The Dragon and The Moon

Chapters

Chapter 1: A thousand years
Chapter 2: A call for Royal Guards
Chapter 3: The Dragon
Chapter 4: Questions
Chapter 5: Training
Chapter 6: New Surroundings
Chapter 7: Diplomacy and Time
Chapter 8: Stories
Prologue

Chapter 1: A thousand years

The sun shines bright in a cloudless sky over the Everfree forest, the forest itself seems to be calmed in a calmed mood. The soothing river flows, birds hum their joyful songs, frogs croak, and a furious roar of a dragon echos out from a cave up a mountain. A shadow can be seen dashing out of the cave between the tops of tress, and lands into a run on the rocky floors,the dragon exits its cave in search of something. As it hovers near its home it spots movement near the trees, a young stallion with a brown coat, black mane flowing in the air with a red stripe in it, carrying a satchel, dashing through the forest.

The dragon catches a glimpse of what is in the satchel, a glint shines from the inside; gems, at the realization that its treasure was taken, the dragon roars out in anger and gives chase to the stallion.

***

As I look back after hearing the dragon roar, I couldn't help myself but taunt the dragon yelling out, "Come on girl, try to catch me!" I continued my dash zigzagging in and out out if the trees, past rivers, and through thick marsh. As the dragon's shadow passes over me, I stop under thick trees and wait, she hovers in the same spot before returning to her search elsewhere. I pause here a moment to check on the treasure that I scored, rustling through the satchel there are five sapphires, two rubies, two pearls, three emeralds, and a very beautiful blue fire ruby.

Chuckling, "Well she has good taste in her gems," peering out to make sure the skies are clear, "No wonder the dragon earned the title of Fiercest Dragon." Carefully placing the gems back into the bag, taking a readied stance, listened to the wind...then dashes into the open only to realize the dragon was smarter than she looked.

She hovers a few meters ahead of me as she pulls her head back, as wisp of smoke begin to curl out from her mouth. Halting to a stop, I change into a defensive stance,

"Let's see how strong is your fire Red Eyes." as I yell out the challenge she exhales a large storm of fire towards me, "Hopefully I can time this right." the fire engulfs me.

The dragon lands to search for the gems that were stolen from her, as she searches through the fire the gems were no where to be found. It's until the fire extinguishes that she notices a ball of green fire is still burning where the stallion stood, stares at it with curiosity wondering what it could be. The green flames start to disperse, revealing what's inside, there stood I looking different before being engulfed, taller, thinner frame, with eyes and wings that match those of a dragon's, "My turn."

I leap up high into the sky, as I gain altitude I build up a powerful flame of my own inside my chest, the dragon looks up and prepares it's wings for flight, using all her strength she takes off after me. Hovering, I turn to face the dragon just as it prepared its own flame, I release a large green ball of fire striking the dragon square in the face. The dragon hits the ground with a loud Thud, still hovering being cautious that the dragon doesn't attack, finally landing back on the ground I recheck my satchel to ensure nothing happened to the gems. Satisfied I change back into my normal self and do a few stretches, I still haven't gotten used to whole changing experience, as I begin my trot back to Trade's Crossroad I hear the dragon let out a groan.

Stopping, I stare back at the dragon as guilt begins to nag at the back of my head, You did it, you stole gems from a dragon. You who helped dragons long ago, now harming another. listening to myself always hits home, reaching into the satchel I pull out the blue fire ruby and place it against the dragon's head. I really am a softy. That is a very nice gem but I prefer a green one instead. Continuing my walk back, I kept my eyes locked onto the place that always connects with the moon, Canterlot.

***

The wind blows softly over the balcony; it's almost soothing, but that roar and flash of fire over at the forest brings much concern.

"Sister, is something troubling you?" startled I quickly turn around to face my older sister, "No, nothing." I try to keep a straight face to hide my worries "Luna." with no success "Sigh, There was a loud commotion and fire burning at the Everfree forest and it sounded like a dragon was involved."

My older sister, Princess Celestia, was always so caring whenever I was worried about something and seem to always to have a solution, she smiles

"It is probably nothing, I'll have some guards go and investigate the area." Feeling relieved I give a smile "Okay."
"Come let us walk for a while."

The halls in the castle always seemed big for me and always full of mares or colts going about their business. Many would greet us as we walk by, the guards would stand at attention, its always funny when we would catch one of them dozed off and they would stumble around trying to stand.

"Have you been practicing your spell?"

"Yes." that was not entirely true, I have been slacking a little even though I am the one to raise the moon. You probably already know who I am but I always prefer a formal introduction, I am Princess Luna, the mare who controls the moon.

"Good, then tonight you will be able to raise the moon with no help." "Tonight?" "Yes." We arrived at the main hall where we were greeted by one of our researchers and his assistant.

"Greetings." both bow their heads down, the assistant seem to be a little nervous to be here, "And to you Stargazer, what brings you here today?"

"Ah, it is something that you might find very interesting, if you could please follow me.", "Of course, Luna will you be alright while I attend to this matter?"
"Yes."

, as she goes off with Stargazer, I walk out into the garden towards the fountain, I take a seat on its edge and stroke the water lost in thought, wondering about the commotion in the forest.

Chapter 2: A call for Royal Guards

Trade's Crossroad, not much of a bustling town or even considered to be a town in some cases, but it is a cozy place to stay for now, everypony knows each other well and take care of each other. On the side that enters into the forest you have a small tavern called The Iron shoe, across from it a postal office, as you venture a little further you'll find Crossroad's General Store, Stitch's Boutique, a small tent with a sign Dragon's Rest written on it, and Sisters Glass Works. Not many stores to find but we get a good flow of ponies through here, I head towards the tavern to have a chat with the bartender about the little job I just finished.

As I entered, the smell of wine and cider in the air is strong, some tables were occupied by patrons and others were wondering about, the bartender serves a mug to one of the patrons and notices me at the entrance, he calls me over. Reaching the bar and taking a seat, I pull out the two pearls from the satchel and place them on the counter,

"Got those pearls you wanted." he simply picks them up and examines them for a few seconds, before finally smiling, "You did well today," placing the pearls away "and your reward, a 100 bits."

He drops a small purse full of coins in front of me, pulling oout a coin I place it on the counter and place the purse in my satchel. As he serves me a drink, he brings an interesting topic,

"Dragon-Heart, where are you going in life?" I give him a stern look,

"For someone that crafts jewelery with gems that he finds on his you have to have some very good skills. I have given jobs that others would turn away but you finished them in a breeze."

I nod in agreement taking a long swig from the drink "What I'm trying to get at is, have you ever maybe considered in joining the Royal Guard?"

for a few seconds I didn't respond, I know he means well and from the mark on his cheek I could tell he probably served with them once, always good in picking ponies out.

"I did always wanted to visit Canterlot, but I don't think I would be a very good guard."
"Nonsense with your set a skills you can probably be a captain or maybe becoming a personal guard for one of the princesses."

A patron waves him over, as he leaves I begin to stir the idea around my head of becoming a personal guard, taking another sip begins to make me smile as it helps play the image of me becoming a personal guard for Princess Luna, when I first saw her I got a romantic crush on her. I have only seen her once while I flew over Canterlot's castle one night, on a balcony with the wind in her face, her mane flowing, her coat glowing in the moonlight, I was stunned by her beauty, the most beautiful mare I have ever seen. Lost in my thoughts I didn't notice the bartender return with a big smirk on his face

"Oh I know that look very well." I must of been blushing, stuttering my response "What?..uh, s-sure why not." quickly I chug down the rest of the drink and made haste for the exit before I further embarrass myself.

Dragon's Rest, my little tent store of rare and exotic gems, necklaces and services, also my home when I am not out venturing out for gems or helping others for favors. In the main area you will find three small display cases, each holding different types of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds, a few necklaces, out back you'll find a small furnace where I do most of my work and a trail leading to a few sets of caves. A profession in gem crafting is not much of busy work but it is satisfying when customers would thank me for the work, many even bring a few tough orders which are always fun to do. As I setup to finish a large order I can hear the flap of the tent swish in the air,

"Welcome to Dragon's Rest, where you can find the rarest gems, exquisite jewelry , and if we don't have it we will find it." as I turn I was surprised to see two royal guards standing in the opening.

"Are you the one known as Dragon-Heart?" asked one of the guards, "Yes that's me, how can I be a service?" the second guard moves forward

"Earlier there seem to be a disturbance in the Everfree forest and witnesses say you arrived back after the commotion. You wouldn't happen to be involved in some way?"

keeping a calm face "No I wouldn't. I was in a few caves when I heard a dragon roar, it seemed to be searching for something from the frequent roars." both stare back like stone statues, it was hard to tell if they believed me or not.

"Very well then that is all we needed to know." they begin to head out as I returned to my work "Wait." damn, so close "The princess has requested that she would like one of your necklace with an green gem."

my ears perk up, could it be that Luna was the one who requested his work? Controlling my emotions "May I ask, which princess asked for this?" they remained quiet for a while before one of them responded "Princess Celestia requested it as a gift for princess Luna." doing a small twitch as I prevented myself from jumping "Very well, it will be the very best work of craftsman in Equestria."

