The Great Dragon

“PFFT! Ponies!” Discord spat.

“Oh I hear ya!” Discord agreed.

“Always wanting some kind of order.”

“You know I bet they would control the weather given the chance!”

Discord looked at his other self he created. “That is sooooo true.”

“No one else complains as much as they do. All running around screaming or going crazy.”

“The Pegasuses won’t even stay put for a day now. Or is it Pegasi?”

“You know you’re right, even that big stupid dragon in ol’ Ponyville doesn’t run around, or whine. He just spits out fire and flaps his wings around if we get too close.”

The other Discord jumped off his owl claw & sundae chair. “Oh! That reminds me, should I have this fixed?” he asked showing the other Discord the scars on his face. “What looks better?” he asked as he moved his hand over his face wiping out the scars then bringing them back.

“This? Or this? This? Or this?”

“Hmm,” he thought looking at himself. “You know what? I like it! It makes you look mean. And this definitely needs to be a Mean Year.”

“Quite right! I’ve been far too nice!”

“Hear Hear!” Discord number three applauded.

“Let’s make the buffalos ice-skate!”

“Change the names of all the cities again!”

“Wait! Wait! I got it! Attack Flying Sea Lion Ginger Beer Extortion Ring!”

All three Discords’ stood up excitedly, then all slumped back into their thrones. “I’m just not feeling it today,” they chorused. Discord was thinking of making a fourth version of himself, but that would be an even number. Better for the chance for one of him to be the odd God-of-Chaos out.

“Ugh! I’m so bored! What’s the point of being infamous if everypony is too scared to even say your name?”

“Y’know I was thinking.” Discord pondered. “What happened to The Elements of Harmony?”

“Beats me. They weren’t in Contourloot.”

“No idea.”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” number four chimed in.

Discord gave his fourth version a dirty look, and then fixed it all by making a fifth.

“I’m stumped,” number five said. “BUT, remember when what’s-her-face banished whosits to the Moon?”

“Not really.”

“Aw jeez read a book willya?”

“Kidding! You’re me.”

The Discords guffawed. The first time he was turned into stone he had no idea of the power of The Elements of Harmony. He was actually in mid-speech explaining to the two sisters how omnipotent he is. So when he broke out the first time, he did so quietly, he plotted, took his time. He read up on the history of what transpired while he was gone. He gathered intelligence, and learned everything there was to know about his enemies. Their strengths, their weaknesses, their fears, it was a full 2 hours before he got bored and decided to strike.

“Oh Discord you handsome devil! You’re so craaazy!”

“And handsome too.”

“I said that already.”

“I know what you are but what am I?”

“Thank you soooo much,” Discord said. “Anyho, as I was saying. Where are The Elements hidden? Long ago, after whatits & whosits went at it, the cute one couldn’t stand to live in that castle anymore.”

“That’s right!” Discord declared.

“And that castle is now……?”

“The Big Stupid Dragon’s Cave.”

They all sighed.

“Yeah but they were moved, that little whatever-her-name was bound to them in that that silly little town.”

“That the big stupid dragon is guarding.”

“Oh yeah.”

“So you think he has them?”

“Hard to say, dragons like jewels and shiny things. As dragons go he’s kind of an odd duck.”

“Tell me about it. None of my spells to bend his will seem to work.”

“And he knew me as soon as he saw me, that’s a headscratcher.”

“Tried to kill me before I even got a word out.”

“So, I took all that effort into convincing those other dragons to join forces to get all Big Stupid’s hoard.”

“Excuse me? I convinced those dragons.”

“Yeah and what happened?”

Discord five made little dragon puppets out of his hands. “Rawr! I’m not scared of you! You’re nothing but teenagers! Diamond Dogs to be whipped into place! Get back here! Yipe! Yipe! Yipe!”

“And the dragons he didn’t get said they didn’t even see any gems,” Discord number seven added.

“That pretty much broke the spell I cast on them.”

“He obviously doesn’t crave the same things other dragons do.”

“You mean the spell I cast on them.”

“No because I was the one who did it!”

“No me!”

“I did it!”

“ENOUGH!”

Discord made his other selves disappear. “It doesn’t matter anyhow. A big dumb stupid dragon can’t wield The Elements of Harmony anyway. Only a pony can, and not just any pony.”

Silver tried a full frontal assault this time, she charged at full speed with her horn in attack position. No effect, she landed upside down against her opponent. She jumped back up and struck as hard as she could with the hind legs, just like her Dad used to do during harvest, again nothing. She flew in the air and tried kicking again. Nothing was working, she even bit him.

The dragon just snorted.

“Fine,” she said. “Then let’s try this.”

For months she’s been learning at least one new spell every day, but had only tried the safer ones. This wasn’t the time for that though. She concentrated on her target, ignoring the smell of ozone as the power collected on her horn. Her top of her main began to stand on up. Silver still held onto the spell. She didn’t release it until she felt the bridge of her nose getting shocked. A bolt of lightning arced right into the dragon’s face.

The dragon’s head reared up and sneezed out a fireball right at Silver.

“Alright I’m up! I’m up!” the dragon grumbled. He blinked a few times getting his eyes to focus. “Silver?”

