "You may have beaten me once, but I was holding back. Now you will face the real power of a true dragon!"

At the moment of his declaration, Nova's strength began to climb the charts. A fearsome pressure caused Von's body to shake. He had never felt anything like this before. So this was the power of Nova...

BGM 5

"Now come, brother. Come and  be defeated by my blade." Nova declared, pointing his blade to Von. The potion had worn off, Von was back to his normal state but he was still stricken with fear. The power Nova had right now....it was on a whole different level. Von was about to face one of his toughest foes yet.....but he wasn't going to let that stop him. He got into his stance and glared at the sword wielder. "That's what I like to see. Now come! Face me like a warrior."

Von made the first move and charged at Nova. Nova grew a bit disappointed at Von's careless attack and countered with a whip of his tail. It struck Von's face and sent him tumbling over to the ground. Von stood back up and turned his head to Nova, noticing the crowd of ponies having backed away to give room for their bout.

"Come now, Von. I know that isn't the extent of your strength. Fight me seriously." Nova demanded. He was right. Von wasn't exactly fighting seriously. But he couldn't lose here. If he did, he'd have to go back to the mountain. Von snorted some steam from his nose and got back into his stance. Nova saw the determination in his eyes and realized that Von was about to get serious. This only strengthened his own fighting spirit and he snorted black smoke out of his own nose. Von charged him again, causing Nova to counter with his tail but Von leaped over it and flew up to Nova's face. Having been caught off guard, Nova stumbled back a bit and stared at the kirin.

Von lunged forward swung his fist at the drake, but he wasn't done there. He spun around and whipped Nova's face with his tail and lastly, he got closer to Nova and kicked his feet into Nova's chest, causing him to fall onto his back. When his feet made contact, Von flapped his wings to send him backwards in order to avoid a counter-attack and waited for him to get back up. Von panted heavily and looked to the dragon swordsman, who was starting to pick himself off the ground and was chuckling.

"I see that you actually know how to throw a punch or two." Nova proclaimed. "But I know you have more. Come on!" Nova made a preemptive strike, however and slammed Von's head into the ground before he could act. Von managed to pick himself up and proceeded to strike back. All the ponies, including Reina, watched in horror as Nova and Von went back and forth in their battle. Nova was hardly breaking a sweat while Von was putting in all his effort just to lay a single scratch on him. He managed to land a couple of blows on him, but nothing compared to the ones he got in return. The two dragons backed away from one another, Von being completely out of breath. It was a struggle for him to even stand.

"I can't.....give up..." Von muttered. "I.....I won't...." Nova groaned and looked down at the halfling.

"Why are you so insistent on fighting? Just give in and come back. Father will forgive you and I may be able to convince him to leave the ponies be." He pleaded. Von shook off his exhaustion and looked up at Nova.

"Because coexisting with ponies is my dream. And somepony told me to never give up on my dreams. That if all seemed lost....I was to never give up hope." He declared. "And my hopes and dreams matter more than what HE thinks. If he wanted me to come back, then why didn't he come here himself instead of sending the dog he never cared for after me?!" Nova's eye twitched upon hearing the word 'dog' and flames formed in his mouth.

"Do not speak of father THAT WAY!" He yelled, expelling the flames from his mouth and they consumed the young kirin in a wave of blazing heat.

"Von!" Reina cried as she tried to run to his aid, but she was stopped by an invisible force. She turned her head and behind her was Bon Bon and Lyra, who was using her magic to keep her in place. "Let me go!"

"I can't. I'm sorry, but..." Lyra looked away from Reina, as did Bon Bon and tears formed in all three of their eyes. Nova cackled as his flames continued to burn the body of Von.

"Perhaps you'll learn to respect my father....IN HELL!!!" He yelled. The flames started to die down....but not really. It looked like they were gathering....forming around a single entity. Nova's eyes widened in shock upon seeing this. "No...that can't be. You're supposed to be--" Before he could finish a large ball of fire collided with his chest, sending the dragon flying backwards into the side of one of the houses. The ponies turned back to the fireball as it landed on the ground and when the flames dispersed, Von was revealed from within.

"Von!!!" Reina, Lyra and Bon Bon shouted with joy. Nova rubbed his head and coughed up a bit of blood as he looked back towards Von.

Meteor Dash....now why would a non-fire dragon be able to use such a skill?, he thought. He looked down at himself, noticing the wound he suffered. It wasn't too serious, but if he kept fighting now, it would become just that. He sheathed his sword and looked past the crowd and at the kirin. "You win this time, little brother. I will honor the warrior's code and let you be. But the next time I arrive, I WILL defeat you." Von looked over at Nova, only to see that he had flown off after his declaration. Once he departed, all attention had been drawn back to Von.

BGM 6

It was all out there now. The truth had finally been revealed. After hiding it for so long, there was no way that he could anymore. He knew this day would come, but he wanted to admit the truth himself. Everypony now knew what Von really was. He looked around at the crowd. Every stallion and mare, every filly and colt was now looking at Von with fear in their eyes.

A creature of sin......why is THAT among us.....what if he attacks us.....don't look at him......he's just a monster. Those were the insults Von had suffered back in Hollow Shades. The insults he suffered back on the mountain. The pain he felt. The sorrow that flooded his mind. The rejection he got. It was all starting to come back. He had hoped things would be different....but it was all the same. He could see it in their eyes. Reina stepped forward to comfort him, but he looked back to her with tear-filled eyes. She could see his pain and this was hurting her as well.

"Von...." She said in a low-tone. She took another step forward, but Von stepped away from her.

"It was stupid of me to think that things would be different for me." Von said, crying. "I'm just a child of sin. A demon spawn. I'm just a monster!!!" Von turned and ran away from her and didn't look back. Reina stood there in the middle of the crowd, watching Von fade from her view. Lyra and Bon Bon came over to her in order to comfort her, for they knew that she was hurting as well. She was hurting because Von was hurt. All Von wanted to do was coexist with the ponies. To live among them. To understand them. To show that he was no different than the rest of them. All his efforts had gone to waste. His hopes had been crushed. All he wanted was to be accepted. But why did he even bother? What was the meaning behind his efforts? What was the point in it all?















There was no point to him. There was no point in his trying. There was no more need to try......not when he always gets the cold shoulder.























Chapter 5-End

> Discovery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

"Daddy? Am I a horrible child?" Inquired the young kirin. Ignus looked at Von with shock and awe, trying to comprehend what his son just asked him. Von had asked Silva this on numerous occasions, but he never asked his father before.

"I'm sure your mother has told you numerous times: you're not a horrible child, Von. You aren't a beast of burden and you aren't a demon child." Ignus explained. Von lowered his head, his ears dropping to the back of his head.

"Then why weren't you speaking?" He asked. "Ever since you talked to that princess pony, you haven't said a single word to me." Von certainly knew how to tug at his parents' heartstrings. And this just so happened to be Ignus'. Multiple times whenever something of grave importance came to his attention, Ignus would not speak to Von or Silva. It was as though he was ignoring them. But that was not the case. Something was on his mind, like any other time...something he couldn't tell him.

"Daddy's just deep in thought. That's all." He told Von. "I could never think that you're a horrible child. If anything, you're a wonderful child. One that Silva and myself are proud to have brought into this world." Von smiled brightly at his father's comment and hugged him.

"Thanks, dad." Von said. "I'm sorry. It's just....it really hurts when all the other ponies at home make fun of me because of what I am. They've been saying alot of mean things to me." He told him. The two of them stopped walking as Von sat down and stared sorrowfully at the dirt road. Ignus was aware of Von's pain. He'd always been aware of what would come his way the moment he was born. But that only strengthened Ignus' resolve to fill Von's heart with hope, so that he could forget his pain and look for a brighter future. The road would be tough, as it is for all life in Equestria. But anypony can achieve anything if they put their mind to it. So long as you don't lose hope, your dreams will become reality.

"Daddy? You're spacing out again." Von said, instantly snapping Ignus out of his trance.

"Oh...uh sorry. Now...what have they been saying to you?" The earth pony knight inquired. Von took a deep breath and looked up at his father.

"All the colts at home avoid me like I'm some kind of disease and run away when i try to get near them. They laugh at me for saying that I wanted to be friends with them and try to beat me up. And when I CAN get near one and have a conversation, their parents take them away, saying 'Stay away from that thing' or 'Didn't I tell you not to get near that?' and even 'Don't get near that monster.' I hate it!" Von explained, emphasizing his last sentence by nearly bursting into tears. "I'm not a monster....am I?"

Ignus wrapped his arm around Von and brought him in for a hug. "You're not a monster. You're unique. A kirin has not been born before. You are the first. That makes you special."

"Then why does being special hurt so much?" Von retorted, wiping his tears.

"Because there is always a price to us having something that others don't. As well as us doing things that others do not, like my falling in love with your mother." Ignus explained. He opened his mouth to say more, but the two of them had finally reached home and waiting by the entrance to the town was a young pegasus filly. She smiled upon seeing Von and Von smiled back. "Go on, sport. Play with your friend." Von smiled big and hugged his father.

"Don't forget about what you promised you'd do." Von reminded him. Ignus chuckled and patted his head.

"I won't. Now run along." The kirin let go of his father and ran to the pegasus and the two of them ran off together.

"I've really improved on my flying. Bet you can't catch me this time." The filly said to him. Von smiled and continued to follow her.


"Alright. You're on, Reina."



	Von continued to run as far away as he could from Ponyville. Past the Everfree Forest and Froggy Bottom Bog until nopony could see or hear him. His tears had left a trail behind, but they could no longer be seen once he had reached the forest. Once he was far enough, he collapsed to the ground, continuing his sobbing.

'Why?! I tried and tried and I failed! I did everything in my power to show them that I'm just like them!! But....they're all the same!" Von cried out. "Why....why did I even leave the mountain? Why did I even bother trying?!" Von punched the dirt under him and continued to cry, wrapping his arms around his head. "I...I...*sniff*...I wanna go home. I hate it here!"

BGM 2

Von's sobbing echoed throughout the forest, reverberating all around and back to him and as he listened to his own sobbing, it upset him more. "I...*sniff*..I tried to so hard, like mom and dad told me to. B-but...it was all for nothing. Everypony knows what I am and probably hates me now! Even...." Von opened his now red eyes and looked up at the murky sky. He wanted to go home, he wanted to run and forget his pain. But he knew that if he left, he would be abandoning the mare he was in love with. "Reina...........I'm sorry. But I have to go. I can't stay here anymore." He mumbled. He started to get back onto his feet when suddenly, the wind stopped blowing. Everything in the forest fell silent. The only thing he could hear was the sound of his own breathing. 

Somepony was there.......somepony was watching him.

"Who's there?!" He called out. Though he was sad, he still had some fight in him. "I know you're here!"

No answer.

"Hello?" He called out once more, this time in a frightened tone. Though Von may be part dragon, he WAS still a pony.

No answer. Von began to take a few steps forward when the wind began to blow softly again, but this time he heard a faint voice carry with it.

"Hello?" Von called out. The voice did not respond to him, but it was saying something. Suddenly, the voice spoke louder, loud enough for him to hear clearly. It was a male's voice that was speaking....no....it wasn't speaking. It was doing something else. The voice....it was....singing? It appeared to be singing to him....its voice sounded so soothing......soothing enough to cause the young kirin to get drowsy.


~Day to night, dark to light
Fall the sands of time
Let the years, like the gears
Of a clock unwind
In your mind, walk through time
Back to better days
Memories, like a dream
Wash tears away

Like a star in the sky
Darkness can't reach you
Light the night, joy is light
Til the new dawn
Cast away your old face
Let go your spite
With this mask, I'll ask
To borrow your light~


Von's vision began to blur as the song he heard started to lull him to sleep. "W-what's...." He fell to his knees and then on his side as he vision blurred even further, no longer able to see clearly. But for a moment, he saw a faint figure approach him. It was definitely a stallion, but it was wearing a cloak. He couldn't see his face, nor could he make out the voice that emitted from him. Yet strangely, the song he heard seemed....quite odd. It was as if he heard somepony sing it before....somepony very close to him.

"Y....you're--" Was all he could get out before he finally fell asleep. In his mind, he believed that the figure was nothing but an illusion. However, it was not.

It was standing over him.....

Watching him.........

Guarding him as he drifted off to sleep...........


Sleep well, young one...





Chapter 6


BGM 3

"What?!" Lyra screamed. "You guys know each other?"

"Mm-hm." Reina replied. "I thought he looked familiar when I saw him. Not as a stallion, but as...."

"That?" Bon Bon finished, earning her a smack on the head by Lyra. Reina giggled a bit and then sighed.

"But yes. I knew him back in Hollow Shades. He and I were inseparable. We used to play together alot. He even taught me how to play a game he played with his mother and father. I believe it was called....Dragon's Treasure. The object of the game was for him to hide his treasure somewhere and the player had to look for it."

"So it's almost like Buried Treasure." Lyra replied. Reina nodded and her wings fluttered a bit.

"Yes, but there was something different. If you found the treasure, you had to run away with it without being caught. If you got caught, the dragon would 'attack' you." She explained with a small giggle. "His 'attacks' consisted of tickling until you give up."

"Sounds like you two used to have alot of fun wen you were kids. I bet you guys had little to no problems, huh?" Lyra exclaimed. Reina's smile faded as her ears dropped to the back of her head.

"Actually, Von and I had to deal with a couple bullies back home. Him more than I." Reina said sorrowfully. She began to recount the troubles she and her kirin companion went through in the past. There was a pair of bullies that used to tease Von for his appearance, and Reina along with him when she accompanied him. They would laugh and ridicule them both. On occasion, they would sometimes torment the two to the point of beating Von up in front of her. Reina, being such a kind and considerate filly, could only plead for them to stop and leave them alone. Needless to say, they kept pummeling him until he fell unconscious, Reina crying over him. Von continued to blame himself for when they would start tormenting her when she was with him. Reina knew he was in pain and assured him that it was not his fault. Somehow, she managed to soothe him.

But then one day, he was leaving. Whenever Reina and Von got together, his father always accompanied him. But when Von came to her, his father was nowhere in sight. Tailing behind him was his mother and an elderly dragon. He had told her that he had to leave. There was too much pain around him for them to stay any longer and they were to take off immediately. But before Reina could protest, the elderly dragon assured her that no harm would come to Von. Reluctantly, she accepted this despite bursting into tears. Von could not stand seeing this sight, so he took her head and looked her in the eyes.

When we get older, we'll meet again. I promise, was what he told her. And after relaying those words to her, their lips connected. Reina was taken aback by such a thing, but it makes sense since they were so young at the time. She cared for Von deeply, shared a tight bond with him. But this was highly unexpected. Caught in the moment, Reina relaxed and allowed Von to proceed. That day had marked the first kiss they shared....and when Von's new life was set into motion.

"I just hope he comes back soon." Reina said as she looked out the window of Lyra's home. "I hope he's safe...."

Wherever he is.....




Von awoke from his slumber the following day and took notice of his surroundings. He was still in the forest that he ran into and he was still alone. Since he was fully rested, he was able to recover from the events of yesterday.....somewhat. He was still quite sad, but he had to hold his head high somehow. But despite that....

"I still feel I should go home. I'm sorry Reina, but it seems I have to leave you again..." He whispered to himself. He turned away from the path back to Ponyville and continued onward. However, something caught his eye. It was a cloaked figure. Its face was hidden, but its body type was clearly that of a stallion. It stood there, unmoving as if staring at him. "Hey! Who are you?!" Von called out. The cloaked stallion did not respond with words, but instead it began to run further into the forest.

"Hey! Come back!" Von cried out, giving chase. The stallion continued running deep into the forest, Von following behind him. It didn't make any effort of trying to shake him off. It was as though he was leading him somewhere. But Von paid no attention to this detail, sadly, and continued chasing after him. About 15 minutes passed by, the amount long Von guessed he was running after the stallion, until they came to an entrance. Or moreover, Von did. Stepping inside, Von looked around for any traces of the mystery stallion he was following when he suddenly stopped as a sound rang out. He turned around to see a stone sliding in place, blockin the entrance he came in.

"No way back for now..." he told himself. He turned back around and continued walking and came upon an open area. The stallion was nowhere in sight, but in his place stood a tall building. It was covered in moss and vines, parts of the roof and walls falling off. It looked like a castle, if not a very old one. But most importantly....

I know this place, Von thought. Before his very eyes was the building his father took him to as a child: Holy Guard Headquarters. "HQ? But how?!"

"Because I led you here." A gruff voice replied. Von turned around to see the cloaked stallion standing behind him.

"Hey. I know that voice. You're the voice that lulled me to sleep with my dad's lullaby. How do you know it?! Answer me." Von demanded. The stallion chuckled, but kept his composure.

"You're quite the hot-headed one, aren't you? It must've been heartbreaking to abandon your pony friends, huh?" The stallion asked. Von gritted his teeth and glared at the stallion.

"How do you know that?"

"I've been watching you for quite some time. And by the way, you really should control your urges. Your landmare is most likely going to beat you up for the mess you made." Von's face flushed with red as he knew what the stallion was referring to.

"H-hey! How dare you peep on me! You pervert! You...you..." Von couldn't think of any other insult, but he didn't need to prove anything to this mystery pony. "I'll ask you again: How do you know my father's lullaby?" The stallion smiled under his hood.

"Let's just say....I got to know your pops really well." He replied. Von growled and grabbed the stallion by his throat and pinned him to a tree.

"What did you do to my father?!" Von yelled. The stallion stayed silent for a moment, his face still hidden under the garb.

"You shouldn't give up hope." He spoke. Caught off guard by that remark, Von let the stallion down and backed up.

"W-what?"

"You wanna get along with us ponies better, right? Then you shouldn't give up hope. Ain't that what your old man taught you?" The stallion said. Von looked down and thought for a moment. He had forgotten Ignus' teachings and ran away on impulse. His father would be greatly disappointed if he ever found out about it and so would his mother.

"Why do you care?" Von asked.

"Because I know how you feel. I know how it feels to try and bring dragons and ponies together in harmony. I know the pain of feeling like your dream will never come true. I know the feeling of rejection because of your interests and the fact you are doing this. But it will be worthwhile in the end. And you may be able to start your own family with your species of interest. Just like I did." Von lifted his head and looked at the stallion with confusion.

"....Who are you? Really." Von inquired. The stallion chuckled and looked at him.

"For now, just call me.....Voyager." The stallion replied. "You should check this place out. You might find something interesting. Until we meet again." The stallion then turned away and walked back into the forest.

"W-wait!" Von called out, but Voyager was already gone from sight. "....Voyager huh? But still....he knew the lullaby. Did dad teach him? Heh. Probably. He taught mom and Elder Eldrich, too." He mumbled to himself. He turned his attention back to Holy Guard HQ and looked up at it. "It's been a long time since I've been here. ......He said I'd find something interesting here. Might as well see what this 'interesting thing' is." With that, he proceeded into the building.

Back in his childhood, the Holy Guard Headquarters was quite lively. It was neatly decorated, there were bright lights and colorful stained glass windows. The air within felt holy and safe. But it was no longer like that. All around, the decorations were tattered and worn out, the lights were broken, the stained glass windows were broken or covered in dust and the air....it felt dismal.....and dark.

"This isn't anything like it was when I was little." Von said, breaking the silence in the building. He proceeded down a hallway, passing by one of the armories and down the hall that led to the sanctum. Stepping into the area, memories of his time with his father flooded his mind. The day when Ignus brought him to the sanctum was the same day he first met that mare, Princess Celestia. Von was still confused as to what the two of them spoke of, but whatever it was caused Ignus to leave them behind. Von wanted to know  why he left and why he didn't come back. And he hoped that the answer would be there in the base.

As Von explored the area more, he noticed something odd. The podium his father stood behind in the past was crooked. There were cobwebs on the sides of it and they were moving slightly. Not on their own, mind you, but being blown by something. Von went to the podium and moved it aside, revealing a hole in the floor.

"A hole?" He muttered. Down inside, he could see a set of stairs. Curious as to where this hole went to, Von went downward. It was dark inside, but this was to be expected of an underground area. Von felt around and soon found a light switch, When it was switched on, the room was alot bigger than he thought. 

BGM 4

The area looked like some training facility made from abandoned ruins. But it was a little odd as well. There were a few capsules about, some broken and others still closed up. Inside some of the capsules were strange figures. There was dust all about them, so Von couldn't make out what they were. Von stepped closer to one of them and began to wipe it off with his hoof. In his mind, he was frightened as to what it was.

Was it a monster? Was it alive? Did it know he was there? Was it watching him? Would it attack him? Could he survive? All of these questions ran rampant in his mind as he finally dusted off the capsule and caught a glimpse of what was inside. But what was inside horrified him.

"N-no...."

Inside of the tube was a dragon, parts of its body spliced open, it was attached to many different tubes and hooks. Its organs were on full display for Von, its heart still beating. The dragon opened its eyes and stared straight at Von, its gaze piercing his soul. A shiver went up Von's spine as he quickly backed away and bumped into another capsule. This was had dust on it as well, but not enough to fully cover it. When he looked inside of this one, there was a pony inside. It was a unicorn, a mare at that, and her body was completely deformed. One eye was hanging out of its socket, her horn was broken off, she had scars all over her body and her legs were replaced with talons. 

But what disgusted Von the most was that her jaw was broken off, leaving only the upper half. He could see her tongue just dangling there, rubbing against her neck as blood poured out of the entrance. Von felt like he was going to be sick. He covered his mouth to try and stifle his fear from pouring out and ran further into the room. 

There, awaited much more horror. Dragons, ponies, gryphons, zebras: you name it! There were corpses all around him, strapped to tables or walls, each and every single one of them having been tortured and murdered in various ways. There were test tubes, needles and other tools scattered around the room. It was as though they were....

"....Being experimented on...." Von said in realization. What he stepped into was not a training facility....but an underground lab. "A lab....who would make a lab for something like this?!" Von screamed. Just as he tried to venture further on, trying not to look back, two figures stepped before him. The way they looked was.....quite disturbing. 

The bodies were pony-like, but the rest of them was not. They had mismatched body parts, such as a gryphon leg and dragon claw, snake tails, deformed or dislocated jaws and much more. But what seemed to be the most, if not at all, normal on these beasts were the dark crystals protruding their shoulders and hind legs. Their eyes were yellow and soulless and they continued to stare blankly at the kirin as they approached him.

BGM 5

"And it seems whoever made this lab made guards so that nopony would learn about this and live to tell the tale." Von growled a bit and got into his stance as he prepared to do battle with the strange chimeras. The one to his left made the first strike and leaped out towards Von, its maw opened wide in an attempt to bite and devour him. Von stepped to the side and countered, whipping the chimera with his tail. It flew back and fell to the ground and started to pick itself back up to get a revenge strike. But the second chimera made its move first and lunged at Von and clawed his cheek. Von managed to move back a bit to minimize the blow, but it still hurt. It wasn't a deep, but it caused him to bleed. 

Von redirected his attention back to the chimeras and lunged out, clawing the one who struck him as well. His claws struck deep into its face, knocking one of its eyes loose from its socket. Reacting as though he just set off a landmine, the chimera pounced ontop of Von and started trying to bite his face off. Naturally, Von moved his head to the side constantly, avoiding the attack and when he saw the opportunity, he shot a burst of wind from his mouth and into the chimera's face and sent it flying into the ceiling. In an attempt to finish the job, Von readied a fireball but was interrupted as he hardly noticed the second chimera coming right for him. He noticed at the last second and didn't have much time to prepare.and braced himself for impact. The attack came and the chimera bit into his neck.

....But there was no pain. Von opened his eyes and stared down at the chimera. Its teeth were certainly connected with his neck, but he felt no pain and he was still breathing. Upon further examination, Von saw that his skin had changed. It was brown and and it felt like it was made of stone. Yet, he was still quite limber. He was confused about this, but he shook it off as he knew he had to take care of this and keep going forward. He punched the chimera biting him in the face and when it stumbled back, he unleashed his flame and burned the chimera to a crisp. He turned his attention back to the second, it having fallen to the ground and was now limping. It growled at Von and Von returned his own. In a desperate act, the chimera lunged out towards Von with its crystals sparking with a dark and evil energy. 

Von could feel the chimera's power rising. Nowhere near Nova's level, but it was still quite powerful. Von knew he had to return a powerful attack of his own to survive this. But his strongest skills were the only two breaths that he knew.....or so he thought. Recalling his battle with Nova, Von remembered the technique he unconsciously used on Nova: his Meteor Dash. Eldrich had told him about the advanced fire skill, but Von was nowhere near being trained enough to control it, let alone use it. But he had to try. He kept his eyes on the chimera, concentrating his power into his inner fire. Sparks emitted from his body, slowly turning into small flames as the circled around his body. 

The chimera was slowly closing the distance between them. The flames grew bigger and soon started to cover Von's body. The chimera got closer and closer, the dark power surging wildly from its crystals. The flames fully covered Von's body, though they were not as large as they were before. It was good enough for him. He charged headlong at the chimera and in a flash of light, the two were on the opposite sides. Von stood still, unmoving and the chimera was just as still as he was.

The moment he lowered his stand, the chimera burst into flames, howling in unbearable pain as its corpse collapsed to the ground and was reduced to no more than ashes. Von's skin returned to normal and he looked at himself in confusion.

"What was that just now?" he spoke. "It was like...I could feel some earthly protection over my body. Was that the Earth element?" He wanted to think on it more, but he was wasting time. Tucking this event to the back of his mind, he continued forward.

After some time, Von discovered another room. It looked like an office. There was a desk, a chair and lots of paperwork. Von walked into the room and looked on the desk to find some notes. They looked like research notes, every single one documented by someone named Professor B. Von took them in his claw, deciding to keep them for later and turned back to the door and started to leave. But the moment he turned around, there was another group of chimeras. But this time, there were alot more. Von grit his teeth in disappointment. Most of his power had been exhausted in that battle with the first two chimeras, having used Meteor Dash and his new power. He only had enough power left to use one more breath, but if he did that then he wouldn't be able to escape without collapsing from exhaustion.

He was stuck, nowhere to run as five chimeras made their advance towards him. It seemed like it was all over until suddenly, one of the chimeras was knocked over by a golden yellow blur. The others directed their attention towards said blur and began to assault it. Von wanted to escape, but whoever this was, he couldn't leave them behind. Seeing an opening, Von whipped one of the chimeras with his tail and sent it flying into a wall. He then continued his assault on it, catching the attention of two other chimeras and causing them to head his way. Blow after blow was exchanged between Von and the chimeras, as well as the source of the blur and the other two. Some time passed and all the chimeras were knocked out.

"Geez..." Von groaned, catching his breath. Wiping the sweat off his forehead, he turned to thank the mystery figure who aided him. However, he fell silent when his gaze fell on the figure. It was a pegasus mare with a grey mane, a green vest with shorts and a compass rose Cutie mark. Von was at a loss for words as he realized who this pony was. "Y-you're D-D-D-D-D-D-D-D...." Von stuttered. The pegasus cocked her head sideways in confusion.

"Hey, you alright?" She asked. She was about to speak more when suddenly, she was cut off as Von screamed her name aloud.


"DARING DO?!?!?!?!"



















Chapter 6-End

> Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

"How could you have failed me?! You had ONE. SIMPLE. JOB!!! And you blew it!!!" Konan yelled. Nova knelt upon one knee and bowed his head.

"I apologize father. It will not happen again." Nova assured him. Konan snorted and turned his head away.

"Whatever. At any rate, everything will soon go smoothly." Nova lifted his head and looked towards his father.

"Father?"

"That old fool has been in charge for far too long. He is too forgiving and too laid back. Someone else deserves to be the Dragon King and it's not him." Konan looked up to a cave on the mountain, where Eldrich had lay. The elderly dragon paid no mind to his venomous gaze and went about his business. Konan was jealous of Eldrich's power and his status as the king. But he knew, somewhere in his mind, that he would have his day. Sometime....but it wasn't now.

"Do you wish for me to train myself?" Nova inquired. Konan merely nodded his head.

"Yes. However, I will not be sending you to go after Von this time." Konan explained. Nova's eyes widened on this.

"Father?!" Nova was about to protest, but Konan held his hand up.

"I will be sending another. I expect her to do a better job than you, my son." Konan stated. Nova raised a brow. Nova had expected that his father would send another warrior to do his bidding, but he didn't think that he'd send a female to do the job. This raised a few questions in his mind, but mainly one: who was the female?

"Her?" The moment he asked, a feminine figure approached the two of them. Her white teeth, forming a wicked grin, gleamed in the sun as its light cast upon her purple hide.




Chapter 7


BGM 2

"D-Daring Do...You're Daring Do!" Von stuttered. Daring chuckled a bit and scratched her head nervously.

"So...you've heard of me, huh?" She asked. Von nodded his head rapidly and smiled one of the biggest smiles he ever had.

"Yeah! I've read your book. It was what inspired me to leave the mountain." Von explained. Daring stared at him, looking him up and down, as if trying to discern what exactly he was.

"Um...thanks. So...what ARE you?" She asked. Von got down from his high and smiled nervously at his idol.

"Um....I'm a kirin...or a dragon-pony. Von is my name." Daring stayed silent for a moment before Von looked away and frowned. "Are you......scared?" He asked, looking back at her. Daring shook her head and smiled warmly at him.

"Not really. In fact, you look pretty cool. I've never seen something like you before. Your appearance....it's kinda exotic." She reassured him. Von's ears perked up and he returned a smile to her. Lyra, Bon Bon, Reina and now Daring Do herself. Von had met four ponies that were not disgusted or frightened of his appearance. Granted, Bon Bon was quite scared at first glance, but she got used to it relatively quick. And Reina....well, there was no need for her to be frightened as the two knew one another from Hollow Shades. Even after all that time had passed, she still remembered him. But now wasn't the time for reminiscing.

"So....what are you doing here, Daring?" The kirin inquired. The mare giggled and took her hat off.

"Well, I was hearing word that somepony was doing some kind of strange experiments in this area because alot of ponies have gone missing when they come here. Looks like it was the truth." She told him.

"It's not just ponies. It's dragons, too." Von corrected her. "But why would there be dragons here? I thought they hated ponies."

"Well from what i heard, there was actually a hidden settlement where dragons and ponies could be together without being ridiculed or mistreated." Von's ears perked up upon this statement as Daring went on. "This place doesn't exist anymore. They say it was wiped out during some war. Its name was forgotten a long time ago. But my mother still remembers it and she told it to me."

".....What was the name?" Von inquired. Daring saw the look on his face and could tell that he was both worried and interested. Him being parts pony and dragon, it would only make sense that he'd get this concerned. But not only that, he remembered something from his childhood.

There was a point in time when Von detested being in Hollow Shades. He wanted to escape, to leave and abandon everything that was there so that he and his family could find a home where they were truly accepted. Ignus had told him stories of a haven where dragon/pony couples could live together without feeling any pain from insults or sadness from the ridicule they received. Silva was not certain what he was talking about, but she played along. It was a splendid place where pain did not exist. Only happiness and harmony between uncanny couples from two races. Von had asked what the name of the place was, hoping that he could see it someday. And of course, Ignus told him the name. And that name was--

"Dragonheart Village." Daring answered him. Von was stunned. No...SHOCKED, to hear that very name escape Daring's lips. The same name his father told him. The place he'd always hoped to see that he believed was just imaginary. The haven for the very same couple Ignus and Silva were.....had truly existed. But now...it was gone. Wiped out. Forgotten. Nothing more than a barren land. Its name only known by 3 individuals: Daring, Silva and Von himself.

"The village....who wiped it out?" Von asked. Daring lifted a hoof to answer, but alas, no words came.

BGM 3

"It was a unicorn." A male voice proclaimed. Daring donned her signature hat as she prepared herself for this mysterious voice. But Von recognized it and the figure that stepped before them.

"Voyager." Von called out. Voyager smiled from under his hood.

"So you found the lab, huh?"

"Von, was it? Do you know this guy?" Daring asked. Von nodded, not looking over at her.

"Yes. He was the one who led me here." His eyes locked onto Voyager as he continued. "So what do you mean a unicorn wiped it out? There's no way that he did it on his own."

"He didn't. Or more along the lines, he COULDN'T do it on his own. Not unless--"

"--he had some allies...." Von realized. Voyager nodded.

"Yes. The unicorn has aligned himself with two powerful forces. One of which you know very well." He explained. Von raised a brow.

"Has? You mean he's still alive?!" He looked to Daring, who seemed pretty intrigued herself.

"Who did he align with?" She asked. Voyager chuckled and looked in her direction.

"He has aligned with a mysterious entity, so I cannot tell you who that is. But I do know that his other ally.....is a dragon." Von's ears perked up upon hearing that sentence.

" A dragon?! Which one?! Who is it?! Tell me!!" He grabbed Voyager by the throat and held him up against a wall. Daring grabbed Von's shoulder, trying to force him to release his grip. Her efforts proved difficult, but she managed to force him to let go. Voyager remained unfazed by Von's action as he could understand the reason why. The dream world Von envisioned was wiped out by the two species that he was trying to bring together: a pony and a dragon. And to top it off, this pony was still alive, avoiding the consequence of what he's done.

"I can see that you are upset. But worry not. I know where you can find this unicorn." Voyager assured him. Von calmed down and stared at him.

"Where is he?" He inquired.

"He's set up over in Baltimare. Apparently he has a shop in the outskirts of the town, where all the bad ones live. Best be careful when you tread there. One slip up and you might not come back." Voyager turned away as Von looked down at the ground, the fear of not coming back alive flooding his heart. As he looked back up to speak to the stallion, he had already left. However, his voice resounded throughout the facility.


You should head back to your friends. I am certain that they are all quite worried about you.





Lyra paced back and forth within her home, Bon Bon worrying over the unicorn as they both were concerned for the well-being of their kirin companion. However, their worries ended when the front door opened and the young half-breed stepped inside.

"Hey. Am I late?" He asked. Immediately however, Lyra slapped him with her hoof and tears started streaming down her cheeks. Von was about to question the reason behind her action when she suddenly embraced him in her hooves.

"You idiot....we were worried about you." She said through her tears. Von couldn't help but smile and he soon returned the hug with one of his own.

"I know...." He lifted his head and smiled back at Bon Bon, who was also smiling with tears running down her cheeks as well. He was glad to be back, but there was one thing he needed to know before he could be fully content with his return. "Where's Reina?"

"She went home after what happened. She was still pretty upset that you got up and left without even so much as a goodbye. That's not a good way to treat your friends, especially mares." Bon Bon scolded.

"I know. And I'm sorry." Von apologized with a sigh. "But I managed to find something odd when I left. Take a look at these." Von reached behind him and grabbed the notes that he had found in the facility and showed them to his friends.

"Who's Professor B.?" Lyra asked, earning a shrug from the kirin.

"Not sure. But whoever he is...he needs to be stopped. I saw his underground lab. He......he's doing sick, vile and twisted things to ponies. But not just them. Dragons, griffins and other races too!" He shuddered as he recalled what he had seen there, but Lyra simply giggled.

"I think you're overreacting."

"He's telling the truth." A voice called from outside. Lyra and Bon Bon's eyes widened as Daring Do stepped into the house.

"Oh yeah. I forgot. I met a certain pony while I was there. You guys know Daring Do, right?" Von said. He grinned smugly at Lyra and closed her jaw as it looked like it was about to fall off.

"Uh...uh....ummm...." Lyra stuttered.

"Does this make up for taking your book?" He asked.

"Big time..." She responded. A moment passed before she regained her composure and she smiled bigger than she ever had in her life. "Y-you're Daring Do!! Oh my goddess!! I can't believe it's really you!!!!"

"Please...don't make a scene. I already had to deal with one with him." Daring said, pointing to the half-breed. Von laughed and sat down on the couch.

"Sorry. I can't help it. You're The Daring Do, adventurer extraordinaire. I only read one book, but I felt inspired. I would never have been brave enough to leave home. I'm grateful." Von said. Daring blushed and removed her hat.

"Thanks. But can you do me a favor, Von?"

"Sure."

"Can you not keep calling me by my full name? While I'm here, I'm just Daring." She explained. Lyra cocked her head.

"Why can't we call you Daring Do?" She asked.

"Well....I'm kinda tired of the celebrity life", She started, "I feel like staying out of the spotlight for awhile, ya know? I like adventuring and exploring and all that, but I think I earned some time off. To live like a normal mare for awhile. You guys can understand that, right?"

All three of them looked to one another, taking in Daring's words. What she said was the truth. Ponies like her, celebrities in general, are hardly able to live like everyday ponies. Being able to have friends, play around and have fun, getting their hooves dirty, sharing secrets, having blossoming romances and much more was what all celebrities longed for. Daring was no exception. And Von thought that there were probably more ponies just like her. Maybe even that princess from his memories. ........Nah.

"Alright. You have a point, Daring. Anyway, welcome to Ponyville. Come on. We'll show you around." Von exclaimed. Lyra and Bon Bon nodded in agreement and proceeded outside with the kirin, with the guest of honor following behind them However not too long after they showed Daring around, a trio of pegasi came before them. One of them was adorned with a weight for a Cutie mark on his brown coat. The second to the right had an orange coat with three basketballs and was a bit taller than the brown one. The last one was to the left of the brown pegasi, sporting a gray coat and three footballs for a Cutie mark. All three of them split up and cornered Von and his friends with mocking smiles spread across their faces.

"Lookie what we have here, guys. It's that freaky dragon-pony from yesterday. What's the matter? Came back to get laughed at again?" Dumbbell said. Clearly, he was the leader of this ragtag little group.

"No, I didn't. I'm showing a friend around and I intend on doing just that. Now if you'll excuse me..." Von huffed as he turned and walked into the chest of the orange pegasus.

"Where ya going? We were just starting to have fun." Hoops said. Score merely laughed and all three of them surrounded Von.

"Hey! Leave him alone!" Lyra shouted. She went over to one of the pegasi and was about to punch him, but Daring stopped her and pulled her back. "Hey!"

"No. Let him fight his own battle. He has to." She told her.


[~~~~~~]


"Now I know there's a town around here somewhere." Daring mumbled to herself, wallowing through the Everfree Forest.

"Excuse me." A stallion called out. Daring whipped her head back and saw a cloaked pony standing by one of the trees. "I have a request."

"Who are you?"

"Don't worry about that. But I have something for you to do." Voyager said. "To the west of here, there is an old abandoned building where knights used to gather. Below, there is a secret tunnel leading to some underground facility where ponies have gone into and went missing. Unspeakable experiments have taken place there and I wish to find the culprit."

"......" Daring stayed silent for a moment, expecting there to be more and Voyager smiled.

"Heh. But this is not the favor of which i ask, though it seems like something you would be interested in discovering, Miss Daring Do." Daring's ears perked up upon hearing her name. "The favor of which i ask deals with a young individual that I have already sent inside. He is a kirin, or dragon-pony if you wish. He has been dealing with many hardships over his life ever since he was born. I want him to establish independence, so that he no longer has to rely on anypony to support him. Including his mother and father."

"Why are you asking me?" She inquired. Voyager stared at his hooves grimly.

"Because he cannot learn without the aid of others. He was not able to learn what he needed so that he could support himself as he got older. His teachings had become limited to only his mother the moment I......" Voyager silenced himself and looked back up at Daring. "He needs to learn how to be independent. And I believe all of you ponies can teach him that." Daring stared at Voyager for a long while. This had come completely out of the blue for her. She was looking for a break from her celebrity life and was now being asked to help a young dragon-pony become independent. She was a bit reluctant, but she thought of it as a brand new adventure.

"Alright. I'll do it."


[~~~~~~]


Daring came back to reality and looked to the scene in front of her and the others. Dumbbell and his gang were punching and kicking Von, spitting out curses and other insults at him while Von did nothing but endure. He didn't want to fight and he didn't want to harm anypony. If he did, then he would be hated far worse than he thought he was.

"Somepony like you doesn't deserve to--" At the moment, Dumbbell was cut off when a fireball hit near he and his companions, causing them to jump back. But they jumped back further when a stream of ice nearly froze them in place. Von lifted his head and looked towards the pegasi when two familiar voices spoke up.

BGM 4

"You really need to learn to watch your manners when you speak to someone. You could hurt their feelings." Spoke the calm voice.

"Especially if that one is a friend of ours. Guess we have to teach you guys some respect!" The second, more brash voice spoke. Von's ears twitched in response as he absorbed the voices and realized who they belonged to. Smiling with joy, he shrugged off his bruises and ran to his friends.

"Axel! Arcius!"

"So sorry that we didn't come visit you sooner. But circumstances forced us to come." Arcius replied. "But we can catch up later."

"Yeah! Time to show these guys just who they're messing with." Axel shouted, punching the air in the direction of the group. Von smiled in response, pleased to see his friends doing so well but also for the fact that--

"It's payback time!" Von took lead as all three dragons and pegasi charged at one another and proceeded to brawl. Arcius took Score, Axel dealt with Hoops and Von being the technical leader, took on Dumbbell. Fists flew all around as blow for blow was exchanged. But due to their natural strength, Von's friends started to push them back. Von headbutted Dumbbell in his chest, earning a grunt of pain from him. Dumbbell swung at him in retaliation but Von ducked and countered with a whip of his tail across the pegasi's face, cutting him and drawing a bit of blood.

Arcius and Axel seemed to be handling themselves pretty well as they matched blow for blow with their opponents and countered when they saw an opening. With a final hit from all sides, Von and his companions stood victorious.

"H-hey! No fair! You have two dragons backing you up!" Hoops shouted. He then got up and started to fly away from the trio.

"Y-yeah! I'm getting out of here!" Score cried as he flew off as well. All that remained was their leader: Dumbbell, who was shaking and quivering with fear. The trio stared down at them and stepped closer. But the moment they took their step, Dumbbell shrieked and flew away with his tail between his legs. Laughing, Von turned to his friends and saw their smiling faces. They didn't need to exchange any words to know what they felt. They missed him and he missed them, too. Daring, Lyra and Bon Bon felt happy, yet nervous as well, which is natural since they were face to face with two full-fledged dragons. Sensing this, Arcius and Axel turned to the ponies to introduce themselves.

"Sorry about that. We got caught up in that little scrap that we forgot to make ourselves known. Name's Axel. How ya doin?" Axel introduced. Arcius sighed and bowed to the three mares.

"Please forgive my simple-minded companion. My name is Arcius. Charmed, I'm sure." He said. The way he spoke was fluent and very mannerly. His voice was so gentle and soothing that it caused a blush to appear on the faces of each mare, but only Daring was the one whose wings shot straight out.

"I-I swear, that never happens!" She shouted in embarrassment. Von and the rest of the gang burst into laughter, Daring joining in shortly after. However, a thought came to mind when the laughter died down.

"Oh yeah. You guys said that circumstances forced you guys to come here. What did you mean?" Arcius looked to Axel and they both looked at him.

"It's a long story, but I can tell that you are tired. For now, we shall rest and we will tell you come tomorrow." He said. Von was about to question him, but he knew how Arcius was. The moment he says tomorrow, he meant it. Questioning his words was like detonating a mine. Once it explodes, it cannot be undone. Arcius was one of the calmest dragons on the mountain, but he was also one of the fiercest. Von had only seen him angry once. The thought of it happening again sent chills up his spine.

"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow then." Von said. He waved goodbye and the dragons waved back as they flew off into the distance. He turned back to his pony friends, but Daring drew his attention.

"I'm gonna head on up and sleep on a cloud for a bit. I've always wanted to, but never got the chance. I'll see you guys in the morning." She said. She waved goodbye and flew away as well, leaving Von with Lyra and Bon Bon.

"I think we ALL deserve a good rest." Lyra stated. Bon Bon and Von nodded in agreement. With that, the three of them stepped inside and closed the door behind them, set on retiring for the night. Today was quite a productive day. Von discovered an underground facility, met his idol and reunited with his friends. After such a long day, a good nights rest was definitely a reward.





















But soon after he turned around, a book surrounded by Lyra's magic hit him dead in his face.


"That's for cumming on my couch!!!"






BGM 5

"He'll be coming for you soon", spoke a low male voice. It was threatening and dark, full of resent and malice.

"Yes. I am aware. He truly is like his father, always so nosy. But that curiosity will be the death of him." Spoke another male voice. It sounded full of pride and animosity.

"Well then, I'm sure you already know what to do. I've given you the power to do so, as I did for Konan. I didn't give you another chance for no reason."

"I didn't forget. I will carry out your orders. I will offer you his soul as per our agreement. His existence is one that is not meant to be. He shall be cleansed from this world. All for his dream."