Days passed quickly as I worked excitedly on the necklace for Luna, had to return to the forest to find the perfect green fire ruby which it involved in being chased down by another dragon through the forest, and being revisited by the two very same guards from before, couldn't hide the fact I was smoldering in smoke, upon which I asked where would I deliver the necklace,

"Head towards the castle grounds where those who want to join the royal guards will be." End of the fifth day, the necklace has been shaped, the fire ruby polished, I insert it into the slot and exhale a small wisp of fire into the gem to give it a small glow, I hold it up to the moonlight and it begins to glow brighter.

"The necklace came out perfectly, hopefully Celestia would let me present this to Luna." making sure no one was around I gave the ruby small kiss before placing it in an elegant wooden box, looking up to the moon one final time, glowing bright behind Canterlot, I bow my head and chant a small dragon prayer I picked up before heading back into the tent.

***

In one of the many libraries found within the castle Stargazer's assistant, Spark Runner was searching for a book, a very well known book with a lot of history behind it. His professor is working on a theory about how dragons react around the objects they horde as treasure. Is there some sort of connection? Or is it just another need? The book he is searching for is a glossary on the different types of dragons written by a researcher who studied dragons for many years, from when they were eggs up to the very moods it develops, and rumors have spread that his son was able to earn the dragons trust to communicate with them, he even received a very rare gift from an elder dragon.

"Here it is." locating the book, headed back to his professor, "Wonder what we will find within this book and with the test of our theory?" as he muttered to himself, Spark doesn't realize the set of gears that were set into motion by finding the book.

Chapter 3: The Dragon

Arrived at Canterlot, midday when the sun's shine brighten everything around, it was almost breathtaking,
"I can't believe I'm actually here." wondering the streets, taking in all the sites. I enjoyed the gardens that where seen here and there, I visited one of the shops where gems were sold, there where so many; common rubies, rare sapphires, even gems found from the outer regions. The owner of the shop seemed to be annoyed of my presence in his shop until purchasing his rarest gems and bringing a smile to his face. Joy flowed through me for every step I took, looking up at the castle I felt I would burst, checking my satchel ensuring I have the box

"I should get going, I don't want to be late." Others stopped and stared at the very strange stallion heading towards the castle in a run.

The gates leading into the grounds were magnificent in the sun, could only imagine how they would look in the moonlight. There many ponies in lines registering to becoming guards. As I try to enter through the gates I am stopped by one of the guards

"And where do you think you're going?"
"I'm delivering a necklace to the princesses." stating proudly.

"Well you are going to have to go through inspection. Head towards the center tent near the fountain." points in the general direction.

"All right, thanks for the directions."
All around ponies doing drills to show off their talents and physique in multiple areas for different types of race. Earth ponies running laps with sacks of sand, long jumps, spear training, Unicorns casting many spells of defense, attack, or healing, and Pegasi bobbing and weaving around in the air.

Wonder which are I would be placed in?
Reaching the tent the first thing to stand apart from the rest was all the scrolls of parchment covering the tables, upon entering the tent it wasn't much different from what it looked outside, crowded with multiple tables and yet it seemed bigger than the tent I have, without the organization. From the back an old colt appears from out of a pile of scrolls

"Yes? What do you want?"
Grumpy one isn't he, "I was told to come here for inspection of my delivery."

"What is it that you are delivering?"

Clearing space on a table I place the wooden box in front of him and reveal the necklace to him. His face changed it looked almost in a trance as he stared at the ruby, he begins to extend his hoof towards it, *slam*

"You cannot touch the necklace, it is for Princess Luna." closing the lid of the box and pulling it back towards me, he gives a stern look
"Very well then you can deliver it to her when they have finished the recruiting. In the mean while you can here." Placing the box back into the satchel as I wait outside and watch the others as they do their drills.

"Luna. Sister where are you? Come out, we need to be at the grounds to recruit those individuals to become guards. Luna!" Celestia checks in the northern library, searching all around the room before leaving.

Peeping out between the books making sure that she is gone, I crawl out from my little secret hiding place behind the astrology books. Finally I thought she would never leave. Heading up to the second landing's large window I stare out into the grounds. Everypony out there running, jumping, or flying around;
Why do I need to be there? Can't she do this on her own? resting my head on the window still I continued staring out at the tents. Scanning the area, most tents all looked the same, until I looked upon one particular tent near the fountain, there stood a lone stallion also looking at the others.

Wonder who that could be, he seems a little different from the rest. he reaches into his bag and pulls out what look like to be very beautiful gems, he stares at them for a few seconds before finally choosing one, and takes a bite out of it. I move closer to the window in shock and interest, I couldn't believe what I saw a stallion to actually eat a gem. Distracted I didn't hear the hoofsteps coming up the stairs and suddenly I was turned around facing my sister,

"I finally found you. Come, we are needed on the grounds."
"Do I have to go?"

"Yes and don't fret I got a small present after we finish."

***

In one of the chambers found within the castle there was a lot of noise and flashes of light from within. Stargazer and his assistant were setting up to test his theory, his assistant making sure everything was ready began to worry something might go wrong. Stargazer notices his assistant's doubt,

"Don't worry my boy, everything will work out fine." Spark Runner gives a small weary smile, hiding his worries behind it. In the center of the room lay two objects needed for the experiment; a large emerald crystal and a Spiked-scaled dragon, considered to be very dangerous if provoked or caught near its treasure. As everything is set Stargazer stands just meters away from the center, standing between two pillars to act as arc projectors.

"Today we shall see what the famous dragon researcher didn't learn."
as he closes his eyes a pulse of light begins to emit from his horn. The two pillars start to react from the light, Spark stares at attention at the effects as two beams of energy connect with the dragon and crystal. At first nothing seem to be happening, Stargazer feeling annoyed increases the magic into the pillars. The crystal starts to glow a bright green and seemed to be hovering just off the floor, the dragon begins to tremble and its eyes begin to open as they stare at Stargazer. Spark starts to feel something in the air, something disturbing, then he notices the eyes of the dragon; they seem to be empty of pupils, at this he searches through the book to find a reason for this. Turning pages he arrives to the information on the dragon, his eyes widen,

"Professor, wait! You're only enraging the dragon."
"Nonsense he is well under control in his chains. Now let me concentrate."
as he continues the dragon begins to thrash around in its chains, barely restraining it as his rage increases.

"The chains won't hold!"
"Just need a few more seconds."
the light begins to pulse brighter and faster, the crystal vibrates like mad, and the dragon gives one final pull, freeing itself from its chains. The release of the dragon causes the beam of energy to reflect back at Stargazer throwing him across the room, slamming him against the wall knocking him unconscious, the dragon gives out an ear deafening roar, shaking the very walls. Spark stands still in fear looking up at the dragon as it grabs the crystal and exits the room leaving destruction behind. Snapping out of it, Spark runs up the stairs hopefully he'll be able to warn everybody before the dragon reached the grounds.

***

"Can we do this quickly? I really don't like to be in front of a crowd of strangers."
"These strangers are here wanting to become guards to protect their homes and to protect us. Just let me handle most of the talking."

opening the gate, we walk towards the edge of the small elevated balcony overlooking the entrance.

"Good evening mares and colts, today a lucky few of you will be recruited into the ranks of the royal guards. We shall beg-" she is cut short as the assistant from earlier burst out the dorr yelling
"Dragon!!"
just as one burst out the side of the castle and landing in the grounds.

"Luna get inside now!"
before I could head for the door debris blocks it off, leaving me here with my sister in the chaos.
"Sister it is blocked."

The dragon thrashes around as guards try to subdue it,
"Luna stay close to me."
moving under her wing for comfort, as chaos runs around the grounds, then suddenly from thin air a ball of green flames forms just a few yards away.

"Sister look." Celestia looks in the direction I'm pointing,
"What is that?"

As the flames disperse there stood a stallion with dragon wings...

-After hours have passed, everypony started to trot towards the entrance to the castle
"Finally, can't wait for this moment."
patting my satchel I joined the rest of the group. Excitedly waiting for them to make their appearance I picked up something, turning my ears I seem to hear a strange sort of droning noise, looking around there seemed nothing out of the ordinary, Strange, I have never felt a disturbance like this before. The doors open wide as two mares walk towards the railing, I shoved my way closer through the crowd, there stood Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, standing beautifully in the sun. Celestia begins to address the crowd, i don't pay much attention as I stare at Luna, in a sudden instance a young looking colt burst out the door screaming,

"Dragon!!"

Then one burst out the side of the castle, many begin to flee while some of the guards try to fend off the dragon, closely analyzing the dragon I learn that it is a fierce Spiked-scaled dragon from the dessert regions of Equestria. A loud crash shifts my attention to the castle entrance as I see Luna moves under sister's wing, at the sight of this anger begins to boil within me, knowing I'm the only one who knows most of this dragon that can subdue it, I envelope myself in flames...

-The stallion begins to build speed until he bolts into the air towards the dragon at unnatural speeds.

"Who is that?" following the stallion's movements wasn't something simple.
"I don't know but we have to get somewhere safe." turning to the assistant "Where did this dragon come from?" she asked in anger

the young colt responded nervously "We had it...brought here."
"You did what?!" he falls to the floor

'I'm sorry, but it wasn't my fault I tried to warn Stargazer." the dragon lets out a storm of fire as it tries to take down the stallion attacking him,
"I don't care who's at fault, try to find a way to stop that dragon." I've never seen her this angry before, the assistant jumps down and heads towards the dragon.