“Up here,” she said. She launched herself out of the way at the last second. Silver really loved the room she had to practice flying and has become a very strong flyer in fairly a short time.

“Are you alright?”

“You could have burned me!”

“I’m really sorry my little pony, but it wasn’t my fault. You made me sneeze.”

“Why is it so hard to wake you up? When I first got here you heard me sneaking down the hallway.”

“I noticed that. I think I sleep allot better knowing you’re here.” The dragon scratched the spikes on his head. Silver lit the globes on her own again this morning, the rooms were as bright as day. “Still not used to being alone in here I guess,” he said looking down at Rarity’s bed. “For that matter I’ve never slept in an empty house.”

“Never?” Silver asked.

“I shared the same room with my teacher when I was her assistant in the library.”

“The Pink One?”

“No she only taught me how to make cupcakes. It was the violet unicorn that taught me about almost everything else. I’ve known her since she hatched me, named me; she was pretty much my older sister.”

The big dragon lumbered out of the bedroom with Silver following.

Silver flew down landing on top of Spike’s brow. “We need to re-write those books in the library about dragons.”

“I wrote my own book on the subject if that counts. My memoirs actually.”

Silver was going to ask how but she already knew watching him cook for her. His claws are very sharp and would use the points to delicately move around pony sized utensils. That’s how he filed away all the books in the library. Once Silver learned how to use magic to move objects, Spike just told her the recipe and let her cook her own food.

“I’d like to read it,” she said.

“You should be reading other books.”

“I like The Daring Do series.”

“I mean spell books, and history books,” Spike said. Before she could say it he answered her. “I know it’s tedious, and you need a break. But your parents were right, you are special, I’ve never seen a pony learn so many spells so fast. And this is very important.”

“I know,” she sighed, sliding on her back between the dragon’s eyes. “It’s just kind of lonesome in here. No offense.”

Spike gave his signature growl. “None taken.”

“I mean I love flying all the time, but at least with Mom and Dad they’d let me go outside. Didn’t have any friends though, having to be all covered up all the time.”

“Friendship’s important.” Spike declared as fact rather than just being sympathetic.

“I just want to get out more. Meet more ponies like I did on the way here.”

“If it wasn’t so dangerous out there I would agree.”

“I can take care of myself,” she boasted. “I could even show Him a thing or two!”

Spike growled again.

“How do you fight Him?” she asked.

“Never listen to anything He says. Even when He’s asking for a truce it’s an attack. What He loves to do is play on your doubts & fears. He uses that to take away your resolve. So ignore every noise that comes out of His mouth. Just fight Him.”

“That’s how you beat Him all those times?”

“I never really won. He’s still around isn’t he? He just gets frustrated and leaves. I guess I’m a puzzle to Him.”

“Everypony thinks I can beat Him.”

“With the right tools you can.”

Silver pounced back on her feet on the end of Spike’s nose looking him in the eyes. “I can’t wait to take Him down!”

Spike had to cross his eyes to see the little filly, she was standing in what she thought was a fighting stance. It reminded Spike of Rainbow Dash before she was about to take flight to practice some ridiculous stunt.

“Silver, you’re the bravest pony I’ve even met. I mean it. But you need to be smart more than you need to be brave. Defeating Him is one thing, but saving the world is something else. And trust me it needs saving. You’re one of a kind and there are still some ponies out there who heard the stories of when they had a Princess like you. So it will be you they turn to.”

She collapsed on the end of Spike’s nose, covering her eyes with her hooves, an exaggerated display of dread. She then propped her head back up resting it on one hoof. “I was thinking: if I go out exploring once in a while, I could learn more about what life is like now instead of what the books say.”

“Maybe, you could also get hurt. Even the forest around here is dangerous.”

“I’d like to go past the valley.”

“You might run into Him doing that. He doesn’t like ponies venturing to and fro around the valley.”

“Yeah, but I can teleport now.”

“I think you’ll run into danger more than anything.”

“Or I might even meet another pony like me. And then you’ll have two students!”

Spike laughed. “That would be a really good sign.”

Silver has gotten very comfortable with her new surroundings since she crept into Spike’s home earlier this year. Then again Spike has made it easy for her. He has generously opened his home to her letting her use his library, let her stay in one of his guest rooms, and fed her. But it has been more than that, when she first began researching magic she was excited, but Silver’s enthusiasm waned when she realized the daunting task that was ahead of her. Spike pointed her in the right direction, telling her what books to start with. After a few weeks of coaching, he began quizzing her. Now he has settled in to being her teacher which he is surprisingly suited for. He made learning fun for her and himself as well. Silver was always told she’s inquisitive; her parents would get frustrated and scold her for asking so many questions. Spike never seemed to tire of it, and always had an answer and never hid anything from her. The old dragon enjoyed the company and was very tolerant of the filly.

