Burning Spirit

by Dark Cookie

Chapter 2: The Arrival

Previous Chapter

A dragon guard dressed in the dragon guard's armor was on his knees in front of his king. The king was dressed in crimson red armor, with flames inscribed in it. His eyes were piercing red as he stared down at one of his people. He was not wearing his helmet and refused to wear the crown like some weak royal to show that he was a ruler. Thus leaving his orange mane and yellow orange fur pelt on his face exposed. The guard had sweat coming out of his pores as he waited for his king to speak.

The king's were red with pupil his pupils as mere slits. Many thoughts were running through his head as the information on the prisoner's escape had him feeling livid. He had little tolerances for failure but he had been merciful and had the ones who failed punished through lashings. This failure on the other hand did not deserve mercy. It was probably the easiest job to do. All this guard had to do was keep the prisoners in their cells and prevent any attempt at a rescue. How had he been so foolish to put such a easy important task on the shoulders of two mere dragons? It would have been much wiser to give the task to his Kirin brethren. Now here he was deciding the fate of this guard since the other one was being executed. The other dragon had tried to put all the blame on this one such a unforgivable act. He should have accepted responsibility of his actions. 'The two must have been siblings or lovers or maybe friends. Judging from the hurt expression on the one before me. I should probably allow him to live to show that he isn't incompetent.' He thought to himself.

"Tell me dragon do you think you can make up for this failure?" He asked with venom in his voice.

The guard winced and gulped down out of fear knowing his response had to be good, "Y..yes King Blaze. I'm sorry....for failing to do such an important task. I don't deserve your mercy."

"You're right. You don't deserve mercy but your acceptance of this failure has granted you it. Now get out of here before I change my mind and have you executed." Blaze spat out.

The dragon's eyes went wide with shock , "Oh thank you my king. I won't fail you again I swear on my dragon code." He ran out of the thrown room.

Blaze rolled his eyes at the dragon's gratitude. His gaze tracing over the room, The floor and ceiling were made of marble along with the pillars that held the room together. Gems of all shapes and sizes were embedded in the architectural design of the ceiling, walls, and pillars. The whole castle was almost made of the same materials like the halls, the many rooms, and even the bathing rooms. The only places in the castle that weren't designed the same was the dungeon, the treasury, and the library. Another noticeable feature in the room was the large granite chandelier that dangled in the middle of the room. If one was very unlucky it could fall and kill someone.

Blaze turned to one of the six kirin guards in the room and ordered him to go retrieve his captain. His rage had long dissipated as he thought of going to the library to find a book he has yet to read in there. Even for his cold merciful personality he loved to read a good book. Those he did read ranged from wars that had took place long ago or were ones that went into historical facts. Like one that told of this castle was formed. The scribe who had wrote about it was very detailed.

The door had opened snapping him out of his thoughts. He looked to see Night walking in with the guard who went to fetch him following behind. The guard took his place back along the side as Night walked up to the steps that led up to thrown. He stopped and bowed before standing at attention. "You called for me my king?" Night asked.

"Yes, I wish to speak with you about the search on the prisoners." Blaze answered rather annoyed as he had to bring this back up, "I want the search for them called off Night."

"What?! B...but my liege they could..."

"They could what?" The king growled interrupting the captain of the guards. "They could stop me? Coventina tried already and failed. I doubt her and the rest of the rebels could do anything to end my plans. I need our forces training not wasting their time on a hunt with no results. I know our sister well and she will have fled the dragon kingdom."

"Well King Blaze I shall inform the search party that the hunt for the rebels is off. We shall get back to preparing for your conquest as you ordered." Night bowed.

"Good! Now is there any good news?"

Night thought for a second, giving a nod. "Yes there is my king. It seems Fang has finally reached Equestria to enact the first part of the plan. He had sent in his current progress and shall send another progress report tonight."

The orange maned kirin gave a satisfied grin, "Perfect. He is doing his part well then. If all goes well then we may be able to go forth with everything much sooner. Go now and take these guards with you to finish the preparations."

"Sir!" Night saluted and left the room with the six guards following suit.

Blaze held in the amount of joy he was feeling. His ambition will soon be realized. No longer will kirins be treated as freaks, no longer will they be outcasted from towns and cites. They will be the rulers of a new world while other creatures will be bowing down to them. Of course this was what the new king thought for his own kind to be seen as the greater species.