Heart pulsing, the intense heat from the dragon's fire, dodging and weaving isn't doing me much help, and somehow the the dragon is showing no signs of fatigue. Something is wrong here, this isn't normal, dashing up avoiding the dragon's tail, How can it be so enraged?, lost in thought I don't see it's claws coming towards me, knocked out of the air in a tumble, the elegant box with the necklace in it falls out of the satchel and plummets towards the ground.

"No!"

Regaining my balance I dash after the box, my vision blurs as I gain speed and draw closer to the box, suddenly I feel the wind knocked out of me as I slam into the wall, I couldn't breath, everything was a blur, my whole body ached and the box... was nowhere to be found. The dragon lands near staring at me with bright orange eyes, anger began to block reason and logic as I begin to run towards him in rage, the dragon's chest begins to expand knowing it was about to release it's fire, before reaching the dragon I get tackled out of the line of fire.

"What are you doing?!"
"Keeping you alive. Here I was able to catch it before it shattered."

He hands me the box, my anger begins subside, I open it to make sure that the necklace was fine, it sat there in its cushion with the ruby still intact.

"Thank you. You should get out of here it's dangerous."
"I'm actually here to help." peeking over ruble to making sure the dragon didn't wonder over.

"What do you mean help?"
"Look we need to find a way to stop this dragon. It seems to really enraged."

"Yeah normally Spiked-scaled dragons don't continue their rampage this long." I lead him around cover to get into a better observation point, he makes a questionable look on his face.

"What?"
"How do you know so much about this dragon?" making a grin on my face,

"I studied under my father who wrote that famous glossary on dragons." he stares with a surprise look on his face
"That would explain your wings and eyes."

The dragon lets out another roar setting our focus back onto him.
"Okay, any ideas on stopping him?"

"Well there is an old ritual to remove a dragon's rage, but it would be too risky."
"What?"

"You're going have to attract the dragon's attention."

"I can't believe I'm doing this." standing out in the open, Spark Runner was waiting on the insane stallion's signal in getting the dragon into position.

"Are you ready yet?"
"Almost, don't rush me." pulling out the necklace of the box Dragon-Heart concentrates all his energy into the ruby, hoping that it will stop the dragon.

"Can you hurry it up? I think the dragon has seen me."
As the necklace floats in front of him it begins to pulse slightly from within "Now!"

In that instance Spark unleashes a small bolt spell striking the dragon in its face, causing it to go in a diving flight after him.

"How will this work?"
"Just lead him to me and run past so you won't interfere." the dragon draws increasingly closer inches away Spark, aas he tries to gain a little more speed; the dragon's mouth begins to spew lines of smoke,

"He's about to burn everything in its path!" inches away from Dragon-Heart,
"Just move!" Spark jumps out into a crushed tent out of the dragon's path, as it neared him all that is heard is

"Lachvash!" then a white blinding light covers everything.

As my visioned returned I could see all the destruction on the grounds, many trying to help others, guards heading across the grounds to the now sleeping dragon, and I stare at the stallion walk towards us with an elegant box.

"Luna are you alright?"
"Yes sister I'm fine." not looking up at my sister I begin to walk towards him. The guards begin to form a defensive wall between us, but I push them aside

"Luna come back here this instant."
looking back "Celestia it's alright."

As we both meet in the middle, he speaks

"Princess Luna it is my honor in presenting you this necklace, well crafted and with the rarest green fire ruby as its gem." as he bows the box floats towards me, revealing the necklace inside, glowing a bright green. As I slip on the necklace I look up and stare into his eyes, it's like looking into a dragon's eyes but the green iris give them a softness to them,

"It's beautiful," moving closer I give a small glance to his wings
"What is your name?" before he could answer he begins to sway, his legs tremble

"Are you alright?"
in an instance he collapses to the ground "Someone get a doctor!"

Chapter 4: Questions

As I lay in the calm darkness, floating out to nowhere, my mind a blank, I hear ripples as thoughts begin to return. These returned at random from old locations I have traveled to, then different names without faces or faces without names, it came in a harmonic tune. Then I felt a disturbance the darkness began to change, it was no longer calm but frightening, the memories started to rush back into my head, all moving to fast to comprehend. I start to twist and turn trying to calm my mind, but to no avail, my heart races, my breathing became difficult, I can feel the darkness swallowing me, and then everything stops. I can feel a soft touch on my head, moving in a caring motion, Who is this? This being calming my troubles, a soothing voice awakens me.

Staring into the stallion's face I could his troubles clouding him, he turns in the sheets, and his breathing becomes heavier. What is troubling you? the door opens as Celestia and a nurse walk into my room.

"Sister I advise that we move him to a different room." the nurse begins to check on him
"He stopped that dragon sister. This civilian stopped a dragon, one that none of the guards could stop. It seemed appropriate that he rest in a good bed."

Celestia looks down at the necklace that was given to me, as I followed her gaze I noticed I was subconsciously stroking the gem, hastily move the hoof away and look at him.

"What?" turning back I can see my sister staring with a concern look "Celestia, this stallion risked his life protecting us and he was just here to deliver this to us." pointing at the necklace "I can at least sit here with him."

Her face slowly becomes one of understanding "Fine, but once he is well I would like to speak with him."

As they both leave the room I return my attention to him, he still seems to be troubled, slowly I reach out and begin stroking his head whispering, "It's alright brave one, you are safe under the watchful moon." he begins to calm himself and slowly awakens.

Slowly opening my eyes, clearing my vision I start to notice my new surroundings. I seem to be in a light blue room, to the left I notice books and instruments of astronomy, turning to the right my heart stops. There sitting next to the bed was Luna, a small smile on her face.

"You're finally awake." her soothing touch feels like there's nothing that can go wrong, her eyes bright as the night, and her beauty can shatter stone.

"Where am I? What happened?" trying to rise, a jolt of pain travel through my body preventing me to move.

"You shouldn't move, you collapsed after stopping that dragon and giving me this necklace. I had them bring you here to my room."

surprised I respond with "Y-you're room?"

giggling at my expression "Don't worry, I requested that you rest here. You risked your life for us."

She walks over to small table with a bowl on top. So this is her room, taking a second glance around the room, it suits her, I notice an exit that leads onto the balcony as a light breeze blows in, Luna returns with a small cup

"Here drink this." a sweet aroma flows from the cup but taking a small sip said otherwise, and slowly I can feel my strength returning, glancing down I notice the necklace around her neck

"Your still wearing the necklace."

smiling "It is a very beautiful necklace and the way it glows in the moonlight."
"Moonlight? How long have I been out?"

"You've been out for three days. You should go back to sleep, my sister would like to speak with you later."

Luna exits the room, leaving me to lay her with my thoughts, What would Princess Celestia want with me? as I shift in the bed I just now notice my wings aren't present, I must have changed back, that's probably what caught her interest. Only thing left to do is wait. Slowly I return back into the calm darkness of sleep.

I've never seen Celestia actually angry at someone before, her stare was disturbing even if you are not the one in the line of sight. Standing on the side of a silent room where Stargazer was brought in for questions,

"What was a dragon doing within the castle?" her words were cold as stone
"We were experimenting on what causes dragons to act the way they do." he responded calmly,

"There is a book explaining a dragon's nature of every type."
"But this was for further understanding them."

"By risking the lives of everyone here!" the strength of her voice shook the room. Stargazer's face showed control but his stance seemed to falter, probably knowing that this was caused by his recklessness.

"I took precautions so nothing could go wrong.....I guess I missed something."
Celestia began to pace around the room "You are a trusted associate and I know you wouldn't bring any harm, but this was something that wasn't suppose to happened."

I was about to join in the conversation, then Stargazer states

"That is why I am leaving Canterlot." we both stare with surprised looks on our face, "And my assistant will be taking over my position."

"Are you sure about this?" in response he nods, walks over to me placing his hoof on my shoulder
"Just remember all I thought you and remember to recheck everything." all I could do was stare as one of the greatest professors was leaving everything here, which is now placed on my shoulders.

***

Standing on the balcony with the wind in my face felt very refreshing, after resting for days this was much better. The view of the world from here was amazing, everything was calm, with a beautiful sunset.

"What are you doing up? You should be resting."

Jolting awake I turn to find Luna with a concerned frown on her, I try to look innocent of what little trouble I might have caused but knew I was caught,

"Sorry, I was feeling better and wanted to come outside for some fresh air."
she joins me looking out into the valley "Beautiful view isn't"

looking towards Luna I couldn't tell what was blinding me the sun or her, nervously I tried to muster up the courage to say something, hesitating

"Yes it is." she looks over with her bright blue eyes, losing myself in them.

"What are you staring at?" a small playful smile comes across her face, quickly I turn away blushing
"N-nothing." she draws closer

"It must be something very beautiful to be staring at it and make you nervous." my whole face reddens, slowly I retreat my way back to the room,
"It is something I shouldn't really discuss." Luna traces my path

"What could it be? I want to know what it its." quickening my pace, I stumble over something causing me to fall onto the bed, Luna continues her path. My heart races a little from this small game of cat and mouse, until my back hits the wall, Luna moves closer until she's just inches away.