He did have what Silver described as “dragon moments”. She learned quickly enough not to touch Rarity’s bed. If he thought there was any threat to his “hoard” which turns out to be the entire valley, he’d stay perched at the mouth of the cave glaring for hours looking over the old village, his keen eyes searching for anything unseemly. He had a unique duality about him. He was the wisest creature Silver ever met but in the shell of a giant beast but it seemed to match his nature. When she would ask him about his life, Spike would gloss over the hair-raising adventures as if bored by them, yet gleefully talk about what were mostly life lessons of his long-gone friends. Silver learned more about personal lives of Spike’s friends and his unusual relationship with the Unicorn Rarity than she did on what to do if she ever faced an Ursa Minor. There was the Pegasus who wanted nothing more than to join The Wonderbolts. And when she finally did, she stole the show, but left after just a few months out of fear of how Ponyville was fairing without her. Spike’s “older sister” went from a bookish student to Steward of Equestria after the Two Sisters passed away.  Then there was the shy Pegasus whose paralyzing fear of dragons made their reunions very awkward. She was so torn between visit her old friend and her phobia she had to force her husband along so she could hide behind him while she and Spike caught up.

Then there was Rarity, a vain social climber who would drop all pretenses of materialism if a friend was in trouble. She never obtained the fame or notoriety of some of Spikes other friends, and was overshadowed by her younger sister’s talents. But she loved her work and did gain some moderate success as a designer after moving to Canterlot. She had plenty of suitors in her day, most romances ended in disappointment, one ended tragically. Yet Spike was always there for her, as a baby dragon, and up to his adolescent years. In another one of their dangerous adventures Spike told in his usual blasé & unspecific fashion he grew his wings needed to save Rarity. The adventure drew the two closer to each other.  Later on Rarity realized she was comparing her colt suitors to Spike. Eventually the two would arrive to socials together as a couple rather than friends, a disturbing sight to a number of the ponies outside of their circle of friends. Some of the more status conscious unicorns would mock her in public resulting in more than a few embarrassing scenes when Spike would defend Rarity’s honor. This always ended with the colt running away in terror while the Palace Guard held the dragon at bay. Rarity’s career suffered yet she never blamed Spike, it didn’t seem all that important to her anymore. The two returned to Ponyville where they received a warm welcome. When Spike got too big for the town his friends helped set up the old castle in the Everfree Forest. Rarity insisted on decorating the rooms with every intention of moving in with him. And that’s how the two stayed, a time so boring to Silver yet so blissful to Spike he would talk Silver’s ear off about their time together in this giant home.

Silver wondered how a unicorn could have such a hold on The Great Dragon. She has stared at her portrait and tried to mimic the expression on her face and her hairstyle. Spike caught her doing it and shook his head smiling then told her to get back to her studies. It certainly wasn’t the same to him, his unicorn was white with a dark blue mane, Silver was light blue with a silver mane.

Once they got in the library Silver hopped off Spike’s nose, and Spike grabbed the latest book she was studying. He would read a few chapters, a comic site watching him flip the pages with his claws, and impressive how he did it so easily. Spike would quiz Silver on particular chapters if it was a book on history or philosophy, or would ask her to work one of the spells. He would always volunteer to be the test subject, the moustache spell was hilarious. Silver noticed the dragon was surprisingly well read, and his library is a collection of books from all the great libraries that are now in ruins across the world. Spike would fly off searching for more for his collection once or twice a year. Silver thinks it’s funny to know when he flew over her hometown terrifying the locals he was gingerly clutching a cache of pony literature.

“Spike, can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” It’s the first time she asked so I must be important.

“You knew ponies like me, the Princesses, right?”

“I was closer than most.”

“What were they like?”

Spike put the book down and Sliver used her magic to file it back away. “Not all of them were as talented as you; some had magic skills that were very limited. The two sisters on the other hand, ho ho. Almost godlike.”

“What were they like personally?”

“Celestia was sort of…matronly to her subjects. A little cryptic at times as well. She was very wise I’ll grant her that, and kind.”

“So you liked her the most?”

“When I was baby absolutely, every child wants a Mother. Later on though, I preferred Luna. She was a bit more stern, with almost a martial discipline, but very honest. Celestia I always thought was hiding something, Luna was just hidden. Until I started staying up late.” Spike grinned.

“Did she approve of you and Rarity?”

“No, but she told me straight off. She respected me enough to be truthful. Most everypony who didn’t like it learned to keep their mouth shut around me, not her. Luna wasn’t scared in the slightest and was more concerned about it. Thought it would just end badly for both of us. Celestia seemed entertained by it, approved I don’t know. Come to think of it, that’s why I liked Luna more. She treated me as equally as any of her subjects. Yes she would bark in an incredibly formal manner even in private, but she did it out of respect for the citizenry, thought it was her duty.  Celestia still looked at me as the pet she never bothered hatching. If she didn’t have that premonition one day and used me to test for the next Chosen One, I would probably still be in an egg on her mantle.”

Silver took this biased tale with a grain of salt. She imagined a dragon would gravitate to a Princess of the Night the same way a Batwinged Pegasus does.

“I still wish I had a sister,” she said out loud.

Spike eyed the little pony thoughtfully. “Let’s try a different kind of spell,” he said.

It was a little involved at first; Spike didn’t need a reference book to teach it though. He wanted to keep the spell’s result secret. It was part bonding, part phoenix restoration. Naturally Spike volunteered as the test subject for the bonding. After the first stage of the spell was done, Spike had Silver write the word “Help” on a parchment, and then wrap it with a red ribbon.