He cared so much for his own to be accepted but it wouldn't happen with the way things were. If they were so much as spotted in the dragon kingdom back with the old king they would be captured and thrown into the dungeon due to their existence. He had even heard stories of those born outside of the kingdom being treated like nothing. Being treated like they were not meant to even be. Blaze felt his heart break back then in the dungeons after hearing such stories on how they were treated outside the kingdom. He had thought back then that if the were given the chance they wouldn't have been treated as they were among the dragons outside the Badlands but of course he was naive to believe in such hope.

The guards that were guarding the cells were such horrible beings as they would toy with kirin by pretending to give them hope of freedom then would break down such hope like it were a mere wall. Blaze growled as he heat radiated from out of anger. He continue to think of the past. He remembered when he finally got free and did the same to the guards that teased his kind. He remembered making them beg for mercy and breaking down their hope of receiving it. The feeling it gave him to kill, the blood of the dragons he killed tasted so good. The best thing about being half dragon was that meat was something that tasted amazing.

Of course being a kirin gave one the look of a pony yet draconic features would be noticed. For the pegasi kirin they would have leathery bat wings like what a bat pony would have. The only noticeable difference would be the exoskeleton of the wings would have scales on them. Unicorn kirin would have curved horns instead of straight ones like normal unicorns. As for the more earthly kirins they would have the noticeable difference of having more of a dragon face. Instead of a pony muzzle they would have a dragon snout. As for the the other differences all kirin have are the scales that show on their body of course not everywhere but the scales will be there hidden away under the fur, also the fangs they inherited from the dragon parent for munching on meat and gems. Some kirin will have slit pupils instead of round ones. They lacked the magic to inherit a cutie mark likes ponies do. They also lack the dragon magic to change their size. What they were gifted with was elemental magic from the dragons along with draconic strength.

Blaze thought over the reasons why kirins were superior to both ponies and dragons along with other creatures. The fact that they were quite resistant arcane magic was one very good one. No greed factor of a dragon to ruin there thoughts. No frail body structure of a pony. All the strengths yet none of their weaknesses. Of course a enchanted blade could be their end or the teeth and claws of a dragon which could slice through pretty much anything. A good thing that kirin have sharp teeth and claws instead of hands.

The king shook his head and decided to go read from the library maybe he could find a book on how powerful magical items. He remembered one that went over an amulet that had powerful dark magic.

****

Meanwhile in Canterlot, a purple dragon with green spikes on top of his head was running down the white marble halls of the castle. He thought over how he had woken up so late. Today was the meeting with the dragon ambassador. He had to rush to throw on his green and purple royal garbs when he realized what time it was of course his outfit was only a cotton shirt with medals on it along with the celestial insignia and a pair of cotton pants. Apparently when the guard at the door tried knocking to wake him up and even went so far as to yell the dragon remained asleep still. The guard had to go in the room and shake the purple drake awake of course the poor guard had to hear the dragon roar out of anger. The royal guard almost wet himself and constantly apologized for the 'rude' awakening. He then realized his mistake and kept telling the guard he was sorry remembering he had ordered a wake up call.

Now here he was running down many halls to reach the royal throne of the alicorn sisters. The distance closing between him and the room. He had many thoughts going through his head, 'Oh what if Celestia and Luna are made at me for being late? What if they tell Twilight of my tardiness to something this important? I will never hear the end of it from her. That will not be a lecture I will be looking forward too.' He sighed with worry.

He came to doors finally only to slam it open causing the guards along with the two princesses to look at him standing in the entrance. The dragon scanned the room to see that the ambassador hasn't arrived yet. Relief washed over him only for embarrassment to follow. His face turning crimson from the way he had entered. He rubbed the back of his head apologizing for his rude entry.

The guards just returned to their statue like states while the two sisters gave soft laughs. The white princess smiled before she spoke, "Now Spike what would cause you to come busting in here?" Her gaze showed no anger whatsoever. Of course she wasn't going to be angry.

The dragon in question sheepishly smiled back, "I thought I was late for the meeting Princess Celestia..."

"He acts like Twilight Sparkle does he not sister?" The night blue mare sitting next to Celestia laughed jokingly.

"Indeed he does Luna. You do not have to worry Spike you are just in time. The dragon ambassador should be here any minute." Celestia said.

Spike sighed once more with relief not caring much for how they compared him to Twilight. Of course he was gonna act worried about this. This would be his chance to find out more about dragons since the dragon migration wasn't exactly helpful since the dragons there were all nothing but bullies and jerks.