"Yes. His dream. His dream world will come to light....."













Chapter 7-End

> Dark powers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

"How can we be sure she'll get the job done?" Nova argued. Konan stepped down from where he sat and looked Nova in the eye. He stayed silent for a moment before he gave his child a wicked grin before he turned away.

"Because she has been given a special gift." He replied. "A gift that will give her powers beyond her mortal imagination. Even you can be granted these powers."  Nova's tail twitched at the sound of that sentence. A power that goes far beyond his imagination, the strength he so desired. A power that could possibly crush his foes without even moving a muscle. Even if he couldn't do that, he wanted it regardless. He wanted that strength. He wanted that power.....

And he wanted it now.

"Father, please tell me. How can I acquire such a power? I must know!" He demanded. Konan chuckled and looked to his son.

"You're just as ambitious as He is. Very well. I shall tell you. It's a simple thing that you must do." He walked over to Nova and placed a claw on his shoulder.

"I will do what i must. To succeed in my objectives, to defeat any foe and to make you proud, father. I will do whatever it takes." Nova proclaimed. Konan just chuckled at his statement.

"I know you will. Now listen carefully. What you must do is very simple. Close your eyes. Calm your mind. Clear it of any doubts you may have. All ambitions. All your pain. All your sorrow and defeat. Empty it all from your mind until it remains blank."

Nova did as he instructed and cleared his mind, allowing nothing to distract him nor discourage him. Konan's smile grew wide, filled with wicked thoughts and sickening pleasure. He had Nova eating out of his hands. He knew he could count on his own son's loyalty in order to fulfill his ambitions. To him, Nova was nothing but a puppet. But the moment had passed. He had to get this over and don with before they were discovered. He believed that they were alone, but that was not the case. From the sidelines, Silva was watching them from a distance. She had no clue what they were up to, but she knew it was no good.

"Good boy, Nova. Now then....are you prepared to receive your gift?" Konan asked. Nova nodded slowly.

"Yes father." Konan smiled wickedly and raised his hand.

"Good. Then from now on...."

The action of which Konan performed was beyond vile. It was sickening and cruel for him to do such a thing to his own son. Just the sight of it caused Silva to flinch and turn away in fright. What was burned into her eyes will never be unseen by her, nor will she ever forget Konan's cruelty.....of ripping out his son's own heart.


"Your life belongs to Master Orcus"


	


Chapter 8


BGM 2

"Is everyone here?" Arcius asked, looking around the livingroom of Lyra's house. Sure enough, every single pony friend that Von made along his arrival to Equestria was gathered in the room. Axel sat next to Arcius, while Von sat with his friends in front of the two drakes. However his gaze was locked on Reina, who was also looking at him. The two of them smiled at each other, not having to say a word to express what they felt. And neither did the ponies beside them for they already knew that Von and Reina made their choice. And they knew they would live with it, as long as it made them both happy.




"You wanted to see me, Reina?" Von asked. Having woken up the next day, feeling rejuvenated and fully relaxed, Von had left Lyra's home and made his way through Ponyville. On his way, most of the ponies around him stopped and stared as he walked, making him feel nervous. He believed that they would reject him, his true form having been revealed on the day of Nova's assault. And even now, his form was revealed to them. But to his surprise.....they didn't. In fact, they were more than happy to see him. They waved to him, thanking him for protecting their homes and their loved ones.

On his way through town, Reina had called out to him. She had asked him to follow her to her cloud home because she wanted to talk to him. At first, being a stallion and all, he believed that she wanted him to come to her house because.......

Either way, she wanted him over to talk.

"Yeah. I think we need to talk." She told him.

"About what?"

"Well....remember when we almost kissed back on the hill?" Von remembered that event. It was the day he and Reina went on their first date. The day Nova came to Ponyville. And the day he left Ponyville in shame.

"Yeah. I do." he replied.

"Well.....I know you asked me to be your marefriend and all....but i don't think we should. For our sake." She told him. Normally most stallions would get upset and beg and plead for the mare to reconsider after getting rejected. But Von was not like that.

"I was thinking the same. In fact, I was gonna tell you that I don't think we should. Nopony knows what would happen if we did. Would it work out? Would we fight? What if one of us got hurt? I don't wanna think that kind of stuff, especially about my best pony friend." Reina smiled at him and gave him a hug.

"I know. I know you better than anypony except your mom and....oh. Sorry." She let go of him and stepped backwards.

"it's alright. I'm happy now. Anyway, I think that this is best for the both of us. And to tell the truth, I've always thought of you more as a sister." Von said with a teasing grin.

"Heh. And I thought you as a brother," She replied. "And I think it should stay that way." The two of them nodded their heads and shook hands, agreeing with one another that they would see each other as siblings rather than lovers. This gave them both the opportunity to try and find their own special someponies. But they had something important to attend to first.

"Let's get going. Arcius and Axel are expecting us." Von reminded her.

"Right." Thus, the two of them spread their wings and flew to Lyra's house.



"Now that we're all here, Axel and I will tell you what's been going on." Arcius proclaimed. "On an important matter, your mother wishes you well and hopes that things are going how you thought they would, Von." Von nodded his head and smiled at his friend.

"So far, yeah. And I hope everything is going well for her, too. But anyway, what has been going on? is it Konan again?"

"Not just Konan. Him and Nova have been acting really weird lately. Even Cynder." Axel spoke. "We think they're going to try and overthrow the elder." Von's ears perked up and he jumped up the moment those words were spoken.

"THEY'RE WHAT?!" He screamed. Daring cleared her throat in an attempt to grab their attention, which she did and Von calmed down.

"Who's this 'elder'? If you don't mind me asking." She inquired. Von took a deep breath and glanced in her direction.

"It's ok. Anyway, the elder is my trainer and king of the dragons." He told her. "He's also a long time friend of my dad's." Von had great respect for Eldrich. Not just because he was king, not because he trained him and not because of his connection to his father. But because he accepted Von's birth and encouraged Von's dream of coexistence. To him, Eldrich was like family.

"So this Konan guy is trying to overthrow your king?" Reina asked. Arcius nodded in response, turning to Axel who began to speak next.

"We're not sure how, but he seems to have gained the favor of many other dragons for him to replace Eldrich as ruler. Not only that, he's been acting rather weird lately." Von tilted his head in confusion.

"How so?"

"We don't know for sure, but it seems like there is a great change in him. Something powerful....and frightening."

"At any rate, we cannot stop him at our current level of power," Arcius said. "So with that, we cannot go after him until we feel we're ready. So until then, Axel and I will keep trying to figure out what's up. Think you can handle it?" Von looked to his friends, seeing their determined faces and back to his dragon companions. He knew they had another task to complete before they could even begin to think of going after Konan.

"Yeah. I can wait. We have another task at hand." He told them.

"Good to hear. And we will help you in any way we can. But for now, how about a break? Axel and I have been droning on for quite some time. And i figured you deserve it anyway." Von and the rest smiled, getting up from where they were seated and took Arcius' advice. Lyra and Bon Bon went for a walk, Reina went back up to Cloudsdale to see what weather was to be scheduled for the week and Axel.....well, he decided to head into Ponyville to grab a bite to eat, leaving only Von, Daring and Arcius behind.

"So...." Arcius started, "you're the famous Daring Do, huh?" Daring blushed and looked away from him.

"So you know me, huh?"

"Only because of the book Von had. Shame Konan burned it. But i must admit, you've had quite the impact on him. He never would've come here if it wasn't for you. Thank you for helping him live his dream."

"Heh...no problem. Say, you're a smart one. Do you like reading history novels?"

"I've quite the astute mind when it comes to ancient history. In fact, I--" Arcius and Daring continued to ramble on to one another about ancient history, artifacts, old civilizations and it was all giving Von a headache. But it pleased him to see his friends getting along with one another. Seeing as how it looked like he didn't exist to them, Von took to the streets of Ponyville.

The sun in the sky hadn't changed a bit. It was still as bright and peaceful as ever. The only difference was that now many things ran through Von's mind. Who is Professor B.? Who murdered his father? Will Konan succeed in his mutiny? And what is this strange power that made him become so frightening to his friends? All this and more had to be answered. But he could only focus on one at a time.

"First things first. Gotta find this Professor B." He told himself. To find this unicorn, he had to travel to Baltimare. He heard of the place, but never got to see it with his own eyes. He's always wondered what the cities in Equestria looked like. Baltimare, Las Pegasus, Cloudsdale, Manehat--

*Crash*

Von had walked smack dab into the wall of a building and fell on his back. He mentally cursed at himself for not paying attention when a sweet voice called to him.

BGM 3

"Hey....are you ok?" The voice asked. It was feminine with a hint of shyness to it. Von opened his eyes and stared at the mare that was standing over him.

"Uh...." Von stammered. In terms of appearance, she looked a little like Daring. But completely different. Her green eyes sparkled as her gaze was locked with his, her black and green mane complimenting her luscious white body. Daring was pretty and all, but Daring was nothing compared to this mare. And despite his resisting, a thought crossed Von's mind.

I wanna rut this pegasus like no tomorrow.....Gah! No! No perverted thoughts! I did this with Reina, I don't wanna do it again! Stop it! Stop thinking!!!

"Um....are you ok?" The pegasus asked again. Von was too busy disciplining himself that he had forgotten the pony that was before him. Feeling rude, he got back onto his feet and dusted himself off.

"My apologies. But yes. I'm ok." He replied. The mare smiled at him and sighed in relief.

"That's good." She said. But at that moment, she realized something. "Are you a dragon-pony?" Von looked at her and smiled.

"Yes I am." He answered. "You know about my kind?"

"Yeah. My old coltfriend told me how there used to be dragon-born ponies in a place called Dragonheart Village. But it got wiped out. That sucks. I really wanted to see one with my own eyes." She told him. Her voice was full of sorrow. Seems she really wanted to see a kirin. "But now i met you. So I'm happy now."

"Good to hear, miss....."

"Storm Front."

"I'm Von. Pleasure to meet....you...." Wait. She said 'coltfriend'......darn it. Guess she's taken. I can't believe this. I meet a nice, beautiful mare and she's taken by some random stallion. Von kicked his foot against the ground. This isn't fair. Why are all the good mares--

Von smacked himself in the forehead, having just come out of his daze and realized what she ACTUALLY said.

"You're single?" He asked.

"Yeah. My coltfriend dumped me for some other mare. I could swear that she was probably a slut at some point in her life. And he's nothing more than an idiot. Leaving me for somepony like that. That no good two-faced, lying, manipulative treacherous...UGH!!!" Storm groaned in frustration and sat down beside Von. "Sorry. I'm probably boring you, huh?"

"Not at all", Von said, dismissing her outburst. "It's good to let out your feelings. So who did he leave you for?"

'Some pink alicorn pony. And get this? They got married about a few months ago. It was talked about all over town. I woulda made a good bride......" Now she was mumbling to herself, thinking about her break up. Von continued to stare at her, worried and intrigued. Worried because she seemed to still be quite shaken up about the loss of this stallion....and intrigued as to what she'd look like in a wedding dress.

Gah! Come on Von. You just met her. Don't go acting that way again. But he couldn't really help himself. They only met a few minutes ago and she was opening up so much to him. She seemed to be very trustworthy. Whoever the stallion was that dumped her, he lucked out. And worst of all, he went and married some pink alicorn. Remembering some of the pink females (and by some strange means, pink males) back on the mountain, he pretty much came to a quick conclusion.

She was definitely a slut at some point. Probably in her teens. Heh....a pink alicorn.... "Don't worry about him. He missed out. Anybody would be lucky to have somepony like you for a marefriend. Even......well....me, i guess." Storm lifted her head and looked at him. Her cheeks were flush with red and when his eyes met hers, he began blushing as well.

"Um....Von?" She managed to get out.

"Yeah?"

"Are you seeing anypony?"

"No. Why?" He inquired. She blushed and looked away from him and it only took him a moment to realize what was going on. Is she thinking about asking me out?!?! But we just...I mean she....I just.............ah buck it! She's hot. She thinks i'm cute. She's my type. She accepts me. I want her. She wants me. End of story. "Are you thinking about asking me out?" He said aloud.

At that moment, Storm's wings unfurled from their resting place and stood at full salute, the owner blushing brighter than ever.

"Huh? Oh.....no. no no no no no no no.....I-i wouldn't. I-I-I couldn't....i mean......not unless you don't mi--" Her words were cut off when she felt a pair of warm lips press against her own. Her eyes widened at Von's sudden action until they slowly shut, responding to his kiss by pushing her lips against his. Seeing that she wasn't resisting, Von continued kissing her and the two felt like they were in their own little world. Von had liked Reina at one point, but never felt like this around her. And he had not expected to feel this way towards this strange pegasus. His body felt like it was going to melt. He felt hot, his forehead dripping with sweat, his tail was wagging against the ground uncontrollably and his heart was beating a mile a minute.

Storm was feeling the same way as her heart felt like it was going to leap from her chest. Reluctantly the two broke the kiss with only a trail of saliva connecting them. They stared at each other, trying to catch their breath and didn't look away from one another. In that instant, they knew what is was they were feeling in their heart.....


This is the one I want to be with.....


BGM 4

Awakening from his bliss, Von began to look around the surrounding area. Something wasn't right....the air that was once warm had now grown cold. Not cold like winter air.....no....cold due to fear.

"V-Von? Is something the matter?" Storm asked.

"Get going..." Von muttered.

"W-what?"

"Now! Get away from here!" This time he yelled. Storm could see a hint of worry in his eye and seeing that as her signal to get going, she flew away. Von growled to himself and began running towards the center of Ponyville. "Dammit. He's here again?!"

As he continued to run, he was quickly greeted by the presence of his friends.

"You felt it, too?" Axel asked. Von nodded his head and kept running forward.

"Well whoever this is, we're not letting you handle this alone. We got your back." Arcius proclaimed. Von smiled and looked in Daring's direction.

"Where are Lyra and Bon Bon?"

"I told them to stay in their home. Whatever this feeling is, ponies inexperienced with danger like them don't need to get involved. I'm not much of a fighter, but i'll help any way I can." She said. Von smiled and the four of them stopped upon reaching the center.  

Looking to the sky, they saw a feminine silhouette descending until it landed in front of them. The female smiled at them all, but the main focus of her attention was Von.

BGM 5

"Hey Vonny. Long time no see, baby~" She said with a sultry tone.

"Dammit, Cynder. Why are you here?!" Von asked.

"Simple. I have orders from Konan to bring you back." Axel sighed and shook his head at his sister.

"So even you have become Konan's lap dog, huh?" He said. Cynder giggled and smiled at him.

"Oh come on. You don't really think I'll follow him 24/7, do you? Now....if I was his PERSONAL lap dog, well--"

"We've no time for your games, Cynder. If you came here for Von, then you're going to have to get through us first." Arcius said. He and Axel stepped in front of their half breed friend, ready to defend him and Cynder's smile turned into a scowl.

"You know....if there's one thing I hate about men, it's their persistence!!!" As she screamed the last word, she opened her mouth and a stream of purple lightning came out and blew the two drakes away.

"Arcius! Axel!" Von cried. He looked back to his two friends, seeing them lying on the ground motionless. They were still breathing, but they were heavily injured.

"I-it's alright." Arcius spoke. "We're just a bit injured. That's all."

"Yeah. Ack!" Axel grunted. "I don't remember her lightning being THAT strong before....." Von turned back to Cynder, but she was not there. She was, however, over to his side and choking a certain pegasus that was with them.

"Daring!"

"My, my. Lookie here. A pony. You came here to meet ponies like her, didn't you?" Cynder asked. Von kept quiet and let Cynder continue speaking. "She has such a soft coat...." At that moment, she pressed one of talons lightly to Daring's neck. "Let's see what she looks like when she's SKINNED!!!"

"No, don't!" Daring squeaked out.

"Cynder, don't do it!!!" But Cynder wasn't paying any attention to Von's words. She drew her arm back, her talon aiming dead center for Daring's throat. As she was about to sink it in, Von yelled at her.

"Zu'u jur hi wah ziinkrif!" Cynder stopped what she was doing and smirked as she turned her head to Von.

"Hehe. You really wanna do that?" She said. Her face was smug and confident while Von's was nervous and unwilling. But he needed to do what he could in order to protect his friends. Without a word he nodded his head, prompting Cynder to drop Daring and the pegasus ran to the two injured dragons.

"Are you two ok?" She asked.

"Yeah. We're fine." Axel said. Arcius groaned and looked at Von and Cynder.

"But i'm more worried about him."

"Why?" Daring asked.

"He just challenged her to a duel." Arcius told her. Daring's eyes widened and she shifted her attention to the situation before them. "Dragon duels are very strict.They are one on one and if he wins, then she'll have to do whatever he decides."

"And if he loses?" Daring looked to both dragons and saw that their expressions had become mournful and sad, causing Daring to feel the same. "Please win, Von..."

BGM 6

Von looked up at Cynder, who was still smiling down at him and readied himself.

"You already know the stakes, right Vonny?" She asked in a teasing manner.

"Just shut up and let's fight." He bluntly replied. And before Cynder could make the first move, Von acted before her and struck her with his tail. He seemed to do some considerable damage.....however, Cynder just stood back on her feet and shrugged it off.

"Is that all you can do?" She asked him. She was clearly teasing him, baiting him to attack. But for what purpose? Cynder was never much of a fighter, likewise for him, but she always had the tendency to goad her foes into striking her. A smart fighter wouldn't fall for such a ploy. Von, however, wasn't the smartest fighter. He flew towards her and tackled her into the ground and shot a fireball down at her to finish the job.

However, she wasn't fazed. She had a few burns, but she didn't seem to notice them. In fact, all she did was just smile. Von grew enraged. He had to win. He needed to win. If he didn't, Cynder would show no mercy. He attacked her again. Charge after charge, flame after flame and punch after punch. Cynder just took it all and acted like it was nothing. This was unreal. Von had no idea what to do next. He used all his best attacks, save for one, but Cynder acted like she was being tickled rather than hit.

What do I do now?, He thought. I've used most of my best attacks. But she just keeps shrugging them off like they were nothing! ......I got no choice. I have to use Meteor Dash....If this doesn't work, nothing will.

Arcius and Axel looked on to the battlefield before them, Daring tending to their wounds and started to analyze the situation. Well, mostly Arcius.

"This is most peculiar. Cynder likes to mess with her opponents, but not like this. She normally counters the moment she can. And Von left plenty of openings for her to attack. So why not......oh no." Arcius muttered. Axel looked over at him.

"What? Could it be she doesn't want to fight?" He asked.

"No. She wants to fight. But i noticed something. Each attack Von sent at her, she shrugged it off. She looks like she's hurt, but she's really not."

"Can you be clearer, please?"

"She's absorbing his attacks."

'What?! But how?!" Axel asked. "She doesn't have that kind of power."

"Maybe not before, but she does now. I don't know why, but I can feel some kind of sinister power lurking within her. ...And i don't like it. But my point being, she's goading Von to use all his attacks until he's completely exhausted and then she'll strike." Daring looked up at Arcius with worry in her eyes.

"D-Does that mean he's gonna lose?"

"I don't know for sure. But Von's stamina has depleted quite alot. And I know he has enough strength for one more attack. We can't let him go through with it." Arcius told her, looking in Von's direction. "Von! Don't attack! She's just baiting you!!" But Von didn't listen. Instead, he was concentrating his energy and Arcius could see the fire in his eye burning brightly. "You idiot! Don't attack!!!" But it was too late.

Von summoned his inner fire and it surrounded him in a glorious blaze and he charged headlong at Cynder. Cynder smiled without them noticing and began to lift her hand. Von charged faster, getting ever closer to her. His rage and determination burned fiercely, increasing the size and heat of the flames around him. He had to win. He couldn't lost. Not here and not now.

Closer...

I have to win....

Closer......

I need to win....

Closer.........

I can't give up.....

Closer............

I won't give up.....

Closer.................

For Reina.....For Lyra and Bon Bon.....

Closer........................

For Arcius and Axel.....For Daring.....

Closer...........................

For my father.....and for myself......I won't lose....

Closer..................................

They're all counting on me!!!















"Thanks for the boost, Von."


The sound of crackling thunder rang out as a large surge of energy emitted from Cynder's body the instant she caught Von's fist and stopped his attack. The flames dispersed leaving Von completely stunned...shocked by what just happened.

"W-wha..." Was all he could get out in his daze. He was shocked not just because of his attack failing....but by what was in front of him...holding him in its claw.

BGM 7

In front of him was a completely different Cynder. Her scales that were once purple had now been altered to a midnight black. Her underbelly had turned to a blood red and her claws had become sharper. Her tail had what looked like the head of a morning star on it, her beautiful wings turned grotesque and torn. Her fangs as sharp as knives, her eyes bloodshot and full of malice and the aura around her body was menacing. But what was most noticeable about her was that she had dark crystals coming out of her shoulders and hind legs....

"...Just like the chimeras..." He muttered. Cynder giggled sinisterly at the reaction on his face and in one swift movement, she let him go and kicked him into one of the buildings. The speed of her strike was indescribable. It looked like she didn't even move an inch. Von flew through the side of the building and out the other, only to be greeted by Cynder on the other side and she hit him back through the same building. The ponies in Ponvyille began to panic seeing such a bout and ran away or locked themselves in their homes.

This display of power was beyond the likes of which Von and his companions had ever seen. Her strength, her speed and that sinister aura. It was almost like Nova's....no. BEYOND Nova's power level. For there to be a dragon other than Eldrich whose power surpassed Nova's....it was frightening, to say the least. Von, weakened from using all his best attacks on Cynder, couldn't so much as lift his hand to defend himself. Instead, all he could do was endure her attacks and pray that he'd live.

When Cynder halted her assault, Von saw this as his chance. He got back onto his feet and mustered up what strength he could and shoot a blast of wind at Cynder. It hit her chest, but it didn't even faze her in the slightest. She smiled in his direction, her eyes locking onto his and he stumbled back. He wasn't sure how, but it felt like she just pierced his soul just by looking at him. This wasn't good. He was scared beyond belief. He had to run. He had to get away.

But he couldn't. The moment he turned to run, Cynder stood in front of him and grabbed him by his neck.

"Going somewhere?" She asked. Her voice was distorted. Almost demonic, as though two voices were speaking at the same time. She smiled at him and punched him in his gut, earning a pained *oof* to come from his lips before dropping him. Von writhed in pain and looked to his friends. They were all fear-stricken as well, feeling like they were going to lose their friend. And they just might. Cynder was far too powerful now. Wherever this power was coming from, it couldn't be surpassed.

"I....i can't...." Von muttered. It was hard for him to even speak given his injuries. But Cynder didn't care and she stood over him, smiling down at his pathetic form.

"Get it now?! You can't beat me. You always look on the bright side and hope things go better. But guess what? They won't! It almost never does. That's life!" She said. "And since i'm feeling benevolent, i'm going to give you a choice. You can either continue fighting me and die...." She giggled and leaned closer to him, dragging her claw along his cheek in a seductive manner. "...Or you can give up. The choice is yours, Vonny."

Von looked at his feet. He didn't like to give up, even if it would help him. But he couldn't keep fighting. If he did, he would die and his friends would suffer, too. But if he gave up, they might be saved but Von would have to suffer for losing to her. He was in too much pain and so were his friends. The choice was clear to him. All that was left to do was voice it.


"I....."



















Chapter 8-End

> The promise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

~12 years prior to Von's departure~

BGM 1

"Why do you wish to see my son?" Asked a concerned Silva. The alicorn in front of her merely chuckled and smiled.

"Because I heard from his father that he is just like him. He wishes to know what dreams he has for his future." Celestia replied. Silva raised a brow and looked outside at Von, who was climbing a tree in an attempt to catch a butterfly.

"About my husband--"

"He is fairing well. His prowess and leadership in my forces knows no limits. He has even been teaching a young stallion how to be a leader to his troops."

"Really?" Silva asked. "What is this stallion's name?"

"I do not know as of late. But I do know that his little sister is currently my student." Celestia replied. Silva sighed and looked to Von.

"Von?" The moment she called his name, the butterfly that was within his reach flew away, causing him to frown but his expression lit up when he saw his mom.

"Yes mom?" He replied. He climbed down from the tree and ran back to her, but not before he stopped and saw the princess in front of him. "Hey. I know you. You're that big pony that talked with dad. Celestia, right?" Celestia smiled and nodded.

"That is correct."

"Celestia here came to see you. I think she wants to play with you." Silva told him. Von's ears perked up and he looked towards the princess with the most innocent smile.

"Really?!"

"Of course. Come along, little one. Let's go play." Celestia said. She took Von, literally speaking, under her wing and the two of them went off to play. Silva stared at them, watching them play one of Von's little games. Celestia seemed to be quite the motherly figure. She was happy to see somepony else, royalty especially, to be treating her child with such care and consideration.


But this also worried her....... 



[~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~]


As of late, Silva hadn't been acting much like a mother anymore. It was not that she didn't care. It was because she didn't have the strength to. But she loved Von with all her heart, so she did her best to keep up appearances. But at what cost? She was his mother, but she couldn't BE a mother to him anymore. Why was this? It was because they weren't a whole family. Before Ignus departed, Silva was full of life. Always so high in spirits and confidence. But once he left, her energy died out. It was like she lost a part of herself. He was there, but he was not THERE.

But there was another reason, too. The main reason she was worried. She had a vision. Not just her, but Eldrich as well. A vision of things to come. Many things happening at once. Things that seemed to make no sense. Image after image flooded her eyesight. From her attacking Von, which confused her greatly, to Von standing over her and crying. And then things went black. Eldrich's visions were quite peculiar. From his eyes he saw Von as a full-grown kirin, leaving home. Going to the place where ponies lived. He saw Von struggle, but he never gave up. He was happy and smiling, full of joy.

In Dragon culture, many dragons have different abilities and strengths. Others can have abilities that no other except those of the same species can learn. But one thing that dragons of many types had was the ability of foresight. This ability came to some, but never to all. Sometimes it came at a young age and other times at an older age. But the visions were never incorrect. Everything that was seen was real....and bound to happen. They cannot control when the visions come. But when they did, they were to be wary. Anything could be shown in their visions. Some dragons use this ability to aid them in combat, to see the attack that was going to come next and dodge it easily or protect themselves from it. Others used it as a means to change their lives for the better or to see where their life was headed. 

Each vision was different, depending on the situation the bearer was in. Some were happy visions, others were useful and some were life-changing.

And then.....there were those visions. Visions of death. Visions of battle and bloodshed. And whenever these visions came.....there was no escaping it. Once a dragon foresaw his or her own death, they couldn't get around it. All they could do was prolong the day they would perish and make the most of their time. But that is in most cases. If you are able to see what is going to cause your death, then you can change that future and prevent it. But if what causes your death is unexplainable or unseen, then there is no getting around it.

Silva confronted Eldrich and asked what her vision meant. He hung his head low, sad to say what was going to happen.






She was going to die. The vision that she saw portrayed her death. But how she was going to die could not be explained. It was not seen. She left Eldrich and returned home....unable to even think clearly. That is, until Celestia arrived....


[~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~]


Silva didn't know what to do. How could she prevent her death? Could she? Her vision had involved her fighting Von. Did that mean Von was going to kill her? But why? Why would he do that? Why was she fighting him? All of this was too much for her. All she could do was watch over Von, try her best to be a mother and watch her little colt grow up.

But she didn't want Von to end up all alone. She knew he could find a lover, but he couldn't find a new mother or father. Everyone, no matter who they are, deserves a family. A loving mother and a caring father. Deep down, even the most vilest of scum would turn to their parents for love and support when they needed it.

"Celestia?" She called out. Celestia stopped playing and looked in Silva's direction. She was signalling for her to come to her. She looked quite serious.

'Von, please wait here." Celestia said. Von nodded and did as he was told. Celestia looked back at his mother and walked over to her, eager to know what was troubling her. "Is something the matter?"

"Yes. I have something I wish to say......it's urgent." Thus Silva told Celestia of her visions, causing the alicorn to be taken aback by this.

"Oh my. Is there no way to prevent it?" She asked desperately. Silva shook her head. "But he can't grow up without both parents!"

"I know. ....And that's what brings me to what I want to ask next......"


Von kicked a rock against the ground as he waited for Celestia to come back over, bored out of his mind. Thankfully, he didn't have to wait long as Celestia made her way back towards him.

"Sorry. Did I make you wait?" Von pouted at her but he quickly started laughing.

"Sorta. But it's ok. So can we keep playing?" He asked. Celestia nodded, but it looked like something was on her mind.

"Before we start playing again, I want to ask you a question." Von looked up at her in confusion. "What do you think of ponies and dragons being together?"

"I think that they are allowed to love whoever they want." Von answered, making Celestia smile.

"Even if some don't agree with it?"

"Well...." This made Von think for a moment. There were already plenty of ponies that didn't like his mother and father being together and they certainly didn't approve of him being born. And yet, he still lives and his parents still loved each other. "Yeah. Love.....isn't limited to a single race or species. Love is for everyone. Not just ponies, but dragons too."

"What about the other races? Like griffons and zebras?" Celestia inquired.

"I think so, too." Von replied with a smile.

"But griffons don't get along with ponies and the ponies don't exactly trust the zebras. They won't change their minds without proof that they can actually get along."

"Then I'll give them proof." Von retorted. Celestia raised a brow and giggled.

"And how will you do that?" Von looked down and looked back up at her as he answered.

"I don't know how just yet, but I know I can do it. Dragons, ponies, griffons and zebras. We are all different, but we are the same. Not in looks, but how we feel. How we love, how we laugh, how we cry, how we get mad. It isn't how we look that matters, but it's what's in our hearts. And I'm going to prove it, too. When i get older, I'm going bring coexistence to all races." He declared. Celestia was shocked. Ignus had said that he would try and bring ponies and dragons together, but this was totally out of the blue. 

Here was his son: his 8 year old son that was born from his union with Silva, which was proof that dragons and ponies can love each other. The fruit of their labor just declared that he would strive for coexistence. Not just for dragons and ponies. Or ponies and griffons. Or anything. He was striving for coexistence for ALL races. Never before had Celestia met somepony that made such a ludicrous statement. As impossible as it sounded, Celestia had always believed that it could happen one day. And here was a young half-breed...no....a young kirin that believed the same thing.

"Do you think you can do it?" She asked one last time. Von smiled up at her.

"Yeah. I mean....I know it'll take time, but I know I can do it. One day, it'll happen and I'll keep trying until it happens. It's like daddy told me: No matter how bleak things look, even if all seems lost--"



"--Never surrender."


Chapter 9


"What was that?" Cynder asked, standing over him. Von struggled back onto his feet and glared at her.

"I...I said.....I'll never surrender. You may be strong now because of this weird.....power you have, but you're not unbeatable." He told her between breaths. "I'm not going to lose. I put too much effort into getting here and trying to make something of myself. And i'm not going to let it all come crashing down just because Konan wants to send his BITCH after me!"

Arcius and Axel chuckled to themselves at Von uttering the word and Cynder's reaction. Her eye was twitching and her hands were balled into fists so tightly that she was drawing blood. She was angry beyond all recognition.

"Bitch?! BITCH?!?!?! YOU LITTLE--" She said, screaming in anger. Cynder lunged out at Von, ready to finish the job so she wouldn't have to hear him insult her or Konan again. Von closed his eyes and readied himself, though he knew he might not be able to withstand her attack. But he tried his best and stood there, ready to endure her.

But the attack didn't come. In fact, nothing around Von was occurring. He opened his eyes and looked up to see Cynder, mid-attack, frozen before his eyes. He touched her arm to see if he would get a reaction. But nothing happened. He looked around and saw his friends. Neither Daring, Arcius nor Axel were moving a muscle. They were all stuck in a singular pose.......but not just them. Everything else was, too. The birds, the ponies. Everything.

"What the? What the hay is going on?!" Von cried out, hoping for somepony to answer him.




It is time...




"What? Who said--" Before he could finish, Von started to feel light-headed. His vision blurred as he fell onto his stomach in a daze. He tried to utter something, but no words came out as he fell unconscious.




BGM 2

Von awoke from his daze and rubbed his head, trying to come to his senses. But when he looked up, he saw something he never expected to see. He was in a void of some sort, but all around him were memories that he made. Some from his past, others more recent. They were all floating around the area and vanishing into thin air.

"Is this....my mind?" He said outloud.




Close. Heh. You should know this place better than anyone......




"That voice....Voyager?!" Von called out. His voice echoed and he received no reply. He thought for a moment. He knew this place? But how? He'd never been somewhere like this before. That's when it hit him.

This place.....

"My heart...." Von whispered. This area....the atmosphere of it was warm and soothing, yet wracked with pain and doubt. Fear, love, sorrow, anger, happiness and above all, hope. These were the feelings that he could sense all around him. This was definitely his heart. Only he knew his own feelings. But now was not the time to be dwelling deeper on this thought. Voyager was here. He summoned him for a reason. But how or why was unclear to him.

Surrounding him was naught but a void of darkness and memories. He knew not where to go or even how to start. But the moment he took a step forward, a bright light shone from under his feet. It was nearly blinding, but not enough to prevent Von from seeing what was revealed. Several tiles leading into the abyss appeared before him, Voyager's voice ringing out as they did.




You've taken the first step. But how far are you willing to go to reach the end?




Von hesitated for a moment. He'd never been here before, so he didn't know what waited ahead. But whatever it was, he had to face it. If he didn't, his future would be lost. And his dream would never come to light.

"I'm willing to go all the way." He answered as he started to gallop along the tiles. As he continued forward, more tiles kept appearing before him so he could go onward. But with each tile he stepped on, more disappeared behind him. Which meant once he reached the end, wherever it may be, he wouldn't be able to turn back at all.




What do you value most?




Von closed his eyes again, still running before opening them to answer.

"Friendship. My friendship with those I have come across in my journey. Their kindness, their laughter and their smiles. I want to see them happy all the time." A bright light began to shine in the far distance of Von's path. But that was all there was: a pillar of light. As Von kept running, he noticed the path was leading in the direction of the pillar. He tried to think about it more until Voyager's voice rang out again.




What do you seek most in life?




This was quite an odd question. Von sought many things: to have friends, to be accepted, to be loved, to be strong and much more. Many individuals seek similar things. In Von's case, he sought after Storm. To love her, to live with her, to laugh and cry with her.




I can see it in your eyes. There is someone you love. And you seek a future with her...




Von blushed upon Voyager answering it for himself. It was true. Though they had not met too long ago, Von did indeed seek to forge a future with Storm. He wanted them to share a home, a bed, memories and a life.

"Yes. I do. I love her and I want to share what I have to offer with her. As little as it may be.....what I feel in my heart and how much I care for her makes up for it all." Von spoke. With his declaration, the pillar of light began to shine brighter as he got closer.




What do you strive for?




Pfft. That answer was all too easy. Everypony so far knew what Von was working towards. "For coexistence between the four races." He answered.





Are you doing it because your father did it or for yourself?




That made Von stop immediately in his tracks. This was something he never thought about before. Why WAS he doing this? His father believed in coexistence and tried to make it reality. His mother thought so, too but she only supported Ignus. And then there was Von: living proof of their ability to live with one another. The mere thought of his reason behind seeking his father's dream made his head spin. He had multiple answers, but only one came to mind.

"I.....I was doing it for my father's sake. I knew how much he wanted for dragons and ponies to come together in harmony and it made me sad that he......that he died without his dream ever coming to be. So I wanted to do better than him and try to bring all races together. But I was mostly doing it because it was what he wanted to do. What I knew he wanted me to try to do."




He is no longer here and you know this. You are a grown stallion, Von. His dream is able to live on through you, but you cannot accomplish your goal for his sake. Doing things for the sake of others is good, but not if you do it because they want you to do it. Ignus dreamed of coexistence and died trying to bring it about. Now here you are, his son, trying to do the same thing. But if you truly want this dream of his, of YOURS to come to be then don't just do it because he wanted you to. You are independent and that means you make your own choices. You want this dream. You want them to live in harmony. You chose this path yourself. So don't do this because your friends want you to or your parents or anyone you know want you to. Do it because YOU want to.




Voyager's words hit Von on the head like a giant hammer. Why didn't he see it before? Everything that he's done so far was by his own choice. He chose to leave the mountain to go to Equestria. He chose to become friends with the residents of Ponyville. He chose to fight Nova and disobey Konan. He chose to protect his friends and he even chose to keep fighting Cynder, knowing he could possibly die. And deep in his heart, he still desires to bring about coexistence....

"...because that's what I want to do..." He mumbled. He smiled to himself, now realizing the truth. This journey of his started because he wanted it to. And he was going to see it through to the end.




Now that you understand, I shall inquire once more: Are you doing this because your father did it or for yourself?




"You really need to ask? I'm doing this for myself. Because I made this choice and I'm never going back on it! My future is my own. I don't need anyone to decide it for me!" He shouted to the heavens. The pillar of light suddenly shone brighter than ever, lighting the entire area and nearly blinding the young kirin. Once the light died down, Von uncovered his face to see a portal in front of him. Where it led, he did not know. But he had a feeling a conflict was coming on. He looked behind him to see no more tiles. There was no path back to the starting point, so all that was left was to keep going forward. Von took a step in front of the portal when Voyager asked him one last question.




The test to see if you can establish yourself as an independent awaits. Beyond this point, there will be no turning back. Are you ready?




Von nodded his head. There was no need for words this time. He was independent and he was going to prove it. With no more words exchanged between Voyager and himself, Von stepped through the gateway, it closing behind him as he entered.













Do not falter, Von......



















Author's note: Stop the BGM here









The portal reopened on the other side as Von stepped out of it and it closed behind him again. This time Von had a clear sight of where he was. It was a tower, or at least that's what it appeared to be when he peered over the side. Down on the floor was the most peculiar thing. There were symbols, insignias which looked like they represented knighthood. But Von was no knight. Since he was the son of a knight, he guessed that made him a squire.....now he was just rambling in his head. He had something important to do, to test his mettle. He stepped forward until he reached the center of the tower when a whooshing sound passed his ear.

"Who's there?!" He asked, turning around. No one was there, but he was sure that he heard something. "It's probably just my imagination." He told himself. But the moment he turned around, he saw a familiar form in front of him. It was the very cloaked stallion that had summoned him. "Voyager! Oh wow. Am I glad to see you." Von said.

He started to approach the stallion, a big smile on his face. 

"I almost thought that I wasn't gonna--" Suddenly, a shiver went up his spine. It was a big chill this time and this only happened to him when he sensed one thing: danger.

"W-wha--" Was all he got out before he jumped back in time to avoid Voyager's attack. He looked to the stallion to see that he was brandishing a sword. A rather rusty sword at that. "Hey! What did you do that for?!"

BGM 3

"....." Voyager ignored him and swung his sword at him again, this time managing to nick Von's tail when he tried to dodge.

"Agh....what is wrong with you?!" Von asked. Voyager ignored him again and began to raise his sword, prepared for another attack. Von didn't want to fight, but it looked like Voyager wasn't going to give him a choice. "Fine. If that's how it's going to be...then let's dance."

Voyager made the first strike again and slashed the air, a blade of energy sent towards the half-breed at a blinding pace. But Von wasn't going  to fall for it this time. He leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack and landed on the stallion's side, countering with a buck of his legs.

The strike connected, sending Voyager sliding backwards but he wasn't out of the picture just yet. It was going to take a whole lot more to beat him. There was not much known about Voyager, but he seemed really strong. The two of them lunged at each other and started to clash. Claw to blade, hand to hand, the two of them didn't let up in their attacks. Von felt like he was about to lose his edge in battle so he moved backwards and whipped his tail, Voyager blocking the attack and being sent further away from him.

"You're quite the fighter. Not as strong as Nova, but you're way more skilled." Von complimented. "But why are we fighting? Is this part of my test?" Voyager said nothing and simply shrugged off his words. He twirled his sword around and brought it to his side in a bushido fashion. A style which Von had only seen be done by his father's subordinates. "That stance..."

"You recognize this?" Voyager asked in a cocky tone.

"I do. Only the knights of the Sacred Guard know the bushido sword style. Are you one of the knights?"

".....I was. But not anymore. I am naught but a wanderer."

"That fighting style is sacred! You have no right to use it, you traitor!" Voyager's breath became ragged as he started to growl.

"Traitor?! You dare to call me a traitor?! The real traitor is the reason why I am who I am today!!!" He yelled. Before Von could respond, Voyager slashed the air and sent another blade of energy towards him and this time it connected. It cut his leg, causing him to fall to his knees as it severely injured him.

"What do you mean traitor? Who's the traitor?" Von asked. Now he was really curious. He had no idea that there was ever any rebellion among the order. Their job was maintain peace and harmony. So for there to be a traitor among them....it was unthinkable.

Von remained silent and tried to get back onto his feet, willing to fight this stallion even though he worked alongside his father. However he fell back onto his knees, still hurt from his previous injury. Seeing this, Voyager grimaced a little.

"You fought hard in order to try and make your dream a reality. But it seems you can't fight back." He told Von. "And if you can't fight back in the face of adversity, then your dream will never come to light. Are you truly content with allowing your goal to become halted by such an injury? Are you giving up?!" Voyager raised his sword above his head, ready to deal the final blow.

But Von wasn't about to give in now. If this was the test, he needed to pass it now. If not...

"Then everything I've worked for will be for nothing!" He yelled. Still in pain, he forced himself up and readied himself as Voyager was about to attack.

"Give up! Your dream is worthless! It will never come to be!!"

"I'll never know unless I try and I'll be damned if anyone gets in my way! I'm independent! My future is my own!!" With that declaration, Von swiped his claw as Voyager sliced at him.


All fell silent.......

The two of them stood in front of each other, exhausted as can be after unleashing their last attacks. Von stood to the left, his leg injured and weakened from fighting for so long. Voyager to the right, though whether his injuries were serious or not was yet to be determined. They stared at each other, breathing heavily due to their bout....



The air was still......

All was silent.......

Neither of them had moved from their position.....











Clang!








BGM 4

A single sound echoed throughout the area as the top half of Voyager's blade fell to the floor. Broken and unusable from Von's attack. Voyager was dumbfounded. In only a matter of seconds his sword, rusty though it may have been, was cut flawlessly in half by the young kirin. But that wasn't all. A single trickle of blood dropped to the floor in front of them. Von's attack had connected to not only the sword, but also to Voyager himself.

"...." Voyager said not a single word, nor did Von. Instead he just walked slowly past Von: injured, stunned, bleeding but more importantly....happy. Voyager was happy. Happy to see how strong Von had become, how strongly he held onto his dream and how powerful his will to achieve that dream was. Never in all his years had he seen someone...no, somepony who was so determined.

"Hehe...." He chuckled. Von looked over at him, both confused and worried.

"V-Voyager? Are you--" Von stopped speaking for a moment and stared as something odd unfolded: Voyager's hood came off, his face revealed. But what caught Von's attention more....was his identity. "N....no way....." 

Voyager smiled and looked over at Von and spoke to him once more.


{~~~~~~~~~~~~~}


"Daddy....you're not going to be gone forever, are you?"

"Of course not. I'd never leave you or your mother behind."

"Really? You promise?"

"Oh come now, Von."

"No. I want you to promise me right now. I want you to promise that you'll come home. If not for mom, then for me. I want you to promise that you'll come home and teach me how to be strong like you. Promise me."

"Hehe.....alright. It's a promise. I'll make sure to turn you into one of the most independent kirins in the world. Because you won't be able to rely on your mother and me for long. But you have to promise that you'll never give up on your dreams."

"Alright. I promise!"


{~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~}


"Well....looks like I kept my promise....."

























Chapter 9 - End

> Dragon's Rage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

"Dad.....how are you...I mean why are you....what's going on?!" Von yelled. He didn't know how to properly react to this situation. He had believed that his father died all those years ago and yet here he was, under a different guise and name, looking like the perfect picture of health. How was this even possible? "Why?! I had thought you were dead! Mom's been depressed ever since we heard the news! She even married some asshole!!! And now you have the gall to show your face?!?!?! You never died, did you?!?!"

"......." Ignus said nothing. He had a feeling Von would get upset. And he could understand why. He left him as a child and after learning of his 'death', he was forced to grow up without his father in his life.

"Well?!" Von yelled again. Ignus didn't respond to him, but instead he grabbed Von's hand. The feel of his father's hand was cold and lifeless. His palm was then brought to his father's chest and he held it there. Over his heart. Or rather, where his heart would be.