“Alright, now burn it, just like I told you.”

Silver incinerated the paper. Immediately afterwards Spike belched out a tiny puff of flames, when the flames disappeared the Spike had caught the parchment in his claws. Silver was in tears laughing at this trick.

“Why would I want to know how to do that?!” she said still laughing.

“Watch this.” Spike burned the same paper.

Silver felt a gentle warm wind on the tip of her horn and the same paper landed in front of her.

She smiled. “We can send letters to each other?”

“If needed, I was thinking we could also use it for something else. You keep this letter with you at all times, when you’re out exploring and meeting ponies. As soon as you feel in danger, even in the slightest, send this letter. We’re bonded now so I should find you easy.”

“You mean I’ll be able to go out on my own?”

“Just keep yourself covered and if you must fly, do it at night.”

Silver danced with joy, the big dragon let her celebrate. As gifted as she is, it’s hard for Spike to remember she’s just a little filly. Watching her reaction now reminded him.

“BUT, you have to learn this spell until it’s as easy a breathing.”

Silver nodded excitedly.

“I mean perfectly. It’s a simple spell but in a scary situation you could freeze up, so we’re going to practice this all day till you can do it without thinking. Are you ready?”

Silver answered him by sending the letter to him. As soon as Spike burped it up he sent it back to her. And the rest of the day was spent in the library sending the letter back and forth.

The old Pegasus was exhausted, face down on a cloud panting.

“Oh for goodness sake you’re not going to snap are you?” Discord groused.

“So tired,” the Pegasus wheezed.

“Yeah I ran you ragged didn’t I? Which was pretty easy considering I shrunk your wings, they look silly by the way.”

The old Pegasus whimpered something Discord couldn’t make out.

“I got a question,” Discord asked. “What’s purple on top green on the bottom and goes like this?” He morphed his head into the shape of the big stupid dragon and roared exactly the way he’s heard from the dragon himself.

The old Pegasus quailed. “No! Please! A dragon! It’s a dragon!”

“Well, duh! What’s the dragon’s name?!”

“I-I don’t know.”

“Well those other Pegasuses – Pegasi whatever said you two were flying together for quite some time. And it looked like you here talking!”

The old Pegasus had passed out from exhaustion.

“WAKE UP!” Discord shouted while kicking him.

The old Pegasus groaned in agony and fear. “H-He asked me things. He just flew up next to me, said ‘Excuse me?’ and asked me about the Cloudsdale Library.”

“Excuse me?!”

“I mean Klusdaul.”

“He say anything about The Elements of Harmony?”

“What?” The old Pegasus never heard of that. “No, he just asked about the books.”

“What do you mean ‘books’?”

The Pegasus pulled an old worn copy out of his satchel, holding it above his head making a deliberate effort not to look Discord in the eye. Discord snatched from the old Pegasus scrutinizing the bizarre artifact at arm’s length staring at the pages sideways.

“Blecch! A reference book on cloud making?” His mismatched eyes widened. “Hang on. You mean to tell me that big dumb stupid dragon likes this sort of thing?”

The old Pegasus nodded while keeping his face buried in the cloud.

“So THAT’S what he craves! That changes everything.”

“Please let me go,” the old Pegasus whispered.

“You know what? No.”

Spike didn’t sleep as easy with her gone, but if he concentrated he could feel her presence. He learned how to as an adolescent while bonded to Celestia. As letters were being sent back and forth between her and Twilight, he could feel their destination. Later he didn’t need to send anything, he could feel Celestia’s whereabouts and even touch onto her emotions. Until the day he dug a little too deep and heard Celestia’s voice in his head say “That’s enough of that.” And the bond was lost. No more letters were sent through him, he thought the connection was completely cut off. That is until the night Celestia died. While sleeping he heard her voice in his head.

“You’ll live longer than any of us Spike,” she said. “Please take care of-“

Spike jolted himself awake thinking it was a dream shaking Rarity awake too. She assured him it was just a dream and told him to go back to sleep. The next day they learned that Princess Celestia passed away. Twilight took the news worse; she was a wreck for days. Princess Luna kept herself occupied with the funeral arraignments then later with royal duties to hide her pain. When Spike flew to meet Princess Luna the next night she held back her tears and even forced a smile on her face as the dragon greeted her. Even though she hid her pain Twilight and Spike could tell she needed friends near her at this sad time. So the two of them began sleeping in the daytime to keep her company at night.

That year’s Nightmare Night was one Spike will never forget. He was large and scary enough to be elected to pull Luna’s Chariot that night. Twilight even cast a spell to make all his scales black. He flew into town with Luna in tow he landed, spread his wings and let out the loudest roar he’s ever shouted, then bowing theatrically to the Princess who was adorned with the most terrifying raiment. The ponies cheered and greeted her like a savior. The children could not even pretend to be scared, everpony was too grateful to still have a Princess. The tone of the celebration changed after that night, and from then on Luna chose to spend more time in the daylight to reassure her subjects. Over the years the burden of her new duties wore on her. Near her end she had relied of Twilight Sparkle so much, Twilight’s ascension was unchallenged when decreed by Luna.