"What is going on here?"
We both look towards the door where Princess Celestia stood with a questioning look on her face,

"I see our guest is finally feeling better." quickly, Luna and I separated from each other, still red as an apple I lower my head

"Princess, I thank you for the hospitality you have given me."
"You should be thanking my sister for that. She was the one who gave up her bed and nurtured you back to health." raising my head back up, face almost back to normal, nervously asks,

"You wanted to speak with me?"
"Yes, you're not in any trouble. I just wanted to ask you a few questions about you." Luna quietly stands next to her sister,

"What do you want to know?"
"Who are you, exactly?"

"My name is Dragon-Heart, I am a jewel crafter and former dragon researcher, I live outside of the Everfree forest in a small town, and as you probably saw when the dragon was rampaging I can have the same abilities at a moments notice."
"So you are the son of the famous dragon researcher?"

"Yes." Both sisters remained silent, Celestia showed no expression, and Luna was closely listening to everything,
"Interesting. What was the thing you did that stopped the dragon?"

"It was an old spell I-"
"Wait. Spell? You can cast spells?"

"Yes. I can can cast some common spells, here let me show you."

Turning towards a bowl I concentrate my magiks and begin to levitate the bowl off the table. Both stare with curiosity at the bowl.

"Fascinating."
"How are you doing this?" asked Luna, giving a small smile I morphed the bowl into a small ceramic statue of a rare flower, placing it back on the table.

"I learned much from others when I use to travel." Luna goes to further investigate the flower.
"An Earth pony who can cast spells and call on the powers of a dragon. You are an excellent candidate."

Confused "What do you mean?"
A small smile crosses her face "You are going to begin training to see if you can become Luna's personal royal guard."

Chapter 5: Training

I was added into the ranks of the others that were chosen to begin their training as guards, this covered most of the training I had to do but there were a lot more tasks ahead of me. A lot was expected of as I tend to have many tricks under my hat and many of the tasks that I would most likely face will call for a high stamina, a strong physic, quick reflexes, and casting multiple spells. The first of my tests began with the royal arcane teacher Rune Digger, who seemed to give off a strange aurora of magic, we were also joined by Princess Celestia who no doubt wanted to see my full magic potential.

"The princess has informed me that an earth pony as yourself is able to cast spells only unicorns can cast and that you were to able to cast an incantation that stopped a dragon. How were you able to learn all this mysterious spells?" he asked,

"I traveled for many of my young years and have learned from many talented individuals." my answer seem to further grow their curiosity.

"Very well, we will begin with a simple task." Rune Digger brings out what seem to be a large cube with strange symbols and grid lines, "This box is used to test those who we have little information of what kind of magic they can control. When you are ready cast the spells you know and we will go from there." he returns to his spot next to the princess.

I studied the cube following the grid lines and trying to decipher the symbols if possible, it seemed to be just random on a cube. Starting with something simple I concentrated and was able to lift the cube a few feet off the ground, then began to test a theory by trying to turn a cube's face, to my surprise it was moveable like a interlock mechanism. I could feel the two staring as I try to solve the cube's secret, after a random combination of turns the symbols began to faintly glow and felt a surge of energy flowing from the cube, challenging this new energy I was able to morph the cube into a floating bubble of water, a series of whispers were exchanged between the teacher and princess.

"Very impressive," he congratulated as he moved closer to inspect the floating bubble, "I've never seen skilled unicorns able to do this in their first attempts. You are a gifted one."

"Indeed he is." Celestia joined Rune Digger in the examination of the bubble, "And from years of traveling and learning from different individuals, you've proven yourself being able to use logic with your magic to solve problems. Now let's begin in teaching you a few new spells." she walked into the next, looking towards Rune Digger he signals to follow.

After a few hours of training with Celestia and Rune Digger, I was to head to the training grounds for the Pegasuses that were recruited, I was to be tested and trained by their greatest flyer by the name of Dasher. The training grounds themselves were found on top of a giant mesa surrounded by a sea of clouds, there a few scattered buildings on the mesa and if one looked up you could see what was most likely a courses one would fly through. Arriving to what I believed was the main building I could hear voices growing louder behind the set of doors, eventually opening as two Pegasuses trot out, the second had difficulty trying to keep up with the one talking.

"I have hard time believing in the idea of a pony with the wings of a dragon, sounds more like a terrible fairy tail that fester from drunks." halting in the middle of the grounds, "Where is this infamous character everypony keeps talking about?"

She seemed like something out of a story as well as she stood with confidence on her back, a short mane that reflected the colors of a rainbow, her wings stood out the most as they looked like they can handle hurricanes with ease but had a gentle feel from what seem to look like soft feathers. Stepping forward I was greeted by a stare of annoyance which damaged my own confidence a little, she begins to walk around me, examining me before standing in front me again.

"I don't see how you can him, I don't even see wings on you."
forgetting that I was air lifted here I reveal my wings, as wisps of fire formed at both sides and dispersed outward, it brought many surprised faces all around especially on Dasher as she watches wings take place of the fire.

"How?" she begins examine my wings, pulling one out to its full wing span, others wanting to get close stopped a short distance.

"You must be a good flyer with these wings."
"They have gotten me out of trouble." stating honestly as I could,

"Hmm, well let's see them in action. You are going the run that course furthest from the rest and try to the best time holder of it." before I could get a quick overlook of the course, she clicks her stopwatch and shouts, "Go!"

With the command said, I use the full strength of my wings to lift me into the air and spearhead toward the course little knowing that this particular one was the most advance and difficult one to run. With high speed wind tunnels forcing back or around, clouds releasing rain and the occasional lighting missing by inches, snow and mist to slow you down and obscure the vision. The ultimatum of the course was the debris that was thrown in at the end of the course, branches, rocks, and other materials that would get taken by hurricane winds was chaotically flying around, got clipped a few times exiting the course. Landing back at the main building like a bird that just flew through a storm, I still stood to attention and waited for the results of my run. Dasher looks down at the stopwatch, turns to the clipboard, then stares back at me as a small smile appears on her face.

"Your flight was a little sloppy but you were able to get through one of our toughest course and match the record time as well."
Feeling confident I asked, "And who is the holder of this record?"

"Mine." she answered as her smile turned into a grin.

I was taken by surprised as the large around us all gasped at the idea of a newcomer as able to match the time of one the greatest flyer they know, they must have appeared after I flew towards the course. Dasher walked towards a white line that was drawn on the ground and began to remove her equipment before stating,

"I have one more test before I return you to the ground." she extend and retracted her wings a few times.
Taking the spot next to her, "What is the test?" I asked.

"Race me." at the sound of this the group began to crowed around, all trying to have good view of their known flyer take on a stranger with the wings of a dragon.
"Very well." taking a few stretches myself, we took our stance.

The crowd began to cheer on Dasher to win but few can be heard chanting for the newcomer, as the second Pegasus from earlier stood in front of us with her wings up. One final glance between us, she lowers her wings, and the last that is seen from the crowd is the two launching into the air neck-n-neck.

The final part of my training was back at the castle grounds with the Guard Captain himself, a very passionatefellow. The training mostly consisted of him yelling and I going through very rigorous drills with the trainees making it more difficult for me. Covering any situation that I might face with any added surprises and building up my stamina and physic to be able to withstand the said situations, also trained with weapons and shields to have an understanding of the tools I would need when provided with. He had the trainees spar with me using the weapons but after the few that were knocked they began to fear serious injury as I was able to hurt many of them with little effort.

"Good work filly," That is really getting annoying, "You seem to handle everything thrown at you with ease. Now to test your skill in unarmed combat, as I've seen you made a reputation between the others that is why you will face me." Second getting challenged by the best here, next it will be a supernatural being. We entered into a ring found near the outer wall of the grounds, we took either side and readied ourselves, at least only a few are here to watch this.

***

Closing the last of my favorite books that can be found in the library I decided stretch a little and get some fresh air out on the balcony. The day was coming to an end as everything seems to slow down as the sun sets, lights begin to turn on, animals head home, all is calm......What is that noise? A small distinctive drone can be heard, looking over the balcony it seem to be generating from somewhere else, flying to the outer wall of the grounds I begin my search of the noise. Reaching one of the towers the noise became more distinguishable; sounded like cheering, looking towards the grounds found the origin of the noise. A few of the guards were around a small ring were two others were seem to be sparring in the ring, I take a seat on top of the small tower to get better view of the fight, it was really interesting seeing two fight like this. I was able to make out the two in the ring, it was the Guard Captain himself and to my surprise Dragon-Heart both seem to be at equal strengths; the Captain does a low sweep and Dragon-Heart jumps and counters with kick but it is also re-countered, This is really exciting. They kept at it as the moon rose over them, both looked as they never even began, sometimes they would stop but maintain their stance and kept eyes locked on each other, few of the guards that remained cheered and drew bets on who would give first.

Deciding to add a little entertaining commentary, "Is not one of you strong enough to win my blessing?"