The drake was beckoned to stand next to Celestia. He made his way over to the thrones and stood next to the solar princess as she remained seated. His gaze looking over what she was wearing. She had on her royal white dress with golden trims around the edges, along with solar insignia on the bottom of the dress, and it went down to her hooves. Her royal crown dawned atop her head. He then looked over to Luna who wore basically the same type of dress only difference was it was dark blue with gold trimmings Her dress also had the lunar insignia on the bottom. The insignia's just being the princesses cutie marks.

He had mental notes on both of their body types. Luna being much more slimmer than Celestia was but that what attracted him to the solar goddess. She had the curves and big plot that all stallions craved for. Too say that he liked Princess Celestia was a understatement. He had fallen for her ever since Twilight had sent him here for a few weeks to help Celestia with a few matters. She would send him out to go out and get ingredients for some spells. She would go out herself but she didn't want her subjects to feel obligated to give her these items for free. So here he was to help her get these items with the bits she gives him. Just another reason he was in love with her for her sincerity and kindness.

He was happy that she said he could be at the meeting. He even went and sent Twilight a letter about it. As per usual Twilight though she thought the same idea he did to use this opportunity to find out more about dragons. She even wanted him to see if he could get a few books from the ambassador. Now he was older he wouldn't be seen as a baby dragon but as an equal to this other dragon. His growth spurt had hit him about a few years ago he was so scared at the time especially when his wings grew in.

Spike was about to go over more of his old memories but was interrupted by the door creaking open to show a pony guard. This also caught the Celestia and Luna's attention. The guard coughed into his hand as he walked in. His armor clanking as he walked into the room further. He gave a bow, "My princesses the ambassador is here."

Celestia nodded, "Excellent, send him in."

The guard gave another bow and went outside the room telling the guest he could head in. Spike's eyes lit up with excitement as he was about to see another dragon again but what came through the door was not what he expected at all. It was a pony, well not quite a pony it had grey fur and dark greyish mane/tail but the tail was long and much like his. The horn on this creature was curved, its teeth were sharp when it gave a toothy grin, and it's hands well were much Spike's. 'Claws?' Was the questionable thought. This creature also wore a robe that many pattens on it but the ones that caught Spike's eye was what appeared to be old writing sewn into the sleeves.

"It was very nice of you to meet with me princesses of Equestria. I know I'm not what you were expecting for a dragon ambassador. So allow me to introduce myself. My name is Fang and I am a half pony, half dragon hyrbid. You can just call me kirin as is the actually term for what I am." Announced the gray half pony with a creepy grin.

****

"You have to be kidding me. It cost how many bits for that dress? I thought I could at least get something affordable to wear here. I hate these prisoner clothes." Convetina growled staring at a blue dress through shop window. "Is everything here in Canterlot expensive?"

Shadow only snickered at his leader's complaints. Then again she was probably tired from their trek here, before they arrived she talked about buying a better outfit. Even with what the had managed to scavenge before they arrived it still wasn't enough. She sighed and just shook her head. "You know what, I don't even care anymore. Let's just go to the castle."

The mare kirin just started walking towards the large castle, Shadow following behind a grin on his face. "Come now it wasn't that much."

She looked back at him, glaring, "Wasn't that much?! It was 300 bits, we barely managed to get 100 bits. We should have got something from one of the few towns we passed through."

"You were the one who wanted to get one here. You shouldn't complain about the price when it's a store in probably the most pompous uptight place we will ever be in." He laughed, "I still find it funny how you made that unicorn pee himself when he commented on your clothes."

"He called me a filthy peasant and a freak. He was ordering me to buy him some new clothes for bumping into him. He even had the nerve to tell me to kiss hooves and he might not get me arrested. Me threatening to rip his clothes off and having you scorch off his fur was the least of what I really wanted to do to him." She flicked her tail in irritation.

Shadow just smirked as they walked up through the crowd of ponies. The two could see the castle gates not too far off. The ponies around them at least those who noticed the two kirins either avoid going near them or gave them looks disgust. The ponies that would whisper words like 'freaks', 'things', and even 'monsters'. Both Shadow and Conventina would just ignore them use to hearing it some ponies along the way here.