It dawned on Spike he hadn’t thought of those times in years.

“Please take care of-“

Spike walked out of his cave looking up at the stars, wondering what he was supposed to take care of. Ponyville, and the Everfree Forest he took care of more for himself. Spike thought that may be why he’s grown so big to guard such a hoard, though he never seemed to stop growing. Take care of Equestria maybe? No one would trust a dragon with that. Celestia could have been asking him to take care of Silver. But how could she know about that? It was so very long ago. It disturbed Luna that no others like her had been born in years. Yet when she passed she told Twilight she was certain others would come. So Twilight waited, she ruled the Kingdom waiting for the next Princess. Spike watched her grow old waiting, and Spike watched her die; like all of his friends. Afterwards another Steward was chosen democratically, an earth pony this time. And the Kingdom soldiered on protecting the realm from outside threats and keeping the peace within; just that Spike was no longer welcome in Canterlot. Life got very lonely for Spike after that, staying in his home high in the mountains of the Everfree Forest, no more visitors, and no way to visit without causing a panic.

Applejack was the last to pass away, naturally, her family’s longevity was well known in Ponyville. Spike lost touch with her decades earlier, the older she got the harder it was for her to travel from the farm to visit. Applejack’s Grandkids didn’t understand in the slightest, as fillies they heard her talk about her Dragon Friend, but didn’t believe her until she led them here. Her grandchildren were far too terrified to be decent houseguests, poor Applejack was embarrassed by them. And that was the last time he had any guests. Spike wanted to go to her funeral, but knew the reaction he would get and didn’t want to scare away the mourners. So he waited till nightfall to quietly fly in and pay his respects. There was nothing left for him, so that night Spike left to fly with other dragons on their migration and make a home far away from Ponyville.

Then Discord returned. The spell that imprisoned him was so strong it lasted for years after Applejack’s passing. With the last of the six dead and gone, the spell weakened enough for Discord to escape. No one was ready for his brand of mischief. It was almost too easy for him. He began with his usual pranks, up-ending reality just for the fun of it. Over the years the ponies’ way of life collapsed, and with their normal world gone, they lost all means to sustain themselves. When Discord made it rain muffins the ponies would clamor towards it for sustenance. He didn’t like that reaction, Discord could never grasp the pain he was causing, the ponies’ desperation confused and angered Discord. He stopped being mischievous and became cruel. Discord would scorch the earth as he roamed the land, the ponies fled in terror.

Spike had a new life for himself with the dragons, and a new lair. He lived like a “real dragon” now in a proper dragon’s cave and proper hoard. But memories of his old life came back to him to the point where he couldn’t think of anything else.

“Please take care of-“

Discord descended onto Ponyville with every intention to destroy everything. At the same time Spike had flew in for a visit. He was compelled to at least check up on his hometown. When he saw Discord there, the dragon lost all control. Even with other dragons he never had to assert himself that much because of his size. It was the first time he ever attacked or even fought like a dragon should, swooping down from on high and snatching up Discord with his teeth. The Spirit of Chaos, startled, defended himself which enraged Spike even more. They fought in the sky above the town, Discord confused by the behavior of this animal, and Spike overwhelmed with a deep dragon instinct to kill that he never knew was in him. When it was over Discord had fled cursing while still on fire. The way Spike had fought terrified him. He was so scared of himself and what he could do he stayed in the town square for hours just to remind himself of whom he once was. The ponies cowering in their houses had no idea how to react to this enormous dragon peering into the old library panting in fear.

A piebald pony who’s Mayoral Responsibilities forced himself to come out and confront Spike. He quietly inched up to the dragon and politely asked is he needed any help. Spike was still too scared to even speak, afraid more fire would burst out. The Mayor saw him staring at the bookshelves and brought a few out for the dragon. He read the books frantically, and then later began reading out loud. After that he felt in control enough to talk to the Ol’ Mayor Pip as the locals affectionately nicknamed. The Mayor offered the books to dragon for saving his town, Spike explained it was his town too, and he had books of his own. So he returned to his old cave. It was in slight disrepair, he found therapy in cleaning it up. As empty as the home is now he was more at ease here than in his dragon life. Discord would show his face on occasion to pester him. Spike grew stronger during each fight. His nature grew accustom protecting this hoard above anything else he coveted.

One day he looked down from on top of his mountain and saw Ponyville was empty. A mass exodus by order of their new ruler. Spike felt he should once again to wander into town, he saw the old books left to rot in abandoned library where he grew up and took it upon himself to add them to his collection. That’s when he began expanding his personal library.

“Please take care of-“

Spike thought of it again. He thought it might be why he was compelled to collect all the knowledge of Equestria. It was heartbreaking to see the world of his childhood destroyed they way Discord has. But every child’s world is forever lost by time. The plight of the ponies is horrible, but the ones that showed Spike any sort of affection are long gone. It made no sense a dragon would want to preserve a culture that is alien to him now. Then he would look at the paintings of his old life and fly off to collect more books.