Almost all of them jumped in fright in hearing my voice, most try to hide the fact they were betting, others acted innocent in the situation, but only one didn't get distracted and was given the upper hand as the Captain tries to finish Dragon-heart with one strike, easily it is foiled as he blocks the incoming attack but sacrificing some of his balance as he is pushed towards the ground.

"You shouldn't let anything distract you from the opponent in front of you." Dragon-Heart tries to regain his lost balanced but is kept locked in place, "Looks like I take this victory today."

But as he finished those words all Dragon-Heart did was grin as his eyes changed, his wing swiped at the Captain's legs, and tosses him out the ring. The look of surprise all around as they tried to fully process of ring out, the Captain walked back to the ring laughing a hardy laugh, many had frowns as they lost their bits on the match, and I felt relieved that I didn't cost him the match.

"So it is decided. My blessing goes to you Dragon-Heart, personal guardian of the moon." I might have overdone just a bit, as he tried to hide the blush in his face but his blush seemed to try to take his whole face.

"That was very clever of you, giving your opponent the sense of victory then removing the ground beneath them. Princess, looks like you bagged yourself a real guard here."

"Don't be silly. He may be my personal guard he stills need a little more work if we wants the full moon's blessing." blushing at the fact of how cliche that sounded, I played it along trying at a seductress stance.

"Well isn't someone in the fire. Come on Dragon-Heart I will show were you will be staying."

Before they headed out Dragon-Heart looked up at me before he did a small bow, surprised, I smiled and returned the small bow, he then quickly followed the Captain. *Chuckling* He is a very interesting one, a stallion of earth that is able to tame dragons, use some magic that would take time to learn, and yet he becomes a very shy nervous one around me. Returning to my chamber, picked up the necklace he brought onto me and had the moonlight shine of the gem, it began to glow a bright green aurora. I've never met one like him, he has that sort of fire in him that heroes have in stories as they fight for the damsel they hold dear. Pausing in thought, Could I have those same feelings for someone that I just met? Could I find an answer in these stories or is it my story that I must write?

Chapter 6: New Surroundings

The sun rises on the next day as the castle begins to awake, everyone begins to tend to their duties or head out on other business, clear skies let the sun shine its brightest today as everything seem to glow. The sisters discuss multiple matters as they survey the whole castle, the new young head researcher advises others of new tasks at hand, messengers traveling through every entry and exit as well as others. As the sun rises higher a ray of light cuts through a small opening of a window, striking the eyes of a sleeping stallion stirring awake, slowly opening his eyes he surveys the room he is in. A small apartment with some of his belongings he was able to bring, a table covered with gems and small tools stood in one corner with a chest next to it, in the other stood an armor stand with his issued equipment on it, while laying on a rough looking bed. Opening the window to let in more light revealed several books and papers scattered about the floor and on the walls, all from different periods of time and countries. The armor shined a dark purple color with light inlay of blue detailed markings, a fine sophisticated work made from the strongest metals to be found near the outer borders of the Everfree forest, it was even collapsible to give the wearer mobility or defense. The stallion begins to equip the armor, placing it over his back then locking in the chest plate with an emblem on it showing the Lunar coat of arms, sliding into his boots and finally attaching the neck protector. He stares into his reflection from a dirty mirror, wondering about the life of the armor, turning to one side he notices the armor had a previous owner, there a small distinction of what looked like talons cut through the metal. Before heading out to his new surroundings, a small prayer is said then exits.

Standing out in the large hallway with others passing by and occasionally making glances towards my direction made it very uncomfortable for me. I quickly head towards the library to meet up with the Captain for lessons from historical notes, all while trying to avoid those in the hallway; many whispering or staring about the new stallion in the unique armor who now resides in the room two doors down of Luna's. Upon reaching the stairs I find a familiar character from my encounter with the dragon.

"Hello old friend." I greeted as I match his walk.
"Oh, hey its you. Feeling better?" he asked, looking a mess himself.

"I am, but what about you? You look like you've ran to the ice caps and back."
"It's nothing just getting into my new position since my mentor left because of that incident we had." a weary smile appears.

"Well good for you I guess. I don't we've been properly introduced by the way, my name is Dragon-Heart."
"Nice to meet you Dragon-Heart, my name is Spark Runner or what my fellow researchers started calling me Sparks."

Chuckling, "Why have they started calling you Sparks?"
"Because...I may have played with more lighting than I can handle." he mutters, "So looks like you were admitted to be a guard."

"Well sort of, more of a personal guard Luna."
"Really, wonder why?"

I wondered at the thought as well, "Maybe the dragon running around brought to light the needing of protection from anything."

We reached a fork in the grounds where we went our separate ways as he headed towards the building with the large telescope and I towards the cylinder one with two Guards at its doors. Heading inside I learned the building had secrets of its own as the floors extend further down or were wider than they appear, I find myself in a room with a giant hourglass in its center surrounded by tables, there I found the Captain and other newly recruited guards.

"Good you're here take a seat and we will begin the lesson." taking a seat next to a colt who seemed more nervous than most, the Captain begins speaking.

"You all are here because you passed the physical challenges that will be met in this line of work but that was just the simple walk in the park. The real challenge is how strong is your thought process, finding ways around problems without fighting, and understanding the way everything works and reacts to your actions. This is why we will be reviewing different events on learning how to defuse any situation."

We were all giving multiple copies written from many different historians, all with detailed descriptions of any event that was decided by choices of many or of one. I was given two other books as well one of foreign relations and the other of what seem to made of to what I believed was mythology but something about book gave off the feeling of truth behind it. After hours of reading through the books and the rest left I stayed reviewing the "Book of Supernatural Entities," explaining the many strange creatures ponies were able to encounter or study. Many of the small creatures I've seen when mining in large caves or traveling through parts untouched by civilization, other creatures seem unlikely to exist what given little information about them, then I reached one particular entity that stood out from the rest. It didn't have a name to it only titled as the "Lord of Chaos" from just looking at the illustration I see why it was called that, its body was made multiple creatures molded into a snake-like dragon.

-The Lord of Chaos is a Draconequus creature from an unknown origin, it is said wherever this creature would be the area would be greatly altered to its opposite features even its citizens would be affected by energy of chaos growing from it....The chaos held control over parts of Equestria for many years before two nations joined together in a peaceful truce to stop the chaos, using the power from a sacred tree they were able to seal away the Lord of Chaos in location unbeknownst to others...

A lot of information was removed from the pages as to hide a powerful secret, names where removed or scratched out, locations stated false, but the images where left alone which started to bring up old memories long forgotten. The illustration of what the they thought the tree looked like almost seem to be perfect representation of it, Wait. How would I know what it would look like? continuing to to the second image it showed two beings standing on hill, one had the same looking armor as those seen here in Canterlot and the second..........I stared at the second Alicorn with a dark coat of shadows, a mane of emerald green, with a jagged looking horn, and wings that looked transparent, Why does this all seem familiar? Random images of a cave and a tree made of stone flashes through my mind, there's also a strange shadow there, as I try to remember to see the image a voice startles me.

"Oh I'm sorry, careful there." I must have jumped out of my seat, "Are you all right Dragon-Heart?"
"What? Yes, yes I'm alright." I quickly gather the books and remove any nerves to keep a calm face only to have them return as I face Princess Celestia.

"Are you sure? You seem to be thinking of something really hard, you had a strained look."
"Oh that, I sort of dozed off and hit my head against the table, hehe."

"Hmm, very well. You should explore around more, get to know everypony here, staying secluded is not a healthy habit."
"Right...Good day to you, your highness." as I was bowing I could hear a small chuckle.

"You don't have to be so formal, you've proven more than enough to just call me Celestia." she continues her walk around the library, leaving me with my thoughts before heading out.

Reaching the building Sparks entered earlier a loud commotion can be heard inside, looks like they were testing something and just as I opened the door a warning is shouted towards my directions just as I was able to stop a spear of rock inches from my face. Staring at the thing that almost killed me others gathered around me all asking if I was alright and others wanting to know how I was able to stop it without using my hooves or dodging it, Sparks breaks through the crowd.

"Dear Celestia, Dragon-Heart are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine," placing the spear down "You should probably have a safety barrier for this kind of thing."

"You're right didn't think this would happen," he hands the spear to another "So what brings you here."
"Just wanted to explore where you handle your research" everywhere I looked there were ponies all working in different things.

"Then let me give you a tour of the place," we head towards the center of the room "Let's start with something you might enjoy, here we test many different reactions of elements with stones, gems and alloys." the center is a large area where multiple stations were place each working with a certain category of tests.
"What are you doing with those gems over there?" a group of researchers seem to feeding crystals with beams of energy which cause them to glow brightly.

"Ah we started this research just after reviewing how you were able to stop the dragon, when you channeled energy into the gem it got us in wondering if this works with all gems or stones and with any type of magic or energy."
"I see." to the side were glass cases that held individual stones and gems that had some energy in them.

As we toured all the experiments and conversed with the others, the images I had before started to cloud my mind again and I became distant to the world around me,

"Hey, Dragon-Heart. Hello? Are you there?" Sparks waves his hoof in front of me
"Oh sorry, got distracted."

"I know, you have that look trying to remember something."
"It's nothing, really." Sparks stands in my way

"I won't take that as an answer. Now tell me, what is it that is bothering you?"
He was serious, there was no denying his determination "Have you ever looked at something that brings up memories that you have no recollection of whatsoever?"