"............" Von said not word. He let his father keep his hand on his chest as he tried to feel for a beat from his heart.


But there was no pulse. No beat. Not a single thump from his chest signifying that he was alive.

"I would have no reason to lie to you, Von. I am dead. As lifeless as a corpse." Ignus spoke out. "But my reason for being as I am is because I am a spirit. Or ghost, if you prefer."

"B-but....why?" Von asked.

"I asked for a second chance. I was granted the chance to watch over you, see you grow and see you become the young stallion you are now. And I would not be able to move on until you learned how to be independent." He flashed a smile to his son. "And you passed with flying colors."

"...The test...."

"Yes. The test was chosen by myself and another individual to see if you could stand on your own. I know how much you care for your mother and I, but there will come a time where you can no longer rely on us to aid you. We had made a path for you to follow, so now you must make your own. Understand?" Von looked his father in the eyes and smiled as he nodded.

"Yeah. I understand."

"Good. Now then...I believe it's time to teach you your final element."

Von's eyes widened with anticipation. The final element he needed to learn as instructed by his elder: Water. He was a natural at wind and trained to learn fire with Eldrich. Earth had come to him in a moment of danger, so water was the only one left. "Really? You can teach me?!" Von got down from his high and raised a brow. "But you're an earth pony. You can't use magic."

"An element does not pertain only to magic. Anyone can use them, even those like me. How they are used by the individual, however, determines if their property is magical or not. So say a unicorn unleashes a fireball using her horn. That makes it magical. But if the unicorn covers her hands in the flame and strikes an enemy...."

"Then it's physical..." Von concluded.

"Correct. How you use them is not magical since you possess no means to use magic. So you are using it physically and indirectly."

"Indirectly?"

"Remember when you harnessed the power of the earth?" Ignus reminded him. Von thought back to that event and nodded. "You weren't using it to harm, but to protect. Fire is meant for dealing damage, reflecting your passionate battle spirit. Wind is different. It reflects your free spirit and as such, cannot be forced to do harm nor protect. So rather than trying to control it, you must let it play. Let it flow naturally. Understand?"

"Yes dad." Von replied.

"Moving on. Earth reflects your strong will and determination. It is used to protect not only yourself, but others as well and to keep enemies at bay. And finally...water. Water is calm and serene. It can be tainted and if so, can become weak and won't be able to do anything. It reflects your strength of heart. So how strong you are inside determines your damage output with water. Understand?"

"Yes dad. Alright.....I'm ready." Von said.

"Are you sure? This will be difficult. Water is not an easy element to master." Ignus told him. Von simply nodded in response.

"I am. I'm ready for this." Ignus smiled and gripped the shattered blade in his hand, facing his son once again.

"Very well. Let us begin..."




Chapter 10


Von awoke from his daze, still in the same spot he was in before his father summoned him. Cynder was mid attack, his friends and all else around him still frozen in time. However, he noticed something. The birds in the sky: their wings were flapping slowly. The ponies around him were beginning to run in slow motion. Time was beginning to move forward now that he was no longer within the constructs of his mind.

And Cynder was still attacking.

Letting his reflexes take hold, Von jumped out of the way as time went full speed and Cynder's claw crashed into the ground.

"You little...I'm gonna murder you!!!" She shouted at him. But Von didn't care for her words. He was renewed; stronger, faster and more determined to take her down.

"That's what you think, you little cheater." He retorted. "I'm not afraid of you. And I'm not gonna lose heart. I will pursue my dream and I won't let you stand in my way!"

Cynder growled at him, a ball of lightning forming in the palm of her hand. "SHUT UP!!!!" As she screamed, she threw the attack at Von, its size doubling before it got close to him. Von got into his battle stance, unflinching and bracing himself for the attack. He closed his eyes and calmed his mind...feeling everything around him....feeling the flow that revolved around his very being....


"That's good, Von. Keep it up. You're getting the hang of it."

"This is alot harder than you think, dad! I barely have a grip on water."

"That's where you are lacking. You think that you can control it, but you can't. That's not how it works."

"Then how DOES it work?"

"You must not try to control the water, but you must not let it control you either. One side cannot have domination over the other. If they do, its power is frail and will not be effective."

"So what do I do?"

"You must be in sync. Let its essence flow through you. Go along the flow. Take the flow into your heart. And once you do, a whole new world of possibilities will open up to you..."


"Take the flow into my heart...."


The ball of electricity got closer to Von and was about to collide with him. But Von dodged to the side with a smooth and quick movement as the attack flew past him and disappeared.

BGM 2

"What?!?! How?!" Cynder screamed. "My attack was too fast for you to dodge! How is that possible?!?!" But Von didn't respond. He had his eyes closed and he just stood there, a still as a rock. No....he was standing, but he was swaying. He was swaying slightly, like a leaf in the breeze. And the aura around him...there was no aura. It was like his entire presence vanished, and yet he was still standing there.

"Alright! Go Von!" Axel shouted. The two dragons finally recovered from their wounds and stood up to cheer for their friend. And naturally, Daring joined in with them. This only made Cynder furious because if there was one thing she hated, it was being mocked. And the way Von moved before her eyes, it was like he was mocking her from her perspective.

"You miserable wretch!!! DIE!!!!" She shouted as she lunged forward, ready to tear him asunder. But Von dodged her attack swiftly, as though he predicted where she was going to strike. And as quick as he dodged, he slashed his claw at her face. But when he attacked, his talons were surrounded by water, fashioned into the shape of sharp blades. Cynder screamed in agony as his attack connected and she backed away, blood dripping from her face and onto the ground.

"Whoa! How'd he do that?!" Daring asked.

"I have no clue. It seems he's grown in strength mysteriously." Arcius concluded. "But how?"

"Who cares? Kick her ass, Von!!" Axel said, even knowing he was asking his friend to beat down his own sister. Von smiled and lifted his head, opening his eyes as he stared at Cynder.


BGM 3


"I have no need to be afraid of you or your power anymore." he told her. "Because...I have something that you don't. I have a power that goes beyond your imagination. And I'm going to use it to end this fight!" Cynder was taken aback, as were Von's companions and her eye began to twitch a bit.

"Y-you're bluffing! I was beating you to a pulp earlier! There's no power that can surpass what i possess." She told him. She then began to smile. "I-i get it. You got a monster inside you, just like Konan! You're pissed off at me, so you're gonna start going on a rampage like a real dragon? Is that it?!"

Von stayed silent for a moment.....and started to laugh, shocking Cynder. Von stood there and turned away from her. Seeing the chance to attack, Cynder took it and slashed her claw at him. But Von, without his power over water, dodged and countered with a quick bash of his head into her own. She backed away from him, still sore from the previous attack and Von chuckled.

"How can this be? How can he be able to move so fast after I drained so much power from him?" Von asked. He turned towards Cynder and smiled as he slowly approached her. "That's what you're thinking, right?"  Cynder swallowed, actually feeling nervous as Von continued to speak. "I'll admit. You hurt me pretty bad prior to now. I'm lucky I got some unexpected assistance, or I would've been toast. But you're right about one thing. I am so pissed off right now. It would give me great pleasure to pummel that smug face of yours into the ground!!!" He told her. "But...I'm not stupid. You want me to fly so far off the handle that I'll act like the same kind of monster you are and try to turn me against my friends. You're one clever little lizard. As mad as I am....I think I should award you...."

At that moment, Von's body began to glow causing the jaws of his friends to drop.


"I will show you what I can do."


With that sentence, Von let loose a mighty roar, something he'd never done before as a grand pillar of light erupted from his body and to the sky.

"W-what's going on?" Daring asked. Arcius and Axel looked to one another, expecting the other to have an answer.

"I'm not sure. I think he's...unleashing his draconic side? He's gonna go on a rampage and lose control!" Axel speculated, but it didn't seem to be quite right. The white dragon beside him shook his head and looked his way.

"But...he just said he wouldn't." Arcius corrected him, feeling concerned. None of them knew what to do or say. All they could do was watch as their friend began to change before their very eyes. The light disappeared and shockingly, Von was nowhere to be found.

"Huh? Where'd he go?" Cynder said in a panic.

BGM 4

Before she could react, a blow struck Cynder in the back and put her on her knees. She got back up and looked around, but she couldn't see the attacker.

"What was that?" She said to herself. Another attack came her way, a fireball and she swiftly dodged it, but she felt a sharp blow to her face again, right over her wounds. "Agh!! Why you-- Come on out! Don't be scared to--" Cynder's eyes opened wide, as well as the bystanders, as she backed away from the astonishing sight approaching her. Von was before her, but he was not how he was before. His teal body had turned into a fluorescent white, his mane from orange to a brilliant crimson and his wings had grown to about the same span as Cynder's.

"W-what is this madness?! What are you?!" Cynder screamed at him. Von stopped for a moment and examined himself. He was actually shocked himself to see what he had become. He had imagined the power he'd receive from all his training and what he was told, but he didn't expect anything like this. He was at a loss for words...except for seven.

"The halfling who's gonna kick your ass." He replied. Cynder took a defensive stance as Von lunged forward and swiped his claw at her. She took the blow and countered with a punch, but Von avoided it and shot a fireball directly at her face at point blank range. She hissed at him as the smoke cleared and threw several balls of lightning at him in retaliation. 

"Hmph." Von sneered as he began swatting away her attacks while a couple of them connected, yet he didn't stop his assault. The two were locked in close-combat again, exchanging punch after punch to one another. Some of Cynder's punches had connected to Von, but with his skin feeling as though it'd been reinforced, they weren't all that effective while Von's attacks were dealing the most damage. Not only that, but his agility was giving him the advantage.

"Enough of this!!!" Cynder screamed at the top of her lungs. She flapped her wings and took flight, high above Von and opened her mouth as wide as she could as purple sparks formed all around in her maw and unleashed a torrent of lightning down on the powered kirin. A large cloud of dust came up as a result of her attack before she landed on the ground. Exhausted, she took a knee and tried to catch her breath. But this was her undoing.

"....." Von stayed silent, standing directly behind Cynder and he smiled as he leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "Boo."

Cynder gasped and turn around and shot an electric blast, but Von had already moved behind her. Seeing his chance, his body began to light on fire as he darted towards her. As he did, it felt like everything was moving slow around him.





"Can you see it? THIS is the result of my training. Of taking your lessons to heart, you mom and Eldrich, and never giving up on my dream. I know you're not here anymore, but thank you..."





Dad....

That final thought, Von surrounded his body in fire and charged into Cynder, engulfing both of their bodies in a blinding flash of light.












You've grown so strong, my son.....farewell















Chapter 10-End

> From the light comes the dark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM 1

"So she's failed, it would seem." The unicorn called from the darkness. From the void, two more shadows had appeared and the unicorn looked towards one of them. "What was the point in making her one of us anyway, Konan?"

Konan stepped forward and smiled. "There was none. She played her part and forced Von to fight." He said. "Looks like his vision was correct. He would awaken to the power of Ascent....."

"He's starting to become a nuisance. How did he awaken to that power in the first place?" The unicorn asked.

"The master said he gained some help....from the one known as Ignus." Konan replied.

"WHAT?!?! But how?!?! I made sure that he died!!! There's no way he could've--"

He did and he has. I suggest you settle down. You know how you get when you panic, a malevolent voice called from the void. The two recognized the voice and both got down on their knees as another pony, one of unknown origin, appeared.

"Master Orcus..." Konan said calmly. "It is good to see you again. I'm glad you are doing well."


"So he's awakened, has he?"

"Yes, sire." The unicorn spoke up. "It has been confirmed that he has come into contact with his spirit, just as He predicted. Shall we move an attack?"

"No." Orcus said flatly.

"What?! But sire! If we do not do anything, he may prove to be a threat! His father already gave us trouble once, so no doubt his son could--"

"Hold your tongue! You are not to speak to the master like that!" Konan snapped.

"Piss off, you overgrown lizard!" The unicorn retorted. The two continued to argue until a blade of dark energy crashed between the both of them, shutting them both up. They looked to where the attack had come from and took notice of another dragon brandishing a sword.

"Ah. So you succeeded in converting Nova, i see." Orcus hissed. "You have his heart then?" Konan nodded and took out a blood-stained pouch that was making a sound very similar to a heartbeat. In no time flat, a dark aura appeared around the pouch and it levitated in front of Orcus. He flipped off his hood, revealing a broken and glowing horn as he opened his mouth and devoured the pouch, blood gushing out with each chew. As he swallows, he puts his hood back on.

"I want to know something, sire. Where did you get those wings?" Orcus began to chuckle as he recounted how he obtained his wings.

"I ripped them off, literally, from some idiotic griffin. Said he had to get home to his younger sister. Gil.....something. No matter. I ENJOYED watching him scream and writhe in agony as I torn them off. Slowly. Carefully. Precise and exact. His bone crunching and blood OOZING out as I took the two things he cherished most: his wings....and his life!" Orcus cackled madly for while he was explaining what happened, he was using his magic to display the event before them. The sounds of bone breaking, blood splattering and ear-splitting screams of pain resounded throughout the area.

"......." Konan and the unicorn stayed silent as they witness their master's display of cruelty while Nova kept a dignified composure.

"Oooooh...let me tell you...I enjoyed it so much, I think I even came a little. It was THAT fun!!!" The illusion vanished as Orcus wrapped up his explanation. "At any rate....the wings cannot be used for things such as flying. Seems all I can do with them is shield myself with them. Go figure." He said.

"V-very riveting, master." Konan said.

"That was.....interesting...to say the least." the unicorn stammered. "But sire, what do we do about Von? And Cynder? She failed us."

"Konan, you will take Nova and go back to the mountain. Though Von could be a threat, Eldrich poses a problem as well." Orcus commanded. "And do something about his mother. Perhaps she will be of some.....use to us, rather than you using her as your personal cum dumpster every time." Konan bowed to his lord and took Nova under his wing as they both faded into the shadows.

"And me, sire?" The unicorn asked.

"You will stay in Baltimare and await his arrival. Do not approach him. Let him come to you."

"But Orcus--" As quickly as he responded, Orcus used his magic to lift the unicorn into the air by his neck and proceeded to choke him.

"You will not call me by my name. You will address me as master, sire or Master Orcus. Do no forget that I am the one holding your leash and that it was I who made it possible for you to survive that war. DO YOU WANT TO GO BACK TO BEING A CORPSE?!", Orcus screeched. The unicorn gasped for air and shook his head frantically, prompting Orcus to release him.

"My apologies, sire..." The unicorn apologized.

"Learn well from this, professor. You are in charge of making those chimeras for Him. Do not cross me again." Orcus replied, the unicorn nodding in response. "I will handle Cynder myself and Von will be no issue. For every bit of light, there is always a shadow to follow behind it."

"Sire?"

"You have your orders. Return to Baltimare at once. And professor?" Orcus called out. "I''m counting on you" The unicorn chuckled, stepping out of the shadows and revealing himself to his master.

"Sire, you've known me for 13 years. You do not have to keep using that name." He said. Orcus chuckled and looked at the unicorn.


"Very well. I'm counting on you, Bastion."

> A terrible fate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Von's body began to glow shortly after he learned how to use water in the form of his serene mind and he let out a sigh of relief. With a smile on his face, Ignus approached Von and chuckled.

"So he was right...you CAN do it." He said.

"What? Do what?! What's happening to me?!" Von yelled in a panic.

"Calm down. Nothing bad is happening to you." Ignus informed him. "You are merely.....changing, if you will."

"Changing how?"

"Eldrich informed me years ago of a mysterious power that exists not just in you, but within all other dragons. Its power is immeasurable, though obtained through extensive training or by changing your interior make-up." Ignus told him. "In your case, it was through training. Changing your inner power is a far more complicated and difficult method, but also considered the laziest method. That is why we trained you so hard."

"So I could unlock a new potential?" Von asked. Ignus nodded Von's body stopped glowing and he looked up at his father.

"Yes...in a sense. You are somewhat able to tap into the power of you ancestor and use his strength to your advantage. Never did I think I would see such a thing with my own eyes..." The stallion smiled and a tear fell from his cheek and hit the ground as his body slowly began to fade.

"Dad? What's happening to you? I can see right through you." Von pointed out. Ignus chuckled and smiled at him.

"My time here is up. I've done what I was tasked with. I can move on now." He said. Von's eyes widened when he realized what his father meant. The reason ghosts are unable to move on is because of something they were unable to finish in their mortal life. And once that task is finished, they can pass on. Ignus never had the chance to show Von how to stand on his own and to be independent as a colt. But now that he has....

"Dad, wait! You can't go! There's so many things I want to know. To talk to you about! How I got my first kiss...and...and...when I learned how to fly for the first time. My 13th birthday wish. Everything!" Von sobbed. "Dad, please! You can't go....not now. I haven't seen you in years....I don't want you to leave me again."

If Ignus' heart was still intact, he would feel it shattering right now. He knew how much Von wanted to see him. he knew how much he was missed. He knew that there were so many things he missed in his son's childhood. But something like this cannot be stopped....or undone. He knew he'd have to leave Von again as soon as he did what he needed to.

"I know....I don't want to leave either. But I must. You don't need me anymore. You're a grown stallion now. So keep your head high. I didn't raise you to mope and cry all the time." Ignus said, smiling.

He wasn't sure how he did it, but somehow Ignus managed to make Von smile through his tears.

"A-alright....I'll try." Von replied, wiping his tears.

"Good. My time is short, so I'll tell you how to use this new power of yours...or Dragon Rage, as Eldrich calls it."

"Oooh. Dragon Rage? Sounds awesome. How do I do it?" Von asked.

"You need to focus your energy to your core. Channel the power with your mind, connecting yourself with the spirits of your ancestors and allow their essence to become one with you. Let it flow around you, but keep it to a minimum. Too much will overload your body and too little will not produce a result." Ignus instructed.

"Ok....is there anything else?"

"Yes. This power has one drawback, so listen carefully." He said. "You can only use it once at a time. It is a great power, but it also can be your biggest weakness. Once it wears off, you will be rendered unable to fight until all your energy returns. You will be put into a weakened state to the point where you cannot even lift your head. With more training, you can stay in that form longer or even endure the drawback. But either way...use it wisely." Ignus' voice started to fade as more of his body began to fade as well. "We believe in you. Stay strong and never give up."

Von nodded as his body started to be enveloped in light, signalling his awakening. "I won't. I promise. I won't let you down!" With those final words and a nod from his father, Von vanished. But not before hearing his father speak one last time.


"You've grown so strong, my son. Farewell......"





Chapter 11


The light died down, the smoke clearing as Von and Cynder stood on opposite sides, both of them injured and exhausted. Cynder's breath grew ragged as did Von's after the impact of his Meteor Dash. Had Von not been protected by his Earth power, he would've been severely injured from the attack. Cynder's hide returned back to its original color as she took a knee, but she started growling to herself.

"N-no....it's not enough.....more power...I have to have more power! This isn't right. I'M the one who's supposed to be winning!!! I have to win....." She exclaims, stopping short to catch her breath.

BGM 1

"Just stop it already!!" Von yelled, his white body reverting back to its original color. "None of this makes any sense. It's pointless!"

"Do you really think it's pointless?!?! I've been doing all of this the whole time for him!!!" Cynder retorted. Von and his companions raised an eyebrow.

"Him?"

"Nova..." Cynder said. "I've always admired him. I fought to be like him. To be stronger. I looked up to him...." Von widened his eyes as he realized something. Cynder always acted odd whenever Nova was around. From bringing him food to eat to insulting Von when he did as well. She wasn't just doing all of that so he'd notice her....

"You're in love with him." Von muttered. Axel's eyes widened hearing that his sister was in love with Nova, of all dragons but he made no effort to protest...despite how gross it seemed to him

"Yes. I love Nova with all my heart. I've done everything in my power to make him notice me! I helped him hunt. I convinced him to train me. We flew together. I tried talking to him. I've done everything I can....but none of it works..." Axel got up from where he lay and limped towards his sister.

"Cynder....you don't have to do all that. I know how it feels to go unnoticed....but you shouldn't force yourself to do such things, like trying to take Von's life, all so you can be noticed by the drake you long to have. To hold." He said with a stern tone.

"But what else can I do?! No matter what i try, he'll never look at me!!" Cynder screamed. Tears ran down her cheeks as she began bawling into her hands. Daring stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"You don't need to rely on false powers to be noticed. I don't know Nova, but i know that relying on something that isn't your own or clinging to it to catch his attention won't work. Just focus on using your own natural talents. Be yourself and show him what you can do and what you have to offer!" She told her. Cynder lifted her head and stared into the mare's eyes. Her words seemed to have gotten through for Cynder stopped crying and wiped her tears.

"Yeah....you're right. I have plenty to offer him. And dammit, I'm going to show him!" She proclaimed. She turned her head to Von and straightened her face. "Konan's planning to overthrow Eldrich. But something tells me you know that already."

"Yeah. I do." Von replied.

"Then that saves time for me. Konan's strength is growing significantly. And so has Nova's.  He's been gaining more and more followers by the day. it's only a matter of time until all of the mountain agrees with him."

"My mother won't follow him. I know her better than that." Von retorted.

"That's another thing. ....I think he's got something planned for your mom." Cynder warned. "This strange power of his....it's warping him further. It's like he got his power from some sort of--"

"Some sort of demon?"

BGM 2

A demonic voice rang out as Von and the group started looking around in hopes of finding the source. Upon their eyes making contact with Cynder again, they saw that she was lying on her back, writhing in pain.

"Agh!!! W-what's happening to me?!" She screamed.

"Your usefulness has come to an end, Cynder. But don't worry. I'll make sure that you go out with a bang.", the voice said. As Cynder's cries of increased in pitch, her stomach began to swell, much like a balloon.

"Hey! Whoever you are, you better leave my sister alone!!" Axel yelled.

"Who I am is of no concern to you, but to your halfling companion here."

"....You're the one helping Konan and Professor B....." Von said.

"Correct. Your friend here holds a fragment of my power. I am merely taking it back. It's only right.", the voice said.

"A fragment of your power? Is that how she got that abnormal strength and odd appearance?" Arcius asked.

"Indeed. And I am taking it back. Whether she likes it.....OR NOT." The voice faded as Cynder writhed and screamed in pain as her stomach continued to bulge, fit to burst.

"A-Axel...help me....." She cried, reaching her hand for her brother. Axel was eager to take her hand as he rushed to be by his sister's side.




But it was too late...........




As Axel got close to the pleading Cynder, she burst. Her stomach blew open, sending drop after drop of her blood onto them as it came back down from the sky. They stood there, frozen in shock and fear. Axel stared at the remains as it continued to rain blood. Tears began to form until he fell to his knees and punched the ground, crying and cursing the entity that took his sister away. Daring hid her face in Arcius' chest and started to sob, the white drake rubbing her head to cheer her up. And as for Von........he didn't know what to feel. Here lay the corpse of Cynder, blown apart by the force aiding Konan and this Professor B. But it was said force that gave Cynder the power she had. So how should he feel? Happy that she was gone and could not bring harm to him and his companions? Or sad that one of his best friends just lost his only sibling?

"I'm messing with forces that go beyond me...." He muttered. "But....I have to persevere. I must keep going forward." Von lifted his head and took a step forward. However fatigue finally caught up to him and he collapsed on the ground. His vision faded and so did his consciousness. He passed out, unable to hear the pained anguish of his friend nor the cries for him to awaken.

It was dark. There was no sound. He couldn't speak or move. He was just standing there, alone in an endless abyss.

Yellow eyes peered out from the darkness. They seemed to stare into his soul. Von felt great fear. A shiver went up his spine as the eyes began to glow. They got closer.....

Closer...........














Closer....................

















The same demonic tone rang out from the abyss.........

















"She's met with a terrible fate......hasn't she?"









Chapter 11-end

> Blissful heat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 12




BGM 1

"What are you doing here in my heart?" Von inquired. "You don't belong here." Orcus chuckled and smiled at the kirin.

"On the contrary, I do belong here because I CAN belong here." He quipped. "I'll save you that 'because we're connected' bullshit and just tell you outright. I'm able to be here because i'm already here." Von raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean? That doesn't make sense."

"You're serious? Come now, dear Von. Can't you feel it?" Orcus asked. "That overwhelming presence inside you. You should be able to after you used that new strength of yours."

His words rang true. Von definitely could feel another presence inside him. Not in his heart, but in his soul.  The power of Ascent had a calming, pleasant feeling to it. It's aura was as pure as the Hearth's Warming Eve snow. But this other presence....it was different. It was dark... tainted... corrupt...and alive. Von could feel it. This new presence inside of him was definitely alive. It was threatening and.....somehow familiar. As he continued to discern what this thing was, Orcus interrupted.


"Tell me, Von. What do you know about The Nexus?"


Von's eyes widened in shock and he looked at the unicorn. "Nexus? What is that? What are you getting at?!" Orcus chuckled and fixed his hood.

"I'm not particularly getting at anything. Well, sort of. I just wanted to see just how much you knew about it, but it seems you're utterly clueless."

"What?" was all Von could get out. The unicorn sighed and dusted his mantle, looking over at the halfbreed.

"You see, lying betwixt this world and my domain is a realm that I've yet to even reach known as The Nexus. Within it are very special creatures unlike anything you've ever seen before. But I'm not interested in them; I'm interested in what they can do. What they command." Von stared at the stranger as he spoke, listening to him closely. "You see, the Nexus is darkness at its purest. And I want to have it for myself."

"You want to control pure darkness? Something like that is crazy. No one could ever be able to harness an element at its purest state, especially darkness." The kirin stated. "If you do that, you'll be destroyed."

"On the contrary, my research on it turned up a little something you may find interesting. In the past, there were two individuals who came across the ability to control darkness at its purest state and allow them to become more powerful than they ever could be. However, there was a heavy price: This rite would warp their minds and turn them into beings of pure darkness themselves. Feral. Unrestrained. Wild beasts. They succeeded and by pure chance, they were able to retain their sense of self and tried to expand far beyond their limits. Unfortunately, your precious dragon elders discovered what they were doing and sentenced them to be banished. Utilizing their combined powers, they ripped through the barrier of the world of tossed them into the Nexus, never to return again."

Von thought about his words for a minute, mulling them over. He had heard a similar story like that before as a child. Long ago, there were two great dragons who had the potential to become greater than they were before. But they were too ambitious and wound up being banished.

"However, something happened 13 years ago. The barrier had been breached and a lone creature, a Nexus Dragon, had made its way out and attempted to ravage the land. Unfortunately, it had been cut down...but not before it left something behind." Orcus smiled and his horn flashed a dark red, looking over to his side. Looking over, Von noticed a figure slowly approaching from the darkness. As it got closer, it slowly came into the form of a young dragon. Scales of violet, a pale yellow underbelly and red fangs, its body and form seemed almost twisted; Corrupt, evil and brimming with malicious intent. Once his gaze met its own, he fell to his knees as he felt something.

It was like an overwhelming pressure had been put onto him. Something about the dragon wasn't right at all. Something about it felt...like it could kill him without a second thought. But at the same time, it felt familiar and yet, he couldn't tell where he felt this feeling before.

"You can sense it, right?" Orcus spoke up, bringing Von to his senses. "While I may not be interested in the other creatures in the Nexus, I have taken a shine to the youngling that hatched from the egg the Nexus Dragon had left behind. And it's all thanks to the two dragons who started it all." He chuckled softly and rubbed the dragon's head. 'Von, meet Leventhan. You'll get acquainted when the time comes. Until then, however, I am afraid that we must part here."

"W-wait..." Von groaned, struggling to get back onto his feet but he lacked the strength to do so. His vision was starting to fade, everything around him starting to spin as he heard Orcus speak to him one last time.


Time to wake up, Von.




BGM 2

Von awoke from his slumber and examined the area around him. He wasn't outside anymore but instead, he was back home at Lyra's. In the guest room, which was now his room, and feeling rather groggy. "Ugh...what happened to me?"

"That's what we'd like to know." came a voice from the door. Von lifted his head and looked. Sure enough, standing there was the owner of the house, her marefriend and Reina.

"You really worried us, Von." Reina told him, pouting. "What would i have done if I lost my brother?" Von chuckled and smiled at her.

"Sorry. I won't do it again, sis." He reassured her. She smiled and came over and jabbed his shoulder.

"You better not. Oh by the way, somepony's here to see you."

"Really?" Reina looked to the door and motioned for the guest to come in. Von's face lit up with embarrassment when he saw the mare at the door. "Storm...how did you..."

"I found these guys carrying you back here and I followed them." She told him. Bon Bon nodded her head.

"She asked if she could come in and we let her. She said she was your marefriend?" She questioned, looking to the pegasus in question. Storm nodded in response, a blush coming to her cheeks and Von's.

"I see. Thank you, Storm." He finally said, causing the white pegasi's cheeks to flush even further with red.

"N-no problem. A-always here to help out." She calmed down and looked over at Lyra, who stepped forward.

"Speaking of helping out, you might want to help your friend. Axel, right?" She asked. Von nodded.

"Yeah. But why would he need he--"



CRASH!!!!!


Von's ears perked up immediately by the sudden noise and rushed past his friends, who followed him downstairs to bear witness to the scene before them.

BGM 3

"N-now wait just a minute." Axel pleaded as a vase flew past his head and into the wall. "Now i know you're mad. but i had a good reas--" A lamp flew past him and shattered upon hitting the wall again. "--reason for leaving. I swear. Just let me explai--" A frying pan with Lyra's cutie mark on the bottom hit the wall and he looked towards the source. "--explain and where do you keep getting all this?!?!"

"Shut up, you dweeb!" A female voice shouted at him. Von looked at the source and was shocked by the sight. Before him was a griffon....well...griffoness with large wings, brown fur and white feathers around her head. She looked like she had  purplish rings around her golden eyes and she continued to throw random objects at Axel while Arcius leaned against the wall on the opposite side and was reading a book.

"Hey! Whoa! Gilda, stop!!!" Axel pleaded. Gilda halted her assault upon his request, shooting him a venomous gaze until Von broke the tension.

"Um....who's this?" He asked. Axel look over at Von and smiled at his companion.

"Oh hey. You're awake. Are you feeling o--" Before he could finish, a plate hit him dead between the eyes and he fell onto his back, holding his face in pain. "Owww!!! Why would you throw it there?!?! My eyes are there! You could've put one out!" He cried.

"Good!" Gilda retorted.

"Hey! That plate was a collector's item! Now how am I gonna replace it?!" Lyra screamed. Gilda cocked her head at the unicorn and scoffed.

"That thing was fake. I've seen plenty others like it in the market. Ya don't believe me, go check for yourself." The griffon deadpanned. Lyra growled, but Bon Bon held her back. Von went over to his friend and helped him up and raised a brow.

"You didn't answer my question." He continued. "Who is she?"

Axel sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Um....everyone. I'd like you to meet Gilda......my fiance."






	"What?!" The whole room roared, save for Arcius.






"F-fiance?! You're engaged to her?!" Bon Bon asked. Axel remained silent, but Gilda reluctantly nodded.

"Yeah, but he ran out on me and I've been looking for him for months. Only to find that his simple ass came back to this lame town." She said.

"You've been here before?" Reina asked. Lyra nodded and looked at her.

"I heard she came into town with Rainbow Dash and left after some incident at one of Pinkie's parties." She explained to which Gilda nodded silently, trying not to think about the incident in question.

"Well as soon as I caught him, he started making up excuses and you saw the result already." The griffon concluded, glaring at Axel, causing a bead of sweat to drip down his neck.

"H-hey. Come on. I wasn't making THAT many excuses."

"You made a total of 21 excuses in under five minutes. Please tell me how you didn't make that many." Arcius asked, poking his head up from his book.

"Not helping, dude." Axel hissed through his teeth.

"Um....you mind telling me exactly how this came about?" Von asked. Axel chuckled nervously and smiled.

"Well....remember when I left the mountain for a week?" Von nodded. Axel had left the mountain, saying he was going to go on a mini vacation. Which was not that uncommon for him. Axel was always trying to find some way to weasel out of doing important things. "Well...the day before, I had gone to the griffon kingdom. Now, I went there in order to see what these griffons were all about. They thought they were tough, tougher than a dragon. So, I.....went to prove them wrong. I made a bet to them all that if any of them could beat me, I would do whatever that griffon asked of me. So, I beat them all in a fair fight....until..."

"Until I challenged him." Gilda interrupted. They turned their attention to the griffoness as she continued in Axel's place. "You should've seen him. Strutting around as if he were on top of the world. A smug grin and everything. It pissed me off, but caught my attention at the same time. i gotta admit. Seeing him act like that? It was pretty hot. So I heard about his little challenge and decided to take him up on it. We fought and in only a couple seconds, I beat him down."

"You mean you cheated! No griffon can be that strong." Axel argued.

"Why would I bother to cheat?! I have my pride, you know!!" Gilda retorted. "Anyway....he lost and I was gonna beat him some more just for the hell of it. But then I thought of something. He was actually pretty strong. And I like that. Not to mention, he's pretty cute too." She blushed and looked away. "N-not that it means anything. He's just cute. Nothing but!"

Uh-huh. Suuuure..., thought everyone in the room.

"Anyway," Gilda went on. "I remembered his little deal. If anyone beat him, he does whatever the winner asks. So, i'm sure you can guess what happened." Daring blinked and looked over at Axel.

"So when she beat you, she asked you to marry her?" She asked. The dragon nodded in reply.

"But that cowardly bastard flew away right after I asked him and i've been looking for him for months!! About time I caught up to you, you little--" She was about to punch Axel, who flinched in fear until Von slapped his tail on the floor.

"Enough!!! Listen. Clearly, you two have some commitment issues to work out. So, you two are going to stay here and talk things out. I'm going to go for a walk and the rest of you can do as you please. That sound fair?" He asked. Gilda and Axel stared at each other with great disdain before nodding their heads.

"Hold on. This is Lyra's house." Bon Bon proclaimed. "You can't just--" Her speech was halted by Lyra's hand over her lips, followed by a kiss on the cheek from the unicorn.

"I have no problem with it, Bonnie. Come on. Let's go out for awhile. I learned a few new things I want to show you." Her voice was filled with lust and the earth pony couldn't help but nod eagerly and the two left the house together. Arcius closed his book and stood up straight.

"I suppose I could use some fresh air, too. Coming, Daring?" He asked calmly. Daring's face flushed with red and she smiled at him.

"Sure. Let's go." The two of them smiled at one another, starting yet another intellectual exchange as they left the house. Lastly there was Storm Front and Von, who simply smiled at each other and left without a word, closing the door behind them and leaving the two troubled 'lovers' alone...........



BGM 4

"Ahh...I feel so much better now." Von sighed. He stretched his legs as he walked down the streets of Ponyville. He lifted his head and waved to the passing ponies, smiling at each mare, stallion and child that passed by him. Ponyville had become much more peaceful after Cynder's defeat, though the image of the aftermath still burned in the back of his mind.

"Von?" Storm said, breaking the silence. "Is everything ok?"

"...Yeah, I guess." Von replied. "It's just....i feel so bad for doing that to Cynder. She was doing things out of love for Nova...ugh....I still can't get over that. But her death? I don't think she deserved that. I just wish I could've done something." He sighed and looked at the pegasus, smiling at her. "But it was for the best. Better to die and be free than live and be enslaved." Storm giggled and stepped closer to Von, nuzzling his neck and kissing his cheek, causing a blush to come onto the half-breed's face.

"Well, we're not really doing anything productive right now. Do you wanna come on over to my house?" Storm asked. Von did his best to keep his composure upon the mare's sudden question.

"Beg pardon?" he asked, trying to make sure he heard what she said.

"Do you. want to. come to. my house?" She repeated, giggling. Von's cheeks turned rose red as he heard her clearly the second time. He swallowed and looked her in the eyes as he spoke.

"U-u-uh...s-s-sure. I-i mean....i-it's not like a-anything's g-g-gonna happen while we're there. Ah haha...haha.....ha.....ha..." He replied, chuckling nervously. Storm caught on to his nervousness and kissed his cheek to assure him that everything was going to be fine. With a simple exchange of nods, Storm and Von walked the streets of Ponyville until they reached a small house, unaware of a pair of stallions that witnessed them overhead. 

Surprisingly it wasn't in the sky, much like normal Pegasi would have it all set up. It was a quaint little home, decor similar to those of Ponyville's houses and....it was quite roomy. There was plenty of space, unlike Lyra's house and Von felt really comfortable in her home. Though it was still a mare's home and he was rather nervous to be in it.

"It's a really nice place. I like it." Von complimented, earning a blush from the mare.

"Well...come on. I'll show you to my room. I wanna talk to you anyway." She told him as she made her way upstairs. Von watched as she put a sway to her hips as she walked. It wasn't on accident. She was doing it on purpose. She was clearly teasing him......and it was bucking hot! Von followed close behind her, her tail giving a little flick as she flashed her ass cheeks to him. Now he KNEW that she was teasing him. But what made it more exciting was that a peculiar scent was coming from her pants and to his nose. It was sweet...and somewhat musky. Von read about something like this. Once every while a mare would go in Estrous, or in heat, and have a desire to mate with any stallion (or even a mare) in order to satisfy herself and to make children. It was clear that Storm Front was in heat. But it probably wasn't just her. Other mares must've been feeling it, including Daring, Lyra and Bon Bon.

Well, i came this far. Might as well go all the way......literally, he thought as they made it upstairs and to the mare's bedroom.






Clop warning: sexual activity will be coming up ahead. If you are not interested in reading such material, then skip to the end. Thank you






BGM 5

Von's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Storm's room. It was neatly decorated and there was even a cloud bed near the window.

"How did you get that?" Von asked. Storm blushed and smiled at him.

"I had it ordered in from Cloudsdale." She replied, hopping onto the bed. "Come on. Try it out." She pat her hoof on a spot next to her, inviting Von to join her. The halfling was eager to agree and he jumped onto the bed with her. Shockingly, he didn't fall through. Him being a wind dragon meant that he dealt with all things air and sky. Clouds were no exception. The two lovers laughed and smiled and started to talk to pass the time, regaling past stories and encounters with many situations. Von had plenty to share. Some of his stories were sad as they dealt with after his father left, while others were happy because they were recent events, from declaring that he was going to seize his future to this moment with her. Storm hardly had anything to share, which saddened her. 

She was an orphan most of her life until she was found and raised in an orphanage. The closest thing she had to a sister was a blue-maned pegasus with a black coat, whom she dubbed Midnight. The two were inseparable, even as they got older. They always talked about their problems and always teased some of the colts around them. They had the time of their lives.

But one day, they didn't have contact with each other for quite some time. The reason? Midnight had applied and been approved to work in Celestia's royal guard. In fact, she didn't know if she was still working with them....or even alive. Von rubbed her cheek and let her know that her friend was probably still alive somewhere. She smiled at him and they shared a kiss before looking into each others eyes.

"So....I'm sure you could tell...since i heard you sniffing..." Storm pointed out, causing Von to flush with red. "I'm in heat...b-but that's not the main reason i brought you here. I wanted to spend some time with you, let you know a little more about myself." She explained. She sighed and looked between her legs, her marehood seeping with wetness. "But I guess my instincts overpower my own mind. S-so....Von....w-will you be my first...and mate with me?"

Von was about to answer her, but he paused for a moment. She told him that she had a stallion before and if anything, they already had sex. So she wouldn't be a virgin. And yet, she was telling him this.

"I thought you had sex before." Von said.

"Me and Shining? We did." She responded. "I know what you're thinking. How can I be a virgin if I had sex already? Well.......Shining was more of a....."backdoor" kind of stallion. He never took my virginity, but he always wanted to do it with me. I asked him why he never wanted to be my first...and that's when I found out that he was supposed to get married."

BGM 5

Tears began to form in Storm's eyes as she remembered that painful day. "I was just a quickie to him before he married that princess he said he was engaged to. I thought maybe he'd love me truly, but I was just there to be his last one night stand before he became fully committed to this mare." She cried. Von sat and watched in sorrow as his marefriend continued to cry. "It's not fair!! I poured my heart out to him and he just led me on like I was some.....some....loose whorse!" She laid her head down in her pillow and began bawling, Von putting a comforting hoof on her back.

"W-why is it that everypony else can find that one pony who loves them from the heart and I can't?!?!"

"That's enough!" Von yelled, shocking her into silence. He smiled at her and placed his hoof on her cheek. "I know how it feels. Believe me. Back home, I always wanted to know why no one loved me as much as I could them. 'Why can't I have a lover?' 'Why am I left so alone?' 'Why am I always the one left in the dust?' I've asked myself that so many times. I always thought I wouldn't find someone to love me, other than my mother. But then I met all of you. You showed me that I'm not alone. That there's always somepony out there who'll love me. To care for me..." He leaned in closer and smiled. "To want me...and now I have you." Von and Storm closed their eyes and passionately kissed each other. As they did, they caressed each others bodies and kissed all over. From their lips to their neck and down to their chests. Once Storm got down to Von's chest, she stood back up and began to undress. First her shirt, then her pants and bra and finally, her panties.

Von was amazed at how well she was built. She didn't have an hourglass figure, but he didn't give a damn. She was perfect the way she was. Her glimmering eyes, her supple breasts and those hips. Anyhow, it was Von's turn to undress. He hardly wore anything, save for his shorts and boxers. So he started to undress himself, pulling down his shorts and boxers at the same time. However when he did, Storm was greeted by a magnificent sight.

"Oh my...i-is that....from me?" She asked, pointing to Von's growing member. Von was not of massive size, but he thought that his length was just good enough to please a mare rather than have a large member that could hurt her. Storm continued to stare at it, impressed by her lover's size and she smiled at him. She didn't speak another word and she crawled further onto the bed and laid on her back.

Seeing that as her invitation, Von laid himself on top of Storm as she awaited him on her fluffy cloud bed. The two stared into each others eyes for a few moments as Von's cock was fully out of its sheathe and Storm's marehood was glistening with excitement. They were highly aroused. They needed this. They wanted this.  And they wanted it now. Von laughed as Storm giggled in embarrassment before he spoke. "You don't have a problem with this, do you?" Von asked. 

Storm smiled and shook her head. "Nah. It's ok." Von needed no further consent and with a slow powerful thrust, he went inside of his lover. Storm let out a long pained moan, it slowly turning into gasps of pleasure as the young half-breed thrust in and out of her. Blood came out of her wet lips, showing that Von had broken through to her inner depths

"Ah....D-does it feel good, Stormy?" Von asked. The mare in question drooled a bit and tried desperately to regain her composure so she could look into the eyes of her lover. She was loving it, but she didn't want him to know just yet. If they were going to do this, she was going to have some fun with him.

"Y-yeah. You bet. But I think you could do better." She panted. A hint of blush was shown on her face, clearly giving Von the idea that she was more aroused than she let on. Deciding to get in a teasing mood, Von moved up towards her head and proceeded to lick her ear and plant little nibbles on the tip. The pegasus moaned at the sensation and started squirming underneath Von. It wasn't out of resistance, but she didn't want to keep getting teased. She wanted him. She wanted him to rut her silly. She wanted for the both of them to experience the pleasure their bodies had to offer one another.

Even knowing of what was going on outside the walls of her home, the two of them wanted this moment to last before they'd go back out. They knew what they had to do. What Von had to do. But they wanted to satisfy each other to the fullest. And they were going to enjoy every second of it. Von moved down and started to suck on her nipples and thrust harder, reveling in the sound of her moans, his hips connecting to hers and the sound of his balls slapping against her ass. Storm Front was in heaven as her moans increased in pitch and she tilted her head back as though she were about to scream. Her eyes rolled up and her tongue lolled out of her mouth as she drowned in ecstasy. 

"Ooo. That feels so good!" She moaned. Her wings flapped a bit each time Von thrust back into her, causing him to smile. Of course, Von was just as lost in the pleasure as she was. His tail swished back and forth, his claw tightening its grip on her flank. He could feel himself getting close, but he tried to hold on. But it didn't help much as Storm's inner walls clamped tight around his member, Von groaning in response. 

Storm's climax was nearing and she wanted Von to release inside her. She wanted to coat his cock in her juices. She wanted his children and she wanted to be his forever. Without warning, Storm thrust up as Von thrust into her, causing the impact to increase as well as their pleasure. The two of them  soon found a rhythm to go with as they went on with their love-making.

Von took his hardened member out of Storm to the point where only the tip remained inside of her and he thrust it back into her. It went back in deep, nearly touching her womb and she screamed in pure pleasure. 