When Silver came to his home it seemed to all make sense. His size and strength, the knowledge he accrued, the childhood among ponies all pointed to him being some sort of focal point in their history. Celestia would know something like that, and naturally keep it to herself. If this actually was the beginning of a great plan laid down by the Princess so many years ago when she first bonded with him, The Great Dragon decided to see it to the end. He would protect the new Princess and teach her all she needs to know.

Spike could tell Silver was in the Everfree Forest, she has been here for over a day now. She had wandered out beyond the valley staying in the old town Hoofington for a few days then wandering off to a few other small villages before returning. Spike could sense her climbing up the mountain, but at a much slower pace than normal. He peered deeper into Silver’s condition and could tell she was in no stress, in good spirits in fact. The dragon scrambled back into his home, he didn’t want Silver think he was doting over her. She needed her space like when he was and young trying to find himself. Spike galloped into his sleeping chambers and pretended to be asleep even though it was noontime. When she reached the mouth of his lair, Spike could hear the hoof falls of two. Then he heard the second one babbling like the old fool she is all the way down the hall. Silver was using her magic to carry a large assortment of saddlebags and luggage.

“The globes still work I see,” Zecora said in a scraggly voice. “If you recall they were designed by me.”

“What are you doing here Zecora?!” Spike shouted, the spears on his head and neck rising along with his anger as he stood.

Silver immediately jumped in front of the old zebra with a defiant look on her face, her wings spread out to protect Zecora. “She’ll be staying here with us,” Silver said.

Spike wanted to argue but more concerned that she had exposed herself. “Silver, where’s your cloak?”

“The filly has done nothing wrong, I have known all along.”

“I’m not asking you to take care of her. I will. Spike, it’s my duty. I have to look after all of my subjects in Equestria. I got to start somewhere.”

He was going to shout back his objection, he could already feel his dragon instincts to protect his hoard from an enemy. Then he looked closely at Zecora. Over the years he had only seen her from afar as she wandered the Everfree Forest looking for herbs. But even his keen dragon eyes could not see the sad state she was in. Zecora stood proud as always, but so very frail. Her stripes are now completely gone, Spike knew that, but she was so gaunt, toothless, her eyes clouded. It was a miracle she could see anything.

Spike sat down, his bulk shaking the cavern. “We – Silver – this is, why do you -?” He hung his head growling extra loud. “I know you mean well, but why does it have to be her?”

Silver knew it was rude to talk about how old and helpless Zecora is right in front of her, and stumbled for another reason. “She’s your friend isn’t she?”

“Hardly,” Spike growled loudly.

“Blame me for the death of Rarity you do, surely you know this is not true.”

“Of all the ones who hated the two of us being together, you were the worst, Zecora. Oh you kept it quiet around Twilight and my close friends, but I heard from Big Mac and others.”

“So you think I would let her die, and what Twilight told you is just a lie?”

The vast room heated from Spike breathing. “I know Rarity was the first to go, and you were supposed to help her!”

“The Elements gave them all long life, it’s your dragon greed that blames me for your wife. Forget this silliness and your wallowing in pain, haven’t you noticed you have a Princess to train?”

“FORGET?!”

“Silver is whom we should worry about. All these past grudges should be thrown out.”

Spike scoffed. “Not only are you an expert on dragons, now you are a professor of magic as well? You’ve certainly learned allot since you gave up on medicine.”

Zecora clucked her tongue. “I wish I could have done more for Rarity, I really do. I can only make special brews. One’s that ease pain, clean wounds, cure bad breath. Nothing on earth can hold back Death.”

“Really? Then why are you still here?” Spike leaned in inches from Zecora his mouth blocking all view of the rest of the cavern. Zecora shrunk back. Silver didn’t like this side of Spike, one that would bully a frail old zebra.

“If you want me dead than swallow me whole, do it now in front of the foal. Show Silver what a dragon is capable of, then you can tell her you did ‘For Love’.” Zecora spit out the last two words dripping with honey and sarcasm. Spike slowly opened his jaws.

“Spike?” Silver pleaded.

“You’ve pined for Rarity since you were knee-high,” Zecora continued. “Have you ever stopped and wondered why?”

Spike pulled his head back eyeing Zecora suspiciously.

“Gems a dragon needs to get his fill, who else do you know that had her skill?”

Spike shook his head. “No that isn’t why.”

“You think you loved her, but a dragon feels nothing but greed. Rarity found you jewels, that’s all you need.”

The dragon’s eyes widened, he looked around his home at all off the decorations Rarity had made. Silver could tell there was a part of him that believed Zecora.

“I’m sure other dragons think they love their jewels in a pile, but what you did to that poor unicorn is vile!”

“No!”

“She was a pet to you, like that phoenix you had, trust me if you just let HER go I would have been glad! But no, your greed trapped her here finding gems for you to keep. Her wasted life with you is what makes me weep!”

Spike closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. “I was the one who gave her every diamond, ruby, or emerald she wanted, I dug them out with my own claws and handed them to her. When she got so old she lost her ability, I went out on my own to find whatever jewel she needed for her designs. When it hurt her to stand I carried her. When she was too weak to be carried I was the one who brought her family to meet her. Don’t tell ME that was all for greed!”

Spike opened his eyes, glaring at Zecora. “All you had to do was keep her well enough for Sweetie Bell to say her goodbyes. And you failed!”