"What do you mean?" he asked
"I was reading this particular book about certain events, where mentioned a stone tree and a Alicorn that helped in the event that both seemed very real to me. I can't explain it but it seems that I have seen these two things in my life before all of this. I keep playing these images in my head of that very same tree and a figure at its base looking almost like the one in the book."

Sparks stares with complete confusion on his face before responding with, "You probably went through an physiological event so strong that your mind blocked the memories and now that you've read this book it triggered the images you're seeing. I could try to find a way to help you remember but as of right now maybe try to not worry so much on them."
"Hmmm, I'll try. Well I'm going to explore the rest of the place, try to get to know its halls I'll visit another time. Good day."

"And to you Dragon-Heart."

***

Exploring the castle really helped clearing my mind and conversing with others here and there removed any nerves I still had about the place. Many told stories about their lives here and before, many where from towns found far out in the world others where born here, almost everyone knew each other so well it was like a small town of its own. They also asked a lot about me from where I was born to how did I become the stallion I am today, it was a little embarrassing telling them my story as they would ask about my father who studied dragons with my help, then wanting to know about my mother and all were surprised to hear that she was an adviser for a prince past the northern mountains. The parts of the of my life they all mostly wondered about was hard to explain as it sounded something a child would try to tell a story, I tried to keep the story simple as explaining how I was able to gain the trust of an elder dragon that disliked anything outside of any of their nesting grounds, then spending the most of my years of just wandering all over Equestria and learning things from many different teachers, and finishing it to how I arrived. Late in the evening I found a garden where I could have a moment of peace, not that I didn't like the crowds around me but here in the center of the garden with the fountain reminded me of home as I closed my eyes and drift off with the memories.

Finally free from my obligations around the castle and with all the ponies starting to call it a day, I used the remaining of my time just wandering the halls. I find it a little strange on how quiet a large castle like this can get with only the occasional clanking of armor as the guards walk the halls, saluting them was also another thing I found weird doing as I passed them while standing by doors or passing through. Before heading back to my room I deciding to walk the garden, it was always so beautiful in the night while the moon shined on the flowers. The garden was one of the places I enjoyed since my sister and I planted the first generations of flowers here and now grown to have multiple flowers and colors from the area, then the soothing sounds from the fountain as the water would endlessly flow through it, a world withing a world. But there was something new here that I haven't notice, a lone stallion sitting across the fountain motionless, he looked like a statue overlooking the garden, as I moved closer the stallion became more recognizable, it was Dragon-Heart. He must of fallen wandered here and fallen asleep, funny that he was able to keep his back straight at attention but his head drooped a little, he seemed to be having joyous dream. I know I shouldn't be exploring dreams before I have more experience but he could help me practice a little, as I sat across from him I began to concentrate forming a link between our minds, unexpectedly he began to nuzzle my nose which in turn made me blush but not as madly as Dragon-Heart as he awoke to seeing my embarrassed red face against his.

With a startled jump, "Luna!! Oh I'm so sorry, I'm sorry I thought I was alone and, and..." he was stumbling around his words.
"No, no, no it's alright. I should be the one apologizing, I saw you were sitting here and didn't want to cause a disturbance."

"Please excuse me I'll be out of your way." as he tried to leave I placed my hoof on his shoulder,
"Don't go, I would like your company here." with these words said caused both of us to further feel a little embarrassed, we sat side by side each looking at different things.

"It's a very beautiful garden."
"Thank you, we worked hard on it when it was just a few plots of flowers."

We stayed silent for a while before he asked, "Um, could you keep this between just the two of us?"
"Yes," I could tell he felt terrible inside that this happen "What were you dreaming of?"

"I was dreaming of home, this garden closely resembles area I was born in." he started to blush again, which made me giggle a little that caused his face turn even further red.
"I'm sorry it's just that I've never seen a stallion blush so much."

"Well my mother did say I was very emotional...just like my father."

We stayed in the garden a while longer just conversing about many different things as we forgot about the embarrassing moment we had earlier, he was more social now than he was before but he was still a little shy around me. As cold breeze blew in and the lanterns started light up gave us the signal that it is late into the night, heading back I started feel cold from the breeze and began to shiver but then felt warm as Dragon-Heart has placed his wing around me to keep the breeze off me, he kept facing forward probably to hide the fact that he has his wing around me, so I just slowly moved closer to him until my body was against his causing him to tense up a little. We avoided halls where others might see us as he lead me back to my room and before heading off to his,

"May you have a restful night princess." and bows
"And may you have wonderful dreams." as he stands back up I give him a playful nuzzle of my own.

Before seeing his reaction I turn into my room and closing the door, I lay down on the bed with my ecstatic thoughts, I start to feel really foolish and embarrassed at the same time of what I just done. Am I being fooled by these thoughts of him and I? This is all new things I have never experienced or even learned about. What am I going through? What is he going through?

Chapter 7: Diplomacy and Time

Weeks passed since that night, we become our normal selves again and act the usual persona's that everyone knows, but we can't say that on occasion we would look across the crowds, the gap to find ourselves staring. Most days now we were both busy learning our parts that we must live out, I a princess working with my older sister keeping order with other royals of Equestria then the day and night, all while he prepares with the rest when they are needed to protect our home even though he would be mostly at my side if such an a idea occurred. A few days from now some delegates from Saddle Arabia where to arrive to discuss about needed help for something, I know only what Celestia told since she is the one that mostly handles everything here.

"Luna I'm going to want you attend this meeting when the delegates arrive."
"Are you sure sister? I know very little of these kinds of things and you've been able to handle them well."

"Yes I'm sure, being there will give you the best understanding of how to work with others. For know we are going to work on the basics of what you need to know."

For five days and five nights we were enclosed in the library as my sister would help with my representation and speaking as a delegate would. It was all confusing as there were many variables to speaking with another one to one and then trying to maintain a calm mind if there two or more speaking and tension was rising between them. We would take breaks in between sessions that I would spend most staring out the large window, following the horizon from one end to the a other just thinking about everything past the boundaries of nature. Down below can be seen the many ponies with their own business in mind not as difficult in being a princess, groups of friends would be entering or leaving out to either work or fun, I don't mind that many would treat me as royalty but after a while it becomes a bore and they won't stop the act as if they depended on it. I know a few who would act normal around me and indulge on my want of fun but if my sister where to appear they would go back to the routine of bowing and responding with titles, but sometimes she would be kind enough to let me have my fun. The day the delegates where to arrive was only greeted with a message stating that harsh weather has brought them to halt and would need four more days before arriving, I felt relieved that there was more time now but again was spent practicing and looking out the window.

"You may have this day for yourself, go and do whatever want." she said walking past the library.
"But the delegates arrive tomorrow and-"

"Yes I know they would arrive tomorrow, but there is a time when all of it won't be work and spent inside. So go out and enjoy the day."

I ran up to her and gave her a long hug and then went off to find something fun to do for the day. I was looking for somebody that would out of their usual routine of treating me as royalty and more of a new friend, but diminished as many would stay their usual selves or nervously moved around the subject, I guess this something they were taught growing up: The proper and only way to act in front royalty. There wasn't much to do alone as many ponies were kept to their responsibilities, until it occurred to me that their might be one who wouldn't be so boring if asked to have fun, I headed towards the grounds where the guards are usually training or spending the day relaxing to find the Captain. As I entered the grounds all around everypony was either stopping or jumping up to attention as they usually would and wait until told to do so by the Captain, who shouted at far end to let them returned to their activities.

"Princess," he bows "What brings you here?"
"I'm here looking for someone," looking around I couldn't tell many from one another "But it seems he is not here."

"Who are you looking for?"
"For Dragon-Heart, I need to speak with him."

"Well he can be found with the blacksmith, though I think they are working something. Why do you have to speak with him?"
"That is something that will only be discussed between him and I." heading out I heard some whispers exchanged from the younger group of guards, then cut short with a few shouts from others.

Nearing the blacksmiths workshop a loud commotion can heard of metal against metal and few shouts here and there, slowly I peeked into the room to see an interesting work between Dragon-Heart and the blacksmith. The smith held a large clump of what I thought was an ore as Dragon-Heart let out a large green flame heating the ore, once it glowed bright from the instance heat Dragon-Heart flapped a strong gust with his wings that somehow made the water in a tank create a bubble around the ore. As the sphere of water cool the ore both he and the blacksmith began to strike it with two large hammers giving it shape, every strike caused the water to disperse but returned to keeping its shape, once finished the know ore was shaped into a scale that the smith attached to a set of armor layered with the same looking scales. Entering into the workshop both notice my presence and did what everyone else does,

"Princess, what is it that I might be a service to you?" the blacksmith asked
"I've come to borrow your assistant for the day."

The blacksmith gave a confused looked before realizing I was talking about Dragon-Heart, "Ah yes of course."
"If you would follow me Dragon-Heart." he gave thanks to the smith before joining me outside,

"Might I asked what is my task for today?"
"We are going to spend the day together and do something fun." a priceless look overtook his face at the sound of these words.