"Oooh Von!" She cried. She wrapped her arms around Von's neck and pulled him closer, feeling the warmth of his chest against her own. Von was happy to see how well he was pleasing his mare and decided that it was about time to wrap things up before they passed out from exhaustion. He laid against her and began pumping her even faster, her pussy tightening around him once more and this time, she didn't let go. It was clear to him that she was going to milk him for all his worth. 

Their chorus of moans filled the room, as well as the pungent scent of their act as they continued. Storm had reached her breaking point and couldn't take it anymore. As if she gained some kind of super strength, she pushed Von off of her and pinned him on the bed and straddled him. Von was caught completely off-guard by this. As he was about to question her, she grabbed his member with her hand and inserted it back into her and she started moving up and down on it.

"Ahhh~ Stormy!" Von cried. Now it was Von who started to drool as he stared into his lovers eyes. Her eyes were full of lust and he placed his arms on her hips as she continued humping him. He squeezed her supple cheeks in his hands as she continued her stride, bouncing faster on his length. She wasn't tough to please, but she certainly knew how to hold out. She pumped him ever furiously and started sweating as her climax neared. She didn't want to stop but she couldn't hold it in anymore. 

"V-Von! I can't....h-hold it anymore!!! I-I'm gonna cum!" She screamed as she slammed down onto him and released her warm juices all over his length. The feeling of her orgasm on him was all Von could take. He had to cum and he needed to now. Taking back control, Von started thrusting into the already spent pegasus and she cried out in pleasure. The new liquid that came out of her provided Von with plenty of lubrication so that he could slide in and out of her more easily. Storm leaned over and rested her head on Von's chest and allowed him to finish himself. 

"I-I love you V-Von!" Storm said between moans. Von smiled and continued to thrust his throbbing member into her. 

"I love you too, Storm." He said, his thrusts increasing in speed. Storm grabbed one of his hands and gripped it tightly, with him returning the same thing. They stared into each others eyes as he kept thrusting, nearing his peak. "OH SWEET CELESTIA, This feels good! I-i'm cumming!!!" Von cried out in pleasure. He continued to thrust his hips into her, not wanting to stop and not wanting the feeling to end. But he couldn't hold on. With one final thrust, he jammed his whole member into her and came hard. He cried out as his seed began to flood the mare's insides, filling her to the brim, causing some of it to spill out of her. 

Removing himself from her, Von rubbed his member quickly with his hand, spraying the last of his seed all over Storm's back. The warm white fluid drenched her backside as the rest of it coated her tail and her ass, smothering the pegasus in his cum. Von's member went limp as the last drop came out, giving hint that he was now spent himself. The two of them lay against the others sweating body, panting and trying to catch their breaths. Von stroked Storm's mane with his claw as his lover looked him in the eyes and spoke up. 

"Y-you.....have no idea....how long I waited for that." Storm said between breaths. Von chuckled and gave her a playful nip on her neck and licked her ear again, prompting her to lick his own neck. Even though her ear and his neck were covered in sweat, they didn't care. That just meant they did a good job pleasing the other. Having both been satisfied and completely exhausted, the two of them shared a passionate kiss before falling asleep, ready to face the day ahead of them.









However, their moment of reprieve was interrupted by a knock on the front door. Von and Storm lifted their heads, the mare rubbing her eyes.

"Who could that be?" She asked drowsily. Von shrugged and got up, the two of them going downstairs together.

"Were you expecting company?" He asked. Storm shook her head.

"No...." She replied in a worried tone. They reached the door and Storm opened it slowly. The sun was still high and it revealed the figures that stood before them. It was two white stallions, clad in golden armor with a crest embedded into them.

"Are you Von?" One of the stallions asked, addressing the half-breed. Von stepped forward and looked at them.

"Yes.....I am." He answered. The two stallions looked at one another and nodded before looking back at the lovers, a serious look on their faces.


"By order of Princess Celestia, you are to come to Canterlot at once. Any form of resistance will place you under immediate arrest."









Chapter 12-End

> Blissful heat (Daring)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Arcius had been more than willing to leave the house after that little squabble between Axel and Gilda. To be fair, Von's idea was a little too brash and risky. To leave them there so they could settle their differences? That was a foolish move on his part. Just about anything could happen in their absence.

"Von....you seriously have been hanging around him far too much to think of such foolish ideas like that..." Arcius whispered, reading his book again. He and Daring had gone out to Ponyville Park for some fresh air. They were ontop one of the hills, looking out to the large town. Arcius had his muzzle in the book he never finished during the interruption while Daring was taking in the sights.

Being so far away from her fans and celebrity life was actually pretty uplifting for her. She was able to meet new ponies and make some friends. And best of all, she met a charming young drake, of whom she can have an intellectual conversation with. He was generous and calm, somewhat distant but he was very friendly. And straightforward. No matter what was said to him, mostly in conversations with Axel, he was always straightforward with his answers. To her, there was something about him that was so interesting.

So exhilarating!

So......hot!

Daring widened her eyes at her thought and shook her head, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What was it she just thought? A dragon, one of Von's companions, had captured her attention. But how? And why?! Her heart was racing and she was beginning to sweat. And to top it all off, she was in estrous. She had no stallion to satisfy her and she had already gone through many heat cycles prior to this one. Four heat cycles, to be exact. And here was Arcius, calm as the breeze, all hers for the taking. 

She could do whatever she wanted with him. All she would have to do is seduce him and--

"Gah! What am I thinking?!" Daring screamed at herself. How could she think about seducing and taking advantage of the dragon she was so close to? But then again....she enjoyed the thought. Waggling her rump in front of him to get him off. He would notice and respond in kind by gripping her firm cheeks. He would knead her gently, enjoying the feeling of her rump as he would lean forward and kiss her neck. Then he would take gentle nips of her neck and ear before massaging her wings. 

The thought was beginning to make her drool, her arousal sliding down the back of her leg. She was doing her best to suppress the urge to pleasure herself, lest Arcius catch wind of her action. She was even thinking of teasing him, wiggling her arousal in his face in hopes that he'll abandon all reason and just rut her like it was their last moment together. He would continue to play with her, whispering her name with such lust.

"Oh Arcius~" She moaned, lost in her fantasy. 


Oh Daring~...

Daring...

Daring...


"Daring." Arcius called, snapping her out of her trance. He was standing over her looking down with curiosity as the mare was on the ground, legs sprawled out and her arousal visible for all to see and between her legs was a lone finger. It was covered with slick juices from her heated marehood. Her face flushed with red as she realized that she said his name...in a sexual fashion. He saw her hoof and the look on her face and smiled at her. "Dare I ask what you were thinking about?"

"U-uh..." was all she could say. What was she supposed to tell him? I'm in heat and I was thinking about you, so rut me? I was just thinking about a cool, handsome stallion that knows how to take my breath away? Any of those could drive him away from her and she didn't want that. "I was just.....scratching an itch."

"An itch?"

"Yep. An itch. Hehe." She chuckled.

"Over your private area? Daring, you are an intellectual like I am. And if you had half the brain I do, you'd know that even that is unbelievable. There is no point in lying to me." Daring sighed in dejection and moved her hoof away.

"Yeah. I know." She said. She continued to lay there, looking away from the stallion she desired while he stared down at her.

"It's mating season, is it not?" He asked her. A blush came to the mare's face as he asked such a straightforward question. Still unable to speak, Daring nodded in reply, earning a smile. "And I suppose I am the target of this affection you're showing to yourself?" Once again, Daring began to blush and could only nod in silence.

"Y-you don't hate me, do you?" She squeaked out. Arcius chuckled and leaned down towards the mare, his lips inches away from hers.

"On the contrary.....I feel just the opposite." He answered and closed the distance between them, kissing Daring on the lips. Daring's eyes went wide in shock as immense pleasure surged through her body. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was kissing Arcius. 

She. Was kissing. Arcius! Her eyes began to flutter as they slowly shut and she pushed forward, leaning more into the kiss. She allowed his tongue into her mouth and she wrapped her own around his. They continued to embrace one another, their tongues dancing around in their mouths as if wrestling for dominance. Daring moaned into his mouth, Arcius doing the same as her hand traveled down to her soaking wet pussy and started to stroke herself again with her fingers.

Arcius was enjoying the moment and laid down on her, halting her hand and instead placing it on his swollen member. Arcius, being the more mature member of Von's gang of friends, was quite considerable in size. In fact, his length measured up just a few inches away from the length of a normal stallion. Needless to say, Daring was impressed.

"Ooh, Is that for me?" She cooed, stroking his cock. Arcius gasped as she massaged his length firmly, but in a teasing fashion. She was trying to get him riled up more. Her desire for him must've gone deeper than he thought....and he wanted to go deep.

"Perhaps. Would you like to sample it in full?" He asked her, earning a lustful stare from his mare. Daring giggled at his words and smiled, but a thought came to her mind. If they did this now, what would happen? Would they pursue a relationship? Would he forget all about it? What if he was going to use her? No. She wasn't going to let that happen. If she was going to let him do this, she was going to make him commit.

"Hold on a second." She said. Arcius raised a brow and looked down at her. "If we're going to do this, I need to know. This is my first time being with someone that I actually feel a connection with. And I want our time together to be memorable. If I want to go to the beach or go on a midnight stroll or even watch movies, I want to do it all with you. I love you, Arcius. And I want to be yours. ....But I want to know if you'll be--" Daring was abruptly interrupted as Arcius pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss.

Daring's head started to spin as she could feel all the emotion he was pouring into something so simple as a kiss. His joy. His love. His happiness. It was his way of showing that he wanted her and her alone.

They broke the kiss, Daring staring at her lover with pure lust and her wings began to grow erect and her heat intensified as Arcius began to speak.

"There is no need to ask me that. You know my feelings. You can see them in my eyes. And you felt them in my kiss. I love you, Daring Do. And I would love to be your lover." Daring's heart leaped for joy and before she could say how overjoyed she was, she suddenly felt something poking at her entrance. She moaned softly, recognizing it as Arcius' length and smiled.

Silence echoed in the air around them, the only sounds being the occasional chirping of birds and their own heavy breaths as they knew what they wanted to do. And what they both wanted more than anything. With an exchange of silence and a nod from the both of them, Arcius pushed forward and stuck his cock into her quivering lips. Daring moaned louder than she ever had, finally feeling her lover enter her and she wrapped her arms around him. Feeling comfortable after a few seconds, Arcius began thrusting.

In. Out. In. Out. Arcius kept a steady pace as he continued to pound his mare. Their hips slapped against each other as he started to pick up speed, moaning as her walls continued to clench and release him. It was like her marehood was trying to welcome its invader, but push it away as well.

"Oh Arcius~" Daring cried. She was in heaven. Like she told him, Daring had been with plenty of stallions out of the light of her celebrity life. But none of them have been able to satisfy her or even stayed around to try and pursue a romantic relationship. But Arcius...he was different. 

They had a bond. In the short time they've known each other, they developed a link. He understood her. They shared similar interests. He didn't care that she was famous. And more importantly, he loved her. And he wanted to remain by her side. Daring was aware of the lifespan of dragons compared to ponies. But she didn't care. She wanted to make their time together the most memorable she could have. And she wanted to look back on those memories as she lay on her deathbed.

Arcius began to thrust even faster, Daring's pussy being too much for him to keep holding back. Caught up in the moment, Arcius thrust harder into his mate, pounding her mercilessly causing shrieks of pain and bliss to emit from the mouth of the pegasus. Daring held on tight to her draconic lover as her first orgasm hit. A surge of pleasure shot through her body, her wings sticking out at full mast and she cried in ecstasy. Wanting him to enjoy the moment as much as her, Daring starting grinding against Arcius as he thrust into her. He moaned loudly in response, causing some precum to seep out the tip and into her.

"Come on. That all you got? I know you can do more than this." Daring said, egging him on. Arcius chuckled, the slits of his eyes shrinking as his primal instinct kicked in.

"You asked for it." He replied. Calling upon his inner strength, Arcius proceeded to thrust balls deep into Daring, pounding her as hard as he could, holding her legs up in order to go deeper. Daring's eyes shot wide and she moaned in joyous bliss as she could feel him hitting her deepest parts, burying himself in her depths.

"Ooh~ R-right there. That's it, baby. Keep going." She moaned. She dug her fingers into the grass and bit her lip, feeling her next orgasm coming. But at the same time, Arcius could feel his own coming and he picked up the pace. They moaned in unison as they neared their peak.

"D-Daring..." Arcius cried, warning his mate of how close he was.

"Do it! Cum inside me. I want you to do it. Don't you dare hold back!" She retorted, licking her lips. Arcius smiled at her and without further delay, he thrust one last time and unloaded into her. He continued to pump her full of his seed, groaning and growling in lustful pleasure. Daring was fairing just as well as he was. Never before had she felt so full and so satisfied. As Arcius released, a wave of pleasure came over her and she orgasmed alongside him and coated his dragonhood with her juices.

As the two of them finished riding the wave of ecstasy Arcius got off her and lay beside her, the two of them panting heavily and fully spent.

"Oh wow....that was so amazing." Daring said between breaths. Arcius chuckled and smiled at her, wrapping his arm around her.

"Yeah." He replied. The two of them shared another passionate kiss, staring into each others eyes. "I love you, Daring."

"I love you too, Arcius. I always will." Daring said. She laid her head on his shoulder, Arcius taking his book back out and continuing to read it.


"I pray that things are going well for Axel and Gilda. Or even Von. I hope none of them are doing anything crazy..."





















Blissful heat (Daring)-End

> Blissful heat (Gilda)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The door shut behind the gang, leaving the two disputing "lovers" alone. They sat on the couch, glaring at each other for only a few seconds and looking away. The hate between the two of them lingered in the air, blending with the silence until one of them decided to speak up.

"This is your fault, you know." Gilda said.

"My fault?! How the hell is this my fault?!" Axel argued back, glaring angrily at the griffon.

"If you hadn't run off like you did, I wouldn't be back here in this lame town and I sure as hell wouldn't be stuck with you in this dinky looking house. Lame....little mutant freak." She hissed.

"Hey! Don't you start talking shit on my friend!" Axel yelled. He got up from the couch and balled a fist at her.

"Your stupid friend is the reason we're stuck here anyway!!" Gilda screeched.

"You shut your fucking mouth right now, you bitch!"

"Shut up, needledick!"

"Cunt!"

"Asswipe!"

"Whore!"

"Oh now you're asking for it!!!" Gilda screamed.

"I don't see you bringing it." Axel mocked. Balling their fists, the two of them started fighting. Punches were exchanged, among many more curses and swears. Axel was tough, but Gilda was still tougher than him. Even after all that time they hadn't seen each other, she still knew how to put up a fight. And a damn tough fight at that.

Gilda punched him in the face, more specifically his eye, and he held it in pain. She packed a punch, as expected of a griffon but he wasn't going to back down.  Waiting for an opening, he dodged her next punch and countered with one of his own. It struck in the cheek, but just barely. She had enough reaction time to evade the full blow of his attack, not didn't go unscathed.

"Heh. You actually landed a hit on me. You've gotten better. But you're still a little pussy." She said, laughing at him. Axel's eye started to twitch and he swung at her again and again, but each time she just dodged his swings or just lessened the blow. It was a wonder he was able to hold out a bit before getting his ass handed to him when they fought the first time.

Damn it. Is she seriously going to kick my ass again?!, he thought. As he tried to think of how to take her down, something reached his nose. It was a sweet, yet musky smell that was lingering in the air. Not only that, it was strong. Very strong. He looked around, sniffing the air as he did, trying to find the source of the smell until he locked eyes with Gilda.

Her breathing was ragged, her cheeks flush with red and her feathers seemed to be ruffled. And amongst all that was a trail of clear liquid going down her leg. The smell was definitely coming from her or her nethers, to be precise. She was in heat and seemed to be a little shaky due to the sensation she was feeling. That's when it hit him. If she was feeling the effects of her heat cycle...

Then I can easily turn the tide of this fight, he thought as he smiled at her. Gilda took notice and quickly went on the defensive, but the heat from her loins was bothering her.

"W-what's with that smile?! You happy because I'm beating you?" She mocked, chuckling a bit. She couldn't be more wrong.

"No, not really. It's just that I figured out how to beat you and this fight is mine." He replied. Gilda raised a brow and as she lowered her guard and was about to question him, Axel charged her and pinned her to the floor. The griffoness struggled under his weight, blushing and sweating profusely as he laid against her. As much as she despised him for running off, Gilda couldn't help but pant and moan as one of Axel's knees rubbed against her crotch.

"G-get off! Stop that!" She screeched. Axel didn't listen and moved his knee away and instead, trailed his claws down to her nethers and began fingering. Gilda gasped and moaned as she felt his appendages wiggling around inside her, penetrating her folds and slowly moving in and out of her. Gilda bit the bottom of her beak to prevent herself from moaning again. She wanted to make him think she was hating it. But in truth, she was loving it. She loved every single bit of it.

"What's the matter, Gilda?" Axel asked, continuing his assault with his fingers. "You had so much bravado before. And then it all went away the moment I dominated you. Care to explain?"

"Ahh...y-you didn't domi-- oooh --dominate me. Y-you just uuuHOOOHOOOsed a d-dirty tactic!" She said between moans. She started panting, her breath was getting ragged and her slit was oozing with juices. She was swimming in pleasure and she couldn't hold back much longer. Axel was very experienced, being the only one in Von's group of friends that has had sex during mating season, but Gilda wasn't going to give him the upper hand. Mustering up what strength she had, she pushed up, knocking Axel onto his back and sat on his chest.

"Agh! What the?!" Axel cried. And in the next moment, he felt something grab his cock. He looked down to see that Gilda was grasping his member firmly in her claw, stroking it rather roughly. He groaned in a mix of pleasure and pain as she tightened her grip, milking his cock for its worth.

"What's wrong? Where'd all that confidence of yours go, huh?" Gilda sneered. She continued stroking him, massaging his balls as well causing another groan to escape his lips. For someone who knew how to piss him off just by staring at him, Gilda sure knew how to please a guy.

Axel was getting into it himself, as was she. He lifted his head, staring straight at her slit before he dove in.

“Mmmngh!” Gilda let out a pleased sigh as his tongue started lapping up her juices. She squirt a couple times, which surprised him and her sighs turned into moans before clamping her beak shut. Shit, this isn't good. He left you behind, Gilda! You’re supposed to hate being near him! But this feels soooo good. I can't stop..., she thought. She looked down at him, pumping his cock faster and rubbing her crotch against his face. Axel's snout prodded against her as she continued grinding, the smell of her arousal clouding his mind.

Gilda was enjoying herself greatly. The feeling of his tongue, the feel of his member against her, even the scent of her own heat was turning her on more than anything. She hated to admit it, but she loved it. She loved the pleasure she was getting but more importantly....she loved him. Believe it or not, she was in love with Axel. When he ran away...when he left her behind, it hurt her. It broke her heart. She always wanted to have a strong mate. And he was strong. Kind. Pretty cocky. And handsome.

Dammit. I can't take it anymore! I need him now!!, she yelled in her mind. She let go of his member, which was slick with precum that had leaked out and lifted her hips. Axel raised a brow, wondering what she was up to until he saw her positioning herself so that the tip of his cock was pressed right against her snatch. He knew what was about to come and gladly accepted it, but was curious as to why she'd want to go this far. Especially with him.

"Uh..." Was the only thing Axel said before Gilda slammed her hips down, screeching loudly as he penetrated her. Axel groaned in response, a surge of pleasure rushing through his body. Gilda lifted her hips again and slammed back down and continued to do so, keeping a rhythm and moaned softly. "Ahh fuck..." Axel moaned, feeling himself delve deeper into Gilda's folds.

A wet, slapping sound echoed in the room as the griffoness asserted her place ontop, bucking her hips onto him. Her taut, firm ass slapped against his balls as she continued her stride and she arched her back and moaned loudly.

"Ahh fuck...you're pretty big." Gilda sighed, smiling at him. For the first time, Gilda actually smiled a genuine smile for him. Not one of boasting or confidence. But happiness. Axel chuckled and held one of her claws in his own, joining her by thrusting his hips up which earned a small gasp from her.

"You're pretty cute when you smile, you know that?" Axel said. Gilda blushed and looked away angrily, but it was just a farce. She chuckled a little and looked down at him as she started to pick up speed.

"Dweeb...." was her only response. She started bouncing faster, putting more power into her grinds as she felt her climax approaching. Axel moaned and thrust with her, more precum seeping out from the tip and into his lover. He was about to cum any minute and Gilda showed no signs of stopping. Her heat was too strong, but he was enjoying it too damn much to even give a shit. But the least he could do was warn her.

"G-Gilds..." He cried, making her blush by giving her such a nickname. The grip they had on each others claws increased as they neared their peak. With one last thrust, Axel and Gilda came together. Their moans filled the room, as well as the pungent smell of sex, as Axel shot his load straight into her womb. Ropes of his warm seed filled her up, painting her walls with white as he cried out in pleasure.

“AAAAAAHHHH!” Gilda screamed. Her lungs ached, her legs went numb and every inch of her body was pushed to the edge and brought back again as she laid her head on Axel's chest. She sighed happily as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him in for a kiss.

Gilda broke the kiss and rolled onto her side. “That was... amazing! You're... alright... I guess.”

“You were pretty good, too. Your constant moans and screeching actually got me off. And here I thought you were an unattractive bitch.” Axel chuckled and held his arm after Gilda punched him. She blushed and looked away, closing her eyes.

"Dweeb..." Gilda muttered. The two of them smiled and laughed a little, their moment of rest interrupted as the door opened. Their attention was drawn to it as the owner of the house, her marefriend behind her, entering the house and her jaw dropping at the sight. Her couch was knocked over, table broken, the rug was ripped and large spots of dragon spunk were under them.

"MY HOUSE!!!" Lyra screamed. Gilda and Axel's eyes widened, knowing they were about to face the wrath of the unicorn.

Only one thought came to mind. And they voiced that thought together.





"I didn't do it!!!"













Blissful heat (Gilda)-End

> A mother's last wish
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"AAAHHHH!!!"


BGM 1

A loud yell of pain resounded throughout the mountain. The dragons who stayed there turned their heads and looked to where the sound came from. A rock formation which resembled a throne rested atop another in the center of their home. Eldrich, their king, had fallen and lay by his throne. Large gashes and stab wounds covered most of his body and standing above him was the lone sword wielding drake.

"Nova. What has become of you?!" Eldrich yelled. Nova didn't reply and just smiled down at him, raising his sword above his head. As he was about to strike down, a blast of wind hit him in the chest and knocked him back. He straightened himself, keeping his sword tightly gripped and looked around to see where the attack had come from. He looked up to see a certain silver dragoness from behind the clouds. Sending another gust of wind to knock Nova off his feet, Silva came down from the skies and helped Eldrich back onto his.

"Are you alright, father?" She asked, rubbing his back. Eldrich chuckled and looked at her and smiled weakly.

"20 years later....and you finally call me father again." He replied. He chuckled a bit before coughing up blood, a panic rising in Silva. As she tried to think of a way to aid him, Nova came before her with the tip of his sword aimed directly at her neck.

"I should kill you where you stand, wench. However, father told me specifically to leave you unharmed." He said, his voice distorted and threatening. The way he looked made her think too much of what Cynder had become. And now he, too, was the same. She knew Nova's strength and how dedicated he was to his father. So she knew he wouldn't budge no matter how much she pleaded.

"Why is that?" She asked. Nova chuckled, taking his sword away and backing off. Silva raised a brow, questioning his motive and her eyes widened as she heard and smelled something. The smell of brimstone and blood, the sounds of footsteps approaching which was accompanied by slow claps.

"My my. You've become quite the bold one, haven't you?" A voice called out. Silva's eyes widened in shock as she recognized the voice. She looked to where it came from and saw a lavender dragon smiling at her. "Much more confident than before."

"K-konan..." Silva stuttered. She let go of Eldrich, reeling back in fear of what he could do to her.

"Why so panicked? You were so brave a few minutes ago. Why the sudden change when I show up?" Konan asked, walking towards her. "Oh wait. I know why. It's because you know just what I can do to you. And what i HAVE done to you." He grasped her neck, pulling her close to him and placed his other claw between her legs. A sickening pleasure washed over her as his talons dug into her pussy. And the pleasure would've stayed had he not started to drag his claws down inside her. It would've tore skin, but Konan was gentle enough to make sure that didn't happen. She squealed in pain, staring at her assailant with a frightful and tear-filled stare.

"You monster..." Silva hissed. "Mark my words. Von won't let you get away with this. He'll come back! And I won't hesitate to let him kill you." Her words were laced with venom and malice. For a dragon as kind and peaceful as her, this was quite a shock to everyone. Even Konan.

"Those are some bold words for someone who can't even fight back." He said. Chuckling, he gripped her neck tighter and threw her to the ground. The other dragons around backed off, not even attempting to catch her or cushion her fall. Instead, they watched as she fell and hit the ground hard. Pain coursed through her body as she looked back up where Eldrich lay. He was still wounded from his battle with Nova prior to now. He was defenseless and with no way to defend himself.

"So now it's down to you and me." Konan said, smiling. He held out his claw to his son, Nova nodding in response and giving his sword to his father. He shook the blood off, staring down at their king and cracked a wicked grin. "Surely you saw this coming. Am I right, oh great king Eldrich?" He taunted.

"Visions never lie. I knew this was to happen from the start. I could've changed it....but with my age catching up to me, I would've been powerless to stop you." Eldrich said. He smiled at him while Konan scowled at him unamused.

"Cut the crap, Eldrich. You could've tried to stop me. But you didn't. ...And I think I know why. You're placing your hopes in the claws of that stupid halfling, aren't you?" He said. Eldrich didn't respond, but just laughed instead. And this angered him greatly.

"Von is still growing stronger by the day. It is hard for him...but I know he will succeed one day. His father is gone, but he carries his heart. Something you lack, Konan." The elder dragon pointed out. "Your plan...your master's plan...and his plan will not come to light. You will fail. I know it." Konan had had it. Even now, while he was weak and defenseless, Eldrich still looked down on him. Seeing him as powerless, destined to fail. Unable to surpass him. But right now, he didn't care. He was holding the cards now. He was the superior one. And like Eldrich said, he lacked a heart. Which was why...

"I have no regrets doing this!" Konan shouted. And with a swift movement, he plunged Nova's sword through his chest. Eldrich roared in pain, coughing up blood as the sound of pierced flesh resounded. His heartbeat started to slow, blood oozing from the wound. "Long...live...the king."

Eldrich's vision blurred, soon fading as darkness enveloped him. Light shined once his eyes closed, the image of a dark blue mare coming to him. Her wings spread as she stared down at him, a sad smile spreading across her cheek.





You've done your part. Now she must play her role...







Konan's attention drew back to Silva, who was on the ground far below him. She looked like she was about to cry. Spots of red were on her body, dripping down slowly as the blood of her friend...her husband's companion filled her with great dread. A smile formed on his face as he tossed the sword back to his son, who shook the blood clean off, and looked down at her. The fear on her face. The quivering of her lips. The very sight of her tears riled him up. An idea formed in his mind. One that he had gotten so many years ago.

"Nova." He called out.

"Yes, father?" The drake replied, bowing to his new king. The purple dragon looked back, smiling at his child.

"Go to Equestria. I want you to pay Von a little visit. With that new power of yours, it should make it MUCH easier..." He told him. Nova didn't say anything. He didn't have to in order to acknowledge his father's orders. With a quick flap of his wings, he took to the skies and set a course for Equestria. Konan chuckled, still staring down at Silva who was sobbing. Her tears mixed in with the blood of Eldrich which had pooled down before her feet. A familiar presence entered his mind and he closed his eyes.

"Thinking of passing my essence on again, are we?" Orcus said within his thoughts.

"Of course. That being said...the egg..."

"I retrieved it the night he went feral as a stupid child. It's already fully grown. The mother took such good care of it for us. Now how long do you intend of keeping that worthless child around you?"

"Long enough. He'll outlive his usefulness soon. In the meantime, I shall claim my prize." Konan declared. Orcus smiled as he was tucked away in the shadows.

"Good. Take these then. Bastion created them recently..." Orcus said. The link between them severed as several chimeras, each one with an altered appearance and a malicious aura appeared around him. With a snap of his fingers, the chimeras swarmed the crowd below. Growling and gnashing at any who dared approach, the results of Bastion's labors drove most of them away. All save for Silva.

"..." Silva remained silent. Her throat was sore, her tears had dried but the blood was still warm. Her only action she took was raising her head, looking up at the new king as a look of triumph was on his face. He didn't say much, but he made a few words clear to her.

"Every king needs a queen." Silva's eyes shot wide as she knew what he was getting at. All the sorrow she felt earlier was now replaced with a great fear. A fear she experienced before Von came into the world. She turned over and tried to run. But she didn't go anywhere. She turned her head back and saw Konan grabbing her tail. His claws dug in deep, causing her to cry in pain as blood leaked out. He pulled her close, but she still struggled. Once he got her close enough, he laid against her. His entire weight kept her pinned down, tears streaming down her cheeks once again as horrifying memories came to her.

"No! Stop it!" She cried. But her pleas fell on deaf ears.

"You know what's about to happen..." Konan whispered. Silva's pupils shrank to the size of pin pricks as she felt something against her. Something she deeply wanted to escape from. The phallus of Konan's cock prodded against her, the dragon king grinning down at his prize. She didn't want to relive that nightmare again. She had to get away. She needed to run. But she remembered. She was unable to before. She was weak. Konan was strong. And this was the way their kind worked. "I see you have resigned to your fate." Konan spoke.

"..." Silva said nothing. All she could do was close her eyes and pray that this nightmare would end as quickly as it was about to begin. Konan didn't want to be disturbed or interrupted as he was about to claim her again. With that in mind, a black haze escaped from his mouth. It spread all around the area like a wildfire, covering every inch of the mountain top until the entire area was cloaked in smog.

Not a single peep was made. The dragons on the mountain remained guarded by the chimeric horde, some of them soon pledging their allegiance to Konan. The ones that did not were killed on the spot. Mothers. Fathers. Children. All of them had become a victim of Konan's ambitions. The mountain went undisturbed and not a single soul dared to resist. Not one dared to go to where Konan was. Not one dared to aid Silva in her hour of need. Her heart was broken. Her mind was shattered. She did not move or struggle, allowing Konan to rape her senseless as he did before. But though she could not move, a single thought crossed her mind. A prayer.























Celestia...please take care of Von...














Watch over my little colt...

> The Proposal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


You cannot win, Aion! You never could beat me.

I don't care! You've gone mad. Someone has to stop you, Rem.

You would dare raise your blade to me?! Why would you turn against me?! Don't you remember your promise? Don't you remember that we're friends?!

I remember all of it. And it changes nothing!!!




Von shook his head as he awoke. He was unaware of what happened and started to examine his surroundings. He was in a carriage, which was being driven by the two guards that came before he and Storm. Storm was looking down at him as his head lay upon her lap. She seemed to have a look of concern on  her face.

"Finally. You woke up. I was starting to get really worried about you." She said, stroking his mane with her fingers. "You fell asleep after we got in and on the way up, you started tossing and turning. It looked like you were having a nightmare."

Von blinked for a moment. "A nightmare?" He asked, Storm nodding in response.

"Yeah. You were talking in your sleep. Something about a guy named Rem or something. Are you ok now?" She asked. Von rubbed his head and grasped her hand gently.

"Yeah...yeah, I'm ok now. Thanks for the concern." He said. Storm giggled and kissed his cheek as Von laid his head back down. But the voices in his dream...and what she told him nagged at him from the back of his mind. A nightmare...and someone named Rem....the voice I heard mentioned someone named Rem and Aion. Was it just a dream? Or maybe...it was a vision. More importantly...why did I see such a thing?




Chapter 14


BGM 1

After some time, the carriage came to a full stop. Feeling rested Von lifted his head off Storm's lap, the latter having fallen asleep herself, and looked outside. Right before his very eyes was the capital of Equestria itself: Canterlot. And atop of its rich mountainside was Canterlot Castle, home to Princess Luna. And his old friend and nanny, Princess Celestia. He looked to his pegasus lover and grabber her shoulder.

"Hey. Wake up." He said in a low voice. "We're here."

"Huh? What?" Storm yawned, stretching where she was. "We're here already? That was fast." She smiled and got out of the carriage with Von, taking his hand as the two guards stepped in front of them.

"Please follow us." One of them ordered. Since they didn't have much choice in the matter, the two of them followed the guards. As they continued on, the ponies in the streets stopped and stared. They were fashionable ponies, as expected of Canterlot royals. They all dressed well, cleaned well. Hell, they even smelled good. All the buildings were lined from top to bottom with lovely color designs, clearly showing that each and everyone of them had some class. So this is what life was like up in the upper crust of pony society.

Up on Dragon Mountain, there weren't as many different status differences for them as there was for ponies. For Dragons, you had the commoners and then the King. For ponies, there was the lower class which would consist of every pony in Ponyville, Dodge City and Appleloosa. Then the middle class, which were ponies that hailed from Baltimare, Fillydelphia and VanHoover. Then came the upper class, which contained ponies from Canterlot, Manehatten, Los Pegasus, Saddle Arabia and The Crystal Empire. Von didn't expect to see any upper class ponies, and especially not so soon. But he wasn't the only one surprised. Every single stallion, mare and foal was staring in shock not at the guards but the kirin being escorted by the guards.

Whispers of shock and disbelief could be heard as they walked by. A kirin in our city?!, I thought they were extinct, Is Dragonheart Village still standing?, Why is that beast among us?, and many more questions like this were being thrown about. Storm had a right to turn and yell at all the ponies that were speaking about her coltfriend in such a way. But she knew there would be no point. She could tell what Von was thinking. They had a right to be shocked. It was rare to see one of his kind walking about in plain daylight instead of hiding in secrecy. But he didn't care. He was just like them, a normal citizen of Equestria. And whether it was now or later, he was going to show them they weren't so different.

After some time passed, Von and Storm arrived to at Canterlot Castle. Seeing it up close, it was much more magnificent than he thought it was. The guards moved aside, giving Von and Storm their space and free will now and the two of them entered the castle. The inside was more glorious than it was outside. The decorations, paintings and stained-glass windows. It was everything Von had expected it to be.

"Canterlot Castle...To think I would get to see it with my own eyes." Von said, struck in awe. Storm was just as surprised as he was. Being stuck in an orphanage and then living all on her own, it would've taken a miracle for her to even have stepped foot in Canterlot, let alone Canterlot Castle. And now here she was, roaming through its halls with her lover. It was a dream come true.

Upon reaching the throne room, two guards stood apart from one another on each side of a throne. There were two, most likely belonging to the regal sisters of which Von heard so much about. And he personally knew one of them. When they entered, the guards took notice of them and one of them went straight outside while the other came up to them.

"Please wait patiently while the princesses are summoned." He said. He didn't smile, flinch or anything. He bore the countenance of a true royal guard. Since they didn't have much say in the matter, the two stood and waited as they were instructed to do. As they waited, Von drifted off into his mind once again. So much was happening to him ever since he came to Equestria. He found a lab and discovered horrifying experiments, he was attacked by Nova, he reunited with his father and they parted ways yet again, he was attacked by Cynder and witness her death, he encountered the one pulling Konan's strings, he learned that his mother was raped and bore a second child and now he was having strange visions. 

What was going on? Was it something he ate? What if it was all a great big dream? It was all fake and he would wake up any moment. But sadly, he knew that wasn't the case. Everything was real. Every twinge of fear, sadness, anger and pain were etched into his very core. But at the same time so was his pride, his courage, determination and love. As much as he hated what was happening around him, he was content with the good things that came with it. As he thought more on it, he heard the sound of giggling.

"Welcome to Canterlot Castle, Von." A voice said. It was feminine, mature and kinda cute. It carried a dignified tone with it, as well. Von and Storm turned to see two mares coming in from the hall.



"T-Tia?" Von stuttered. His heart nearly skipped a beat. It wasn't a dream at all. It was all for real. One of his first friends and the mare who helped steel himself toward pursuing his goal was right there, standing in front of him. And she hadn't changed a bit.

"Indeed. It has been a long time, Von. How long has it been? 13 years?"

"12, actually." Von corrected. Celestia giggled.

"It felt like an eternity. You're starting to look much like your father." Von chuckled and gave her a smug grin.

"Yeah, but at least I don't have to shave anything." He replied.

"And he's not part dragon either." Celestia retorted. The two of them shared a laugh while Storm and Luna waited patiently to be introduced.

"Oh. Sorry. I forgot my manners. Uh, Tia? This is Storm Front: My marefriend. Storm, this is Celestia. Our princess." Von said.

"Hello." Storm greeted nicely.

"Storm Front, hm? Tell me. Do you have a sister by the name of Midnight Phoenix? The two of you grew up in an orphanage?" Celestia asked, causing Storm's eyes to widen.

"Yes! Have you seen her?! I've missed her so much."

"I do believe she's in the garden, making her rounds. If you go now, you might--" Storm quickly darted outside, faster than the eye could follow and the door shut behind her as she went out. "--find her. Well, she's certainly in a hurry."

"Yeah. She told me alot about her. I can understand why. So I take it this is your sister Luna, right?" Von asked.

"Yes, she is." Von looked over at Luna and walked up to her, bowing before holding his hand out to shake hers.

"Nice to meet you." Luna looked down at his hand and back at Celestia. Her elder sister said nothing and just nodded her head, prompting Luna to grab his hand and shake it.

"WE ARE PLEASED TO MEET YOU AS WELL, KIRIN VON!!!!" Luna spoke, using her Royal Canterlot Voice. Von let go of her hand when she spoke and covered his ears. Being upclose, her voice was almost deafening.

"Agh! What the hay?!" Von yelled.

"Sorry. Luna. Inside voices, please." Celestia said, scolding her sister. Luna giggled and smirked at Von.

"Sorry, sister. We couldn't resist the temptation." Luna replied, speaking in a normal tone of voice now. "Anyway, we shall leave thee to walk with him. I shall be back soon." With that, Luna took her leave and walked past Von. As she did however, she whispered something. Time seemed to slow down briefly for Von as his eyes widened when Luna spoke to him.




We shall speak again soon, young kirin





Von blinked and looked back at Luna and stared as she left. As the door shut, only Von and Celestia remained. He turned back around and looked to his old friend and smiled at her, getting a smile back in return. They drew closer to one another and embraced each other in a hug. It had been so long since they saw each other. She was like a second mother to him. Oh how he had no idea how much she cared about him. Just being in his presence was like having a child of her own. And in a way, she did. The young dragon, Spike, whom she raised his egg and cared for it until her student performed her exam. But still...

They let go of each other and continued to stare. However, Celestia's smile faded into a more dignified look.

BGM 2

"I take it you saw him again?" Celestia asked, emphasizing the word 'him'. Von's smile faded as well and he looked away as he was aware who she was speaking of.

"Yes. After all these years, I finally got to see him again. Only for us to drift apart once more..." Von replied, thinking to the battle he had with his own father.

"I know it must be hard on you. It was hard on him as well to part ways with you." She said.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Before Ignus fully vanished, he came to me. He told me how much you've grown, how strong you were getting and that one day, you may actually bring his dream--both of your dreams--to light. As such, he left a parting gift for you before his final farewell." Celestia's horn began to glow as she looked over to her throne. An object began to glow the same color as her aura before lifting off the floor and floating towards them. As it got closer, the object was revealed to be a rusted sword. The blade was clearly made of steel, regardless of how worn it was.

"That's--!"

"Your father wanted you to have this. Something to remember him by. Use it well, Von." Celestia said, placing the rusted blade in his hands. He grabbed the handle and gave it a few swings to get the feel of it. It was light and it felt warm and gentle, like he was being watched over.

"Dad..." Von stared at the sword for a moment before putting it to his side. "Thank you, Tia. You don't know how much this means to me. Anyway, I doubt you summoned me here for just to give me my dad's sword."

"Very perceptive of you. You really have grown." Celestia teased. "But yes. I brought you here to discuss something of great importance with you. However before I do, you must tell me something."

"Uh...sure. What do you want to know?" Celestia stared him in the eyes.

"There is something troubling you. You've been uneasy since you came in here, despite being as happy as you were. Have you been seeing things lately?" She asked. "Your father made me aware of the dark forces at work. But i can tell that's not what's on your mind at the moment." Von stared at her in silence for a bit before caving in.

"Yes. Just recently, I had an odd dream." He said. "I couldn't see anything, but I heard voices. Two of them, actually."

"Did they say anything?" Celestia asked.

"Yes. Something about...having to stop someone. I heard names. I think they were...Aion and Rem."

Celestia's ears twitched at the mention of the names and her expression turned grim.

"Is something wrong?" Von asked, snapping her out of it.

"No. It's nothing. It sounds like an odd dream. Perhaps it was a vision."

"A vision?"

"You're coming to that point in your age where the ability to see future events, or foresight, becomes available to you. You can see the future, but that also means you have the ability to change it with your actions. But what you will see, you cannot choose to see. What comes to you will depend on the events going on around you. But I will say no more. Now, do you have anymore questions before I tell you my reason for bringing you here?" Von tapped his chin and looked at her. He couldn't think of anything else. He wanted to know more about the ability of foresight, but it didn't seem like she was gonna talk. But other things came to mind.

"Yes. I actually do have a few things to ask." He spoke. Celestia smiled.

"Very well. Ask away."

"Well--"



Storm embraced her sister in a tight hug upon finding her in the garden. She was a jet-black pegasus with an electric-blue mane. She seemed to be the serious type, but had a gentle side to her. Her eyes were a deep shade of purple and she was clad in Royal Guard gear. But rather than wearing the armor, she was wearing regular regal-like clothes instead.

The two sister's spoke for awhile, Storm telling Midnight how she came to meet Von, her feelings for him and of their first night. When it got to the intimate portion of the conversation, Midnight couldn't help but gag a bit as she did not want to hear such things. But as the mood settled...

"How long do you have?" Midnight asked. Storm closed her eyes and sighed.

"I don't know. But...I want to make my time with him last in any way I can." Storm said quietly. "Which is why I want you to promise me something."

"Ok. Shoot." Midnight replied.

"Please. Please take care of him for me if I--"

"Don't say 'If'. There are no 'If's' here. You're not going to die. Got it?" Midnight's tone was stern, but also filled with pain. Storm smiled at her and nodded.

"Alright, big sis. Anyway, can you promise me that?" Midnight chuckled and sheathed her sword.

"Well, he sounds like a total wuss. But, I guess I can't say no to you. Alright. I promise to take care of him." Storm squealed and hugged her sister tightly.

"Thank you thank you thank you thank you!" Midnight's eyes narrowed and she sighed. As much as she loved her sister, she always grew annoyed when her hugs lasted too long or were too tight. But she could never fight it. Instead, she was forced to wait for her to let go. It took Storm a few seconds before she actually did let go and the two of them smiled at each other. However, their moment was interrupted as the sound of flapping wings came to their ears.

"What's that sound?" Storm asked.

"No clue. Storm, go hide. Now." Midnight commanded, taking her sword back out. She had a bad feeling about this. A very bad feeling...



"And then he ran away when I actually offered him the chance to." Celestia finished, giggling a bit. Von just shook his head, chuckling.

"You're such a tease, you know that?" He asked. He couldn't believe it. His own father was actually tempted to cheat. And with the princess, of all ponies. Not only that, but he chickened out when she actually offered him the chance to court her. Never before had he thought of his father in this kind of light.

Best keep this a secret from mom, he thought.

"Ah. But enough about the past. I'll tell you my reason now." Celestia said, switching back to the main topic. "As you are aware, dragons have the ability of foresight. Not just you, but a few others as well. Including your mother."

"Mom too?"

"Yes. And her vision is the reason you are here." Celestia closed her eyes and sighed. "She had foreseen her own death." Von's eyes widened the moment she said those words. She was joking. She had to be.

"C-come on, Tia. Quit playing around. Please tell me you're joking."

"I wouldn't joke of such things. I know it's hard to understand, but it is the truth. She had foreseen her death when we met a second time."

"...Did she see what killed her?" Von asked, trying to keep calm.

"Sadly, no. After she told me, I was saddened. She, along with your father, were the kindest pair I had ever met. And to have such a kind and generous child like yourself, I couldn't be anymore happier for them to have found true love with the other." She closed her eyes and stayed silent for a moment before opening them and looking at Von. "And so I made her a promise."

"A promise?"

