Let Me Tell You a Story...
((As the class entered the Stone Statue Garden all the little fillies and young colts were still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes))
Applebloom: “Aww, why are we up this early Ms. Cheerilee?”
Cheerilee: “Well if we want to get through all the stories of these monuments we’re going to have to get started early.”
Scootaloo: (sigh) “Let’s just hope we don’t have another problem with statues coming to life like with Discord.”
Sweetie Belle: “Let’s just make sure we don’t argue then.”
Scootaloo: “Who said we were gonna argue huh?”
Cheerilee: “Come along class, we still have a whole day ahead of us.”
((After a few statues and a couple hours later, the little ponies started to become restless))
Scootaloo: “Ms. Cheerilee, this is kind of boring…”
Sweetie Belle: “She’s right Ms. Cheerilee, is there anything else we can do?”
Cheerilee: “Oh really? Does the story of the pony who ate 30 apples in an hour sound boring? Or how about the mare that posed in over one thousand beauty pageants?
((The class looked at Ms. Cheerilee with the same bored stare))
Cheerilee: “Hmm, well then, hopefully this next one changes your minds” (she cleared her throat) “This is the story of a brave and noble Pegasus, he was a member of the Equestrian Military, back when we needed a military for the Dragon-Pony war. Anyways, he was one of the best fighters in all of Equestria. But he always fought with the purpose of protecting his friends, family, and his special somepony…”
…
((A large group of ponies crowd in a plaza for a special announcement from the Earth Pony General of the EM (Equestrian Military). He stood tall on the stage, his tan coat had many scars from past battles, his grey mane cut short, and his faded blue eyes looked upon the crowd. Many were worried they may be picked to fight in the gruesome battles that have taken place over the past years))
General: “Attention young mares and gentle colts, I come here today to ask for your assistance. As you know, we have been at war with these dreadful beasts known as ‘Dragons’ for quite some time. Some of you may not even remember when we were last at peace with the world, but I am here to change that. I come, with the heavy burden, to ask for your help. I know what you are all thinking… ‘How can we fight such great monsters?’ ‘What will become of us on the battlefield?’ You wonder these questions but I’m here to ask, would you rather fight with me, face to face with this disaster, or would you rather wait until they come to your homes and destroy everything you love and cherish?”
((A few ponies gasped and began to talk amongst themselves))
General: “So I ask again… Will nopony step forward and assist me in fighting this plague that has befallen upon us?”
((The crowd got eerily quiet; the feeling of hopelessness thickened the air))
General: “I see… I believe I was mistaken to come here…” (the General’s face turned to a saddening and hopeless blank stare upon the crowd) “I apologize for the inconvenience and I will take my leave…”
((As the General turned to leave a colt’s voice spoke out from the crowd))
Voice: “Wait!”
((The crowd gasped and opened at the front for a white Pegasus with a blonde mane to step out of the front of the crowd, his brown eyes stared at the General with meaningful intent))
Pegasus: “I will fight with you!”
General: “And what is your name young colt?”
Pegasus: “My name is Rain Blitz sir!”
((A mare’s voice shouted from the crowd))
Mare: “NO!”
((A young pink Earth mare with a sky blue mane and eyes ran out of the crowd, stopping to face the Pegasus Rain Blitz))
Mare: “You can’t go!”
((The young mare could not hold back anymore, tears began to well up in her eyes))
Rain: “Please my sweet Floral, I have to do this…”
Floral: “No! You don’t need to go die in a pointless war!” (she rubbed her face deep into his chest, soaking the fur) “Please… I don’t want to lose you.” (she sniffled with each breath)
Rain: “Please…” (he put a hoof under her chin, raising her head to look eye to eye) “If I don’t go and make sure these dragons don’t come after our town, who else will protect you? (he rubs the side of her stomach) “And the future generations?”
((A few ponies began to get teary eyed, others mumbled in agreement. Rain Blitz flew up and landed on the stage next to the General, looking down at the crowd))
Rain: “If not us, then who?!”
((The General took a step back, allowing Rain Blitz to speak on his behalf))
Rain: “You stand here, and hope for all of this to go away, well I’m sorry but sitting and doing nothing isn’t going to solve a thing! You want your friends and families to be safe? Then stand forward and fight for their protection!”
((A few colts, and even some mares, stepped forward towards the stage))
Rain: “Do you think the General would come here, to us, if he really didn’t need us? We are the last hope for pony-kind! This is where a lot of us grew up, where we learned, lived…” (he looked down at his Floral) “And loved… This is our home! And I’ll be put six feet under before I let some cold-blooded lizard take that away from me!”
((A few shouted in agreement as more stepped forward into the new formation))
Rain: “So now I ask you, as one of your own, will you fight with me? Will you fight alongside me and protect our friends, family… Our Home!”
((As the ponies cheered in unison Rain Blitz turned to face the General))
Rain: “What are your commands, sir?”
General: (feeling the joined spirit from the speech, he stepped forward to stand next to Rain Blitz, both facing the crowd) “Take what you need from your homes, say what needs to be said to your loved ones, then meet me on the battlefield… You are dismissed!”
((The new formation of volunteers cheered and did as they are told. Rain Blitz came back down to his Floral who was now crying more than before))
Rain: “Please don’t be sad…” (he rubbed his cheek against hers) “You know I have to do this…”
Floral: “Yes…” (sniffle) “I know, just please… Be careful…”
Rain: “I will, I promise!”