"Are you certain that I'm the one to be invited to having fun?" he asked keeping a slow pace behind me,
"Well you are the only one that I can think of that wouldn't act like a stubborn pony and would enjoy the day with a princess acting like a young mare." gave a little more sway in my walk for emphasis causing him to turn a red, looking back, "Aren't you going to escort me?"

Taking his place beside me, "Very well let us explore the town."

Though I don't know my way around Canterlot or know of its stores this was going to be the first time to visit these places and accompanied by the princess. I felt comfortable within the walls of the castle since many of its residents and visitors are well know, but out in the town felt worse as many onlookers would stare at the Luna accompanied by a stranger, whispers would be exchanged, others tried to look uninterested but couldn't help themselves. Luna seemed nervous as well but hid it well as she would greet those who would near us and kindly accepted small gifts from some, a few would turn to me and offer as well, I accepted so I wouldn't seem rude.

"Seems everyone is in a joyful mood."
"That or just giving the royal treatment," she accepts a floral crown from a florist, "But I don't want to be always treated like this and just have a normal day."

"I see," looking around I noticed the plaza a few streets down filled with carts having a fair, which gave ma an idea "Follow me, I want to show you something."

As we entered into the plaza, Luna's smile became one of complete joy as she would go from cart to cart, stand to stand, and event to event. Here everyone knew who she was but were more relaxed around her, she would converse with vendors, play games with the young fillies running around, here she was having fun and treated like a normal individual. As we got closer to the center music can be heard playing as pairs dancers would dance around in the center, Luna began to sway to the rhythm more and more until she started to join in on the dance, as she was passed from partner to partner, enjoying herself then stopping in front of me.

"Won't you join me?" she holds out her hoof inviting me.
"I don't know, I'm not much of a dancer."

"Oh come on. I invited you for a fun day and you won't accept a dance?" she makes a hurt face and the crowd around would start to encourage taking the dance. She holds out her hoof again, as I accept it I give a little twirl as we set ourselves in the center, everyone grew quiet as they focused on us.

"I thought you said weren't much of a dancer."
"Since everyone wanted me to dance it changed my mind."

The conductor taps for the attention of the musicians, the songs slowly starts into a small waltz as we begin to dance with the melody, slowly dancing around the circumference of the center as we are silently watched, deciding to change the mood Dragon-Heart sparks small wisps of flames that began to follow our dance on the floor and in the air. Then Luna decided to add her own, as somehow it got darker as small lights would appear all around like stars, the music begins to speed and in turn so does our dancing and a spectacular scene is created. As the pair dances faster the light and flames would blend together until they form their own silhouettes of other dancers, the center turned into the night sky over calm waters, rippling only to the two in the center, as the song gradually gains rhythm the dancers fluid movements become faster, more dynamic, nearing its end the shadow dancers create a blinding light until flashing out of existence, revealing the two embracing each other under a small bright moon shining upon them on calm waters.

Realizing that the song has ended I open my eyes to the others staring at us with great interest, some talking, a few wiping tears from their eyes, looking down I see Luna was still against smiling with closed eyes, I whisper into her ear,

"I don't mean to ruin the moment but everyone is staring."
Slowly opening her eyes and looking around then looking at close we were, she slowly separates herself from me feeling embarrassed from all the stares. Then all the ponies begin clapping, cheering, throwing flowers at our hoofs, many crowd around us asking many questions. The rushing crowd was too much either one of was able to handle and the many questions they would ask about us, Luna looked like she was about to break, quickly I pressed through to her side and being leading her out of the plaza as quickly as possible, thinking up excuses and thanking everyone as we were leaving. Finally out stopping at a quiet park we sat on a bench under a cherry blossom tree catching our breath.

"We danced pretty well today didn't we?" turning to see if she was feeling better after the ordeal, a small smile appears.
"We did. Even if you did lie of being a good dancer." faces me, "Sorry if I got a little carried away."

"No, no, this time I'm the one who should apologize. I may have added more to the mood then I should of and got both of us distracted into another world."
"It was a little embarrassing to seeing them stare at us especially how close we were together."

Looking down at the flowers, "Do you think stories about that is going to spread around?"
"Most likely not," feeling her lean against me, "I think they know to keep this sort of thing between them. You're tense."

Letting myself relax, "Still not use to this."
"Neither am I."

Before heading back we stopped by few of the vendors and bought some small trinkets in remembrance of the day of fun we had. Heading back we took the more direct route even if it meant to hear more whispers or have onlookers until turning the corner, we bid farewell as she entered her room and I walked back to mine only to be stopped by the Captain.

"Spent the day well?" he asked with that blank face he always has,
"It was..interesting."

"I can tell from your performance at the plaza, didn't know two can dance like that." my heart started to race as I held my breath wondering what he is going to do, only to be surprised with a hard pat on the back and a smile.

"Just tread very carefully. We wouldn't want anything to happen."
"Yes sir." saluting, he goes on his way and I head to bed with concerned thoughts of the days to come.

Chapter 8: Stories

Today is the arrival of the delegates from Saddle Arabia and I get to see how meetings like these work and to get a better understanding of relations between other lands. Just thinking about standing in the meeting is nerve racking even with my sister by my side, I don't want to be a bother or end up ruining our image as royals of Canterlot. Looking around the room nothing would keep me distracted and only made it worse, maybe Dragon-Heart can help in removing my nerves. Heading to his door I thought about dealing with my nerves on my own but it just kept returning to the idea of it being a disaster, reaching his door I give it a few knocks and call him out.

"Dragon-Heart are you in there?"
"Yes, I'll be right there." the door opens to a smiling stallion, "What's with that worried look on your face?"

"Could we go for a walk?"
"Alright," closing the door behind him we head down the hallway, "Is something bothering you?"

"I'm just really nervous about this thing I'm standing in with my sister. I worry that I might not be ready and I was wondering if you can help get over my doubts."
"It'd be my pleasure. What is it that you are attending?"

"We are going to be speaking with delegates from Saddle Arabia."
"Saddle Arabia: A jewel in a sea of sands."

"You know about the place?" I asked.
"I've traveled through Saddle Arabia before it is a very interesting area. Most citizens live in a large city that in its center is an oasis with canals running through most of the city."

"Sounds like a very beautiful place, tell me more about this city." hearing about Saddle Arabia distracted me about any earlier doubts I may have had about the meeting.
"Its a large hub for merchants traveling the world to meet and trade for many exotic items, their culture gives new meaning to life through arts and crafts. The citizens are all very kind to travelers passing through their plazas which helped the city grow as tales of the place were told." he continued on explaining his visit to the city and meeting those would teach him different trades of the world, I was so interested in his story that I forgot I had to meet up with my sister to speak with the delegates.

"I'm sorry to cut you off but I really must be going now."
"It's all right, may the meeting go well." giving a small bow he began his return down the hall.

Arriving to the small room that connects with a main chamber, I found my sister having a discussion with the Captain which ended upon them noticing my arrival, greeting the Captain and Celestia with the usual formalities. Before entering the room my nerves returned worst than ever and accompanied by doubts about how I would be able to handle myself in the situation made shudder a little that my sister took notice.

"Still really nervous about this?" she asked.
"Only a little."

"I thought you might, so I asked for someone to join us who knows about some of their history to give support."
"Who?" I asked, Who? I wondered.
The Captain opens the door to let in Dragon-Heart wearing something of a formal coat in dark shade of purple, with symbols representing the sun and moon stitched on it. As he finished saluting and greeting everyone, he let his gaze rest on Celestia to finish any explanation needed to be done.

"Dragon-Heart will be helping us in any way he can so we can established a strong relationship with the delegates, but it will still be up to us to create and maintain this friendship. Any questions before heading in?"
"Just one." turning to Dragon-Heart, "Shouldn't I be formed about certain information?"

He and my sister exchange a small smile, "Yes you should had been informed but a leap of faith can be a greater asset in many situations."
"Maybe unless you miss and meet with despair." this got a laugh out of the Captain, a praised look from Celestia, and a defeated smile from Dragon-Heart, "Shall we make our entrance?"

We begin to make our way into the chamber which has a large round table at its center with a large window at one of its walls that overlooks most of Canterlot and the small town down in the valley. At the table sat the three delegates all which are wearing some very enchanting robes and scarfs, from what Dragon-Heart has told me these are made from a fine silk that gives its wearer protection when traveling though the desert, making up the party were two colts whom have seen much traveling and a young looking mare with the presence of a influential adviser. As we greeted them Dragon-Heart does a strange greet of his own which approved greatly with the delegates which returned the same gesture, taking our seats my sister sat on the far left, I took the right, Dragon-Heart in the middle and the Captain took his spot at the door. The other three sat in almost the same fashion the two colts on either side and with her in the middle, she's probably the one that will be speaking on their behalf, she still gave off a strong presence and with a stare that could move mountains yet it seemed to have no affect on my sister or Dragon-Heart.

Celestia began, "Greetings delegates of Saddle Arabia, it is our pleasure to have you here in our small part of Equestria. I am Princess Celestia, this is my sister Princess Luna," gestures at me, then to Dragon-Heart, "and Dragon-Heart our traveler of the lands."
"Thank you your highness. My name is Nubia Sinai the queens' royal adviser and these are my associates Namib Dasht," on her left, "and Indus Gobi." on her right. "We've come in asking if you would be willing to establish a route for our citizens to be able to travel inland in a more effective and safer manner."