"Yes. That I would care for you after the fates take her." Celestia smiled. "Watching you grow, it felt like you were my son as well. Making you laugh, keeping you happy and safe. Making sure you stayed on the right path. These are the responsibilities your mother had. But I had as well. I do not see you as one of my subjects, but as my child. To me, you are family as well."

Von stayed silent and continued to listen, trying to figure out what she was exactly getting at. Celestia saw the confusion in his eyes and smiled, deciding to be a bit clearer.

"Von, I wish to adopt you."

"W-what?!" Von yelled, taken by surprise.

"Neither your mother nor I wish to see you grow up without both parents in your life. I understand that you are older now, but even at your current age you still need your parents' guidance for some things. Not only that, I believe you should have one extra person to turn to when things look bleak. Though you would become my son, you will not inherit such titles as prince, duke or ruler in any way, shape or form. I will treat you special on occasions but you will still be treated like everyone else. Do you accept?"

"I-i..." Von had no idea what to say.  One of his earliest friends, his second mother figure and the princess of Equestria was asking to take him as one of her own. To be adopted by the ruler that everypony knows and loves. There were still many ponies that did not approve of his existence. So to be adopted by her would put her at risk as well. But at the same time, he wanted it. To be treated with the love and respect that he got from his own mother. The mother that would soon meet her end.

"Celestia...I...my answer is--"

Just as Von was about to give his answer, one of the royal guards ran into the throne room.

"What is the meaning of this intrusion? We are having an important discussion" Celestia asked.

"Your majesty. There is a dragon out in the Canterlot Gardens. He brandishes a sword and is currently fighting with Midnight as we speak." He said. Von's ears twitched. A dragon in the gardens? That's where Storm was. But there was one more thing as well.

A dragon wielding a sword? "Dammit. Not him again." Von grabbed his new sword and began to head towards the door, but stopped and looked back at Celestia. "I'll come back with my answer soon. Right now, I have an issue to take care of."

"...Very well. Come back safely, Von." Celestia said. Von nodded and ran out the door. As he did, Celestia frowned. She was aware that Von was thinking of what answer to give to her, but she saw something else. Something that not only she was feeling, but what Midnight and the guards were feeling as well: Fear. A great fear was in their hearts.








"I sense a great tragedy will befall us soon..."
























Chapter 14-End

> Loss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	BGM 1

As Von made his way to the gardens, he saw the black mare and a sword wielding drake having it out. Midnight put up a struggle as best she could, however she was overpowered by Nova. When their swords collided once again, she was blown back by the sheer force of the strike and tried to get steady. Nova, on the other hand, was still standing proudly with only a few cuts on his body.

"Impressive. So there actually are a few competent warriors amongst you ponies." Said the dragon. Midnight straightened herself and held her sword up at him. But she was still too weak to fight and dropped to her knees. Seeing this, Nova gripped his sword and smiled. "A shame that I have to end you. You would make a worthy opponent, but I must do this in father's name."

Gripping his sword in both hands, Nova raised his blade and began to drop it onto the mare. But it was quickly stopped by the sound of another blade. Both Nova and Midnight looked to see that Von, wielding his father's old sword, was inbetween them and holding Nova back with the rusty blade.

"Long time no see, brother." Nova said, giving him a smug grin.

"Nova..." Von replied softly. The two continued to exchange glares at one another, speaking with their eyes instead of their mouths. They knew exactly what the other was thinking. Von was deadset on beating Nova and Nova was set on proving that his might was superior to his own. After their silent exchange, Nova jumped away from Von and Von looked back at Midnight.

"Are you ok?" He asked. Midnight scoffed and looked away from him.

"I didn't need your help. I could've handled him myself." She replied coldly. Von sighed, rather annoyed that she didn't show any gratitude but he wasn't worried about that at the moment.

"I can see that you've grown up a little. And you've even taken up the sword as well." Nova said with an amused tone. "Interesting. Perhaps I should test its mettle. Just like we did before."

"Forget it. I don't care about your silly little tests or duels. We're having an all-out battle, you and me! No holding back." Von declared, holding his blade up. Nova stood there in silence, staring at Von for a few seconds before a smile creeped across his face.

"All-out. No holding back, eh?" Nova mused, twirling his sword around a bit. Bringing it back to his side, a humongous surge of power flowed through his body and his appearance changed. The color of his hide was darker, small dark crystal protruding his left shoulder and his tail. His eyes were now green and his left claw was completely red, glowing menacingly. "Fine. Then I won't hold back!" He said, his tone much darker than earlier.

"So you're tainted by Orcus' essence as well, huh? Fine. I guess I have no choice." Von said, realizing what must be done. It was the same as before. First Cynder, and now Nova would meet the same fate. Midnight went over to grab Storm, who passed out from being so scared, and picked her up before taking her away from the battle that was about to unfold. Von gripped his father's sword, holding it up in front of him and closed his eyes. Dad...if you're listening, please watch me grow, he prayed as he opened his eyes and prepared himself. "Alright. Let's begin!"




Chapter 15



Steel met steel as Von and Nova began to battle, clashing with one another in the gardens. Midnight watched his form as they fought, paying close attention him. His resolve was there. He wanted to defeat Nova, to stop his actions and to put him in his place. And yet, she could see hesitation. From what she gathered, it sounded like Von was going to kill him. Or rather, it sounded like he had to. And yet he didn't want to.

Idiot...if you can't do such a thing, then why did you put on such a bravado?, she thought as she shook her head in disappointment. But despite that, she continued to watch the fight. You better win...

Von and Nova's blades continued to clash, sending sparks flying around them before Nova opened his maw and shot a fireball at point blank range. Von managed to block it with his sword, but the force started to push him back as his feet dug into the dirt. "I won't...give in!" Von shouted, slicing the fireball in half which caused the halves to disappear and quickly shot a strong burst of wind from his own mouth.

Nova blocked it with his own sword, but the wind burst the moment it hit and threw him off balance and knocking his guard down. "What?!" Nova said in disbelief. And as quickly he said that Von quickly flew above his head, giving Nova only a few seconds to turn and see him before bringing his sword down. However, Nova was still quicker and dodged the strike before he could inflict any major damage. They stared at each other for another moment before they started to clash again, this time taking to the skies.

Strike for strike, breath for breath, the two brothers continued to give it their all as each had their own driving force. Von had the dream that he and his father wished to make into a reality. And Nova was fighting on behalf of his father, making sure that he stayed in power like he dreamed he would do.

Eventually, the two of them came down after exchanging one more blow and landed on their own sides. Nova and Von started panting from putting so much effort into their bout before Nova started to chuckle.

"What's so funny?" Von asked. Nova stopped laughing and shook his head. A trickle of blood came down Nova's cheek, revealing a cut that made itself evident from the red liquid. Nova touched his cheek and stared at the blood for a moment, surprised and somehow proud before licking it up and chuckling again.

"It's just that...you've changed." He answered. "Before, you only knocked my father and I down and ran away in order to pursue what you wanted. But now you're actually fighting with every ounce of your strength, actually trying to make sure I don't get in the way of this silly dream you are pursuing."

"Dream?" Midnight whispered, continuing to listen to them. Could it be the dream Storm told me he has?, she thought. Suddenly, the sound of soft groans came from behind her and she looked to see that her sister was starting to come to.

"M-midnight?" Storm whispered, blinking her eyes to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

"I'm here, Stormy. Don't struggle so much. You passed out because of how afraid you were. But don't worry. Big sis will protect you." Midnight replied, smiling at her. Storm smiled back and turned her attention to the battle in front of them.

"Is Von..."

"It looks like he's winning. Or...it LOOKED like he was starting to win, but i'm not sure. Don't worry about it for now. You should head inside the castle and hide until it's safe to--"

"No." Storm declined. "I don't want to run. Not anymore. I...I wanna stay. I want to stay and watch Von win. He needs all the support he can get." Midnight's eyes widened and she looked at Storm.

"Stormy..."

"I know I can't do much. I know i run away all the time and hide when things get bad...but I want to at least do this for him. What Von's trying to achieve...others would think that it's stupid. Or completely impossible. But me? I believe in him. And that's why I want to support him every step of the way...with the time I have with him." Storm declared. "Please...don't take this from me." Midnight was at a loss for words. She hadn't heard her sister be so assertive before. Their time apart seemed to really have an affect on her; A positive one.

"Heh. Alright." She replied. "Let's both support him." Storm smiled and the two of them turned their attention back to the battle.

"My dream is not silly, Nova." Von said. "I know that one day, ponies and dragons...no. ALL of Equestria's creations will be able to exist in perfect harmony. Ponies, dragons, griffons, zebras! All of them! No matter how different we look, we are all still the same. They may not see it, but I do. And I'll show them exactly what coexistence can bring! My mother and father were able to come together to make me. I am no different. And I'm--"

"Do you really believe there is such a thing as perfect harmony?" Nova said, interrupting him. Von blinked for a moment, caught off guard by his calm tone.

BGM 2

"W-what do you mean?"

"Think about it. If everything exists in harmony, it will throw off the balance of this world." He said. "Chaos cannot exist without order. And vice versa. Thus, conflict cannot exist without harmony. And harmony..."

"...Can't exist without conflict." Von concluded. No. That couldn't be right. Not everyone has to fight in order to get by in the world, do they? "N-no. You're lying! Coexistence is possible! War and conflict doesn't solve anything!"

"And you think harmony does?" Nova countered, earning a stunned gasp from the kirin. "Harmony and conflict are two sides of the same coin. Like I said just a moment ago, one cannot exist without the other. If everyone was to keep fighting, it would inevitably lead to the death of everything. The fighting would not stop until the entire land, or every living creature was destroyed. If only harmony existed, yes, things would be peaceful. However, that peace wouldn't last forever. Eventually, someone would find something they completely disagree with during this time of peace. And that would start a conflict. And then another would arise. And then another. And another. And it wouldn't stop until everyone is back to fighting again, while others try to keep the peace that you so selflessly brought to them. So by the looks of it, it sounds like you are trying to create more conflicts than there already are."

"...! T-that...I...n-no." Von stuttered. His faith was wavering. He tried to think hard about Nova's words, but no matter what it ended up at the same conclusion. Eventually, everyone would start fighting again or start having issues. His idea of true harmony would only be short lived. Was it really for nothing? Just what was he fighting for? What am I doing? Why am I doing this?, he thought. His hands started shaking and he closed his eyes.





Are you doing this for yourself? Or are you doing this for your father?




Von opened his eyes and lifted his head. That was right. He thought of doing it for his father...but he wanted to do it because it was what HE wanted to do. Even if it was for a short time, he wanted to see his dream come to light. And now wasn't the time to mope around. Steeling himself once more, he lifted his sword and stared Nova down.

"So you're going to keep fighting, hm?" Nova said.

"Yes. I'm doing this because I want to. For myself, for my father and for my friends. I can't lose faith! And I'm sure as hell not going to falter now because of you!" Von shouted. Nova chuckled and grasped his sword again, but started to flew his left hand.

"It's always about your friends, isn't it?" He replied.

"At least I have some! They mean everything to me. And i'm not going to let them down! I'm going all-out! And I'll show you my resolve!" Von proclaimed. Nova began to sense a power welling up inside him and a smile crept across his face.

Bingo.

"Take the flow into--" Before Von could finish, Nova appeared right in front of him and grabbed his head. Von's vision was blinded as he struggled to break free. But the more he struggled, the more Nova began to squeeze his head. "Agh!!! L-let go!" Von cried, his struggles starting to weaken. Nova remained silent and kept a strong grip on his head, his red claw pulsating before he let go and jumped back in place.

"Apologies. I hate listening to long winded speeches. Now, are you going to fight or what?" Nova asked, smiling coyly. Von grunted and rose to his feet. Why Nova did that so suddenly was beyond him. But he didn't let it bother him. Concentrating hard, he calmed his mind and cleared it of all anger.

"Take the flow into my heart..." Von chanted, trying to summon his power of water. But nothing happened. He didn't feel anything. He felt calm, but nothing else. "That's weird. Let's try again." he muttered to himself, calming his mind once again and yet, nothing happened. "What? What's going on?!" He said. He tried again, but nothing happened.

Nova chuckled as he watched the display. Von was in a panic. How was this not working?

"Come on! Come on!!" He yelled.

Nothing happened.

"Maybe earth?"

Nothing happened.

"Fire?!"

Nothing happened. Von was in shock. "How can this be? Nothing's working."

"Hm? Oh you must be talking about your powers." Nova said. Von's ears perked up and he looked at him. "Yeah, i took them away."

"What?! How?!" Von screamed. Nova simply chuckled and didn't give him an answer. Von thought about it for a moment, but quickly realized how he did it.

"Ah. Did you figure it out?" Nova asked, raising his left arm. "Thanks to Master Orcus, this special hand of mine has the ability to erase any elemental abilities you have that are not your own and convert them into new strength. Sadly, that means I can't take away every ounce power you have within you. Oh well." Von sighed in relief a bit.

Good. That means I still have Dragon Rage and my wind breath. But I shouldn't use it or else he might find a way to take it away from me too, he thought. Shaking off the fear of losing his ultimate power, Von raised his sword and gripped it tightly. "Whatever. Elements or just one element, it doesn't matter. I'm gonna take you down!"

BGM 3

Nova cackled and raised his sword as well. "That's what I like to hear. Now come! Face me with your own strength...so that I may crush it and end this pathetic dream of yours and bring father's wish to light!" He declared. Twisting his blade, Nova flew high into the air and Von followed after him. Glancing over at one another, the two changed their flight path and flew directly at each other and began to clash. They slashed their blades at one another, their attacks being blocked by the other as sparks started to fly again. Midnight, Storm, Celestia and the rest of the onlookers could only watch from below as the two brothers duked it out in mid-air.

Nova slashed at Von, but the kirin dodged to the side and shot a blast of wind in Nova's face. The force pushed him back and left him wide open enough for Von to get a clear cut on him. However, the damage he dealt was minimal as his blade just barely nicked Nova's side and the drake in question kicked him backwards.

"Swarm!" Nova called out as flames built up in his hand and he tossed out several bolts of fire, each one beginning to home in on the young kirin. Seeing them, Von flew away from them and darted high up into the air. The flames followed him, none of them veering off for even a second. If they kept on their path, no doubt Von would be toast. That's when an idea forged in his brain. Looking down at Nova, Von closed his wings when he reached a peak of height and began to fall down. The flames, just barely missing him split apart and began to follow after him again. 

Nova raised a brow as Von twisted his body and pointed himself so that he would divebomb him. "A kamikaze, huh? Too bad that won't work!" He declared, raising his sword to intercept the attack. That's when it happened. Von smiled and just before he collided with Nova, he opened his wings and flew over his head. "What?!"  Nova cried out, caught off guard by the sudden change in flight. As he turned his head to see what else Von was going to do, he realized something else was coming in his direction and turned his head to find his own attack coming right back at him. He had little time to react and tried to block as the attack collided with him and caused an explosion.

The force of the explosion went all over the area, the strong winds blowing through the gardens. Midnight held onto Storm as tight as she could before the winds calmed down and the smoke started to clear.

"I-is it over?" Storm said in a frightened tone. Von looked down at her and back to where Nova was and stared at the explosion site. He grit his teeth and held his sword in both hands as an enraged Nova came rushing out of the smoke, his armor having been blown partially to bits, and tackled Von. Luckily, his sword just barely managed to ward off Nova's attack but he was unprepared for the next one. Nova opened his mouth, just right near Von's face as a large fireball quickly welled up and blew up up right in his face. 

The explosion sent a massive wave of pain through Von's body as he was now on a one-way collision course with the ground. Seeing this, Storm tried to go out to help him but was stopped when Midnight ran ahead of her and caught the falling kirin. They both hit the ground, but thankfully the impact was lessened. Von groaned in pain upon opening his eyes and seeing his blue-maned savior and smiled a bit. "Um...thanks." He said, trying to conserve his strength.

Midnight blushed and looked away from him. "Whatever. I only saved you because you're my sister's lover, ok?" She retorted with an unconvincing tone. Von chuckled and started to sit up, Nova landing in front of them.

"How touching. Another pony so needlessly getting involved with your life. Now...stand aside." Nova ordered, pointing his sword at the black mare. Midnight glared at him and unsheathed her own sword.

"Forget it. I don't know what your beef is with this guy, but i'm not gonna let you take away one of the only things that makes my little sister continue fighting." She declared. "And if you even try to touch him, well you're gonna have to answer to me too, buster!" Nova scoffed and looked at her.

"It seems you have a death wish. But I admire your bravery. Just for that, I'll give you a swift but agonizing death!" He yelled, slashing his sword but Midnight parried it in response and counter with a swing of her own. This caused Nova to jump back, while Midnight gave pursuit and the two of them started fighting. Von started to pull himself together and got up on one knee, but Storm ran over to his side.

"Wait. Von, you're hurt." She said, rubbing his shoulder. Von chuckled and touched her hand.

"I know. But I have to keep fighting. If I give in now, everything I worked for will have been for nothing." Von said, slowly standing up. "Even if my dream will only last for a short while, I want to see it become a reality with my own eyes. For a brief moment, you and me, my friends and everyone I know will have been able to live in perfect harmony. And it will have been me that made it possible." Von dusted himself off, cracking his knuckles and taking his sword up again and rushed into the fray to assist Midnight while Storm just watched in awe.

He really wants this dream to become real...

Nova's powerful blows continued to knock Midnight off balance as their clash continued before her guard dropped and he tried to stab her. But his attack was intercepted by Von, who blocked using his sword and threw him back.

"I don't need your help, you know." Midnight said angrily. Von smiled and slashed at Nova.

"I'm not helping you. I'm just indirectly fighting alongside you." He replied, dodging one of Nova's strikes. Midnight stayed silent and decided to just go with it as both sword wielders started to push Nova back. But as they were, his attacks were starting to become much fiercer...and his anger much greater.

"Enough!" Nova yelled. Growing irritated with having to fight the both of them, Nova shot another fireball, this time aiming at the ground in front of them and created an explosion that blew them both back. Midnight fell into the grass, her back taking most of the blow while Von hit the stone pavement that lay under him. He started to turn so he could get up only to see Nova standing over him, ready to deal the final blow. "Die..." With swift movement, Nova brought his sword forward and pierced through his target. However...he did not hit the one he was going for.

"N-no..." Von said, tears streaming down his face. Nova growled as blood started to stain his sword.

"Annoying little pest..." He muttered. Midnight groaned and sat up, rubbing her back and turning her head to the scene. As she did, however, her face turned pale and her eyes widened in horror. "No..." She whimpered. Tears started to form in her eyes as the terrifying sight settled in.

BGM 4



"STORMY!!!!!!!!!!!" 



Before her, before Von and Nova was Storm Front having been impaled by the latter's sword. Her blood trickled down from the tip and onto Von's chest, who had frozen in complete and utter shock. He was crying, but he didn't move. He couldn't move and he couldn't believe his eyes. This couldn't be happening. It shouldn't. This wasn't what he wanted to happen.

"S-storm..." Von uttered silently. His body was frozen. He was screaming inside his mind, trying desperately to tell his body to move. Trying to tell himself that it was just a bad dream. That it wasn't real. But the blood....the warm blood that continued to fall on his chest, drop by drop. It was all too real. Storm coughed a little, her life starting to leave her. She lifted her head slightly and she managed to work up a weak smile.

"I'm...happy...I got...to meet you." She said weakly, struggling to stay alive for even another moment. She knew what was going to happen the moment she made this choice. She wanted him to live, to make real the dream he carried with him for his whole life. She wanted to see it too, but it looked like fate had other plans...

Nova lifted his sword and in turn, lifted Storm and tossed her body to the side as she landed with a thud. Horrified and worried, Midnight ran over to her dying sister and tapped her cheek.

"No. No! Stormy, don't go! Please! Stay with me!" She screamed, crying her eyes out. Nova wiped his sword clean and continued to watch with a cold stare.

"It was her own fault for meddling in affairs that didn't concern her." He said. But Von wasn't listening. All he could do was turn his head, watching his lover die before his eyes. With what little strength they could muster, both Von and Storm held their hands out to each other.

Please...please goddess, let this be a dream!

Storm's eyes slowly started to close as Von continued to reach  other for her. His strength slowly started to return and his eyes continued to widen.

Please let this be all a dream!!!

Storm smiled weakly as the last of her life started to give out. Von tried to speak, but no words came out of his mouth. Not a sound. Everything around his fell silent, the only thing he could hear was the sound of his own thoughts.

WAKE ME FROM THIS NIGHTMARE, DAMMIT!!!

Storm's eyes closed and her smile stayed, her mouth opening as she mouthed something. Von continued to tear up, his strength starting to fail him as he fell right back to his knees.








I love you...












Storm's hand fell to the ground as the last of her life gave way. Midnight's expression changed from filled with horror to wracked with despair. She held tightly onto her sister's body, clutching her head and holding it to her chest as she screamed in agony. Von's heart sank as he watched as the guard mourned the loss of her sister while he silently mourned the loss of his lover. All the while Nova chuckled and smiled down at him, nudging the handle of his sword against the back of his head.

"I'm surprised, Von. I thought for sure that you would go rushing to her side. How cruel you are, leaving her wanting like that. Holding her hand out for you and you don't even go to take it in your own." He chuckled. "It's even moreso that you kept filling her head with dreams of a future with you. Laughing with you, holding hands and all that lousy crap. It's for the best honestly. Better to die and be set free...


"...rather than live with a freak like you." Von's eyes became hollow and he looked at the floor. He stayed silent and did not move. Silence fell over the area before a chilling wind started to blow. Celestia's eyes widened as fear found its way into her heart.

"So...it was still there all this time..." She whispered to herself. The winds continued to blow, becoming colder, stronger and more menacing with each second that passed. Nova, feeling confused as to the sudden change in the weather, raised a brow and looked at Von.

"Hey. What are you up to--" Before he could finish, a black blade of wind sliced the air and cut Nova's arm. The pain was only brief, but the injury was great as blood started to travel down his arm. "W-what?!"

BGM 5

Von stood back up on his feet, staying silent and not so much as even turning around to acknowledge Nova. He dropped his father's sword as the wind around him continued to grow, freezing and ravaging the area around him. The sky became dim and grey as Von slowly turned his head. The wind that circled the area started to become visible, turning into a dark shade of black. But that wasn't the only thing that changed. Von's skin color, which was normally bright like he was, darkened to match the atmosphere around him. The color of his eyes dimmed as well, becoming dull and soulless.

Midnight raised her head and looked at the scene in front of her. Her sights were set on Von but upon looking at him, a deep-seated fear wormed its way into her heart as well and she began to shiver. "W-what?"

"Hey! If this is some kind of trick, i'm not frightened." Nova declared, holding his sword up. Von stayed silent, continuing to stare in his direction with emotionless eyes. Angered by his unwillingness to address him, Nova charged at Von and prepared to strike him down. He brought his sword down, but his attack was immediately blown away by a strong gust of wind, lowering his guard. "What?!"

"Saluk!" Von growled as several black arrows of wind formed and swiftly pierced through Nova's armor. The dragon coughed up blood, but wasn't weary enough to be beaten.

"Tsk. So you managed to wound me a little..." Nova said, his voice actually becoming a little shaky. "But you're still not strong enough to beat me." Flames formed in his hand and he threw them out, forming the same attack Von turned against him earlier. They darted out towards him, ready to take down their target. But as they got close, the black winds blew them away causing them to smolder out.

"Pointless..." Von said, monotone.

"What did you just say?" Nova quipped, earning silence from the kirin. Keeping his focus on Nova and only him, Von raised his hand and pointed at the drake.

"It's useless..." He said, causing many blades of wind to home in on Nova at blinding speeds. Quickly seeing no way he could evade them, Nova raised his sword to block the attack. But it was in vain as the wind sliced through the sword and began to tear him asunder, tear after tear beginning to show on his body. He was bleeding heavily and his energy was just about spent. The only thing on his mind was to keep fighting, but something inside him told him to run. But he didn't obey.

"I won't...I will not be beaten by the likes of you again!!!" Nova yelled, taking his broken blade and charging at Von. But the moment he blinked, Von was gone, standing just under him as he gently placed a hand on his stomach.

With no time to react at all, a sudden burst of energy blast against Nova's stomach, sending him tumbling over on the ground. The winds continued to howl and rage, the cold air starting to affect everyone but Von. Nova struggled to get back onto his feet, his vision blurring as he looked in Von's direction but he fell onto his chest.

BGM Final

"Y-you...you're...no different from the rest of us." He said. "Your...instinct..." With those words, Nova passed out as a demonic hand arose from a magic circle that appeared beneath him and pulled him into it. Neither Celestia, Midnight or Von moved as Nova was taken away. The winds slowly began to die down as Von's skin returned to its original color and the cold air disappeared. Von blinked his eyes for a few seconds before color returned to them as well and he stumbled over and fell to his knees. Celestia ran over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder and lifting his head.

"Von? Are you alright?" She asked with her usual motherly tone.

"I...I'm fine..." He replied. "...! Where's Nova?!"

"He got away." Celestia said, shaking her head. "But that does not matter at the moment. There...is another issue that needs to be addressed..." Von raised a brow, confused by her words until he remembered what happened prior.

"Storm! Where's Storm?! Is she--" Celestia placed a finger on his lip, a somber expression on her face as she pointed behind him. He followed her hands, only for his despair to come rushing back to him. Midnight was still cradling the still body of her sister, his lover, Storm Front in her arms. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying so much, and yet she still couldn't stop crying. Tears formed in Von's eyes as all his strength left him and he fell into Celestia's embrace. "No..."

"I...am deeply sorry, Von." Celestia whispered softly.

"No..." Von uttered again. "No...no no no." His eyes widened in horror as he turned and held onto Celestia. "AAAAHHHHH!!!!" He cried loudly. The alicorn princess shed a tear as well, gently rubbing his head as he let out his sorrow. On this day, Von came out victorious. And yet, he also lost. He lost a good friend, a lover...
















And his resolve.......






Chapter 15-End

> Plan of action
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


This is a filler before chapter 16 comes. It's rather short, but it'll explain a couple things. It'll be told from Von's POV. Warning: There may be some spoilers contained within. Enjoy~





What's happening to me? Everything...hurts. Everything's so cold and dark...I don't like it here. I hate it here. Please...someone...anyone...help me...

No matter what I tried, I got the same answer every time: Silence. Nothing but silence. After the battle with Nova, I had gone into a semi-comatose state. I was awake and aware of everything that was around me. But whenever someone tried to talk to me, i just stayed quiet. Not a single peep. I didn't move, blink, eat or even try to acknowledge that I was still alive.

It was like I was trapped. Frozen in time, my mind forever stuck in a black void. I wanted to move, to get up and speak to everyone. To see how they were holding up, to try and make them feel better. But how could I talk to anyone after what happened? Storm Front...Stormy...she died. She was really...really dead... Murdered in cold blood by Nova...all just to protect me.

Why? Storm, why did you do that?! I wanted you to live. To live with me...and now...

No. No, I shouldn't dwell on the past. Storm wouldn't want me to do that. Neither would Celestia or my friends or mom...



But why can't I stop crying?!


Anyway...when I finally came to, I went to go see Celestia first. It had been a week since Storm's funeral. I didn't attend. Neither did Tia or Midnight. I expected that from Stormy's sister. While she wanted to pay her respects, she knew that Stormy wouldn't want to see her...our crying faces. If we went and cried, it will be as if we are disgracing her. Making it seem like she died for nothing.

I'm getting off track again. Sorry.

When I reached the throne room, I couldn't help but embrace her and cry in her arms. I couldn't help it. I was still upset. Devastated as one of the many I loved and cherished most was taken away from me. And if that wasn't bad enough, there was still the fact that my mother was going to die somehow. I didn't want to be alone anymore. I know it wasn't her fault that she was gone...but it felt like I was abandoned. Tia knew what my answer was going to be. She simply smiled and embraced me again, trying her best to ease my pain.

I told her yes. After the papers were signed, it was made official: I was now Celestia's son. You think everyone would be happy, hearing that the princess had adopted and taken somepony as her own. She told me about how she had raised Spike, so it felt like I had a brother...a true one.

And yet, hardly anyone was happy.

Not too long after the declaration was made, lots of ponies went into an uproar. They felt angry, betrayed even, that their goddess and ruler had taken "a monster" into her family. A monster...heh. Even to this day, I still get labeled as that. They were the real monsters, thinking of rising against their princess just to get rid of me. Wanting to ostracize everyone I knew because they were close to me. Oh how I wanted to say something. Do anything I could just to stop them from acting like fools! Attack them, imprison them, torture them even!!

.....................................

Wow...can't believe I would even think such a thing. I guess i was still upset. Or perhaps it had to do with a little something I heard T....mom discuss with Midnight.

A few nights prior to the rather short riot, thanks to mom quieting them using the "doting mother" schtick, I wandered around the castle to take in the sights and clear my head. As I walked, i overheard a conversation going on in mom's room. The door was cracked a bit, so I took a peek inside and saw Midnight talking to her. She sounded angry. And for good reason.

The strange power that I used to beat Nova? Turns out it was a power that used to belong to a dragon from an ancient species: Naga. I had been exposed to the blood of one of his kin, a power I now call Descent Mode due to its dark nature, in order to make sure I was protected in my younger years and onward. It sounded like it would be a good thing, but the way Midnight was reacting, I guess it wasn't. So, I decided to do a little research in the Canterlot Archives. What I found...wasn't a good thing.

The race Naga originated from was known as Nexus dragons. The first Nexus dragons were Naga himself and his brother, Arpeggio. They were originally Wind dragons, much like my mom and I, before they delved into the dark arts. They knew so many different types of dark magic, it warped their minds and corrupted their souls. The power was too much for them to handle to the point where it rotted them from the inside-out, changing their bodies to fit their dark desires. The playful winds they once commanded turned into black winds of malice. But that wasn't all they were capable of doing. As it turns out, they were capable of turning the land around them. Food became poison, water became bile and the earth became dust beneath their feet. 

The dragon elders could not bear to see their brethren become such...beasts. So they combined their power and banished the two of them from our world and imprisoned them in the Nexus, which is where their name originates. Supposedly, they still live to this day. The elders were too kind, believing that one day Naga and Arpeggio could redeem themselves and rid their bodies of the miasmic darkness plaguing their bodies. I suppose I can understand where they came from. They were family and to them, they believed everyone deserved a second chance...Even beasts.

Anyway, what had happened was that I was exposed to the blood of a Nexus Dragon. It must've been one of Naga's spawn because it was traced all the way to him. How did it happen? Well as it turns out, one of the Nexus Spawn had managed to get through the barrier blocking the Nexus from Equestria back when I was a child. It attacked me and mom and when my mother struck it down, some of its blood got onto me. From what I read, the blood of a Nexus Dragon is extremely volatile. If consumed by an entity, the blood would take a poisonous aspect and kill them from within. The process is slow and painful, starting with melting their tissue and ending with their organs being dissolved.

If it comes into contact with the skin, it will trigger the creature's base instinct. For me, it triggered the awakening of my dragon blood. I guess that would explain why some of my memories are foggy. My inner dragon instinct kicked in and I nearly assaulted my mother. She got into contact with Celestia and she came to help restrain me. The pain I could feel of having my instincts forced out... It was unbearable. I couldn't take it because I was so young. Using an old spell she learned when she was younger, she helped me suppress the power of my dark brothers. As such, I could tap into my instinct at any time i pleased. ...At a price...

According to her, should one use the power too much in rapid succession, their mind and soul will be warped and they will change forever. So in other words...

If I use Descent Mode too much, I'll become one of them. I didn't need anything to be told to me to know what to do. I can't use this power unless I truly need to. Same with Ascent Mode. I may need one of them anyway, given that my other powers were robbed from me. I don't really want to, to be honest. Ascent and Descent mode are like crutches to me. Deep in my heart, I feel like I should rely on my own powers. I think I need to train some more...

Anyhow, I'm starting to feel alot better now. I will miss Storm greatly, but I can't continue to dwell on the past forever. If I do, I'll never be able to move forward. So, I'm going to be training with Midnight come morning. She made it pretty urgent that I do. So at this point, I may be able to hone my swordsmanship and grow as both a warrior and a Stallion.

Storm...dad...please watch over me. Because after this, I'll be heading out to my first destination: Professor B's brothel.


	I want answers...and I'll be damned if he denies me that!

> No boys
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 16


Von walked into the gardens the following morning, sword ready and examined the area. Everything was finally back to normal, much to his relief, and the day was going by normally. As he looked around, he saw the pegasus mare that called out for him and proceeded to walk towards her.

"You're late." Midnight deadpanned. She turned to him, fixing a pair of small glasses she was wearing and smiled. Von chuckled and smiled back at her.

"Sorry. But you can't expect me to rush when it comes to eating breakfast. I like to enjoy it." He replied. Midnight's warm demeanor faded as quickly as it was shown and was replaced with a more serious look.

"Anyway, it's time for your training. I know you've been researching magic in the archives and personally with the princess. But your swordsmanship needs to be more refined. Your technique is sloppy and if you're going to even ATTEMPT to find this Professor B., then you better shape up and get to it. Understand?" She ordered.

"Yes ma'am." Von said with a mocking tone. He chuckled and held his sword in his hand, Midnight taking her blade out and brandishing it proudly. The two of them stayed silent for a moment, letting the wind blow around them before Midnight made the first move and swiftly dashed towards Von. With little time to react to her movements, Von took his blade and blocked her sword strike. He smiled for a moment until he felt himself lift off the ground. Midnight used her foot to lift Von off his legs and slammed him onto the ground below.

"Ow!" Von cried, rubbing his back. Attempting to get back up, he quickly reeled back as Midnight's sword scratched his cheek as it jabbed into the ground beside him. "H-hey! Are you literally trying to kill me?!"

"I'm fighting you as if to kill you. And I expect you to do the same. Now stand and fight!" Midnight screamed, pulling her sword back and repeatedly stabbing at him. Von stayed on the ground and crawled backwards, dodging her strikes as best he could. "Stop dodging and fight! Every part of our bodies is a weapon, waiting to be used. Start using them! Live up to your father's name."

Von's eyes widened in shock at her words and as her sword was about to come down, Von whipped his tail and wrapped it around her leg and tripped her up. Midnight fell onto her back, dropping her sword and was greeted by Von's own blade pointing at her face.

"What do you know about my father?" The kirin inquired, wiping the blood from his cheek. Midnight smiled at his sudden boldness and sat still, lest she risk getting an injury in return for his own.

"You should be aware of some of the things the princess told you. Being teased by her, being enlisted into her forces to ward off the changelings. And training some of us in the guard."

"He trained you?" Von asked, raising a brow. But this continued questioning was a mistake on his part as Midnight kicked up into his chin, sending him backwards as the mare grabbed her sword and continued fighting. The two of them clashed swords again and again, steel clashed against steel and sparks flew around them. Midnight wasn't just blowing steam. The way she fought, her technique and strength. It was all the same as his father's.

So he really did train her...and the results are truly showing. No wonder she's still with the guard, Von thought. Midnight backed away and rubbed her shoulder, cracking her neck and smiling.

He's indeed strong. He may be a bit sloppy, but he's certainly determined. You've got quite the son, Ignus. You made a good choice in a lover, Stormy, she thought as she wiped a nearly visible tear. She fixed her glasses again and looked back at him. I'll take good care of him. I don't love him...much...but I've grown to admire him.

"Hey. You gonna sit there and gawk or are you gonna fight?" Von called out, snapping the mare from her thoughts. She smiled at him and watched as he held his sword to her. Like the honorable fighter she was, she returned the same gesture.

"You got it." She replied. As Von was poised to attack her, she quickly brought her sword to her side and placed her hand on the blade. In the very same manner that Ignus had done.

"Bushido style..." Von muttered. He thought back to the battle he had, the very first battle he had with his own father, and chuckled. "So he taught you even that, hm?"

"He taught me alot of things." Midnight quipped. "Come and get it, big boy."

No more words were exchanged between them. Von charged in, gripping his sword tightly and swung it towards the mare. In response, Midnight swung her own sword and clashed with Von's. The impact from their blades clashing caused them both to slide backwards, but they didn't stop. After a quick breather, they were at it yet again. From her window, Princess Celestia looked out and saw the two of them fighting and smiled. They were training, getting ready for whatever came their way...but that wasn't the only reason. Midnight was trying to cheer Von up, relieve him of his frustrations after Storm's death and to make sure that his resolve was still there. She stood there and thought about the events that happened prior, including one that shocked and amazed her.

"He's acting like a little brat!" Midnight had said prior to the battle. Celestia had sighed and sat in her throne.

"I know, Midnight. But like you, he is still hurting. Just give him time and I'm sure he'll come around." Celestia was lying to herself. She could tell how deeply Von had cared for young Storm Front. And after seeing her die, die for him, it tore him apart.

"I don't care! I'm not just gonna sit by and let this idiot make a mockery of my sister's sacrifice!" Midnight had grabbed her sword and began to walk out, not even bothering to pay her respects to the princess.

"Where are you going?" Celestia had asked. It was unlike Midnight to leave without bowing or asking to be excused. But the mare in question smiled and looked back at her.

"To ask that wimp to train with me. Stormy told me what he was trying to do. And there's no way I'm letting that idiot even TRY to do something like that without having a hardened resolve first."

Celestia continued to watch the two of them and smiled. Midnight was putting her all into her swings while Von was starting to put more strength into his own. He was becoming more like his father each day.


"Don't let anything stand in the way of your dream, Von. Make us proud."


About fifteen minutes passed as the two warriors finally stopped fighting. Von was on his rear, sword in hand and looking up at the victor. Midnight had her sword pointing at his face and was breathing hard, smiling down at him with a smug look. Von chuckled and wiped his cheek, cleaning it of some of the blood from the cut Midnight made.

"Alright. You win." Von said, putting his sword away. Midnight sheathed her own and stared at him.

"Feel better?" She asked. Von raised a brow and looked at her.

"Was that what this was about? You thought I was still upset?"

"I know you were. Don't bother lying to me." Midnight hissed. Von sighed and looked away.

"Ok...I was. I still blame myself for Storm's death. It was me that Nova wanted, not her. And yet--"

"Stop. Just stop." Von looked back to Midnight and saw he giving him and angry glare. "You blame yourself? You think it's your fault she died?! You seriously need to shut the fuck up and listen to yourself!"

"She sacrificed herself for me! Either way, it's my fault she's gone!" Von yelled, gritting his teeth.

"She sacrificed herself because she loved you! Because she didn't want you to die before your dream came to light!" Von's eyes widened upon hearing those words. His dream...he had forgotten all about it. After ranting and raving about it for so long...to get so swept up to forget what brought him here...to Equestria, his birth place...it was just sad.

"I-i..."

"Stormy..." Midnight started. "Stormy was going to die anyway." Von blinked.

"What do you mean?" He asked. Midnight fixed her glasses and looked away from him.

"I'm sure she told you a few things, but she didn't tell you everything. When I was given a position here in Canterlot, Stormy and I were still sisters and loved each other dearly. I even helped her get a place just outside of Ponyville when I came to visit, that house you had sex with her in." She said, causing a minor blush to appear on both of their faces. "Anyway...she stayed there for a few weeks and when I came to visit next month, I started to notice something. She'd been looking rather sick and having sharp pains in her body for hours on end. I took her to the hospital and found out that...well...she was terminally ill."

"W-what?" Von uttered. "Terminally ill? S-so then..."

"The illness she was diagnosed with was a heart disease. Because of her frail condition, she was given about a year to live. You can't imagine how hard she was crying. I haven't seen her that sad in a long time. She and I had planned on being together for a long time until we decided to part ways and start families of our own. But to hear that she wouldn't even be able to do that...and to have her life taken from her...she was heartbroken."

"Midnight..." Von couldn't help but feel sorry for her. But moreover, sorry for the life Storm lived. To want to be by her sister's side for years to come...only to find out that her life spent was going to be short...anyone would burst into tears over that. Reaching out to her, Von wrapped his arms around the mare and embraced her, much to Midnight's surprise.

"Eventually, I had heard that she fell in love with some unicorn."

"Shining Armor, right?" Von asked, earning a nod from the mare.

"Yeah. And I was still a rookie when I heard about it. The others were talking about him, saying that he was looking for a quick lay. Well, imagine my surprise when I found out that 'quick lay' was my own sister. And that bastard was about to get married, too!" Midnight sighed and looked up at Von. "Anyway...what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't blame yourself for this. Storm died to protect you. Don't disrespect her by making it sound like she died in vain."

Von smiled and stared at her. "Right. I'm sorry. I just..."

"I know. Don't worry about it. Stormy promised you to me and I promised Stormy I'd look after you anyway." Midnight chuckled.

"What am I, a kid?"

"You certainly act like one." The two of them started to laugh a little before looking at each other. "Don't let this get you down. I can see that my sister picked a decent lover this time. And i'll admit, you are kinda cute."

Von chuckled and looked at her. "You can be cute when you wanna be, too. But what did you mean Storm promised--" Von's sentence was abruptly cut off by something unexpected: a kiss. Midnight planted one right on his lips without a second thought, closing her eyes and pushing forward. Von was completely flustered and was moments away from pushing her off. But he had to admit...it felt nice. ...Real nice. He eventually closed his eyes and eased into the kiss himself, but it was short as Midnight broke the kiss and pushed him away and blushed.

"D-don't get the wrong idea. I don't LOVE you and this DOESN'T make us a couple, ok?" She declared, looking at him. Von blinked for a few moments before chuckling and smiling at her.

"Alright. Have it your way." He said, smiling.

"Anyway, head inside and speak to the princess if you're still gonna go after this Professor B. character. I'll meet you inside." Von nodded at her proposal and walked into the castle, feeling refreshed and renewed. As he went into throne room, there awaiting him was his new caretaker: His second mother, Celestia.

"Are you feeling better, Von?" She asked. She still spoke in her regal tone, even now. But it was much more familiar, more gentle and motherly.

"I am. Thanks for asking...mom." He blushed a little and scratched his head. He still found it a little difficult for calling his old friend by that name.

"It's alright, Von. You don't need to feel so nervous." She said, rubbing his cheek. Von nodded and smiled at her as she pulled him in for a hug. And like always, his head was lodged between her breasts. Despite how old he was, she was still older and taller. She WAS an alicorn after all. Von blushed and tried not to think much about it, but she was really mature. Her breasts were rather large, though her rear was much larger, and she smelled wonderful. Almost like...

Von pulled away and looked at her. "Are you still digging into the cake?" He asked. Celestia blushed and smiled.

"And if I am?" She quipped playfully.

"Tia, that stuff is seriously going to go to your hips. I mean, just look! Er...not that I've noticed or anything." Celestia stared at him and put her hands on her hips and smiled.

"I can eat what I want, when I want. Thank you very much. And for the record, your father didn't seem to mind." Von chuckled and stared at her.

"Well unlike him, I can actually keep a level head in the presence of a goddess."

"Want to put that to the test?" Celestia challenged.

"Try me." Von retorted. They stared at each other for a few more seconds before they burst into laughter and hugged again.

"You must be feeling better now to make such remarks again." Celestia said, calming down.

"Yeah. Anyway, any reports on the whereabouts of that brothel i told you about?" Von asked with a serious face. Celestia nodded and levitated a piece of paper in front of her.

"Yea. According to the scouts I sent out, it is indeed set up in Baltimare. Do you plan on going anytime soon?"

"Yes. Once I gather those I plan to accompany me, I'll head out immediately." He said. Celestia nodded and looked at him.

"Alright. I already had your friends informed while you were busy, but don't be afraid to remind them."

"Thanks. Where are they?" He asked.

"They're still in Ponyville. I offered them the chance to stay in the guest rooms so they could be with you in your time of grieving, but they said no. They wanted you to come home to them. Good luck, Von. And be safe." Celestia smiled and kissed his forehead before he ran outside. When he went out, Midnight was all set and waiting for him and the two of them took flight. Celestia watched them fade into the distance and smiled warmly, walking back inside the castle. But as the doors closed, a thought crossed her mind.

"Oh dear...I forgot to tell them the requirements to get in. Well, I'm sure it'll be fine."



Von and Midnight arrived in Ponyville about half an hour later and landed in front of Lyra's house. Von looked up at it and took a deep breath. It had been weeks since he came back to this place. The first place he called home when he arrived in Equestria. And to think, he was allowed to stay when he told Lyra what he was doing and why. And inside were his friends.

"You ready?" Midnight said, trying to get his attention. Von nodded and grabbed the doorknob.