They reached the castle gates were two pony guards stood with their tough gazes. The mare looked at them both and raised a brow, "..." She was bit confused on why they didn't hold out their weapons asking what their business was for showing up. She was about to ask a question they managed to ask her before she could, "Are you two here to see the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?"

Coventina tilted her head, "Um yes....We have come a long way to see speak with them all the way from the dragon kingdom."

The guards stepped aside opening the gate, "You two must be the ambassador's guards. Dressed a bit odd for guards if you ask me. We can't say much considering what he was wearing though. Go on in. The throne room is up the stairs to the left. He is already inside."

She was about to correct them but Shadow covered her mouth before she could speak, "Oh thank you. The ambassador of ours seems to like ditching us. Having us dress in these clothes of ours as to not attract attention." He explained a bit as he dragged Conventina past the gate and into the building the guards watching them close the castle doors behind them. The two guards looked at each other and shrugged.

Once inside Shadow removed his hand from Conventina's mouth. She glared at him, "Why would you lie about that we're here to warn not guard.?!"

"Because you don't ruin a great opportunity. They said the dragon ambassador was here. Last I checked the dragons don't have an ambassador anymore since well a few years ago thanks to Blaze." Shadow whispered to her.

"They also didn't seem to shocked to see us even after knowing we aren't exactly ponies nor dragons. We need to get to that thrown room quick." She growled.

****

Celestia, Luna, and Spike listened to the kirin in front of them go into a little more detail about what he was. He did that and even showed them the dragon kingdom's documents he had on him. Celestia had asked him questions on what happened to the old ambassador. Her response from Fang was that the old one had died.

Spike on the other hand was grinning on the inside. He didn't know dragons and ponies could even have babies together. That's just one of many of his questions answered. He was so hoping to ask kirin about dragon culture.

Fang cleared his throat amused at the ponies reaction to his explanation on kirins, "Now as for the reason I came down here. I do believe we were to speak more on our contract from 500 years ago." His job was to change a few simple things in treaty between the ponies and dragons then stay for the night to assassinate the two princesses. Although as the plan was going smoothly, it all came crashing down when two unwanted guest came busting through the door. He was shocked when the two bust through the door expecting them to dead or at least Coventina. His surprised expression slowly changed to one of rage.

The guards in the room got their weapons ready for an attack, Celestia much like Luna didn't know what to think of this sudden intrusion, and Spike's jaw dropped at the sight of two more kirin. Celestia stood up, "What is the meaning of this?"

Conventina kept her gaze on Fang as she responded, "Pardon our intrusion princess but this 'ambassador' is not who he claims to be. He is here to deceive you."

Fang smirked knowing how he could make this work to his advantage, "If I'm here to deceive these lovely mares then where is your proof?" He shook his head as he laughed on the inside, "You come here accusing me of deception yet you don't even have proof to show for it. I have proof of who I am on me." He turned around to face the princesses, "These two are criminals of the dragon kingdom. They are wanted for crimes of high treason."

Celestia and Luna looked at each other then both announced, "Guards arrest the two!"

Fang grinned pointing a finger at the two kirin, "You two thought you could ruin this negotiation by speaking false claims."

The guards closed in on Conventina and Shadow both bared their teeth. Shadow's eyes caught a glimpse of something gleaming within the sleeve of Fang's robe. He ran at Fang causing the 'ambassador's' eyes to go wide with shock expecting an attack he got ready to defend himself. Shadow went off to the side grabbing a guard's spear and used it to cut the robe to pieces. The shred of what was once a piece of dragon history now nothing but shreds.

What caught the guards along with everyone besides Fang and Shadow was hidden under said robe. Fang had been wearing the dragon armor underneath the garment along with a sheathed sword attached to the side.. He growled at Shadow who just gave him a smug grin. The enraged grey stallion blew smoke from his nose, "YOU RUINED EVERYTHING! I SHALL KILL BOTH YOU AND CONVENTINA THEN I SHALL KILL THOSE TWO PONIES." He roared.

Just as he was about to strike he felt something pierce through his armor and go out chest. His sword falling from his grasp as he looked down to see a bloodied claw. He looked to see Coventina up against his back she whispered in his ear. "You were never good at keeping calm and speaking lies around Shadow." She pulled her claw out of him allowing him to drop to the ground.

She looked at the shocked expressions on everyone's face except for Shadow who just clapped. He then put his hands up in the air. "Well that was a bit exciting for everyone."


Author's Note

Well here is chapter two. Give helpful criticism and enjoy the chapter blam.