“Who are you supposed to take care of?” Silver asked out of the blue.

Spike was puzzled by that question. “I’m taking care of you Silver, no one else.”

“No that’s not what I mean. I disctinctly hear a mares voice saying ‘Please take care of’, what does that mean?”

Both were shocked into silence. It broke the tension to say the least.

“Well?” Silver asked.

“The night Princess Celestia died, I heard her voice in my dream. That’s what she said.”

“How can this be, Spike?” Zecora whispered. “Can the foal hear your thoughts and the like?”

The dragon rolled his eyes. “I don’t know, I can’t do magic. And will you ever stop with that rhyming?!”

“I heard her right now, when you two were arguing about Rarity. She called your name, Spike.”

“She said I would live longer than any of them.”

“There was something else though, about your friends, and Rarity.”

“I can’t remember anything else.”

“I can sense it though. Like when my horn led me here.”

“That riddle had plagued me for countless years, Silver. You really think you can solve it?”

Silver nodded with a broad smile.

Zecora laughed gaily. “Her talents are greater than any in the land,” Zecora cheered. “Discord’s end is soon at hand!”

“Well well well!” a voice all too familiar to Spike chimed from outside. “Nice to know someone remembers my name.”

“YOU STUPID OLD ZEBRA!” Spike roared. Then shot out of the cave faster than Silver had ever seen him move. The gust of wind from his flight knocked both of them down.

“Hello dragon! I got you a present. See? It’s a book. You can – OW! Hey! Quit it!”

Silver could only hear the altercation outside. The sounds from her teacher were frightening. She flew to the mouth of the cave to see. Discord wasn’t that much larger than her, especially compared to Spike. He flew on mismatched wings while casting spells to beat back Spike or distract him. The Great Dragon snaked through the air with blinding speed spitting fire and swiping with his claws and snapping at Discord, but he always seemed just ahead of Spike’s attacks. Spike managed to flank the ancient spirit and catch one of his wings. As soon as he got a hold of Discord he threw him down to the forest below and flew down crashing on top of Discord. The shockwave knocked Silver back off her hooves again. A cloud of dust rose up to the mountain and trees centuries old were splintered into kindling. Within the cloud of debris Silver could only see the spikes along the dragon’s back as he thrashed and clawed as Discord.

“If you don’t like this book I can get others. What do you like to read?” Discord said. He appeared in a flash above Spike floating in the sky in a throne crafted from the destroyed trees, smiling wryly one fang peeking out from his upper lip.

That’s what scared Silver the most. Her protector and instructor, the strongest creature she or anyone else has known is fighting a being that at most was slightly interested in the carnage. He truly seemed invincible, and she’s the one everyone is expecting to defeat this demon. Discord glanced over to the mountain making eye contact with Silver. She went cold from his stare.

“Who’s that?” he asked.

Spike answered by throwing his tail at the back of Discord’s newly made throne knocking him off into the horizon.

“Get inside!” Spike gasped. He sounded exhausted.

Silver ran as fast as she could, flapping her wings too fast to catch air. She ran past Zecora who was only now getting up from gust that knocked them both down when Spike flew out of meet Discord. She finally took flight and soared into her room diving under the covers of her bed.

“He saw me. He saw me.” She whispered to herself. Her parents told her to always keep herself covered. Is he going to come for me now? Maybe he didn’t see my wings? She silently prayed Spike could protect her.

Outside the battle raged on getting closer to the mountain. A thunder clap shook Silver’s room, antique books from the previous resident fell off the shelves. Silver used her magic to pick them up and noticed one had fallen open. There was a note written on the inside of the jacket that read:

“WOW Sis! I am so proud of you! I know your new job has you scared, and that’s ok. You know more than me it matters most what you do when you’re scared. And if you’re not scared of anything, then there’s something wrong with you. Like Pinkie Pie HAHA! – Shining Armor”

The book was about some Pegasus explorer who flew higher than anything else alive. But what’s more important to Silver is the book was a gift to Spike’s “older sister”, the one who defeated Discord so long ago. And she was just a unicorn, now Silver is hiding in Twilight’s bed hoping Spike will save her. It shamed her.

Silver got out of the bed took a deep breath and went back out to main hall where she had left Zecora. The zebra was stone-faced staring unblinking at the entrance where the sounds of the battle echoed. “I’m sorry,” said Silver. “I should have helped you. Spike told me to go back inside and I was so scared.”

“Don’t listen to that dragon, little Princess. Go. Learn all you can about your foe.”

Silver drew her cloak out of Zecora’s satchel put it on and teleported outside, far from the mountain. Discord had grown to a size larger that Spike and appeared genuinely angry now as they fought. No more spells, he was just fighting Spike with his fists. The wise old dragon was gone leaving a dangerous monster. One that returned every hit from Discord with a greater blow, as he became more ferocious Discord grew larger, Spike didn’t notice. Discord grew so large he began to dissipate. Soon there were hundreds of normal sized Discords joined together creating a large one. Spike shot loose a large fireball of green flame knocking them all flying into the sky.

“That is IT!” they all chorused. There were now thousands of Discords floating in the air above Spike, perched on his mountain. “I came here to make a bargain and I’ll have my say!”