"Yeah. I'm ready." With the thought of his friends smiling faces in mind, he opened the door and stepped inside. "I'm home."

Upon entering the house, he was immediately ambushed by a blur of tan and turquoise. Reina held onto him tightly and cried, nuzzling his chest.

"V-von! I-i heard what happened. St-stormy...s-she's--"

"I know, Reina. It'll be ok." He said, petting the head of his friend. "She's in a better place now. And i'm grateful for having her in my life. For having all of you in my life..." Reina got off him and wiped her tears, sniffing a little. Bon Bon walked beside her and rubbed her back.

"I'll look after her. You guys get ready for the mission." She said, earning a nod from Von. "And...welcome home." She smiled and took Reina outside, closing the door behind them. When Von turned, he saw his two dragon companions coming downstairs.

"Axel...Arcius..." He said, smiling. The two smiled back at him and went to greet their friend.

"Welcome back." Axel said. "Haven't seen you in days. You had us worried, dummy." He took his arm and wrapped it around his neck, balling his fist and rubbing it over Von's hair.

"Ow! H-hey. I missed you too. Now let go!" Von cried, causing Axel to let go of him. "How's Gilda?"

"She's...alright. Still the same as before." Axel sighed and shook his head. Arcius looked between the two of them and stared at Von.

"How are you holding up?" he asked. Von smiled and scratched his head.

"I'm doing better now, thank you. Where's Daring?"

"She's upstairs with Gilda. Which reminds me. Miss Midnight, you're going to Baltimare too. Am I right?"

"Yes. Please excuse me, Von." She said, walking past the kirin and upstairs. Von blinked for a moment when he heard a door open and shut and look at his friends. Feeling now was a good time to catch up, he started talking with his friends. He informed them of what he was doing when he didn't go to the funeral, which they told him they already knew and how Midnight went to great lengths to cheer him up.

"Wow. Sounds like she really cares about you." Axel said. "Maybe she even looooves you." Von chuckled and shrugged it off.

"I doubt it. She made it clear she wasn't interested. Though...she DID kiss me on the lips." Von said, thinking back to earlier.

"Dude, she likes you." Axel retorted. "How long did she hold the kiss for?"

"Eh?"

"How. long. did. she. hold. the. kiss?" Axel asked again. Von tapped his chin and blushed.

"Well...until I kissed back...she held it for about...10 seconds."

"She likes you." Axel concluded. "And the fact you kissed her back, you're starting to grow fond of her too. Don't blame you. She looks as good as her little sister. Maybe even more so."

"Axel, shut up." Arcius said, silencing the drake.

"Yeah. You really oughta keep your mouth shut, dweeb. Never know who might hear you." said another voice. The three looked towards the stairs to see Daring, Lyra, Gilda and Midnight all dressed up in rather fancy outfits. Daring's was styled to represent her love of adventure with just a hint of feminism. Lyra's seemed like any ordinary dress, but she managed to pull it off in style. Gilda's was...rather blunt. It looked like a biker outfit, symbolizing her rebellious and rather violent attitude. And Midnight's...wasn't that much different from her normal outfit. It looked like a more fixed up version of her uniform, but with different colors and tassels on the back. But her face...she wasn't wearing her glasses and her mane looked radiant. Clean, washed and it had a shine to it.

"Wow..." Was all Von had to say. Axel and Arcius chuckled as the girls came down, three walking up to their respective lover...or in Midnight's case, 'friend'.

"How do I look, Arcius?" Daring asked. The snow white drake smiled and caressed her cheek, kissing her lips.

"You look beautiful. That outfit really suits you." He said, embracing his lover.

"So...uh..." Axel scratched the back of his head, looking away from Gilda.

"What? You think I can't look good for once?" The griffon asked, glaring at him.

"No no! I never said that." He cried, trying his best to defend himself. "You look pretty. Very pretty."

"Gee, thanks. I feel so loved." Gilda replied, crossing her arms. Von didn't notice, but Gilda was blushing a bit and Axel smiled at her.

"You look good in your dress, Lyra." Von said, smiling at her. Lyra giggled and smiled back at him.

"Welcome home. And thank you." She replied. "So, we ready girls?" Every mare,and Gilda, nodded their heads and were about to go outside when Von spoke up.

"Whoa whoa. Wait. Where are you guys going?" He asked. Midnight blinked and looked at him.

"To that brothel in Baltimare. Did you forget?" Von shook his head. "Good. Then i think it's time you get ready as well."

"Huh?" Von raised a brow and looked at them until Lyra grabbed him and pulled him into the dining room. She used her magic to levitate a potion off the fridge and gave it to him.

"Drink this." She said. Von blinked and stared at it. The potion was pink and it had a lavender scent to it.

"Uh....what's gonna happen if I--"

"Just drink it!" Lyra demanded, using her magic and placing the nozzle in his mouth. The liquid slowly went into his mouth, forcing him to swallow it. The rest of the gang stayed in the living room, waiting for the two of them to come back when they heard panicked yelling.

"Aaah! What's happening to me?! Lyra! What was in that potion?! W-wait! What....aaahh!!!" Von cried as the effects of the potion took hold. Everything went silent, every single one of them looking to each other with mixed looks of worry and confusion. Finally, the mint colored mare came out of the dining room and smiled.

"Did it work?" Midnight asked.

"Like a charm." Lyra replied. "Come on out, Von. Show your friends the new you." She said in a sing-song voice. But she didn't get an answer except for silence. "Come on, Von. Get out here." There was silence again, but this time, a small portion of Von's head made its way from the corner. He looked scared, darting his vision around from all of his friends to the floor before shaking his head and hiding again.

"I don't wanna." He replied. Arcius, Axel, Daring and Gilda all widened their eyes as they heard him speak. His voice was feminine...very feminine. That's when the boys put it all together and looked at Lyra and Midnight, exchanging a "You seriously didn't" look before looking back to the dining room. Lyra groaned with annoyance and walked in, wrestling with Von to bring him out.

"Get out here!" She screamed.

"No way! They'll laugh at me." Von said. Lyra wasn't having any of that and with one firm push, Von was brought out of the room and was presented for all to see.

"D-don't look!" Von cried, covering his chest. Axel's jaw dropped at the sight. Even Arcius was surprised, losing his normally calm composure and replacing it with a look of embarrassment. The Von before them was not the friend they knew, no longer the kirin they were familiar with. But instead, a female equivalent was standing before them. Her arms were placed over her rather large breasts, her shorts were starting to sag and her scales gleamed in the light.

"Wow. That's a nice look on you, Von." Gilda chuckled, trying to keep herself from laughing too hard. Daring scratched the back of her head and looked away.

"Yeah...you look...pfft. Hahahahaha! You look so adorable!" Daring cried, finally bursting into laughter with her griffon friend.

"Oh ha ha. Very funny!" Von said, covering herself. "Ok, Lyra. You had your laugh. Now change me back." Lyra chuckled and looked at her changed friend.

"Can't. The potion doesn't wear off for about...4 hours." She said. Von's eyes widened and she looked at the unicorn.

"FOUR HOURS?!?! Why would you do that to me?!" Midnight sighed and crossed her arms.

"So we can get into the brothel, you idiot." She said. Von uncovered herself briefly and looked at the jet black mare.

"What do you mean? We can get into the brothel either way, shouldn't we?" She asked. Midnight shook her head.

"Don't tell me you forgot. The reports from the scouts said that the requirements to get into the brothel was Girls only." She told him. Von's eye began to twitch for a moment, jaw dropping as she stared at Midnight. "You...DID know that, didn't you?"






















"WHAT?!?!?!?!?!"


Chapter 16-End

> Infiltration
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 17


"What do you mean I have to be a girl?!" Von screamed, covering her chest up. Midnight sighed and stepped closer, never letting her gaze leave hers.

"According to one of the scouts that came back, it is possible to get into the brothel. However, you are unable to do so on account that you are not a mare. Professor B's ruling, apparently. So in order for you to get in and find Professor B..."

"I have to either dress like a girl...or become one." Von concluded, letting out a defeated sigh. No matter which way she worded it around, it came to the same thing. If the scouts report was really true, then she really had no choice but to remain in her female form. Why did this have to be so complicated?

"Stop making such a fuss, Von." Lyra said, patting her back. "I think you make a cute girl."

"I am going to toss all your clothes in the garbage once this is all over..." Von hissed, prompting Lyra to move away from her. Daring still couldn't help but keep laughing alongside Gilda, much to her embarrassment while Axel and Arcius were staring in disbelief. Their friend, whom they've known for years, had transformed into a hottie. Shaking off the thoughts of their friend in such a way, they smiled and patted her back.

"Von, you might as well just deal with this. If the only way you can get into the brothel is by transforming into a girl, then you must do so." Arcius said. Axel chuckled and walked to Von's side and smiled at her.

"Yeah. And besides, you're drop dead gorgeous. You'll get in easy." The dragon said, backing up his words with a firm smack on her rear. Immediately reacting, Von turned and punched Axel square in the face as hard as she could and sent him falling onto his back, writhing in pain. "Gah! Not the eyes again! What the hell?!"

"If you touch me like that again...Ugh! I don't even want that in my head!" The halfling cried, a look of disgust on her face. She calmed herself down and sighed, looking over at the one who forced the potion on her. "Alright. how long does this stupid potion last for?"

Lyra blinked and tapped her chin for a moment and thought about it. "According to the shaman...about 4 hours." Von's jaw dropped upon hearing the time limit of the potion. Four hours?! She wouldn't be able to last even one. How in all of Equestria would she be able to deal with being in such a beautiful, gorgeous...luscious...

Von stopped her train of thought and looked in the mirror, uncovering her breasts and taking a good look at the body she had. She wasn't took skinny nor too big. In fact, her build was similar to Midnight's, save for the shine of her scales. An athletic build with breasts that were just right and a taut, firm rear. Posing a few times to get a better glance at her new features, Von came to a conclusion.

"Damn, i'm hot." she said. Daring, Lyra, Bon Bon and Midnight slapped themselves in the forehead while Gilda just shot her an arrogant glance. "Alright, I guess I can deal with it. We're leaving now, right?" Midnight uncovered her face and looked over at Von.

"Not like that, you're not." she said. Von blinked and raised a brow.

"Why not?"

"Do you not have any shame?! You're not going to be walking around topless on this mission. I forbid it." Von chuckled and  rubbed her breasts a bit before letting them go.

"Big deal. I don't wear a shirt, shoes or even pants. All i wear are my shorts and boxers. What's the difference?" she asked. Midnight's eye started to twitch and Daring shook her head as she stepped in to speak.

"Boys these days...you will never understand how us girls think. We have to cover ourselves because we feel uncomfortable with people staring at our...well, you know."

"So? Just because you're not comfortable with your body doesn't mean i'm not. Boy or girl." Von retorted. At that moment, every single girl in the room, including Gilda, crowded around her and shouted.

"GO PUT SOMETHING ON!"

"Alright alright! I'm going. Jeez." Von said nervously. Having a bunch of girls gang up on you...not exactly something you want to have happen. Defeated, she walked upstairs and into Lyra's room. if anything, she'd probably have something she could wear. She's seen all the clothes that the mares in town wore and some caught her eye and some didn't. Some wore skimpy clothes, which she thought was just plain disgraceful, some wore athletic outfits, some wore dresses and much more. To be fair, she just wanted to wear what she normally had on. But of course, if Von went out there without having picked anything then she'd be in for a world of trouble. Going through the rest of her landlord's clothing, Von eventually found something that suited her...preferences.

Better than nothing, she thought as she took the cloth out of the drawer and put it on.

A few minutes passed as the gang waited downstairs for their friend. Lyra and Bon Bon were talking among themselves, Arcius, Axel and their lovers were also talking and complimenting one another (yes. Gilda actually complimented someone) and Midnight merely stared out the window. The door swung open and everyone looked upstairs and saw the kirin standing at the top. She was wearing a top that (barely) managed to keep her breasts in place and her shorts, but they were cleaned and parts where they were tears in it were sewn up. Her mane was combed, tail brushed and the sun made her hide shine.

"Is this better?" she asked. The group was silent, even Midnight herself. Lyra, on the other hand, noticed the top she was wearing and glared at her.

"Who said you could wear my stuff?" she asked. Von shrugged and folded her wings.

"Well, I don't have any clothes of my own. So what better thing to do than borrow one from my landlord. It feels a bit tight anyway. It looks like it hasn't been worn in awhile." Lyra sighed and just waved it off. She had that thing for quite some time. About damn time she found a way to get rid of it. "Well, can we go now?!" Von asked impatiently. And to his hopes, the answer was yes.

"Arcius and I will hold down the fort here. You girls be careful. You too, Von." Axel said, waving them off.

"Yes. And I'll try to keep this simpleton under control." Arcius replied coldly, but he lifted his hand to wave them off as well. Lyra and Bon Bon were exchanging kisses with one another before looking over at the group.

"Be safe. And make sure you come home, Von." Lyra scolded. "Or I'll throw more than just a book at you." Von chuckled nervously and rubbed her head, sticking close to Gilda and Midnight so that she would have two shields if Lyra got mad again.

"A book?" Gilda asked, raising a brow. "The hell is she talking about?"

"Don't worry about it." Von replied, blushing a deep crimson. Gilda shrugged it off and kept going and Daring continued looking back at the house, sad that she would have to leave her lover's side for awhile. But she knew they had a job to do and thought it would be interesting to go on an adventure with someone else for a change. With their goodbyes, the mares went onward to the train station and faded into the distance.

Getting to the train station didn't take too long and by luck, their train was already at the station. All four of them had their tickets ready and the whistle blowed as the conductor stepped out.

"All aboard for Baltimare!" he called out. That was their train. Gathering together, the girls gave the conductor their tickets and got onto the train. Once the other passengers got onboard and the girls sat in their seats, the conductor closed the door and the train slowly started to move. Slow and steady, the train began to pick up speed and began moving along the tracks. All around them, the passengers sat in awe at their beauty, admiring the outfits they were in. Some were a bit shocked at seeing Gilda, a griffon of all creatures, wearing a dress and yet, it greatly drew their attention. Von was receiving some attention as well, but she wasn't paying any attention to her surroundings. Instead, she was staring outside the window and watched the scenery go by.

The girls, on the other hand, started to talk among themselves in order to keep themselves occupied. From rumors and gossip to the mission itself, they grew closer as friends and allies.

"So you're telling me that you really forced Axel into an engagement with you?" Midnight asked. Gilda scoffed and kicked back, leaning against her seat.

"Yeah. But I'll admit, that lame brain can be real sweet. Sometimes." the griffon admitted, a blush coming on her face. The others giggled while Midnight just smiled at her. It wasn't like her, both Gilda and Midnight. When Von first encountered Gilda, he had expected her to remain stubborn and aggressive whether she was around Axel or not. But right now, she was actually smiling and cracking a few jokes. It was rather cute. And Midnight was pretty much the same, save for being more stern and orderly. Having been trained personally by Von's father, she had a dignified air about her but could be playful when she wanted to be. Even after Storm's death, she managed to keep a smile on her face...even though she wasn't one for smiling.

"Hey Von." Daring called out. Von blinked and looked over at the pegasus, raising a brow at her.

"What is it?" she asked. Daring smiled and winked at Gilda who nodded in kind.

"I was thinking. You're single again and since we're heading out to Baltimare, why don't you see if you can find yourself a cutie to date?" she asked. Von didn't notice, but Midnight's eye twitched upon hearing those words and Gilda chuckled.

"I don't know. It's been awhile since...well, the funeral. So I don't think I should start dating yet." she replied.

"No, you shouldn't." Midnight spoke up. "And you certainly don't need to date any city trash." All three of the girls stared at Midnight, Daring and Gilda smiling at her.

"What are you getting so worked up about?" Gilda asked, smirking at the mare. Midnight blushed and looked away from them and growled.

"Nothing. Focus on the mission. We need to get into the brothel, find Professor B. and bring him in." she said. Even though she said this, there was still a hint of jealousy in her eyes, something that confused Von. But nonetheless, they did have a job to do. Professor B. was their main target and whoever he was, he was responsible for the chimeras Von had seen and had information on the murder of her father.

Eventually, the train came to a stop upon arriving at its destination. The doors opened up and the passengers exited the train single file, gathering their things and heading their separate ways. The girls were the last to get off and once they did, the doors closed back up and the train departed. They waited for the crowd to clear and stayed together as they walked out of the station and into the city itself. Now was where the mission truly started.

BGM 1

"Alright. We made it to the city, but we're not finished yet. From what the scouts' report says, Professor B's brothel should be close by." Midnight explained. "They were unable to gather much more information before they reported back as several guards had tried to approach and capture them. Since the brothel doesn't allow males, they couldn't discover its whereabouts."

"Meaning, we gotta go and find out where it is ourselves." Daring concluded. Gilda sighed and folded her arms over her chest, growling to herself.

"What a drag. Their fault that they couldn't do their job the right way." she said. Von smiled and rubbed her shoulder.

"But we got a head start. So for now, we should split and try to gather as much information as we can. We should be able to find someone who knows where it is." she reassured. Everyone nodded, having understood what the next course of action was and they split up. They each took a different part of the area, asking various ponies if they knew about anyone named Professor B. or a brothel. As they went about their task, a figure in the shadows had taken notice of them...and Von.

"Um...sir?" he whispered into what was possibly a communicator. "Lord Bastion?"

"What?!" Bastion replied from the other end. "This had better be good. I'm in the middle of something." The unicorn was sitting on his bed, his room neatly decorated and kept clean despite what he does. He was wearing his old uniform from the days in the Sacred Guard and his signature weapons were hanging from the wall. His room was located further back inside the brothel, away from those of his guards so that he would not be disturbed by their 'activities' with any female guests.

"It is, sir. The one you spoke of...the kirin, Von. He's in the city right now." Replied his subordinate. Bastion smiled, twirling a glass of wine around using his magic.

"Good. Is he alone?" he asked. He got only silence for a moment and sighed. "He's not alone, is he?"

"Well...yes. But that's not the only thing, sir." the stallion replied. Bastion raised a brow.

"What do you mean?"

"Well...as it turns out, he...is a she." the stallion said. Bastion stayed silent for a moment, losing his concentration and dropping his wine to the floor. After a few more seconds of silence, Bastion smiled and laughed loudly. "Uh...sir?"

"A girl?! He turned into a girl just so he can get in?! Oh, that's too rich!" Bastion chuckled, falling back on his bed. "Oh wow...heh. So he's aware he can't get in unless he's a girl. And if anything, he's got girls alongside him."

"What do you want me to do, sir?" The stallion asked.

"Bring them to the brothel. But don't seem too obvious. Lead them here and I'll take care of the rest." Bastion instructed calmly. After giving his orders, he cut off communications and smiled as the atmosphere of the room grew darker. His horn glowed with an ominous color and his expression darkened.


"Welcome to my humble abode, Von. And just like your father, you won't be leaving alive."




Von and the gang eventually regrouped with one another after some time had passed. And by the look of things, they came up short.

"So, did you find anything out?" Midnight asked. Von shook her head and sighed.

"Nothing. This place is too big. I doubt anyone would know where everything is in a city like this." the kirin said. Gilda and Daring sighed and looked at the black mare.

"We came up short too." Daring said. "We asked all over and it's as if the brothel never existed to begin with."

"Sounds like this Professor B. guy really doesn't want to be found." The griffon spat and crossed her arms. Midnight didn't have any luck either. It was like Von said. In a city as large as Baltimare, it would be hard to find anything unless you knew your way around.

"I guess we'll just have to keep looking. Let's head to another part of the city and--"

"Excuse me." A male voice called out. The girls turned their heads and saw a young unicorn stallion approach them, looking he was just entering his adult years. "I overheard you say you're looking for a brothel?"

"That's correct." Midnight replied. "Do you know of it?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact.  I can take you there if you want. The lord is looking for new girls anyway." The stallion said with a smile. Von's tail flicked as he spoke and she narrowed her eyes.

He might be one of Professor B's goons, she thought. "How do we know you're telling the truth?" The unicorn looked over at the half-breed mare, taken back by her appearance but calmed down so he could explain.

"I am a regular at the brothel since some of the girls there are...well..." he smiled and gave them a lustful look, causing them to look away in disgust. "But I know you can't trust me since we just met. I can assure you, however, I truly know where the brothel is. If you want to go there, then follow me." With those words, the young stallion turned and walked away from the group. The girls stayed behind and looked at each other, wondering if they should really trust the unicorn or not. Von was the first to break the silence.

"I don't trust him." She said. Of course, the girls had expected this. Neither of them could trust this guy. However...

"This is the only lead we have so far, Von. And as much as it pains me to say it, we're going to have to follow him. Professor B. is so close. Don't you want to find him and bring him in?" Daring asked. Von remained silent, still having her doubts and looked away from the mare. Daring sighed and walked away, following behind the stallion and Gilda followed without so much as even looking her way. Von turned craned her head back and looked at Midnight, the mare in question staring right back at her.

"Von...I know you have your doubts. We all do. But right now, we need to put the mission ahead of them. Whether you trust this person or not is of no concern to me. We're following him no matter what. I just hope you can understand." she said. Without another word, she walked away from him and followed the others. Von was left alone to her thoughts, sighing sadly as she looked up at the sky. Professor B. was a traitor to the Sacred Guard, having performed forbidden and criminal acts against his peers. Against those who worked alongside him. Against her father. And he was so close. All she would have to do was follow her friends. And yet...she was afraid. Afraid of being caught. Afraid of being trapped and experimented on. She was afraid that she would be used and then killed...just like her dad.

"Dad..." she whispered to herself. "What do I do...I'm scared. I can't...I can't do it alone..." She knew she would never get an answer and that just upset her more. Tears ran down her cheeks and she wrapped herself in her wings.




Don't lose faith



Von's ears perked up and she looked around, wondering where the voice came from. It was masculine and almost sounded like hers (as a boy) but at the same time, it wasn't. Was it her father, Ignus? Was he offering guidance from the afterlife? Or maybe it was her own conscience speaking, telling her something she should've known to begin with.

"Dammit...I can't give in. Not right now. I've come too far!" She told herself. Finally gaining the strength, she spread her wings and flew after her friends and caught up with them as they slowly neared their destination.

"The brothel is through here." The unicorn said, taking the girls down an alleyway. They followed behind him hesitantly, but kept quiet about it until they reached the end of the alley.

"Hey! Pony boy. It's a frickin dead end." Gilda huffed angrily. The unicorn chuckled and lit his horn and looked back at them.

"It's only a dead end to those who don't know how to uncover the path," He said with a smug grin. Midnight raised a brow.

"Path?" Before she could inquire further the unicorn's horn flashed brightly, forcing the gang to cover their eyes. After a few seconds the flash died down and when they opened their eyes, there was a wide open bazaar-like area. All around, there were more ponies than before and a few market spots. Some were talking, others walking around or purchasing products and in the far back was their objective: Professor B's brothel.

"There it is. Just go straight ahead and the guards should let you inside." The stallion informed them, walking up to one of the stands and bought the only drink the owner was offering.

"Thank you for your assistance." Midnight said, thanking the stallion and led the group towards their destination. Still sipping his drink, the unicorn lit his horn and smiled.

"Lord Bastion, I brought them as you requested." He said. Inside the brothel, Bastion chuckled and took a sip of his wine.

"Good. First Ignus, then the Sacred Guard, then Dragonheart. And now Ignus' child. Ha! This has been quite an eventful life." He chuckled. "You did a spectacular job for me, Sebastian. I couldn't be even happier than I am now."

"Thank you, sir. But i'm not worthy of your praise." The unicorn said with a blush.

"Of course you aren't. Which is why I took the liberty of poisoning your drink before you arrived at the bazaar." Bastion said. Sebastian dropped the glass he was holding and coughed, his hands shaking and he blinked.

"B-but sir, I-i've been nothing but loyal to you and your cause. W-why would you do that?" He asked.

"Because I knew just how loyal you'd be to me and you wouldn't question anything I do." Bastion replied. "And besides...I don't need any groupies...or witnesses. Anyway, that poison should be kicking in now. Such a shame. And you had such a bright future ahead of you."

"S-sir..." Sebastian's words were cut off and he started coughing and choking. He foamed at the mouth and fell on his back, his body convulsing violently. The glow of his horn faded and he stopped moving and his eyes rolled up the back of his head.

Inside of the brothel, Bastion finished his wine and got off the bed and stretched. The door to his room opened and a guard stepped inside.

"Lord Bastion, was the wine to your liking?" He asked.

"Yes. Please tell the producer that I wish to have more shipped to me post haste." The former guard replied. "We shall be receiving new guests in a few. Inform the guards on duty to allow them inside." The guard bowed to Bastion and began to walk out the door. "Oh, and do send someone out to the bazaar. Sebastian's gotten sloppy."

"At once, Lord Bastion." The guard replied, leaving the room. Bastion stretched and put on his robe, a smiling creeping across his face and he chuckled.

"Time to step in and play my part in this dance."



Outside the walls of the establishment, Von and the party made their way to the front doors of the brothel. And as Sebastian had said, there were two guards on duty. Midnight stepped forward, catching their attention.

"Excuse me. We would like to enter and have a word with the lord of this brothel." She said. The guards chuckled and looked them over, the girls feeling their bodies being violated just from their gaze. Midnight, however, didn't care. She had a job to do and that was more important.

"You must be the new girls." The one on the right had said.

"Go on ahead in. I trust you girls will have a grand time." The left guard replied. They stepped aside, allowing them access and smiled.

"Thank you. Come on. Let's go in." Midnight said, opening the doors and walking inside. Seeing nothing wrong with the situation, Von, Gilda and Daring followed her into the brothel and the doors closed behind them.

BGM 2

"We finally made it." Von sighed, relieved that they finally found their destination.

"Don't lower your guard for a moment." Gilda had said. "For all we know, we could've walked into an ambush."

"Gilda's right. We need to stay on our toes." Daring agreed, smiling at her companion. Midnight smiled, admiring their ability to think rationally when a door opened upstairs and they turned to look. Standing at the door was another guard, who looked down at the girls and smiled.

"Lord Bastion will see you now." He said, walking back into the room. As he walked away, Midnight and the others walked upstairs to follow him. However, Von stayed behind and stared in silence. Midnight noticed first and looked back at her.

"Something wrong?" She asked. Von shook her head slowly.

"No...no. Just...I'm coming." She droned, walking up the stairs. Von walked past the mare, Midnight staring at her with a concerned expression. The way Von sounded, the way she looked...she was in pain. But why? She had no idea.

That name...Bastion. It sounds familiar, she thought and followed her friends. As they walked into the room, two guards closed the doors. It was a well decorated room, dim lighting, interesting art portraits hanging on the walls and four guards positioned throughout the room.

"Line up, ladies. Present yourselves to the lord." One of the guards ordered. They looked at each other, realizing they had no other choice and lined up beside each other just as another stallion entered the room.

"Hello ladies." Bastion greeted with a toothy grin. Von's eyes widened in shock and her body began to shake and she balled her fists up. Why was he here? Why was he the lord?! This wasn't right. This couldn't be right!

Bastion smiled and glanced at Von, noticing her balled fists and disregarding that, started to admire her curves. "Hmm..." he tapped his chin and walked in front of each girl, starting with Midnight. "You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Strong, diligent, honorbound but deep inside, you're a fragile girl. Gentle heart, kind and considerate. Unique for a pegasus." He analyzed, causing Midnight to blush a little. It was rare that she got a compliment from anyone, especially one so accurate about her. Bastion smiled and moved down the line toward Daring Do.

"Ah. The infamous Daring Do. Or should I call you by your pseduonym, AK Yearling?" He asked with a chuckle. "Let's see...beautiful eyes, an exotic looking dress. That tomboyish air you have about you is quite interesting, considering all the adventures you've been on. And judging by the gentle look in your eyes, I can see that you've found love."

"W-well, I..." Daring stammered, putting her hand on her cheek as she blushed crimson. Bastion smiled and moved on, coming up to Gilda.

"Well now. This is interesting. A griffon in my brothel? This is quite an achievement." He chuckled.

"Yeah yeah. Cut the crap and just move on, ok?" Gilda quipped.

"Now, why in Equestria would I do that? I quite like the muscle types. I can see a burning fire in your eyes. Determination and the urge to be strong. I can tell that you want to be the best of them all. Am I wrong?" The unicorn asked.

"W-well, I wouldn't say that." Gilda said, appreciating the flattery.

"Can we hurry this on already?!" Von yelled, earning the attention of everyone in the room. Bastion looked over at the mare and gave her a mischievous grin as he walked over to her.

"Well well well. Now, what do we have here?" He faked. "A kirin. And here I thought you guys were extinct."

"..." Von remained silent, glaring at the unicorn who just continued to smile at her.

"A standard look you have on, a tank top and shorts. Your draconic appearance is truly exotic. And yet, your complexion is no different than any other mare. Maybe shinier." Bastion tapped his chin and smiled and turned his back on the girls. "Alright! It's settled."

"Huh?" All four of them asked, confused as to what he meant. Bastion grinned and continued speaking.

"The girl I will be spending the evening with will be..." He raised a hand and pointed his finger to the ceiling and quickly spun around and pointed to one of the girls. "...you!" All of them were shocked, to say the least, when they followed his finger and saw it pointed towards Von. Von, faking enthusiasm, smiled and stepped forward.

"This is quite an honor." She said with false happiness. "I so look forward to this."

"As do I." Bastion said, hiding the malice in his tone. "Boys, feel free to do whatever you want with the others. This one is mine for the evening."

"Yes, Lord Bastion." The guards replied, escorting the others out of the room as Bastion took Von back to his room. He closed the door behind them with his magic and chuckled.

"My my, this is quite--" His sentence was interrupted with a blinding punch to his cheek by Von.

"Why are you the lord of this mansion?!" she screamed. "This had better be some sort of trick! Where is Professor B?!" The two of them stood there in silence, staring at each other as Bastion rubbed the cheek Von had struck and chuckled.

"You've become as impulsive as your father." He said. "What happened to the sweet little freak that he brought in to Headquarters?"

"I grew up." Von retorted, still glaring at him.

"I'll say. But to think you went out of your way to turn yourself into a GIRL just so you could get in here. You must be very desperate for answers." The unicorn replied, sitting on his bed and popping open a bottle of wine and poured two glasses. "Want some?" Von remained silent after hearing his request and took one of them and took a sip. But she wasn't in the mood for fooling around. Not when he was right here.

"Don't play games with me, Bastion. If you know this is me, then you should know why I'm here." Von hissed. Bastion sighed and set the bottle down.

"The wine's going to taste bland after this." He said. "Alright. I'm guessing you want to know about the chimeras back at the old HQ, huh? After all, you wouldn't have known my alias if you didn't find my research papers."

"That's correct. When I got there, I noticed multiple dead bodies and capsules filled with a variety of races. Each one was mutilated and carved in a wide assortment of methods. Was that your doing?" Von inquired.

"That's right." Bastion calmly replied.

"I also heard that Dragonheart village was attacked and destroyed by a dragon and traitor from the Sacred Guard. None of the inhabitants survived. Was that your doing also?"

"Heh. It's been so long since that happened. But yes, I did it." The unicorn chuckled. Von growled to herself and calmed down a bit. This was her last question and she needed to know the truth.

"The murder of Ignus..." she started. "...My father...he was killed by this very same person. The one who calls himself Professor B. The one who experimented on all those individuals...Was it you? Did you really murder him?" Bastion remained silent, reaching for his glass of wine and took a sip before setting it back down. A wicked expression formed and he stared at her.

"I did. And I enjoyed every second of it." he replied. Von's eyes widened and she glared at him.

"Why?! Why would you do that?! You and dad were friends! Partners! Why would you betray his trust like that?!" She yelled, tears in her eyes.

"Heh. If I told you now, you wouldn't even be able to understand it." Bastion said. "No one can understand my reasoning." He got off his bed and stepped closer. "But why worry about that right now? This is a brothel, not an information booth."

"What are you getting at?" she asked, backing away from him.

"You look like a fine young mare, Von. A very beautiful one at that." He said, smiling at her. Von nearly choked on her wine and stared at him.

"Whoa whoa whoa! Don't even try it. I'm a boy, not a girl! I don't swing that way." she yelled, feeling disgusted. But she also felt something else, too. She looked down and noticed that her hands and legs were being held in place by a red aura of magic. She tried to struggle, but they wouldn't move.

"Maybe in mind, you're a boy. But in body..." Bastion chuckled and stared at her. "Surely you're the teeniest bit interested in what pleasures your body has to offer. I'm sure you know what it feels like to be the one giving. But what about being on the receiving end?" His fingers traveled up her thigh and her body shuddered at his touch. Her breathing was starting to become heavy, her heart was thumping and her body was getting hot.

"W-what's..."

"Ah. It seems it's starting to take effect. See, the wine I gave you is a very special type of wine I had imported from Zanzebra. It has a strong taste that never fades even as time passes and it also has...aphrodisiac properties." He whispered in her ear, causing her to shudder more.

"S-stop it..." Von whined, unable to move.

"Why? It seems like you're enjoying it. Why not indulge in your new form, Von? Who knows? You may never get an opportunity like this again." Bastion suggested.

Von remained silent, trying her damndest to think of a way out of this mess. She got the truth from his lips. Bastion had murdered Ignus, destroyed Dragonheart Village, betrayed the Sacred Guard and experimented on so many lives. All for whatever twisted purpose he had. She wanted to bring him in. She wanted to kill him and get revenge for her dad and all the lives that he took. But at the same time...she wanted to take him up on his offer. Like he said, she was familiar with being the one to give. So how would it be if she received? What would it feel like? Would it hurt? Would it be nice? Her body was so hot and her mind was getting fuzzy. Whatever she could do, she had to decide now.

"So..." Bastion said. "What will it be?" He moved closer to Von, his lips just inches from hers. Von stared at him and started to open her mouth, a decision in mind.


"I..."















Chapter 17-End

> Warning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 18


"So what will it be, hm?" Bastion asked, tapping Von's chin. Her body continued to shiver as Bastion began to close the distance between them, attempting to steal a kiss. The aphrodisiac in the wine she had was still taking hold of her body. Was she truly going to give into temptation after she came so far? The murderer was right here in front of her and her mind was being clouded by the chemical.

"I..." She gasped, her cheeks flushing crimson.

"Yes?" Bastion gave a devious grin, realizing his victory and cupped Von's face in his hands and was about to kiss her.

"I...I refuse!" Von yelled, shocking the unicorn as she kicked him in his stomach and pushed him away. Bastion held his abdomen as he was pushed back and looked up, only to be greeted by a swift kick which knocked him into the wall. "I will not be your little plaything. I fought hard and traveled far to get where I am now. I've been through so much because of you. Because of my dream. And I'm not going to let it end here. Not today!" As Von made her proclamation, something began stirring inside of her body. Her breasts disappeared and her pose straightened out a bit more, her build more masculine until her body became that of her normal self once more. The potion had finally worn off and now that his body was normal once again, he ripped off the tank top and faced Bastion.

The unicorn in question pulled himself out of the wall, his clothes tattered and dirty. He dusted himself off and started to chuckle, turning his attention to the half-breed. "You insolent little monster. You just couldn't say yes, could you? You could've stayed here with me, my own personal little fuck doll. But instead, you refuse to see things my way. Just like that pathetic father of yours."

"Don't talk about him like that!" Von yelled. "My father was a respectful stallion. He was your friend. He was your partner! He was--"

"He was weak! While I tried to push myself further, learn what others refused to learn, he denied it. I wanted to know how the forbidden magics worked. To see if I could find a way to harness its powers and knowledge. And I used what I learned on other creatures. And what did your father do? He forbade me. He tried telling me that what I was doing was illegal. A work of sin. An abomination." Bastion retorted, his horn flaring with magic.

"It was! Those ponies...those dragons...all of those individuals were completely innocent! They had families to return to, for Celestia's sake!"

"Heh. Your father wouldn't know a true abomination if it stabbed him in the back. Oh wait. It did." The unicorn started to chuckle, his expression becoming more sadistic as he stared at him. "Would you care to know how it all went down?"

"..." Von stayed silent, his fists still balled up as Bastion continued.

"Good. See, I was in the middle of gathering regents for my next experiment. One of the chemicals I was working with required what I found and I was going to test it on a few of my subjects. It had been a month since we came back from the war and I learned the ways of necromancy and dark magic. My test subjects were the perfect guinea pigs for all the concoctions I created, magical and non-magical. The chimeras were my first creations, but they were mostly duds. Feral creatures with lack of instinct, the urge to kill being the only thing on their minds. The next thing I managed to learn was how to bring the bodies of the dead back to life. Again, they are just as mindless as the chimeras, but at least they can obey WITHOUT having to force me to get...violent." he chuckled.

"If you can bring the dead to life, what's the point in having all those bodyguards out there?" Von asked.

"Them? They're only pawns. Once I'm finished with them, I'm just going to kill them all." The unicorn replied. "And once they're dead, I'll just bring them back to life and keep using them. Only this time, they won't have any free will. The lives in Equestria only serve to be used and cast aside once their usefulness is up."

"You're sick."

"And you're a brat. You and your father both, always thinking that what you're doing is 'justice'. Playing hero because you believe it's the right thing to do. And because of your father's sense of what is right and wrong, it cost me something very dear to me." Bastion's voice cracked with his last words and he turned his head, a single tear traveling down his cheek. Von raised a brow, wondering what the mad unicorn was talking about, but his curiosity faded when Bastion chuckled and looked back at him. "But enough of that. Allow me to continue with my story. I'll skip ahead to the good bit."

Von continued to remain silent and listened closely to Bastion's words. Regardless of what had happened between them, he would still bring him in for his crimes. But somewhere inside, a burning desire began to worm its way into his heart: The desire for revenge. "I started working in my lab again, under headquarters when your idiot father and most of his drones came bursting in. Oh, you should've seen his face. He was so horrified by everything that I had done. Most of the citizens we had saved were brought into my lab and I turned them into my playthings. Damn, was he pissed. But he was willing to give me another chance. If I turned myself in, he said and admitted to my wrongdoings, then he would try to pull some strings and get me off the hook."

"Dad...he did that?" Von asked.

"Of course. As dimwitted as ever, I see. You certainly haven't changed since you were a child. You're just like your father. Even I don't know why he bothered doing such a thing."

"I think I know why."

"Hm? What are you on about?" Bastion inquired.

"Because even after what you've done, he still thought of you as his friend. With all the missions and jobs you guys took, you had a bond. You may not believe it, but I do. My dad respected you." Von said. "You were family."

"Family..." Bastion lowered his head and turned away from Von. "I had a family once. And now they're long gone. I cherished them with all my heart. Worked myself to the bone for them, to ensure their future. And now...look at me. I'm all alone...and it's all his fault."

"What?" Von raised a brow and stared at the unicorn. His story confused him, but he could sense sadness in his voice. "Your family...what happened to them?"

"What does it matter? They're not here anymore and they never will be again. But soon...soon, I won't be alone anymore. I'll have a happy family again! Until then, I will spread my pain to others. They'll soon learn how it feels to be all alone, without anyone to love or care for them when they need it most. You'll learn how it feels pretty soon, too." Bastion replied with a sadistic grin, pointing to the kirin. Before Von could question him, Bastion's horn flared up again and a large axe appeared in his right hand.

"That weapon..."

"Look familiar? This is the combined form of the weapons I used back in my glory days as a Sacred Guard." Bastion chuckled, lifting up the heavy weapon. "I call it...Dolus. It's an enchanted weapon...just like that sword you have." Von looked to his hip and sure enough, his father's sword was resonating with that of Bastion's axe. It was glowing a faint golden color while Bastion's glowed an ominous violet. "We used different magical materials to forge our weapons. Ignus used a material that would never break, no matter how much it's beaten or rusted. As for me...I used a material that would keep my weapon forever sharp. We were quite a team, him and I. It's too bad he did what he did. If only he didn't betray my trust."

Von growled and reached to the side of his hip and grabbed his sword. He wasn't going to have this traitor besmirch his father's good name. Not after everything he's done. He didn't want to kill him, but he needed to be stopped.

BGM 1

"My father didn't betray anyone's trust..." Von drew his sword and stood ready for battle. "...you betrayed him."

"So you're going to fight me too, huh? You and Ignus truly are the same...and it annoys me!" Bastion roared and slammed his axe on the ground. A large shockwave shot out towards Von, who barely had enough time to dodge it before it connected. However, the attack caused the floor under them to crumble and give way. The floor collapsed and the two of them fell down to the floor below. The stallions and mares underneath scrambled as they came down and ran to safety.

That weapon is no joke. I better make sure it doesn't actually hit me. if it does, I'm a goner, Von thought. Bastion lifted his axe with ease and grinned, extending his hand and urging the halfling to try him. Von silently obliged and charged at him and swung his sword, only for it to be deflected by the blunt of the axe. "Dammit!"

"Your swordsmanship is impressive, I'll give you that. But you're still not good enough." Bastion smiled and swung his axe back and swung it forward it an attempt to cut down Von. Reacting as fast as he could, Von blocked the weapon with his sword but was sent flying backwards into the wall 

"Agh!" Von grunted as his back hit the wall. He fell to the floor, slightly injured and picked himself back up. His stance staggered a little from the force of his opponents attack, but he wasn't going to let it keep him down. "I'm not giving in! I'm going to beat you!"

"Tsk. You're just as persistent as him, too. But you've got a good head on your shoulders. Tell you what. I'll overlook this little attack of yours and pardon you for destroying my beloved brothel if you give up, sheath your blade and leave with your little friends." Bastion offered.

Von shook his head and straightened himself up, pain subsiding and stared the traitor down. "Forget it. After the way you talked about my father and all those innocents you tormented, just because of how 'hurt' you are?! I'll never forgive you!" Von lunged out towards Bastion again and feigned a slash, ducking under his weapon and shooting a blast of wind into his chest. The force was enough to push Bastion back, but not enough to lift him off his feet.

"Heh..." The red stallion chuckled. He brought his hand to his chest, where Von's attack had connected and started laughing. "Well now...this just got interesting!" With a swift swing, Bastion dragged his axe through the ground and brought it up, causing rubble to go flying towards the kirin.

"What the?!" Von reacted just in time, closing his wings to shield himself from the flying debris. The impact was softened, but the damage he sustained when they hit was still bad. Once he uncovered his wings, his eyes widened as Bastion was directly in front of him. His horn lit up and he smiled a sadistic smile as he charged for his next attack.

"I'm not done yet, brat. Not by a long shot." 



Back in Canterlot, Celestia stood by the window's edge and looked out to her city. All her citizens were calm and orderly, looking to her and her sister and the Elements as their saviors. There would be times of hardship, struggle and chaos. But in the end, they would prevail and enjoy another time of prosperity. Now, however, was a time when that prosperity would end and another struggle would make its way to them.

"Princess Celestia..." One of the guards came to her room, taking off his helmet in respect. "It has been quite awhile since we've heard word from Von's party. Shall I send an investigation squad to find them?"

"No." Celestia replied, turning to the guard. "I believe in him. Childish, he may be but Von will be able to pull through. He's just like his father, after all. I put my faith in their endeavor."

"As you wish, your high--" The guard was interrupted as another came rushing to Celestia's bedchambers, panting heavily.

"Princess Celestia! We've got a major problem!" He cried, still out of breath.

"What is it, soldier? Out with it." The other guard said, trying to calm his companion down.

"I received word from one of the scouts that were sent on patrol. They saw something over the horizon!" Celestia's eyes widened and she stepped towards the young guard, her expression very serious.

"Send word to Midnight and the others. Tell me everything."



BGM 2

Von and Bastion continued to fight, exchanging blow for blow with one another. While Von was superior in speed, Bastion outranked him in terms of power. With every chance he saw, Von countered with a strike from his sword or a gust of wind. Finally driven to a corner, Bastion backed away from Von and breathed heavily.

"Alright. So you're tougher than you look. Finally, you can put up more of a challenge than your father could." Bastion said.

"Don't...don't...talk about him like that." Von retorted, breathless from their battle. "You betrayed him. You betrayed all of them. They were your friends and you killed them in cold blood!" Von roared, taking his sword up again and charging at the unicorn. Bastion's expression faltered and once Von was close enough, he countered his attack. But instead of using his axe, he shifted his position and punched Von in his stomach. The dragon pony coughed up a bit of blood and stumbled backwards, clutching his stomach with his hand.