"We would most gladly set a safe route between our cities but I must ask, what do you mean in a safer manner?"
Nubia paused at the question before answering, "Along our usual routes inland have become dangerous over time by bandits that would raid merchants or creatures attacking our caravans. We were almost delayed even further when a pack of timberwolves tried to attack us."

"Timberwolves aren't known to go after travelers on the road." I interjected, "They mostly stay behind in the bushes or trees and lure anyone travelers unfortunate to wonder off."
"Many occurrences have also been happening in the desert as well, many of our citizens would rarely travel without the help from our fighters guild to reach other cities. The bandits have also increased in number and seem to be more coordinated than before."

"Has anything big happen in the city?" Dragon-Heart spoke up.
"Nothing major just discoveries of old books from ruins we dug up"

"The only time bandits get bold is when a strong leader takes over or something was found in those ruins to get them all excited. Do you know if the bandits tend to be 'believers' of things?"
She and her associates mumble to each other gathering information from each other, "No these bandits weren't ones to follow those kinds of things but...they have gotten strange in their ways."

"How?"
"The markings they leave behind aren't the usual markings, their messages as well have become riddles, and their attire as well have changed."

"This is strange indeed. Dragon-Heart do you know anything about the areas around Saddle Arabia?" Celestia asked.
"Yes specifically that these bandits were always a rowdy group that didn't follow anyone unless proven to be stronger than all of them. Even then they weren't bold enough to go after merchants unless a strong or dumb brute was with them."

"Might I ask how does a traveler like you know a lot about our bandits?" Nubia focused all her attention onto Dragon-Heart.
"There's a lot of information you can get from small pubs and taverns in any city."

"But never having full details about how bandits work in the area unless having been one or been encountered by them. So I would like to know where you a bandit?" silence shrouds the chamber waiting to be broken with a response from Dragon-Heart.
"I was never one but had many encounters with them either on my own or protecting the many caravans among the other routes."

"So it is you."
"Excuse me?"

"You were the masked individual that helped the royal caravan make it back to the city and protected the queen and I, we have been looking for you to give our gratitude."
"Now I remember, you were much younger then and looked different. So I must have left a pretty big mark in protecting your routes."

"Everyone there have been asking where you've gone and even went to the Queen for answers about you. She has also gave out news to find you and meet with her." the other two both reacted with astonished faces with finding out Dragon-Heart here was the one who has been protecting travelers and saved their Queen.

"What are we going to do about the new route?" I asked Celestia, bringing us back to the main topic. Celestia and Dragon-Heart discussed for a while before giving an answer.
"I've deciding that we would begin establishing the new route and Dragon-Heart shall travel with you back to Saddle Arabia. I've also decided that my sister shall also go with you to maintain watch over the project."

"Thank you princess we will send a letter back home until then we would like to rest here a few days before returning."
"I'll have the Captain to show you to your rooms." she signals him over, "Make sure they have everything they need."

"Understood." the Captain leads the delegates out the room.
"Dragon-Heart I want you to prepare yourself for the journey with any materials you'll need and also this will be the first you will have to protect Luna without many eyes also watching, do you understand?" he nodded in acknowledgement before heading out.

"Sister why am I also traveling with them?"
"To give them reassurance about them coming to us for help and given that Dragon-Heart has become a local hero to them it might be beneficial to see him traveling back with them the princess he serves under."

"What about just traveling with our banner or just wearing the armor to show where he is from?"

"Luna sometimes you must make a large presentation to sway those into your favor. If they were to see you with him traveling to their city they will see you as a princess with interest in protecting others who are in need of help. Just having others just sent there wouldn't give much credit in to your actions." I mulled over with how one portrays themselves with other leaders and citizens of Equestria. "We must prepare everything for when they are ready to travel unless you have something else to do before then."

***

Present yourself the way you want to and make a statement of who you are. At least that's how I think it seems to go when meeting new courts. Her explanation kept me occupied for the rest of the day from doing anything, as I sat in the garden pondering how the world worked with its many constant changes from natural events or by words in books. After trying to figure out of how one must learn to run a good royal court with a changing world I began tending to some of the flower beds to see how the beautiful plants were coming along, I really enjoyed the bed of blue roses that grew with blue as their natural color and sometimes would grow with a shade of purple within its petals. Nearing the center I notice there was one a little smaller than the rest, it seem to be in full bloom but short, upon further inspection there was another flower that was intertwined with the rose. A flower that I have never seen before with green petals, from the looks of it the flower was growing healthily with the rose even though the bud was closed and barely getting sunlight as the rose's petals would keep it in the shade. I would of tried to remove the plant to place it in its own flower bed to grow but from seeing the stems knot each others could mean that their roots were also intertwined, so very delicately I moved the petals as to give it more sunlight and just as the rays hit the flower it bloomed open with layers of petals within it, every layer a different shade of green and at its center there seem to be a clear like ball on top of the stigma. After the flower bloomed it also seemed the rose was happy about and open its petals more, the small green flower was very intriguing that I would motherly tend to these to flowers greatly.

"Excuse my intrusion princess but I wanted to ask you something."
Turning to see who's voice belonged to, seeing it was Nubia standing at the edge of the flower bed. "What is it that you wanted to ask?"

"I was wondering if I could have a word with Dragon-Heart?" it seemed that even out of the chamber she still has that strong presence around her.
"You don't need to ask, I'll bring you to him since he does tend to pace around the castle or would somehow be invisible to everyone around him."

We wondered about the castle before she continued our conversation, "I must ask, how long have you had a pony travel all around Equestria for you?"
"To be honest he wasn't under our assets until a short time ago, he has told me tales of his travels before arriving to the small town down in the valley and joining us." I wonder if it be too much to mentioned that his true role here was to serve as a close protector.

"What is it that caught both you and your sister's attention to this one pony who has been traveling? There must be something more other than information."
"You already have seen his skills first hand when he protected your caravan. He was just a gem smith for all we knew and we asked that something be made, upon arriving to deliver his work an experiment went south and we had a dragon within our walls causing havoc." she became more interested as she matched my pace and closely listening to my words, "Our guards couldn't maintain control of the dragon as it continued its rampage of undying rage, somehow by fate maybe, he was there in the crowd and joined in to help."

"How? He just looks like any regular Earth pony, I doubt he could have stopped it."
"That's where he caught our interest and learned who he really was. He somehow was able to manifest wings onto his back that matched those of a dragon, it gave him unnatural speed and also breath fire as he distracted the dragon but it wasn't enough as he was still able to get hurt, but with the help from our lead researcher he was able to use magic to stop the dragon. It was unbelievable someone without a horn to channel a high class spell and boost his abilities."

Nubia faced toward the path not saying much before stopping by Dragon-Heart's living quarters, "That would explain why he was able to help our guards with ease. What happened after the dragon was stopped?" I gave the door a few knocks.
"I went down to see him for myself, as I neared him I could also his eyes were those that matched a dragons powerful stare but the green color gave the feeling of safety. He then presented me with a beautiful necklace he was to deliver in the first place, looking deep into his eyes I was about to thank him before he began to sway and collapse to the ground, but after a good four days of rest he was back on his feet and Celestia announced that he will serve as my personal guard."

Dragon-Heart appears behind the open door as he quickly greets us, "Good your here, Nubia wanted to discuss something with you and pardon for I have something that needs to be finished." Giving a small bow I left them to their discussion as I head off to prepare anything I would need for the travel ahead. Letting my thoughts flow freely they kept returning to the day I first met the other half of Dragon-Heart as he stood just a bit taller than I, just short of Celestia, with those powerful yet soothing eyes and scaled wings that rested at his sides. He looked like something from rumors told by fillies or old colts of a stallion with the power of a dragon, I wouldn't have fully believed somepony like that would exist even when he stood in front of me but as he collapsed from the exhaustion, I believed that almost anything can exist in this world of constant changes.

Prologue

The night is very quiet, not a single breeze blew, the moon shines bright over Canterlot. The castle is silent, guards patrol the grounds as usual, a lone guard captain is seen staring into the night sky, as if looking for something. From a balcony another figure can also be seen staring out into the night, a glint shines from the figure. A mare stands on the balcony, her flowing mane and tail matched the night sky with deep blue eyes, soft wings, wearing a small necklace with a dark green emerald attached; the mare in the moon, Princess Luna

Sigh, I can't believe it has been years since you left, she whispered to the emerald. You were always there by my side, watching, protecting. Now you're gone.

She closes her eyes, trying to fight back tears as images flash through her head. A stallion can be seen with a light brown coat, a black mane with a distinctive red stripe, dark green eyes, and a shy smile whenever he's near her. More images are flashed through her mind, from the first day they met, to when he was assigned to her as a personal royal guard, the night at the the Gala, to...

"No," she opens her eyes, "I don't want to remember that."

Luna stares back at the moon with tears in her eyes, the moon shines brighter every year on this very night, a tribute to the stallion that gave his life to protect Princess Luna. The citizen's of Equestria know this moon and it's story very well, they have taken it upon themselves to name this phase of the moon; The Dragon's Moon, in remembrance to Princess Luna's royal guard, Dragon-Heart.