Spike didn’t answer, but he did sit down. He clearly needed to rest.

“You have something here of mine I want. They’re not that interesting really. Six ugly little glass orbs. Now if you let me just dig those trinkets up I’ll give you all the books you want. Plus I will be permanently out of your hair. No wait! Your – spiky things on the top of your head. And if you don’t like that idea I’m willing to negotiate other terms. So there it is! Just name your price and-“

Spike began to laugh. Not the way Silver and he would during class, but a cruel laugh.

“What’s so funny?!” The army of Discords asked.

The dragon was still chortling; he took his time to answer. When he did he was smiling. “I don’t have The Elements of Harmony. And I don’t know where they are.”

Silver could see the looks on the faces of some of the Discords hovering closer to the ground and it was priceless, it was nice to see this demon could be rattled so.

“Alright!” One Discord yelled. “You’re going to tell me right now who you are and how you know so much!”

“And why is it your fire can hurt me so much too?!” Another Discord added.

“Don’t tell him that!” a third said.

“You’re not the boss o’ me!”

The rest of the Discords began yelling and arguing with each other. They seemed to be in a panic, which made Silver smile.

It started like the sound of a light breeze but grew louder and is the wind was slowly picking up. Silver could see Spike’s chest inflating as he breathed in. The Discords were still confused most of them arguing on where to find The Elements, some arguing that the dragon is lying. “Wait! Wait! Shut up!” one of them hollered above the crowd. They began to slowly settle down. “What’s that noise?” they chattered among themselves a series of “I don’t knows”.

The loud wind stopped, and Spike roared out a stream of green fire that filled the sky. The heat pushed back the trees and the animals of the forest fled in a panic. And Discord screamed horribly. Green flames replaced the entire sky above the valley and beyond. Charred copies of the Spirit of Chaos fell to the ground lifeless, where they landed the fire spread into the forest. And fire still shot out from Spike’s jaws. The Discords had all fled or were killed by the fire, and The Great Dragon hasn’t stopped. By the time Spike was finished, the cloud of fire completely blotted out the sun. No other sounds could be heard other than that of the raging fire.

Silver teleported to Spike’s side. His lips were scorched black and smoke seethed out of his mouth. He didn’t look down at her, he sat there laboring to breathe. His limbs were shaking as he wheezed. Silver never noticed before, he’s a giant dragon, wise and powerful, but very, very old.

“I got him REAL good that time,” he finally said.

“Is he gone? I mean – forever?”

“I hope so, but I doubt it.”

The two stared off at the sky together. The flames dissolved into the clouds far off in the distance which were brewing into a thunderstorm. The sound of the fire gone, the sound of the forest animals stampeding could be heard in the distance.

“So much damage,” Silver said to herself.

Below the fire spread through the forest. “It was worth it. He said my fire hurts Him, till this day I thought I was just lucky when I burned him.  I guess over did it a bit. I wonder why I’m the only one who can hurt Him?”

“What are The Elements of Harmony?” Silver asked.

“It’s what you will need to defeat Him. A talisman of great magic.”

“But you don’t know where they are.”

“No,” Spike smiled showing his burnt teeth. “And neither does He.” He groaned then lied down. “I need to rest a bit, Silver. I’m very tired.”

“Nice shot you big dumb stupid dragon!” I was Discord’s voice, he sounded dark and wounded but there was no mistaking it. Only there was no visible figure of him to be seen “And who’s your little friend? Is that how you know so much about me?”

Spike jumped back on his feet covering Silver with his wing. “Why don’t you show yourself and find out.” Spike did a better job hiding his pain as he spoke.

“I don’t think so. You are no longer welcome in my world! Get it? Stop playing around with ponies and leave!”

“Make me Discord.”

“I will! I’ll destroy everything you care about.”

Spike snarled, Silver could actually hear his muscles tighten.

“You’re not the only one who can read you know,” Discord continued. “And I’ve been reading up on the ultimate act of Chaos. It’s called: WAR! You’ll love it. Just wait and see dragon, just wait!”

Discord’s forced laugh carried in the wind and he was gone. Spike lifted his wing back off of Silver.

“War?” Silver repeated. “What does he mean?”

“I don’t know,” answered Spike.

The two remained silent for a spell. The thunder from the distant storm quietly rumbled into the valley.

“We need to find The Elements of Harmony,” Silver said. “I’ll go, I have to. You’re too big to look for them if they’re in one of the pony villages.”

“Anything to go exploring some more, am I right?” he asked. Silver didn’t answer, Spike nodded in agreement to her plan. “OK, you might be safer out in the world considering what happened today. But you can’t go running from town to town. We need a plan, tomorrow we’ll do some research in the library, maybe there’s a spell you can learn that will help.”

Silver looked down at the forest fire.

“What about Zecora, can she stay with us now? I think you might have burned down her house.”

Spike sighed. “Yes she can stay, so long as I don’t have to talk to her anymore.”

“I’ll put her in my room and help her with anything she needs.”

“No Pinkie’s room is near the kitchen, she’ll like that more. You will be staying in Rarity’s bed from now on. He knows about you now, and as long as you’re my guest I will protect you.”