"You keep going on and on about how I betrayed him. You don't even bother taking the time to think about the other pony's side of the story." Bastion growled, raising his axe over his head. "Well, don't bother trying now. You can meet your father on the other side and be together. Goodbye, you miserable monster!" As he started to bring the axe down, Von jumped up and caught the blade in his hand and stopped the attack. "What?!"

Bastion looked down at Von, his eyes reflecting the foe before him. Von's hide had turned white and his mane turned red. He gripped his sword tightly, as well as the blade of the axe, and slowly began to rise up off the floor. Power emanated from his body and he tightened his grip on the weapon, small cracks starting to form. "L-let go!" Bastion yelled, firing a blast of magic in his face. Von stood still, letting the blast connect and remained unfazed.

"Gladly." Von calmly replied, tossing the axe and Bastion backwards onto the floor. The unicorn picked himself back up and growled, straightening himself back up.

"I will not be intimidated. I have years of experience over you and I will not be beaten!" He yelled, lunging out at Von and swinging his axe. Von sighed and smiled and as the axe got near him, he vanished. Bastion started to look around, angered and uneasy about Von's sudden surge in strength. It was unlike anything he'd seen before in his lifetime. He turned around, believing Von would attack him from behind but was quickly beaten as Von reappeared where he originally was and chuckled.

"Gotcha." Von joked, spinning around and hitting Bastion in the face with a quick roundhouse and sent him stumbling backwards. But he wasn't finished. Moving in as quickly as his legs would carry him, Von started slashing with precise but wild strikes. Each slash hit Bastion's axe as the unicorn was guarding to protect himself from his onslaught. Unable to counter, Bastion lit his horn up again as Von continued to attack and as he prepared to strike again, Bastion lowered his axe and shot a blast of magic at him. Von, however, reacted quicker than he could attack and ducked under the spell and punched him in his chest.

Bastion grunted upon receiving the blow and Von spun around and kicked him in the chest, sending his opponent flying into wall and breaking it down.

"I may not have the same amount of experience in combat as you or dad. Or even the same power. But what I have that you lack is heart. I have the heart to keep fighting, even if everything comes crashing around me. I have the will to make a choice. To make a change while others sit back." Von said, calming himself and reverting back to his normal state. "You had it too."

Bastion chuckled and started to pull himself out of the wall, dropping his axe and falling down to his knees. "Heart? Change? You really think any of that will matter? You can fight all you want, but it's not gonna make a difference. Whether you win, I win or my master wins, everything will be over." He said, coughing up blood.

"Get up. I know you can still fight. I'm not going to kill you, but I need to make you pay for what you've done to my father." Von growled.

"Still on about what I did to dear old daddy, huh? And you're waving that sword like some righteous hero, unaware of things that he probably wouldn't tell you." Bastion replied, getting up and grabbing his axe. "Fine. You wanna keep fighting? Then let's--"

That's enough, Bastion . A cryptic voice rang out the area and a dark hole appeared beside them.

"That voice..." Von said, widening his eyes. A maniacal chuckle echoed from the hole as a grey stallion stepped out from the hole. Parts of his body were decayed, save for his body as it was hidden under a cloak to see otherwise. His horn was broken, skeletal wings on his back and a blindfold over his eyes. "It's you!"

"Master Orcus?" Bastion got down on one knee in respect, bowing his head to his master.

"Hmph. Seems the runt is giving you a hard time. And here I thought you would've trounced him by now. Seems he's more of a nuisance than I led on." Orcus hissed, turning and scowling at the kirin. "Well, it doesn't matter. I say we've bought plenty of time and I don't need you dying just yet. You're to come back immediately. We'll let him take care of things from here." The unicorn turned away and started to walk back towards the black portal.

"Hold it!" Von protested, taking his sword and charging at the unicorn. He swung his blade in an attempt to stop him, but his attack was bounced back by an invisible force that sent Von skidding backwards. "What the?!"

"You cannot harm me here, mortal. The time will come when we will battle. But until then, do try to survive longer. You're making things much more interesting for me." Orcus chuckled and stepped inside the portal as Bastion started to follow behind.

Until next time...Aion

Bastion chuckled and turned to Von one last time, his horn flashing and his axe vanished. "If I were you, I'd head back to Canterlot." With those last words, he stepped inside the portal and it closed behind him. Von stood there alone in the ruined bedroom, remnants of their battle scattered around him.

"Go back to Canterlot? Why would he suggest that? And that name that was said to me. Aion. I've heard that name before." Von whispered. But his train of thought was interrupted as Midnight, Daring and Gilda ran up behind him.

"Von!" Midnight cried, earning his attention.

"Midnight! Check it out. I turned back into a guy and I got Bastion to--"

"We can discuss that later." The mare said, interrupting him. "We've got bigger problems right now. I just got a scroll from the princess. A scout came back to Canterlot, saying he saw suspicious figures over the horizon. They were rather large in size, coming in a large group and were headed straight for Equestria."

"Huh? What do you mean? What's going on?!" Von inquired.

















	"Von...The dragons are invading Equestria."








Chapter 18-End

> Strings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

BGM

"You idiot!" 

A loud smack echoed across the abyss as Bastion fell onto his back, a bruise on his cheek. He stared up into the face of his master as he was picked back up and punched in the face again. "All you had to do was keep him busy or persuade him over to our side. And you can't even do that right!" Orcus was furious with Bastion's failure. The one who remained a thorn in his side was still walking around, alive and well and it was possible his plans were going to be ruined.

"F-forgive me, Master Orcus. I did the best I could. But it seems like he's gotten stronger instead of weaker, despite all that's happened to him." Bastion replied before being punched once again. The cloaked unicorn growled in anger, but sighed as he let go of him.

"I suppose you're right. But regardless, it doesn't change the fact that he may become a greater nuisance than we originally thought. I hope you plan to rectify this at some point." Orcus said with a stern tone. Bastion nodded and brushed off his previous injuries as he stood back on his feet.

"Of course. Von may have discovered where I did most of my research in the past, but all my hard work and the results of that research are hidden within my lab." he replied. "Speaking of which, my lord...You haven't forgotten your end of the deal, have you?" Orcus, though blinded, looked over in Bastion's direction and chuckled. He lifted the cloak from his head and revealed his broken horn. It lit up with an ominous glow as a small pink ball of light appeared in front of him.

"Now Bastion. What kind of lord would I be if I didn't hold up my end of our bargain? I know just how much you cherish this mare. And I'm certain that she's longed to see you once again. Her soul is crying out in anguish, unable to be with you. Longing to be at your side. You can hear her cries, can't you?" He said, presenting the pink ball to the unicorn. Bastion stepped forward, reaching his hand out to the ball of light.

"It's her. ...It's really her." As Bastion continued to stare at the pink ball, an image formed in front of him in the form of an armored mare. It was a dark pink pegasus mare with emerald eyes and a brown mane. Strapped to her side was a rapier, a sword most popularly known for being used by Fencers. Her mane was tied up in a braid so that it would not get in the way when she fought. She had a blank expression on her face, but Bastion did not care. "Sheryl...Sheryl, my love."

"That's right. Sheryl still misses you. She longs for your touch, Bastion. And since you've done what I asked, I suppose you deserve your reward." Orcus' horn flashed and in a brief instant, the ball of light and the image of Sheryl was gone.

"Sheryl! What did you do?! This is not what we agreed upon!" Bastion yelled, lighting his horn with magic.

"Oh really? Then why would I teleport her soul to your lab?" Orcus inquired, forcing Bastion to calm himself. "Her soul has been transported there, returned to you as per our agreement. Now you can do as you please with her. But until you die again, your soul is still mine to command. Do you understand me?"

Bastion smiled and let out a wicked chuckle, cackling loudly in the dark abyss. "As you wish, master Orcus. But what of Konan?"

"What about me?" came a low masculine voice. The two of them looked over and saw a dark portal open and stepping through it was none other than Konan. However, his appearance remained the same, unlike what happened to Nova and Cynder.

"Ah. If it isn't the new Dragon King. So, how does it feel to be on top?" Orcus jokingly asked.

"It feels...just right." Konan replied with a devious grin. "How is the egg?"

"Ah, it's no longer an egg. It's gone far past the incubation stage. Would you care to meet your new son?" Konan nodded at his question, causing him to chuckle and look back into the darkness. " Oh Leventhan. Your father wishes to meet you." He called out.

A low growl sounded out through the darkness and slowly got closer to the trio. A pair of yellow eyes made themselves known as a grey dragon, no bigger than Von, stepped forward. Orcus laughed and placed his hand on the dragon's shoulder and looked at Konan. "This is Leventhan. He was born from that egg I extracted from Von about 12 chapters ago." he said with a chuckle.

"Leventhan?"

"Yes. I would've called him Leviathan, but he's not a snake. Anyhow, he is unlike Von. He's a complete killer. He won't hesitate to hunt and kill if told, no matter who the target is. Ponies included. And unlike a certain someone, he'll resort to dirty tricks to make sure he wins."

"Good. I've grown tired of his...honorable nature. Speaking of...what do you want me to do with Nova?" Konan asked.

"Get rid of him upon his return. He's worn out his usefulness. I predict failure for him and his squadron." Orcus calmly replied. Konan bowed before him and smiled, Bastion smiling in kind as they all went their separate ways. Only Orcus and Leventhan stood alone in the abyss, waiting in silence. "You can feel it, can't you?"

Leventhan stayed silent, but acknowledged Orcus' question by glancing over at him.

"Von's actions are changing the flow of the world. At this rate, even if I become whole again, he may gather enough strength to thwart me." The unicorn hissed. "But, he may still provide some use to me. I just need to bide my time. And this little 'invasion' may give him the push I need to bring him to my side." he chuckled and smiled at Leventhan, petting the dragon's head and looking up into the shadows. "Cynder, Nova...and now YOU. I'll be counting on you to do your job well, my little marionette...."
> Rivalry
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 19


"Von, wait!" Midnight called out. But the kirin was already long gone. He had taken to the skies, far out of sight. Even if she flew after him, she wouldn't be able to keep up with his speed. It both impressed her and worried her.

"What are you waiting for?" Gilda asked. "We gotta go after him before that idiot gets himself killed."

"I know I know. But what I don't get is why the dragons are invading. We've done nothing wrong to them. And from what the princess had told me, they have a benevolent king." It was indeed an odd event. If their king was as kind as she was informed, they shouldn't even bother trying to attack.

"Who cares?!" Daring shouted. "The dragons are attacking and everyone is in danger. We need to get back home and help them." Midnight's eyes widened at Daring's words and was about to interrupt, but Gilda's claw touched her shoulder and she silenced herself.

"She's right. Those ponies may not like me much, but I guess we should go and keep the dweebs from getting killed." She said. "We can worry about blue boy later." While Gilda's words were a bit harsh, they rang true. They had more important things to worry about and if it wasn't any clearer, Von would be going back to Canterlot as well. Seeing no other option, the two pegasi and griffoness spread their wings and took flight. They had to make it back before it was too late.



BGM 1

Canterlot was in a panic as the dragons swarmed the once peaceful city. Celestia and Luna's guards were doing their best to hold off the attackers, but they were overpowered. Dragons were formidable opponents, even alone. With a whole group of them, they were easily outclassed. But what was odd was how organized their attacks were, which was uncommon given their brutish nature. But regardless, Canterlot was under siege and its defenses were failing.

Buildings were set ablaze and the citizens had no choice but to flee to safety. The princesses were doing all they could, but they were unsure of how long they could hold out.

"Everyone! Get to shelter!" A male voice shouted. It was Axel and beside him was Arcius. The two had seen the dragons approaching the mainland and followed after them. When the attack started, they immediately flew for the kingdom and did their best to help. They weren't that strong alone, but were more than enough when together. However, while able to endure more than the guards, they still couldn't take down so many dragons on their own.

"Well, this is quite a mess you've gotten us into, Axel." Arcius said. "Even if we get everyone to safety, we still can't beat all of them."

"I know that." Axel replied with a sad tone. "I'm always causing problems. But even if that's the case, I have the will to make things better. And right now, we need to focus on stopping our brethren. This is Daring's home.The place where Von was born. Are you with me?" The yellow dragon balled his hand into a fist, holding it out to Arcius and waiting for him to do the same thing.

The white dragon groaned, but quickly smiled and fistbumped his friend. "Fine. I guess I'll try things your way for once. Besides, they interrupted my reading and I won't forgive them for that." Arcius snarled. Axel chuckled and shook his head.

"Nerd."

"Brute." The two dragons readied themselves and took to the skies, battling their former comrades and aiding the guards in their struggle.

Celestia and Luna looked on from their castle, watching their soldiers fight bravely alongside the dragons to fend off the others. Celestia prayed that Von, Midnight or the others would make it in time to help turn the tides but for now, they were just hoping they could hold out longer.

"Is he truly back?" Celestia asked, keeping her focus on the city.

"I don't have full confirmation, but I believe he is. This looks like it could be his handiwork. But as long as he doesn't have a body anymore, he doesn't truly pose a threat." Luna replied, but her voice was different. More mystical and high-pitched. "But it seems his will is spreading across the land and if I had to guess, it made its way to the dragons. That could be why they suddenly decided to invade."

"But Eldrich would never harm another living creature. We had a peace treaty, so something must've happened." 'Luna' sighed and turned to Celestia and stared her in the eyes.

"I don't think this is Eldrich's doing. I know of him and his kindness. He would never do such a thing." She said. "But there is one I believe may be responsible for this: Konan."

"Von's step-father?" Celestia replied. "Hmm...that does seem like the highest possibility. From what I was told, Konan is quite a power-hungry dragon. But he wasn't always like this...Or so I'm told."

"Things change. Ponies change. Even dragons change, like all the creatures of this world. That's what it means to grow and evolve. And Von has grown quite alot, it seems. It's nice to see you uphold your promise to his mother." Luna replied. Celestia giggled and looked at the blue alicorn.

"I know how much his family means to him and what it means to him just to HAVE a family. I adore my subjects very much. And while he is the son of an old friend, I still see him as one of my subjects and will love him as much as I love them." Celestia replied. "You felt the same way about him, before he and your brother turned against one another."

Luna sighed and shook her head. "I suppose that is true. They truly are related, in more ways than one." As the two continued talking with one another, the door to the castle broke down and a large figure stood in the doorway. Celestia's eyes widened at the sight of the creature, her mouth agape as no words managed to come out. Luna, on the other hand, noticed the dragon right off the bat and let out a sad sigh.

"So Konan did get to you..."



Axel and Arcius continued to put up a fight against the oncoming waves of dragons, but were quickly being worn down. There were just too many of them to handle on their own but they weren't willing to give up just yet. A group of dragons began to surround the two of them, drawing in closer and ready to finish them off.

"Shit. I didn't think it would get like this." Axel said. "If we go down, we should go down fighting. You with me?" Arcius chuckled and looked at his dimwitted friend.

"I was with you the day we became friends." He replied. "I doubt that this is the end. But if we don't make it out of this, then I want to say that I've always thought of you as a great friend. ...Despite you always dragging me into your problems."

"Way to kill the moment." Axel chuckled. "I just hope Gilda will be ok."

"I'm just fine, dweeb!" A female voice called out. The two drakes, as well as the group around them, looked to the sky to see two mares and a griffon coming down. With a swift kick, all three of them each knocked down a dragon and caused the group to disperse and flee.

"Gilda!" Axel shouted with glee, hugging his fiance.

"Daring." Arcius smiled, embracing his pegasus lover. The two of them let go and looked around, seeing that one other was missing in their group. "Where's Von?"

"Von hasn't arrived yet?" Midnight inquired. The two drakes shook their heads, the mare groaning in annoyance. "The minute he heard that Canterlot was under attack, he stormed off without us."

"No doubt, he's angry because he knows Konan is behind the attack." Axel said. "Elder Eldrich would never do something like this. But if Konan is behind this attack, then that means..." Axel fell silent, looking to his companion with sorrow in his eyes.

"It means that Eldrich is dead and Konan has now become king." Arcius concluded. "And if he's king, then no doubt he'll stop at nothing until Equestria has fallen to him. We need to find the leader of this attack and take him down. If the leader goes,t hen everyone else should retreat."

The gang nodded their heads and split up, Arcius and Axel going together and the girls going their own separate ways. The royal guard were having their hands full fending off the small fry, but were putting up as much a fight as they could. No word was received from the princesses, worrying some of the citizens but they were relieved to see Midnight and the others come to their aid.

"Everyone, stay calm!" Midnight yelled. "You'll be safer outside of the city, so gather what you can and get out while you have the chance." At her command, everyone did as they were told and started to head for the city exit. Albeit, in an unorderly fashion but they were safer this way.

On the other ends of the city, Gilda was fighting off some of the draconic invaders while Daring was helping to evacuate the citizens. Gilda was a tough fighter, getting a few scorched feathers and bruises but she couldn't take them all down. She was soon overpowered, struck down to the streets and groaned in pain. The dragon who attacked swooped down to finish the job, but was cutoff and knocked away by Axel, who dove in to save the griffoness. He flew down to her and took her hand, helping her out of the small crater.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Yeah. Thanks, i guess." Gilda replied, her cheeks turning red. She didn't want to admit that he saved her, but reaction did the talking for her. "Don't think this puts you on my good side. We've still got some issues to work out."

"Yeah yeah. Less talk, more fight. Come on!" Axel smirked and flew up into the air, Gilda following behind him and they continued to fight off the horde of dragons. Slowly and surely, their forces were starting to dwindle, but they were still formidable foes.

Eventually, they managed to bring the invasion down to its last legs and a small amount of dragons remained. However, Axel and the others were drained of their will to fight. They'd been fighting for hours on end, feeling like there was no end in sight and when they finally reduced their forces, their bodies had begun to give out.

"Dammit...not now." Axel groaned, his body shaking as he struggled to stay upright. Gilda had used up all her strength to help out, only to be escorted to safety at Axel's request as Arcius was beginning to falter too. The horde of dragons began to draw closer, ready to finish them off until a voice called out to them.

"Hold it!" It said. It was a male voice and it was one that they were very familiar with. As the dragons began to back way, three other dragons stepped up. A purple dragon with a beak-like snout, a brown dragon with a club tail and one red dragon with a cocky demeanor. "Well well, if it isn't Axel and Whitey. Didn't think you guys would ever think to help some ponies. But then again, you're friends with that lame halfling."

"Garble..." Arcius hissed, losing his composure. "Don't tell me you're behind this attack."

"Ha! You wish. Me and the boys are just guiding the others to cause a little mayhem while our so-called leader takes out those namby-pamby pony princesses." The drake replied. His friends, Spear and Gronkle, laughed with him and punched both weakened dragons to the ground. They never fought fair, even back home on the mountain and didn't care what happened as long as they won. They were all full of themselves, something that Von truly hated about them.

"So, where's the little pony-lover at? Did he turn tail and run away?" Spear mocked, staring down at the two dragons. He and Gronkle were like Garble's right-hand dragons. Whenever he showed up, those two were always there beside him to help him cause some trouble.

"I bet he's too scared to even show his ugly face. All talk and no action, a disgrace to all of us dragons." Gronkle added, slamming his tail on the ground. Garble chuckled and grabbed both Axel and Arcius' throats, squeezing tight and smiling at them.

"Even if he isn't here, we can at least enjoy ending the two of you. Death is the only thing you traitors deserve and the ponies will be next in line." He growled, tightening his grip. Axel grabbed onto Garble's hand, trying to pry himself from the drakes' grip but he was too weak to stop him. Arcius was in the same position; Far too exhausted to prevent him from doing anything and gasping for air. They could feel their life beginning to drain, frightened that their lives were about to come to a close.

"Let them go!" A voice shouted, causing the three dragons and the horde to lose their focus. As they looked around to find the source of the voice commanding them to stop, a blue blur shot down from the sky, cutting through two dragons and killing them. The blue figure stood up, rusty sword in hand and turned to face his foes. "Sup guys. Miss me?"

BGM 2

"Von!" Shouted Axel and Arcius, their voices raspy from Garble's torture. Turning his attention back to the task at hand, Von gripped his sword and charged into battle. Wasting little time, Garble released both dragons and commanded the others to attack the kirin.  They obeyed without question and attacked, swiping their claws at Von.

"Whoa!" Von barely dodged their attacks, slightly overwhelmed by both opponents attacking from opposite sides, and swung his sword. His swing wasn't hard enough to deal any major damage but managed to cut across their chests. They continued to attack, forcing Von to block their strikes and gave him no chance to counter. After a few seconds, he found an opening and deflected their strikes, causing them to stumble back and flew into the air. The dragons gave chase, spitting balls of fire to take the kirin down.

Von looked back and saw the attacks coming and dodged the oncoming fireballs one after the other. However, one hit and scorched his chest which caused him to yell out in pain before two more came after that and hit him again, sending him down to one of the buildings Arcius had put out. He got back onto his feet and flew back up into the air, charging at his pursuers head-on. One of the dragons quickly reeled back and shot another fireball at Von, much bigger than the other two and it hit Von, causing it to explode and cover the part of the sky where he was in smoke.

They stayed silent for a few moments, staring at the cloud of smoke before Von burst out from the cloud, his body covered in scorch marks and came at them. In a panic, the two dragons tried to attack him but they reacted too late. With one swift swing, Von sliced deep through their chests. Blood spurted out from their wounds as they fell back to the ground, bleeding to death. Von shook the blood clean off his sword and descended to the ground to help his friends back onto their feet.

"You guys ok?" He asked, smiling at them. The two of them smiled and got back up, Axel grabbing Von in a headlock and rubbing his fist in his hair.

"You dummy. We got worried sick about you!" He scolded playfully, releasing his comrade. Von chuckled, as did Arcius and looked over at the white dragon.

"Welcome back, Von. Did the mission go well?" He asked.

"I'll tell you guys later." Von replied, turning toward Garble and his friends. "But right now, we have bigger things to take care of."

BGM 3

Garble chuckled and clapped his hands together, smiling at Von. "Wow. Never thought you had it in you to kill. Who knew a pony-loving halfbreed freak like you could actually pull something like that off?" he mocked.

"Your words don't bother me anymore, Garble. I've changed since then." The kirin replied, staring the red dragon in the face. They shot each other a silent glare before Von spoke up again. "Who's leading the attack?"

"Heh. Wouldn't you like to know. She's a pretty cruel dragon, more than that Cynder ever could be."

"Don't you DARE talk about my sister like that!" Axel yelled, nearly lashing out at him. Arcius held him back and shook his head, trying to keep his friend under control.

"You've been missing out on alot of things, Von. Everything on the mountain has changed since Konan took the throne." Garble said. Von's eyes widened and he looked at him.

"...What did you just say?" The three dragons cackled and smiled at the kirin while Axel and Arcius had worried expressions on their faces.

"Hey. Think we should tell him?" Gronkle asked.

"Yeah. Better tell him before he starts crying like a little baby~" Spear added, covering his mouth and muffling his laughter. Garble chuckled and nodded his head, turning his attention back to Von.

"You know our king, Eldrich, right? That dusty old coot that kept talking with you?" The dragon smiled as he noticed Von's shaking hands and twitching eye. "Well, Konan took him down...for good. And now he's our new king."

Von stared at Garble for a few seconds before lowering his head. He stayed silent and still for a good while, confusing him and his group of friends before speaking.

"I'll worry about that later," He deadpanned. He lifted his head, revealing that his eyes had lost their color and his skin was beginning to turn a darker shade. Axel placed a hand on his shoulder, calming him down and his skin turned back to normal. Nodding to his friend to thank him, Von took a deep breath and let it out and started to focus. "Right now, I have to take care of you and end this little invasion. First you and then your leader." Hearing his response, Axel and Arcius toughened up and prepared themselves for a fight. Garble and his gang did so as well, facing each other.

Arcius and Gronkle.

Axel and Spear.

Von and Garble.

They had some bad blood between them for years and now, they were going to settle it once and for all. Raising his sword and pointing it to Garble, Von's eyes returned to their normal color. His determination and resolve steeled, ready to end their rivalry and stop the invasion.


	"Get ready Garble. You've had this coming for a lo~ong time!"















Chapter 19-End

> Broken Soul
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 20


BGM 1

"Get ready, Garble. You've had this coming for a lo~ong time." Von said with a threatening tone. His companions gathered around as they knew conflict was inevitable. If they could take out Garble and his crew here, then they could focus on finding the one behind the invasion.

"Heh. Let's see if you're still as weak as before, pony lover." Garble mocked before spreading his wings and taking to the skies. Gronkle and Spear followed behind and after a moment of silence, the trio flew up after them and spread out as they each targeted a specific one.

Von wasted little time and attacked Garble in a flurry of fast swings. He and Garble had fought before, so he knew he was no pushover. He'd grown so much in the short time he'd been away from the mountain all to pursue his dream and in that time, he got stronger. Faster. Smarter. He wasn't going to let them get away for what they'd done.

For Equestria's sake, for his friends and all the innocent ponies, he would stop them here and now. It was his duty to protect them. And he would protect them with his life.

As their confrontation went on, so did the battle between Arcius and Gronkle. Gronkle was not the fastest of dragons but he was one of the strongest. His hulking frame protected him from many forms of damage and was able to use his own weight to put more power into his attacks and his flame breath was devastating.  Arcius wasn't the best fighter, but was more of a strategist. And being an ice dragon with a rather fragile body meant disaster for him. One wrong move and he would take some serious injuries.

Fire and ice shot through the sky as the two of them fought, Arcius doing his best to maintain some distance between him and Gronkle. The brown dragon merely chuckled as he watched and noticed what he was doing. To him, it seemed like he was scared. He knew the overwhelming power he possessed and how strong he was compared to the dragon before him. It wouldn't be too hard for him to close the distance and wail on him. But he wanted to toy with him; Freak him out.

"What's the matter, ice boy? You scared?" The dragon taunted. Arcius paid no mind to his words and continued keeping the  dragon at bay, shards of ice erupting from his maw but they did little damage as they hit Gronkle's body. The chubby dragon chuckled let out streams of fire in his direction, the white dragon swerving and evading the attacks. However, as Arcius dodged one of the blasts, Gronkle quickly closed in and socked him right in his face. The impact of the punch sent him hurdling to the ground, wanting to inflict some extra damage but Arcius spread his wings open, lowering the speed of his descent and flew back up towards him to continue the fight.

Axel was hardly fairing well against Thistle. He was fast; Crazy fast! Add that onto the fact that he loved boasting and you've got one annoying opponent. That was what Axel had to deal with. Axel's blows were barely able to connect with the drake as everytime he managed to find an opening, Thistle would just dodge before he had a chance to hit him. On top of this, Thistle liked to hit and run. Once Axel tried to counter, he'd dodge around to the other side and get in a quick blow before retreating.

"Come on, little Axel. I know you can do better than that." Thistle called out. Axel growled and shot bursts of fireballs at the dragon in rapid succession, but he blocked them using his wings as a shield and charged in. Axel balled his claw into a fist, ready to strike Thistle down, but as he swung, Thistle struck a blow to his stomach and caused Axel to reel over in pain before stepping back.

"Y-you little fuck..." Axel spat, coughing as he held his stomach. "Quit screwing around and fight me for real."

"Oh, but I am fighting you for real. You're just too damn slow." Thistle remarked. "You've always been slower than me and that's why I always come out on top." The dragon continued to mock Axel as he flew in circles overhead, just waiting for a chance to show him up again. Axel really couldn't stand his attitude. It was one thing to actually have power, but it was another thing to go flaunting it around all willy-nilly. He needed to end this quickly before anything worse happened to Canterlot.

Up in the air, Von and Garble were duking it out with all their strength. Steel against claw, Von and Garble were offsetting each others' attacks before they separated from one another. Von was working up more of a sweat than Garble was due to the previous events, but the dragon was almost as worked up as he was.

"Well well. You've gotten better since the last time i saw you. Months ago, you were just a pathetic weakling who would only sit and dream of a life he could never have." Garble said. "And now...well, you're even more annoying than before since you're actually fighting back."

"That's because I remember who I truly am and what I really want to do with my life." Von replied, looking down at his sword. "I am Von Dragonblade, son of Ignus Dragonblade. I share the same dream as my father, to bring coexistence to dragons and ponies. And with what you're doing, you're getting in the way of the chance of it actually happening. I may not be a true dragon or a true pony, but I know that I am me and I will do whatever it takes to make that dream come to light!"

Von and Garble charged at one another again, exchanging blow for blow with full intent to take down the other. "And what make you think such a stupid dream will ever come about?" Garble roared, knocking the kirin backwards. "Dragons are superior to those equine weaklings. Only the strong can survive and this is the law of the world. We dragons will overtake them, just as it is meant to be."

"You're wrong!" Von yelled back at him. "Dragons are not superior to ponies, but they are not superior to us either. We are equal in all senses. There may be differences between us in power, but what really counts is that we are equal in strength of heart. We were created equal!"

"We were created to rule! To conquer. You can't deny you never felt like that before." Garble retorted, throwing Von off his guard. "Don't think I didn't forget. Growing up, I saw you being just like us. Trying to be one of us. Wanting to be strong, wanting to feel superior. That is what we are meant to do."

Von stayed silent for a moment as he thought about it. There was a time growing up, when he was forced to live on the mountains after his father's death, he started to act no different than any of the other dragons. But it wasn't like he really wanted to. Konan forced it upon him, beating his will and teachings into him. Silva was still torn over the death of Ignus to the point where she paid no mind to it. But by the time she came to her senses, Von had already changed.

But in spite of this, Silva still did her best for him. To try and teach him that ponies and dragons could get along. That they could be together in harmony. If it were not the case...

"If that was the case, then I wouldn't be alive." Von said. As he spoke, his friends were still giving their all to try and stop Garble's companions. "Ponies and dragons can come together in harmony without the need to conquer or rule. I am proof that two great races can come together and do something wonderful. I was born because my parents, two different beings, came together and fell in love. My mother did not want to conquer. My father did not want to slay her. They wanted to be together and that's all the incentive I need to seek my goal! I will not give up until I see it come to light, even for a moment and I won't let someone like you get in my way!"

As Von finished speaking, something started to flash on his body. The red dragon glared at him as Von stood in defiance, wielding his father's sword for the sake of their dream. Once the flash had gone away, a symbol had been revealed near Von's rear. A blue shield depicting a rising sun, symbolizing hope of a new dawn: Von's Cutie Mark. "I will fight for what I believe in or die trying. But until that day comes, I will make my own choices and stand against you!" He bellowed as he dashed toward the dragon at high speed, leaving Garble dumbfounded  as he was too slow to defend and was swiftly thrown back by the force of Von's swing.

On the other side, Arcius and Axel poured all their strength into their attacks and beat down the opposing dragons. Gronkle was breathing hard from having put too much power into his attacks while Arcius was barely breaking a sweat.

"What the hell... How are you beating me?!" He asked. Arcius scoffed and gave the dragon an icy glare, causing Gronkle to be paralyzed with fear.

"Simple. You think power means everything. That if you're strong, nothing will be able to stand in your way and you will be victorious every time. But you're wrong. Power is not everything and there are many who feel the same as I do. There is more to this life than having power. There is the will to learn new things and try them out, to go across the land and see that which many have not seen before. To find love and forge your own future." The white dragon explained. "I don't need power to make my way in this world. If all you have is power...then you are powerless!"

Gronkle groaned in agony and turned away from his kin and looked over at Garble and Von. He could see that Von was not backing down, even knowing that Garble had the advantage of sheer power; Of true dragon blood on his side. He was giving his all for what he believed in. And here he was, on the ground having been defeated by Arcius. His strength overcome by Arcius, who was by all means weaker than he was in physical might.

"Damn it... Forget this. You're on your own, Garble." He told himself and with what power he had, he spread his wings and flew away from the scene. Arcius watch him go and Axel saw the brown dragon flying away into the distance before turning back to Thistle.

"Looks like your friend finally gave up. If I were you, I'd follow his example and leave as well." Axel said, turning back to his opponent. Thistle growled and struggled to get back onto his feet, but failed. He was out of breath, just as much as Axel was from their battle.

"N-no...I can win! I'm better than you. Better than all of you! You and that filthy half-breed!" Thistle yelled. Axel chuckled and smiled at his brethren, amused by his bravado.

"I'm better than you. I'm the greatest. The more you say those words, the you show just how weak you really are. Someone with power does not boast. Someone with talent does not show off. If you're really as great as you said you were, then there would be no need for such big talk." He pointed out. Thistle grit his teeth, glaring at the yellow dragon as he continued talking. "You don't need to talk big in order to prove that you are strong or that you can do things that others can't. Such things should go without saying. But if you constantly need to brag about it, then it just shows that you can't really do anything."

"Shut up!" The purple dragon yelled at the top of his lungs, pounding at the ground under him. "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!!! I AM better than you! You could barely even land a hit on me earlier."

"I'll admit. When it comes to speed, you are much better than me." Axel admitted. He balled his hand into a fist, biting his lip as he thought about how overwhelmed he felt by him. "It annoys me knowing that someone can be better than me. To beat me down with little effort. But...that's just part of life. There's always going to be someone better than me. And I shouldn't let that get to me." He started to smile and looked back toward where Von was. "I know for a fact that Von is better than me. We dragons may be able to grow powerful and can live for a long time...but Von...there's something much different about him from the rest of us. Not his race...but there's just something."

Axel turned his attention back to the dragon before him and stood ready, prepared to beat him down should he make a move. "I'm not going to kill you. But I won't let you guys have your way any longer. You're going to live with the fact that you've been beaten. Leave now or I'll remind you again just how weak you are." He said.

Thistle remained silent as he mulled over his decision. He was far too exhausted and wounded to continue fighting, despite the urge to get back up and put Axel in his place. But he knew when he'd been outdone and with a sigh of defeat, he spread his wings and flew off.

As Thistle flew away and Garble gained enough distance from Von, he turned to notice that both of his allies had deserted him. "What? Hey! Get back here, you cowards!" He yelled, but neither Thistle nor Gronkle came at his call.

"You're all alone now, Garble." Von said, pointing the tip of his blade at him. "You're outnumbered three to one. My friends have gotten the citizens of Canterlot to safety and you're the only one that remains. Leave now and never return. If you so much as step foot in Equestria and harm any of my friends...any of its inhabitants...I will personally see to it that you never do it again. Do I make myself clear?"

Garble stared straight into Von's eyes as he said that, trying his best to remain composed while Von just glared at him. Looking closely, he could see that Von's glare had a similar feeling to the glare of another. His eyes...they were full of intent to kill, something very unlike Von. Chuckling, the dragon relented and dropped his stance. "You think I'm the last one...but you got one more to deal with, dumbass."

"What do you mean?" Von inquired. "Explain yourself!" As he spoke, bolts of magic and lightning shot out from the windows of Canterlot Castle and when Von was distracted, Garble flew off after his two companions. Von paid no mind to him as he focused more on the castle and what was going on. His friends flew up to his side, still exhausted from their bout and looked over at him.

"Think Konan might be there?" Axel asked. Von shook his head and turned to his friends.

"I doubt it. Konan's a warmonger, but I doubt he'd come here with such a small force. I'll head to the castle and see what's going on. You guys go join Daring and Gilda and try to see if you can help aid everyone else." He told them. The two drakes nodded their heads, pounding their fists together before they separated. Von had a bad feeling about whatever was going on in the castle. Whoever was in there, they were tainted: Possessed by the same foul darkness that had consumed Cynder and the same that Nova took upon himself. He didn't know if Bastion was the same, but something would have to be done about him as well. No matter the cost, he would protect everyone from it and stop a war from breaking out.

"Dad...ancestors...please guide me."



BGM 2

Celestia and Luna were sent backwards by the force of the lightning, the both of them shooting bolts of magic at their attacker. They were starting to show signs of exhaustion, having used up too much magical power and could barely move around long enough to avoid an attack. As the attacker prepared another attack, Von came crashing in through one of the windows and slashed his sword at it. His attack connected, but didn't cut deep however the attack threw the dragon off balance and Von turned to get a better look at it.

It was another dragoness, but the dark powers flowing through her veins corrupted her body beyond recognition. It was the same situation Cynder was in, but she was able to retain her sense of self somehow. This one, however, was fully consumed by the dark powers she was given.

"Von!" Celestia cried, earning the kirin's attention. She tried to get back on her feet, but she was too worn out to muster up the energy. Von shook his head and walked over to her, kneeling beside her.

"It's alright. I'll take care of this." He said. He kissed her forehead and quickly turned and charged at the dragon, gripping his sword in both hands. "Whatever Konan has done to you, I will free you from your pain!"

"Von, wait!  You mustn't fight her!" Celestia called out. However, Luna took her sister's hand and forced it back down and shook her head. The alicorn closed her eyes and turned her head and looked on at the kirin as he battled fiercely with the dragoness.

Bursts of wind and flashing lightning resounded throughout the main hall as Von did what he could to offset the dragoness' attacks. She was slow, but her breath attack was fierce. Von, however, was highly confused about her attacks. There were no known lightning users up on the mountain. "So why is she..." As he thought aloud, the dark dragon shot another stream of lightning in his direction, catching him off guard and he was forced to use his sword as a means of defense.

The force of the lightning managed to force Von down on one knee as he struggled to withstand its power. One wrong move and it would likely be the end of him. As he continued to block the stream, he heard what sound like a cracking noise. It wasn't from him, but it was in front of him. Upon a closer look, he noticed a crack in his father's sword that only seemed to grow bigger as he blocked the attack.

"N-no...please, don't break." He told himself, praying that the obvious would not come about. Unfortunately, it did. Unable to endure any further, Von was sent flying backwards as the blade of his sword snapped in two from the force of the lightning. He groaned in pain as he struggled back onto his feet, still holding what was left of the weapon. He looked down at the remains sadly, upset that he allowed his father's prized weapon to be destroyed after so long. "N-no... Why you--!" Von growled angrily, feeling power started to surge inside of him but he quickly calmed himself down before he lost control. He didn't want that to happen again. Not ever again. "...I won't be like any of you. Not again. For Stormy..."

"..." The dragoness simply stared at the kirin in silence, the only sound coming from her being a low raspy breath as she stumbled toward him. Von scoffed and tossed the handle of the sword to the ground and darted toward the dragoness and jumped to the side as she launched another stream of lightning at him. He moved close to her and swiped his claw at her shoulder, creating large gashes as she roared in pain.

Looks like she can't handle physical strikes, he thought. That means I can end this quick. Moving in as quick as he could, Von extended his claws and started swinging wildly at the dragoness. Though she moved slow, she did the best she could to block some of his attacks. However, Von was much faster than she was and he managed to land multiple hits on her body. Celestia, seeing that Von was being more aggressive, started to get back up onto her feet and moved toward their position. Luna saw this and tried to get up as well in order to stop her.

"V-Von, stop! Don't..." Celestia cried, but she was stopped by a magical force as Luna's magic was holding her feet in place.

"I must! Anyone who is possessed by this darkness can't be cured by normal means." Von said, clawing at the dragoness with more effort. "The only way to save them...to keep them from suffering..." As he spoke, the dragoness took a swing at him and he ducked under her arm. With all his strength, he lunged his arm forward and his claws pierced through her chest. "...is through death."

Celestia looked on in horror, staring at Von's blood-coated arm as he pulled it out of the dragoness. The drake in question slowly looked down at him with a blank expression, but he noticed that her eye was shaking. It was if she was afraid, quivering with fear. She fell to her knees and onto her side as her blood started to pool around her.

"Von...what have you done?" Celestia said, breaking the silence. "I told you....I had told you not to do it."

"I had to. If I left her alone, she would continue to suffer until Orcus would decide to end her life on his own." Von replied. "It was the best option."

"...I can understand that you wouldn't want her to suffer." Celestia said, wiping her eyes as she started to tear up. "...But take a closer look at her. And tell me again if it was the best choice." Von raised a brow in confusion and looked over at the dragoness and saw the darkness fading from her body. As it did, Von's eyes widened in terror and he slowly backed away from the dragoness before dropping to his knees.

BGM 3

"N-no....I-it can't be..." He looked on in horror as the faded darkness revealed the smokey silver body of Silva, his own mother. "M-mom...no. This can't be happening..."

Silva chuckled lightly, coughing up blood as she looked up at the half-breed with hopeful eyes. "You've really grown up. Your father would be so proud of you." Von shook his head as tears welled up in his eyes and he scooted closer to her.

"No...no, mom. He IS proud of me. I saw him again. I don't know how, but something or someone gave him another chance. He misses us dearly. He misses you. I know he does." He cried, holding the dragoness' hand. Silva chuckled and coughed again, turning her head in the direction of the princess.

"Tia...it's been so long. How long has it been?"

"About 13 years, my dear..." Celestia replied sorrowfully. "13 years, I dreaded that this day would come." Von blinked and looked over at the alicorn and back to his mother.

"M-mom, what is she talking about?" He asked, looking back at Celestia. "What are you talking about?!" Luna groaned and mustered up enough strength to get back onto her feet and looked at the kirin.

"A long time ago, when you were still just learning how to fly, your mother had gone to my sister about a predicament she had." She said. "Something that would further tear your family apart for not just her, but for you as well."

"She had a vision..." Celestia continued. "That one day, something would bring about her death. At the time she had it, she had seen you. Images of you attacking her....and crying over her body." Von allowed the words to sink in before growling at the two princesses and raised his fist in defiance.

"You're wrong! N-nothing like that would happen! I can't be...it's not..."

"They're telling the truth, sweetie." Silva interrupted, drawing Von's attention to her. "...You were to be the cause of my death. I know it must hurt, but sometimes fate has its ways of arranging things like this. There was nothing that could be done..."

"No. Mom, please don't say that." Von cried, staring at her. "T-there's still time. We can get you to a hospital! Get your wounds patched up. We can be together again. You can meet all my new friends and--" Von was interrupted once more as Silva gently placed a claw on his lip and smiled at him.

"You know as well as I do that it won't be able to happen." She said. "Just talking is taking up what little strength I have left. So I can at least do this for you." Silva held her chest in pain as she could feel her energy starting to leave her. "Konan is working alongside with some dark force and has taken over the mountain. And even worse... Eldrich, your elder, was slain by Konan."

"What?!" Von's eyes widened in shock at the sudden news. Cynder was right about what she had told him before. Konan was planning to rebel against Eldrich from the beginning and aimed to become the Dragon King.

"He used the same dark force that I could sense inside Nova on me to turn me into what you all saw earlier. I was still aware of what was going on around me...the dragons I commanded, the ponies I had hurt. I'm so ashamed of myself..." The dragoness closed her eyes and started to tear up, Von wiping away her tears as she did.

"It's ok, mom. Everything's fine now. The ponies were moved to a safer area...and my friends and I are going to do what we can to stop Konan from having his way." He said, smiling at her. "I promise."

The dragoness giggled softly and touched her son's cheek, staring at him warmly. "You're so much like your father. ...I can tell that one day, you will bring your father's dream to light." She smiled and started to cry softly, scared of leaving her son. Scared of no longer being able to see him again. Von and Celestia were crying in turn while Luna simply looked away from them. "Seek the elders, Von..."

"The Elders?"

"They...will help give you...the strength you need to beat him." Silva said, her vision starting to fade. "You...are our hope. ....Don't ever forget....." The dragoness slowly pulled Von's head to her and kissed him on the forehead as her grip suddenly loosened and her breath fell silent. Her claw fell to the floor, but the smile from her lips never faded as her life had finally given out and her body faded away. Celestia stared at Von as he knelt there, grieving the loss of his last living relative and reached out to him.

"Von..."

"You knew..." Von interrupted, gritting his teeth as he suddenly got on his feet and turned toward her. "Why?! Why didn't you tell me this would happen?!" Celestia remained silent, knowing that she full well deserved Von's anger for keeping such a secret from him. 'Answer me! Why would you keep something like this from me?!"

"...Had I told you before...Would you have let her live and suffer in her corrupted form?" She asked. Von was set to respond, but all that came were cries of pain, sadness and anger. Celestia had made a promise to Silva, in preparation for this day: The day when Von would lose yet another that he loved.

His father, Ignus...

His lover, Storm Front...

And now his mother, Silva. Celestia walked over to Von and embraced him, wanting to do something...Anything to ease his pain. She hugged him gently, rubbing the back of his head like a loving mother would and allowed him to cry his heart out. Luna stared at the two of them and walked away from them, allowing them to have a moment to grieve the loss of such a kindred spirit.

Outside of Canterlot, the skies had darkened as the clouds were moved into formation and rain began to pour down over the burning buildings. Daring, Gilda, Arcius and Axel looked on to the castle and hoped that everything was all over. The citizens remained silent and waited for a sign from their princesses that everything was now ok. However, something clicked inside of Arcius and Axel as they felt a sudden rush of sadness fill their hearts. Looking to one another, they realized what had just happened as they turned toward their lovers and led them away from the crowd.

"A-Arcius? What's going on?" Daring cried in protest.

"Yeah, what gives?!" Gilda added. They looked at the two dragons and could see the sadness in their eyes as their mood suddenly dampened as well.

"We need to go." Arcius said. "Von...needs some time."










...Hm? What's going on? Where am I?, Silva thought. She opened her eyes and found herself within a white void, empty of any form of life around her. One moment, she had passed before the eyes of her only child. And the next, she was still alive...or so she thought. Looking around, her gaze was suddenly met with the visage of a blue pony that was moving toward her position.

"It seems that your time has come early..." The pony called out, smiling at her. Silva's eyes widened in shock as tears filled her eyes as the pony got closer, revealing itself to be none other than her husband. "I thought I wouldn't see you for another hundred years."

"Ignus..." She closed her eyes and turned away from her lover, but her gaze fell back on him when he took her claw in his hand.

"It's alright. I already know." Ignus said, his expression softening. "Von...did what he had to do. For both of us." He smiled up at her and she smiled back at him.

"But...who told you?" She asked. Ignus chuckled and looked past her, nodded his head to a figure behind her. Silva turned around to see a dark blue mare standing there and watching them. "Princess...Luna?"

"Thank you...Lumen." Ignus said, causing Silva to twist her head back toward him.

"Lumen? Who is--"

"There is little time to be asking such questions, Silva Dragonblade." 'Luna' said. "It is time to go." With those final words, she vanished before their eyes. Silva looked down sadly until Ignus took her claw once more and gently pulled her toward a bright light.

"Come on. It's time for us to go now." He said. "We've done all that we can..." Silva stared at her stallion lover and closed her eyes. A single tear dropped down her cheek as she smiled and slowly nodded her head.

"Yes. We've done all that we can now. There is nothing left that we can teach..."



























The rest is up to him...

Chapter 20-End

	
	
	
	
	
	
> To achieve your goals...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


How long has it been since I had this dream?

It's been...almost a year since I last had it. I can never forget it.


~20 years ago~

BGM 1

"Father, look! I can finally breathe fire." Shouted a young dragon.

I was just coming of age where my powers were starting to develop. I was so happy with myself. Happy I could finally do things like my father and all the others...

"Do you really think such a small puff of flame is enough to be proud of?" Growled the father. "Until you can release a real flame, I don't want to hear anything about it!"

My father was a rather...uptight individual. No matter what small achievement I got, my father would down it in almost an instant. Everytime I did something I should've been happy about...I didn't bother. I didn't cheer or get worked up. I just...stayed silent. And as the years passed and my powers continued to grow...

"That's good. You've gotten better. You're finally becoming the warrior I'd hope you'd be." Said the grown dragon.

"Thank you...father."

For the first time in a long while, I actually felt...happy. But it wasn't real happiness. I managed to make my father proud, but not the way I wanted to. Instead of being true to myself...I let myself get swept up with the events and strove to be what my father wanted me to become. From that day forth, I abandoned my dreams and decided to stay the son my father wanted me to become; The son he could actually be proud of...



Nova slowly opened his eyes and scoffed, looking up at the sky. He sat atop the edge of a cliff, allowing the chaos to run rampant in Canterlot City as he awaited news of the success of their invasion. However, he noticed something off in the distance and got up from his perch to notice that it was the forces he accompanied retreating.

"I see. So they managed to be pushed back. Then that would mean..." Looking down at the castle, he heard what sounded like a cry of pain, but also cries of sadness. They sounded very familiar to him, which caused him to smile. Grabbing his sword, he spread his wings and jumped off the cliff and down to the castle.

Inside, Von was crying into Celestia's shoulders when their embrace was parted as Nova suddenly entered the chamber. Von glared at him with his reddened eyes as he reached for the broken remains of his sword when Celestia stopped him.

"Don't, Von. You're in no condition to fight." She said.

"The princess speaks the truth. Stay your blade. I've not come to fight you. In fact, I've come to talk with you." The dragon replied, placing his sword at his side. Von was still grieving the loss of his mother and seeing that he was unstable, Celestia took the opportunity to speak on his behalf.

"What do you wish to talk about?" She asked. "As you can see, there's not much to talk about with the current situation." Nova stared at her in silence before diverting his attention to Von.

BGM 2

"You see it now, don't you?" He asked, causing Von's ears to perk up. "These are the types of trials you must be willing to go through to achieve this dream of yours."

"...Trials? You think that this was a trial? That killing my own mother was some sort of test?!" Von yelled, stumbling over a bit. "What in the hell makes you think you have the right to say such a thing?! My mother...All she wanted...all we wanted was a life of peace. Harmony amongst our brethren."

"And to get that happiness is a trial in itself. There is nothing you can go through in life where you won't be tested." Nova replied. "If you really want to be happy, you must be willing to make sacrifices."

"What?!" Von growled as his eyes shrank to slits and his tone grew darker. "My mother was not a sacrifice! Nothing like this should be determined. Nothing like this was meant to happen!"

"And who are you to decide what can and can't happen?!" The black dragon yelled, shutting Von up. "There are many things that happen that we cannot control or that are undetermined. Sometimes...things just happen. But the things that can happen or are about to happen...you can change those. Your mother foresaw her death and yet, she couldn't avoid it if she wanted to. Why do you think that was?"

Von stayed silent and mulled over his words, still angry with him until he came up with an answer. "Something happened that prevented that..."

"Precisely. And that thing...just so happened to be my father." The dragon sighed and turned his head away, his calm expression fading. "My father has made contact with a dark force and has been using it in order to secure his reign as king. You've seen first hand just what this dark power is capable of from Cynder and I."

Von remained silent as he thought about Cynder's death and Storm's. "But... To be honest, I don't support this. My father has strayed away from what I believe it means to be a true dragon and has become obsessed with his thirst for power. Even as we speak, he is likely planning on waging a full scale attack on Equestria. So, I will tell you this." Nova grabbed his sword and spread his wings, hovering into the air as he spoke to them. "Gather what allies you can and prepare for the battle to come. I will not hold back when we meet again."

"Why are you telling us this?" Celestia asked. Nova went silent and chuckled softly.

"To be honest...I don't know. Everything that I've been doing...I've done for him. To make him proud. Even if it meant straying from the path I wanted to follow. But...sometimes to do the right thing, we must give up what we want most. Even our dreams." He replied as a single tear dripped down his cheek. He looked over at Von and straightened his face. "Decide for yourself how far you are willing to go to achieve your dream. You wish for coexistence for all, a dream that many would consider impossible. To do something like that, you will have to go through many hardships and may get swept away by your emotions. Don't. Because there will be times that in order to achieve your goals, you must be emotionless."

"Nova..." Von softly spoke, wiping away his tears. The black dragon remained silent and with those last words, he took off and flew straight for home.

"...You're strong, Von. Very strong. But you still have much to learn. Not everything in this world will go your way. You must understand this and adapt to make your dreams possible..."

Von and Celestia stood silent as Nova departed. The kirin looked over at the remains of his sword, fighting back tears as the alicorn approached him. "Will you be ok?" She asked.

"...Yeah." Von replied, sniffing and wiping his eyes. "I'll be fine. I...need to return these to dad. He...It belongs mainly to him. This sword meant alot to him and it's only right that I give it back."

"...Alright." Celestia smiled at him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "As for what Nova said...he is right. I'll ask the guard to prepare their defenses and send whomever I can with you to stop Nova's father before this breaks into a fullscale war."

"No. It's alright." Von replied, denying her request. "Have the guards stationed in Canterlot and Ponyville. I'm sure Luna will help even if we don't ask her to. Midnight, Daring and Gilda can help keep the town on lockdown so that there won't be any other casualties."

"And what about you?" Von stayed silent and grit his teeth, thinking about what he would do when he thought of something. It would be risky, but he had no other place to turn to.

"I remember Eldrich telling me of some old dragons back when I was little. Ancient dragons that lived longer than most of us, maybe as long as you and Luna, that held untold power and wisdom. Their knowledge of the world passed down through many generations until they faded to legend. But unknownst to us, they were still among us all this time."

"Von?" Celestia was taken back by what he was telling her. She knew what he was talking about, but the mere thought of him going there was insane. Even if he was of draconic descent, there was a chance they wouldn't listen to him and could even end him. But instead of protesting, Celestia simply nodded her head as Von turned to her with a confident expression on his face.



"I'm taking Axel and Arcius with me and no one else. We're going to confront the Dragon Elders and seek their aid."

> Guidance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 21


About an hour had passed since Von's mother passed before his eyes. Celestia went back to check on him in the guest room every few moments to make sure he was okay, but he insisted that he was. He was determined to venture out in order to seek aid, but for the moment he wished to be alone. Respecting his wishes, the white alicorn let him be and proceeded to go about her duties. In spite of her body disappearing, Celestia was still willing to hold a small ceremony in honor of Silva's passing.

Axel and Arcius bowed their heads in respect, tears drenching their eyes. In addition to Von and Elder Eldrich, they were the only other dragons who were close to Von's mother so it was taking a toll on them as well. Von, Silva, Cynder and the elder were like a second family to them and though they never met him, they considered Ignus family as well. And now that family was reduced to the three of them. As they paid their respects, Gilda and Daring had been sent into Canterlot to help those who were injured, suffering from loss or repairing their homes to get things back in order.

Though they never really knew her, Daring and Gilda were willing to believe that Von's mother was a kind dragoness and that she was lucky to have raised such a noble child like him. The guards lent a hand as best they could, focusing on their duty but paid their respects to the fallen dragoness while Celestia remained inside. The princess herself was feeling her fair share of pain. Silva was a trusted friend and could never have been more honored to be looking after the boy she and Ignus raised so dearly. For them to bypass the laws of the land and share an interracial relationship, regardless of what others thought, was a noble feat in itself. But now she had lost two great friends and Von had lost his family. Though he had his friends and her to be by his side, she knew nothing could be hurting him more than to have lost the two figures that had brought him into this harsh world.

She knew the feeling of losing her family. She could still never forgive herself for banishing Luna all those years ago, and yet Luna herself was redeemed and seemed to harbor no ill will toward her sister for that day now. The lunar princess in question, however, was nowhere to be found which left Celestia feeling concerned. But she knew well that whatever Luna was doing, she could handle it herself. All around, Von's closest friends were all grieving the loss of the dragon who helped raise him to be who he has become. But a single thought did run rampant through all of their minds: How was Von holding up?



BGM 1

"Why?" The kirin muttered to himself. He sat on the bed, door locked and stared down at his hands: Hands stained with the blood of the one who birthed his egg. "Why is this happening? Why is everyone I love leaving me like this?" His eyes were wide open, staring down at the hands he used to kill. He never wanted to kill anyone as it was something he could never truly approve of. He knew that some things required certain actions...but now he wasn't so certain. In order to stop Konan, he knew he'd have to kill him and possibly Nova if he stood in his way.


You can't protect them...


"But how can I even hope to do all of this if I can't even protect the ones I love?!" He yelled, punching the mattress as hard as he could.

Storm. Eldrich. His father and his mother. All of them died before he could even tell them how he was feeling about his choice. To tell them the stories of his adventures in the land of his birth. To walk with them hand in hand as he tried to forge his own future and continued to try and see that his dream would come to light. To come home and be praised, even if he failed. But he couldn't have that. Whatever force was at work, it felt to him like its intent was to take away all he cared for.

Storm Front; His very first lover, murdered by Nova when the killing blow was meant for Von. He wanted to tell her how he much he truly truly loved her.

You couldn't save her...

Eldrich; His teacher, usurped by Konan long after his departure. He wanted to have one last lesson from him before he made his mark as an adult.

You failed him...

Ignus Dragonblade; His own father, betrayed by his closest friend and comrade. When they finally got to meet after so much time had passed, they were pulled apart once more by the grip of death.

You failed as his son...

Silva Dragonblade; His own mother, corrupted long after he left...and murdered by his own two hands. He longed to tell her how much he'd grown in the short time he'd been away. How many friends he was making and even how he and Celestia met yet again. He wanted to tell everyone all the good he was doing and how he wanted to do more.

Murderer...

But he couldn't now. They were all gone, taken from him before he even had the chance to really share his story with anyone. Tears filled Von's eyes, tears he held back for so long as he finally broke down. He wrapped his arms and wings around his own body, wanting to be held; Embraced and told that everything would be okay. That things would get better and encourage him to keep trying. He wanted to believe that more than anything, but the pain was too much. Many voices were playing over and over in his head, some he knew very well and others he couldn't really make out that were pushing his positive thoughts down.


Stay away from that thing

Monster


You're so weak...


Stay away from my children!


There are many things that happen that we cannot control

Demon spawn


You can't protect anyone...



You refuse to see things my way. Just like that pathetic father of yours

"I've done everything that I can and things keep turning out the way I don't want them to!" He growled, punching the mattress he was sitting on. "I'm still too weak." As Von continued to berate himself, a sudden knock came to his door and snapped him from his thoughts. Before he could answer, the door opened revealing a dark blue alicorn. "Luna..."

"How long do you continue to sit and mope? Are you not Von Dragonblade, son of the proud Ignus Dragonblade; Former Captain of the Sacred Guard?" She asked. Von remained silent and turned his head from her before she continued speaking. "I understand your pain, knowing that you won't be able to see those loved ones again. But know that they will not hold it against you. They, too will be sad to know that they can no longer see you mature."

This seemed to grab Von's attention and calm him down, at least a bit. "What do you mean?"

"I saw to it that your parents could remain together in the afterlife." Luna replied. "They have left everything to you now." Now Von was confused. How was she, the Princess of the Night and ruler of dreams, able to commune with the spirits of the dead? That wasn't possible. Luna couldn't do that...

"...Who are you?" He asked. "I may not know Luna all that much, but I don't recall there being any stories of her being able to talk to or guide the dead. You're not really Luna, are you?"

Silence lingered in the air between them, Von staring down the princess and 'Luna' did so in turn. Soon after, she let out a soft chuckle and smiled at Von. "I'm impressed. For someone who has no education, you're very smart." She said. "But you are indeed right. I am not Luna, but I also am at the same time."

"What do you mean?" Von inquired. He was curious as to what was going on. Who was this person claiming to be Luna but wasn't her all at once?

"In body and spirit, I am Luna. But in mind, I am not. Luna is my descendant and I have taken refuge inside of her body in order to aid Celestia in an upcoming conflict." 'Luna' explained. "I have my suspicions, but I pray that I am not correct." Von raised a questioning brow at her, feeling somewhat skeptical about all of this. "I understand that you have your doubts, as expected of the new generation. Celestia also doubted me when I told her as well, until I told her of knowledge known only by those who existed before her and Luna's rise to the throne."

"Existed before her?" He asked. "You mean...the princesses weren't the first equines to come to be?"

"That is correct." 'Luna' replied. "The stories tell that Celestia and Luna were the first and rose to be the goddesses that you all revere them as. But twas all a lie to cover up the truth; To forget the rise and fall of The Old Ones because of the folly of one. And it was during this event that your ancestor, the first Kirin to come to be, was also caught up in the dilemma. And I fear you may as well." She stared down at him and Von was staring right back at her, soaking in the information she exchanged.

He was not the first Kirin ever. There was another long before him, in a time before Celestia and Luna. The princesses were not the goddesses that all the stories revered them as and instead, they came after. This figure had information about the past that no one else even knew of except those who lived long ago. And she claimed that Luna was her descendant.

"Wait. Are you--"

"There will come a time when I will reveal everything to you, Von." 'Luna' said, interrupting him before he could ask anything further. "For now, there is a conflict before you that must be resolved. And though many lives were lost along the way, you must ensure that yours does not become lost as well. The memories of your family will carry on in you. As long as you live, they are not truly gone."

"...I understand." Von silently spoke, placing a hand over his heart. "If I remember them, then they aren't really dead." With a silent nod, 'Luna' smiled at him and turned away from him and began to walk out the door. "H-hey, wait! If you aren't Luna, then what do I call you?"

The mare stopped in her tracks and hid a smile as she replied, "When Luna is not in charge...just call me Lumen." And with that, she walked away from him. Von stood alone in his room, feeling calmer and more determined than before. Deep inside, he could still hear his own thoughts calling out to him.


You're too weak


"No. I'm not weak. As long as I have my friends by my side and keep the memories of the fallen alive, I'm never weak." He assured himself, smiling and walked out of the door.

Celestia was still sitting on her throne, having taken care of any official business that was needed of her and was set to go to her chambers when she saw Von enter. Joy filled her heart as she was glad to see that Von was well enough to come out of his room. "How are you feeling, Von?"

"Better than ever." The kirin replied, smiling at the princess and gave her a hug. She embraced him tightly for a moment before letting go. "I'm ready to head out now."

"About time." A familiar voice spoke, causing Von to turn his head and see his two friends approaching. "We've been waiting forever." Arcius had said as they got closer to their friend.

"Heh. I'm sorry for making you guys wait for so long. I hope I didn't worry you." Von apologized, lowering his head. As he did, Axel wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled Von in, rubbing his fist against the top of his head.

"We wouldn't have worried so much if you just came and talked to us. We're your friends and we always will be." The yellow dragon said, smiling as Von struggled to break free from his grasp while laughing.

"Okay. Okay! I get it, now let go." He cried as Axel released him. The two of them chuckled lightly while Arcius remained on the side, smiling at the two of them. "I'm ready now."

"I would hope so." Arcius said, his tone and expression serious. "The Elders await us once we leave Equestria. Are you sure you're prepared to see them?" Both dragons waited patiently for Von's answer, as did Celestia, while Von was deep in thought.

The dragon elders were the oldest and strongest dragons in existence, but rarely ever showed their faces. Rumor had it that they existed during Equestria's first days. Others say that they were the first creatures to roam Equestria, but with what he had learned from Lumen, Von was beginning to doubt that and was confused as to which was true.

"I'm ready." Von finally answered, opening his wings up. "We don't know when Konan will strike next, so we have to hurry this up now." Both dragons could sense his determination and nodded, leaving the castle with Von following in tow.

"Von, wait." Celestia called out, causing Von to turn his head slightly in her direction. The two of them stayed silent for a few moments before the cream-colored mare smiled at him. "Good luck. We will await your return." Von smiled at his adoptive mother and nodded his head and went to meet up with his two friends. With a nod to one another, they took off together and soared through the skies as they headed in the direction of the Elder's Roost. Celestia watched on as Von and his friends slowly faded from view with a soft smile on her face.

"Are you certain that he will pull through?" Luna said, walking up behind her sister. Celestia chuckled softly, keeping her back to the mare.

"I know it was you that helped him get back on the right path, Lumen." Celestia said, addressing the figure's true identity. "And I thank you for that." Lumen chuckled under her breath and stood at Celestia's side, looking on where Von had flown to.

"Von may get swept up in the conflict that he attempted to end long ago. Are you sure that it's wise to entrust a task such as this to him rather than send your guard?" Lumen inquired, curious about the princess' motive.

"Of course." Celestia softly replied, a smile beaming on her face. "I have faith in him. Just as his mother, his father and his friends have faith in him. He's a strong man and I have no doubt that he will see an end to this battle."



Von continued to fly side by side with his friends, determination fueling his motives. He wanted to see his dream of coexistence come to light; To protect all that he held dear from his corrupt step-father; To bring a brighter future to everyone. And to do that, he would need the help of others. Some men would be too stubborn to admit such a thing, but he wasn't. He only made it this far because he had those who loved him at his side.


We've given him all the guidance that we could, Lumen. We, the rulers of Equestria, have fought many battles in the past in order to protect our little ponies.

Now, it is time that we stand back and let another do the fighting.

This generation no longer needs the goddesses they call us to defend them.

It's his turn now...










End of Chapter 21

> Primals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 22


BGM 1

With their wings beating in the air, shadows cast over the ocean, Von and his friends soared high in the sky as they ventured far out from Equestria for a single purpose: To visit the dragon elders and seek their aid. Von had never seen the elders once in his life, not even as a child. The only elder that he knew of and saw was the previous king, Eldrich and now he was long gone. Arcius and Axel knew of them from stories, but had never had the chance to go out and find them for themselves.

"So if the elders give us their aid, what's the plan from there?" Arcius said, bringing up some more questions. If they did give their aid, what could Von do? Would he lead the front or would he stay back and allow the elders and Celestia's guard to take over? "You do have a plan, right?"

Von remained silent for a few more seconds, earning the gaze of his companions until he broke the silence. "If the elders lend us their aid, then we will go in with them. Even should Celestia's guard go to help, we'll have a much better advantage because of our prowess in battle. They have numbers, but so do we." Von was well aware that Konan would have strong forces behind him. There were many dragons possible that followed him, supporting his ambitions and would do whatever he said without question. Nova was included in this, but something about him was a little off.

"Guys, there's something I should tell you." Von spoke up, gaining the attention of his friends. They stopped mid-flight and hovered in the air as Von tried to think of how to word his thoughts. "...I don't think Nova is really on Konan's side." Once he said that, he lifted his head a little to see the shocked look on his friend's faces.

"Are you kidding?!" Axel yelled. "That guy is a total jerk. He's hated you since the day you and your mother arrived to the mountain. And why wouldn't he help Konan with this little war scheme of his? That's his father." This was true. Nova's past actions before the start of his journey was evidence enough that he could hardly be trusted. However...


But...sometimes to do the right thing, we must give up what we want most. Even our dreams


"...I don't think Konan truly cares about Nova." Von replied, his tone soft as he thought more about it. "I think...Nova doesn't want to be this way. He may not like me, but he doesn't want to support his father. He's only doing it to make him proud; To earn his love." Upon explaining this, both of his friends thought hard about it. Konan was like most dragon fathers: They tried to toughen their sons up, raise them to be strong warriors, gem hunters or even killers. Konan was no exception, but there was one thing that he lacked that some male dragons actually possessed...

Compassion. Even in their failures, the fathers would encourage their son to try again and give pointers. But Konan...his cruelty knew no bounds. He showed no compassion towards Nova, never encouraged him and only ordered him around. He wasn't a father; He was a monster. And Nova could see that for himself.

"So let's think about this," Axel spoke up. "If we trust Nova and he's actually on our side, then why doesn't he fight Konan himself?"

There was some truth in his words. However, a few thoughts helped Von to think of reasons why Nova wasn't fighting him. Perhaps he couldn't fight him because it was still his father and the only way to stop him was to kill him. They were still family and Von knew well how painful it would be to kill a family member, even if they were doing something wrong. But the main reason Von believed was why Nova didn't fight...was Fear.

"He's afraid." The kirin said, his tone just above a whisper. The two dragons looked in his direction, having heard him as Von continued to speak. "Think about it for a moment. We've seen what both Nova and...Cynder can do because of that dark force they had received. And I know how skilled Nova can be without those, but they're nothing compared to Konan. I've never seen him fight myself, but I can tell that he's going to be a powerful foe. Now, if we take into account that he's allied with the dark force--"

"And he gained powers himself, then this may be a near-impossible battle ahead of us." Arcius concluded. The three of them nodded their heads, realizing just what they were up against with or without the elders. Von had no clue what Orcus was truly planning or why he and Konan paired up or what his connection was with Bastion, but he was going to end it one by one. Setting themselves back on the path, the trio soared through the air. They had to get to the elders and receive their aid.

And fast.



As Von and his friends soared across the sky, Celestia and Midnight took their time to rally the guards together. This was going to be a big battle and they needed every ounce of muscle they could get from them. Even with Midnight's skills and tactical prowess, it wouldn't be enough against a horde of dragons. Midnight flew off in order to prepare the troops while Celestia watched from above as Luna walked up beside her, looking down at the courtyard with her.

"Do you think the elders will hear them out, Lumen?" Celestia asked, acknowledging that her sister was once more not in control at the time. "I heard rumors of their existence, but my knowledge on them is fairly limited."

"Odds are, they will listen but they won't help." The alicorn replied, looking out to the sky as she spoke to her. "The elders, or The Primals as they are actually called, prefer to remain out of the public eye. They have been around longer than you and your sister have and the only one who actually came into contact with them was Aion. But that was long ago." Lumen sighed and shook her head, placing a hand over her chest. "Aion...if only things hadn't turned out the way they had, this conflict would've already been over."

Celestia shot a glance over at Lumen for a moment before turning back and looking down at the ground. "The Primals...eight ancient dragons whose wisdom dates all the way back to Equestria's first breath. They ruled over the first dragons while two gods watched Equestria grow and evolve." She said with a gentle smile. But that smile soon faded as she closed her eyes and spoke in a calm, but serious tone."I've been meaning to ask you about the tragedy that befell the land back then. I've only heard speculations, but I want to hear it straight from your mouth: How did it all happen?"

Lumen let out a sigh and closed her eyes, turning her back to the solar princess. "I knew you would ask me that eventually. Well, I suppose I've been silent about it long enough." With a chuckle, the alicorn looked up and turned to face Celestia. 


"I will tell you about that day."




Hours seemed to go by as Von and his friends flew far over the ocean. The sun was still in the sky, though it was nearing the time when it would begin to set. The day after would be the day they would go out to confront Konan and end this madness once and for all. Along the way, Von grew tired from flying so much but Axel lent him a shoulder and helped oversea. Von wasn't used to flying as long as they could and even if he tried, he would tire out much quicker. To him, there weren't many perks to being half dragon but he was thankful he made so many friends in life. He would be nowhere without them.

Eventually a mass of land soon came into view, towering high in the form of a mountain and a cave resting in it. Arcius glanced over at the two, nodding in confirmation that they had finally arrived.

"We're finally here." Von breathed out, having finally regained enough energy to fly on his own as he, Axel and Arcius landed at the cave entrance. He slowly walked up to it and stopped, catching several unfamiliar scents from within. They were definitely draconic...and powerful. "We're truly...finally here."

"Elder's Keep." Arcius spoke up, looking over at his friends with a gentle smile. "The place where the elder dragons have hidden away from all. And if no one has ever reported seeing them, then odds are that they are still inside."

"I heard about this place once before." Axel stated. "Didn't old Eldrich say something about it growing up?" He looked to Arcius in hopes that he wasn't the only one who remembered and the white drake nodded his head slowly. "Yeah, I thought so. He said that the elders were wise and powerful dragons that have been alive for centuries. But no one ever got the chance to see them, not even him. I wonder why they hid away for so long?"

"It doesn't matter." Von said with a sigh. All that mattered right now was stopping this war before it truly started and he needed their help. "You two wait out here. I need to talk with them about this. And if they say no...then we'll fight this battle ourselves." Without another word, Von walked into the cave. They had to hear him out. They just had to.

Going inside, Von took a quick look around at his surroundings. By the look of things, it was no different than an ordinary cave except for its size. But he continued onward to his goal, wanting to speak with the elders. Upon reaching the furthest point, he came to a dead end and looked around the dark area.

"Uh...hello? Is anyone here?" He called out. "I came to speak with the dragon elders." At first, his call went unanswered but he knew someone was around. Their scent was quite close. After a moment of silence, the sound of voices could be heard amongst the darkness.

"Rok lahney? Vir vis daar kos? "

"Nii los ni mok. Frolok. Niist genund los medaas, nuz rok los ni mok." Each voice was different from the last, but they were all speaking in the draconic language. Von recognized the words but sadly did not know their meaning. The voices were deep and gruff, fitting for a older dragon.

"Um pardon me, but I don't know what you're saying." Von spoke once more. The voices stopped and silence filled the air as Von clamped his mouth shut. After a moment, the sound of thudding footsteps could be heard approaching him before a large dragon appeared before him. It possessed dark red scales and orange eyes, great wings folded proudly at its sides, a single horn on its snout and a barbed tail as it glared down at him.

"You do not even know our tongue, do you?" It asked. It was clearly male, even without hearing it speak to him. "Such arrogance. To dare come in here and act as if you are one of us."

Von took a step back, his body riddled with fear at the sheer size and powerful presence this dragon was giving off. It felt equal to...no, felt stronger. More powerful than Celestia and Luna themselves. How was this even possible? Dragons posed a great threat, but he never encountered a dragon whose power could even compare to one of the princesses. But he couldn't cower, no matter how terrifying his power seemed. He had to stand tall, no matter what.

"Calm yourself, Mag'maha. You'll frighten our guest." Another voice spoke up. It was calm and soothing. Much like Arcius, but more chilling. Stepping forth from the shadows, a dragon with a body as white as snow made itself known. Shards of ice hanging from under it with crystal spines on top yet it had no wings at all. It was smaller than the one called Mag'maha, but was much larger than Von. Soon after, more dragons emerged from the shadows, bit by bit. 

A dragon with a golden-furred body and lovely wings. Another wingless dragon whose very body surged with energy with every step he took. There was a dragon who looked as though nature itself birthed it, one whose very aura was calm and serene, one whose very body shined with brilliance and one whose body seemed to absorb all things dark around it. This was them; He had finally found them. The dragon elders of legend.

"Hmph. So even now, his ghost continues to haunt us. A filthy half-breed with no right to carry the blood of our brethren." The darker one said, sneering at Von. Just looking at him, he could tell that he harbored a deep hatred for Kirins. But that was to be expected. "...No. Not his ghost. You look like him, but you are not his equal."

"Who is him?" Von asked, looking around at the eight colossal dragons. "And what do you mean, his ghost?" The elders looked to one another, uttering words in the draconic language. Again, Von could hardly understand them. Soon, the ice dragon stepped forward and looked down at Von as the halfling in turn stood at attention.

"What is your name, half-breed?" He inquired.

"V-Von, sir. Von Dragonblade." Von replied. He tried to keep himself calm as he spoke, but it was hard to do considering that he had eight powerful dragons sitting near him.

"Von... I shall remember that. My name is Gla Ceel, but your generation knows me as the Primal Dragon of Ice." The white dragon introduced himself. "Forgive my companion, but he seemed to mistake you for...someone we once knew. Though it is quite uncanny because I can see why he did that. You look like him,  but you aren't him yet you have his scent and I can feel his presence as well. Most intriguing."

Von let out a groan of frustration, staring Gla Ceel in the eye. "You didn't answer my question. Who is he? What's a Primal Dragon? And what do you mean, you can feel his presence?" There were so many questions Von had to ask, but he knew they wouldn't all be answered. He needed to appeal to them, but he needed to know a few things first. They raised his curiosity on the matter.

"Ah. Of course you have questions about this. Well I assure you, they will not go unanswered. Flo Rahl, if you please." Gla Ceel turned his head to the wooden dragon, who nodded his head and turned his attention to Von.

"To answer your first question, he refers to the one you resemble; A half-breed who went by the name of...Aion." Von's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing that name.



You cannot win, Aion! You never could beat me.


It was the same name he heard in that dream. He saw no faces, but he could hear voices. Aion was a Kirin that the elders once knew and to top it off, Von looked just like him. There was another Kirin that had existed besides him.

"Aion..." Von repeated the name as Flo Rahl continued to speak.

"Aion was created long ago, back when the land you called Equestria was still new; Breathing its first breath of life. We, as the Primals, watch over our brethren from afar. We care and pray for their safety while maintaining balance, yet we do not interfere in any matters. Even the tragedy that befell Aion all those years ago."

"Tragedy?"

"It's best that you discover that on your own. Now then...you asked what the Primal Dragons were. We are what we are; The first eight of many dragons that were brought into this world for a sole purpose: To govern the elements and maintain balance between them."

"Each of us has a specific element that we are born with and must govern over to make sure things don't go...awry. As you can see, I am to govern over Ice. Mag'maha governs fire. Auroros governs wind, Water for Aqua. Flo Rahl governs the very earth itself. Tem'Pst governs lightning, Halo governs light and Sha'do governs all things dark. In the past, dragons that were born with a solitary element and learned to control that only used to exist in the land. But as the generations went on, it seems that many dragons are attempting to control elements which are not their own and do not have a full grasp over it. You bore witness to that yourself."

Von bit his bottom lip and looked at the ground in shame as he was called out on that. He did try to learn elements that were not his own, but that was because his elder tried to teach him. But then again...the only reason he taught him was because he wanted more. He hated the wind he was born with and wanted something destructive and cool like fire. Thankfully, Nova ripped that away from him along with the knowledge, so now the wind was his once again. But deep down...he felt incomplete.

"And the fact you can feel Aion's presence?" Von looked up at Flo Rahl, but he turned his head away from him. Maybe it was better not to ask about that. Before Von could open his mouth to ask anything else, Gla Ceel brought something to his attention.

"I can feel a latent potential inside of you. Wind dragons are a descendant from thunder dragons, or Storm Callers, as they once were known. It is possible to unleash the potential of your blood, the blood of a Storm Caller, but you will forget all knowledge you know about the manipulation of wind. Would you like to do that?" He asked. Von said nothing again and looked away from him. His mother used lightning in the time that she was corrupt before he stopped her. He had a feeling that he wasn't what he was, but he had doubts. Gla Ceel confirmed it for him. Maybe with this unlocked potential, he could stand a bit of a chance against Konan.

He gave a silent nod as Gla Ceel turned his attention to Tem'Pst, the dragon who was surging with energy, and the thunder drake gently placed his claw over his head. There was silence in the room as the dragon looked over to his icy companion.

"His blood is poisoned by one of them. Are you certain this is safe?"

"Just do what you can. Do not force it too much as to avoid drawing that part of him out." The ice dragon ordered. Without another word, Tem'Pst closed his eyes and began sending a steady flow of energy into Von's body. It coursed through his veins, flowing through his blood. He could feel something changing...something in his core. Instead of feeling and sensing things in the wind, he could feel a jolt of energy. The voice of the wind was slowly fading away and being replaced by a massive surge. It felt good. It felt...right. It felt like him; Like he knew it was his. Eventually the dragon stopped the flow, took his hand away and backed away from Von as Gla Ceel approached him. "How do you fee?l"

"I feel..." Von took a deep breath and exhaled, small sparks emitting from his mouth as a confident smile formed on his face. "I feel right. I thank you for that. But why are you doing this for me?"

"Let's just say...I wish to see what path the world will go down with someone like you around." The ice dragon smirked and Von smiled back at him.

"We'll see. But that reminds me...I had something I needed to ask of you." This caught the attention of all the Primals as Von stared at him. "There's a matter that needs to be discussed."

"I'm listening..."



"Right. Here's the deal..."












Chapter 22 - End

> This Is Where It Ends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 23



The time had finally come for everyone as they all knew this day would arrive. Guards were positioned outside the castle, most of the inhabitants of Canterlot had been moved to safer locations and Von's companions were preparing themselves for the battle to come. Celestia was overseeing the stationing of her guards, but she couldn't help but wonder how Von was doing. He was taking on a big responsibility by going off to war and if he failed, Equestria would suffer. For now, all she could do was believe in him.

"It's almost time for me to head out." Von spoke calmly. "I should've known this would happen. I had a feeling, but I didn't want to believe it. What do you think I should do now, Lumen?" He turned his head, gazing at the blue alicorn with a calm expression. Lumen just stared at him in silence, studying him. She could see that he was aware that he needed to do something, but could also see the fear in his eyes. He was doubting himself; Doubting that he can stop Konan from harming his loved ones. That doubt would get him killed unless she said something.

"I think you should just do what you can to the best of your abilities." She replied, staring him in the eyes. "It is what your parents would expect of you...and what you should expect of yourself."

Von let out a sigh and shook his head. "I know. But without the Primals, we're down the power we need to have things more in our favor."




~Yesterday~

"What do you mean you won't help?!" Von cried out. He had pleaded with great urgency for the aid of the primals. But when it came down to it, all eight of them had declined his request. "Do you have any idea as to what will happen to Equestria if you don't help us?!"

"Whatever befalls Equestria is on your hands! We are not obligated to aid you or your kind, Kirin." Mag'maha growled, lowering his head to Von's position. It almost seemed like he wanted to devour him on the spot, but the others managed to hold him back. No point in fighting amongst their own, even if he was only half dragon.

"It is as Mag'maha says." the dragon clad in darkness, Sha'do, spoke to him. "We are the Primals, the first dragons and the very essence of the elements themselves. While you are one of our brethren, so to speak, we are not obligated to help you. What benefit would we get in aiding you?"

Von looked away from the dragons, said to be the wisest and strongest of all dragons in the world. Was this really happening to him right now? Of all people, he had hoped that they would come to their aid. "The benefit you would get would be helping to create a better world. I'm tired of being cast out by dragons and ponies alike! No one should have to deal with this and no one should ever have to live the way both races are. Dragons despising ponies and ponies fearing dragons. Why should that stay? I'm living PROOF that dragons and ponies could coexist! And I may not know him, but I'm sure as hell that if Aion was alive he'd agree with me!"

The primals sat in silence, looking from one to the other in their circle. Von didn't want to hear any excuses. Even if they were the most powerful dragons around, it was no excuse for them to just sit and let their brethren go off to war. "Dragons are supposed to be powerful creatures, yes. But they are also wise and sometimes benevolent. Can you really just sit here and let them disgrace the examples you guys set for them?"

"We hear what you are asking of us, Von." Gla Ceel broke the silence and slowly approached Von. "But let me tell you this: If we did come to your aid, it would cause an imbalance and dissension among our kin. They would point their claws to you and your pony friends, believing that you planned to transpire against them using us. They would no longer look to us and go into a fit of rage. One by one, they would easily cause an ELEMENTAL imbalance that we would barely be able to contain." As Von listened to his words, he began to get an understanding of what he was saying to him and he looked down at his feet. If that happened, it could potentially cause a cataclysm. And it would be all his fault.

"Do not take it personally. It is for the good of the world that we do not intervene." With a sigh, Von nodded his head and began to make his way for the cave entrance.

"I understand. But I'm glad I was able to make my plea known." Von said, his back turned to the primal dragons as he walked away from them.

"However..." Von stopped in his tracks as Gla Ceel spoke to him once more. "There is nothing wrong with giving a...blessing of sorts to one who manages to make it to us." The other primals, aside from Mag'maha, nodded their heads and stood up and approached Von.

"You have journeyed far, young Kirin, and faced many adversities along your path. We know your life has not been an easy one; Prejudice is difficult to deal with, no matter who or what you are. But in the end, your parents overcame their struggle and brought you into this world for a reason. Not just because they loved you..." Tem'Pst smiled down at the kirin with a gentle expression. "But also because they believed you could change the world."

"Attempting to change the flow the world has set for itself is no easy feat, we can assure you." Flo Rahl spoke up. "But it is not impossible. Aion believed it to be so...and frankly, so do we. We believe that you just might be able to carry on both Aion and your father's work, but it will be impossible while you are...unarmed."

They were right. Von's elemental power was decent, but weaker than that of most dragons, which is why he was raised more on the sword than he was attempting to handle his power. But he lost his father's sword, the only weapon he had. "I don't have the money to buy a new sword and I don't know how to make one of my own." As Von mourned the loss of his father's trusted weapon, a gleam made its way to him from the corner of his eye. He turned his head to find not one, but two items laying together against the stone walls of the cave. One was a blue gauntlet and the other was a sword with what appeared to be a draconic eye embedded in the center of the hilt.

"These are weapons that were crafted by your ancestor Aion long ago. He had no use for them, but thought that one day his children and so on could take them for their own and use them to fight for the future of this world. The sword was bestowed the name Dragon Eye. As you can tell, it is named for the eye within the hilt of the sword. The blade of the sword itself is forged from the oldest metal in existence; Draconium. Unbreakable, heavily resistant to any form of rusting or deterioration and able to pierce even the strongest dragon hide. The perfect weapon for a dragon slayer, sadly but fortunate for you in your upcoming battle." Gla Ceel explained as Von approached the weapons and picked up the sword. He gave it a test swing or two, keeping his distance from the icy drake as he examined it.

"I can feel it... It's literally like it was made for me." Von spoke. But he stopped to think for a moment. Wait...why make a weapon from a metal that could easily fell a dragon? He and I share blood, we're both Kirins and our kind has a bad name for itself but that's no reason to do something like that. He wouldn't kill his own, would he? No. It couldn't be possible... There's no record of one of dragon descent killing dragons. The weapon was left for him to use one day... Could he see the future? Perhaps he saw the conflict I would soon be going through. It's the only logical thing... As he thought, he turned his attention to the gauntlet and picked it up. "And what about this?"

"That is a weapon Aion had asked me to aid in its creation. We have dubbed it The Gauntlet of Primal Thunder. Now this one is very special, little halfling. When worn by one of draconic descent with lightning attribute, it can enhance their powers. Now remember that: It only enhances your draconic powers, not your physical capabilities. So you'll need to train yourself if you have any hopes of  being durable." Tem'Pst chuckled and stared down at him.

So that was why he was willing to do what he did for Von. Did Aion really predict what could happen? Or was it all just a coincidence? Nevertheless, Von put the gauntlet on his left arm and kept the sword in his right hand. They fit him so nicely... Weapons crafted by his ancestor, the first Kirin to be; He couldn't let this gifts go to waste. Von bowed his head to the old ones and turned away from them, leaving the cave behind and going back out to his friends. Once he was outside, both Arcius and Axel came running over to him with smiles on their faces.

"About time. You were in there for quite awhile." Axel chuckled as he pat his friend on the back, his gaze slowly lowering to his new accessories. "Whoa! Did they give you those?" The white dragon shook his head and crossed his arms.

"Nevermind that. Are they going to help us or not? We don't have much time." He had a valid point in that they desperately needed the help to confront Konan and his army of dragons before they launched a second assault. The two of them waited for an answer but judging by the solemn look on Von's face, things were not looking good. Von closed his eyes and stayed silent, took a deep breath and let it out as he stepped past his friends.

"We're on our own." He finally answered.

"On our own?!" Axel yelled. "You can't be--"

"Forget it." Von interrupted him before he had a chance to finish and spread his wings, taking off into the sky. The two dragons quickly followed suit and flew up after him and began to depart from the lone mass of rock. "We need to get back to Canterlot immediately. The Primals have no intentions of helping us, but I'm not going to give up hope. You two can take Daring and Gilda and get someplace safe."

"Don't think of playing martyr on us, Von." Arcius said with a scolding tone. Von glanced to his left at him and saw that he had a rather cheeky smile on his face. "We're not going to leave you behind. We've always been together, ever since you first came to the mountain and we're not going to abandon you." As he finished, Axel came up on his right and Von turned his head to see him smiling as well.

"He's right. Besides, you'd be lost without us and there's no way the girls would listen to us even if we tried to force them. So we're in this all the way." Von looked back and forth between his two friends and closed his eyes, smiling to himself. He remembered all the memories that the three of them shared; Their first time going on a hunt, their first treasure hoards, failures, accomplishments and laughs. They were his best friends and no one could ever replace them. They were there when he had his first true happy memories and they were going to stay with him until the end. Who could ask for better friends?

"Thanks guys. I really needed to hear that. If you're really in this with me, then let's get going. Brace yourselves, guys.

We're going to war"




Von let out a sigh and chuckled under his breath, thinking about all that has transpired up to this point. His 20th birthday wish, he wanted to go back to his homeland. He made some friends, some enemies, found love and family, felt the pain of loss over and over again, he ventured out and met the Primals for the first time in his life and now he was going to war. How it all turned out this way, he had no idea. Perhaps there was a force at work, besides Lumen, guiding these events. Probably not. But there was only one path ahead of him now and that was to bring his dream to light and the first step to that was to defeat Konan and his followers.

"But you're right. I just need to do the best I can." Von smiled and embraced Lumen in a hug. A slight blush came to her cheeks but she hugged him back before the two let go. "If I want to see my dream be a reality, I have to fight. Even if I don't want to..."

Lumen giggled softly and shook her head, smiling as she stared Von in the eyes. "Your parents would be proud to see how much you've grown in these past few weeks. And Aion would be amazed to know what his descendant has become. If this is your decision, I will not stop you. The path has already been laid out for you and everything that happens now all depends on your actions."

Von was well aware of this by now, but it was good to hear those words. There was so much at stake right now and sitting here wouldn't help him much at all. He turned his head and looked out of the bedroom window, noticing several figures in the form of his friends taking flight over the city. "My friends are waiting for me. I know you can't interfere, but I know you'll be watching me. I will stop Konan and put a stop to his ambitions." Lumen nodded her head and watched as Von took up his sword and fastened the gauntlet to his arm and walked out of the room with determination in his eyes.



"This is where it ends."






Chapter 23-End