((With tears falling from both their eyes he kissed her and then charged behind the General with a group of colts and mares of all different kinds following. Rain Blitz looked back as he ran just to see his Floral standing there, watching him leave with tears in her eyes… There was no going back now))
…
((Ponies walked between the different tents at their make-shift base just a few miles away from their hometown, all the ponies had been fitted with their own armor. Pegasi wore a lightweight, blue and white colored armor set to blend in with the sky and clouds, Unicorns wore enchanted armor and robes to enhance their magic abilities, and Earth ponies wore the heavier, thicker armor for they could withstand the weight. The General wore the shining silver armor to reflect his rank but there was one that was different. The colt Pegasus that wore all black armor was Rain Blitz, the armor was specifically made out of dragon skin. He wore this armor as a sign that he was not afraid of the dangers and he wanted every pony AND dragon to know that))
Rain: “Any news from my recon squad General?”
General: “Not a thing yet… I hope they made it in and out without any complications…”
Rain: “As do I…”
((The ponies had been fighting for a few months now, they had lost a few members but that was to be expected. The number of dragons they had taken down was another story, they continued to have a ten to one ratio of dragon to pony lose, which was phenomenal for their disadvantages))
Rain: (he walked up to a small group of troops) “How are you all doing?”
Mare: “Considering the situation… Can’t complain.” (she chuckled as she lifted a jug up with her magic, the dark purple mare had obviously had one too many drinks. Even with her darker colored coat her cheeks were red from the drink, her silver eyes had a hard time focusing, not to mention her silver flowing mane was a mess)
Colt: “Hey Rain, I’ve been meaning to ask, why do you have flowers engraved on your sword? Seems a bit… Unintimidating.” (the young tan colt with a spiky brown mane chuckled at the thought)
Rain: (he stared at the colt with a seriously look) “Because it always reminds of what I’m fighting for… (he stepped forward, face to face with the now nervous Earth colt whose red eyes are now wide with worry) “Anymore questions, Private?!”
Colt: “N- No sir!”
Rain: “Good, now get back to work.”
Colt: “Y- Yes sir!”
((As Rain Blitz walked away from the group the mare smacked the colt on the back of the head))
Mare: “You don’t question him, Quick Draw! Especially about anything involving his personal life! That sword is a reminder of his family back home!”
Quick: “Oh c’mon Night Spark… How was I supposed to know?”
Night: “Idiot…”
((Everything was peaceful that evening, the colts and mares enjoyed the talking and merriment with a few pitchers of cider they stored, but Rain Blitz continued to always be on guard, it wasn’t in him to relax. Rain Blitz walked back over to the General))
General: “I see you feel it too.”
Rain: “Something doesn’t seem right… We should be expecting some kind of response from the squad by now…” (he looked at the General) “I’m going to go look for them!”
General: (he looked at Rain Blitz with slight worry, but nodded his head anyways) “You just better be careful out there.”
Rain: “I will… I promise”
((Rain Blitz smirked at the General and flew off over the tree line, making sure to stay low and quiet))
…
((Eventually the forest began to turn into a charred plain of burned trees and scorched earth, Rain Blitz knew he was now in dragon territory, but he didn’t see his squad anywhere in sight. He landed quietly next to a freshly burned tree))
Rain: “This is new, but why would they just burn these trees for no reason?”
((A pain-filled groan sounded off just a couple feet from him, it was one of the recon ponies))
Rain: “No…” (he quickly ran over to the young Unicorn colt, just barely old enough to be in the EM, his body was mostly burned and his horn was broken into pieces) “What happened here kid?!”
Colt: “It was a trap…” (he coughed up a little blood) “They knew we were coming… They know of our home!”
((Rain Blitz’s eyes widened as he picked up the colt and placed him on his back, he flew as fast as he could back to camp. A million thoughts ran through Rain Blitz’s head now, but his one worry continued to force its way to the front… Floral))
…
((Rain Blitz arrived at the camp but the dragons were attacking everywhere. The dragons sprayed flames over the ground as they circled the encampment. Rain Blitz laid the colt on the ground and stared as his troops as they fought back against the invasion))
Rain: “I need a medic!” (he ran over to the group he talked to before he left) “I need a damage report!”
Night: “We’re taking major casualties!” (she fired a spell at a dragon, causing it to fall to the ground) “But they’re not getting any of us without losing their own”
Rain: “Have they reached the town yet?!”
Night: “Some, but we’re holding out as much as we can here!” (she zapped the wings off one dragon, it also plummeted to the ground)
Rain: “Where do you need the most help?!”
Quick: (he turned and faced Rain Blitz) “We have this covered sir! You get to the village!”
((Rain Blitz and Quick Draw nod at each other, the colt fired an arrow into a dragon as Rain Blitz took off to their home town. What he found next, not even Celestia herself could have predicted…)
…
((As Rain Blitz sped towards the town he could see an orange glow from over the hills… He was too late. His eyes began to water, the deep, dark fear in his head had become a reality. He flew faster and faster until his wings began to hurt. He landed in the town center, surrounded by buildings caught ablaze… But where was his Floral?))
Rain: “Floral?!” (he ran through the streets calling her name, blinded by the smoke and frightened ponies running in every direction) “Where are you?!”
((As Rain Blitz continued to search, the two ponies he left behind caught up))
Night: “Rain!” (she ran up to his side along with the Quick Draw) “Where can we help?”
Quick: “We came as fast as we could.” (he threw a knife into the sky, hitting a dragon directly)
Rain: “What are you two doing here?” (he continued to run as they follow)
Quick: “We fended off the dragons at camp, they all began to retreat, now what can we do?!”
Rain: (he looked around frantically) “Alright… Mare, you put out the fire with your magic, and you, continue to clear the skies of these things!”
((The two nodded their heads; the mare used her magic to start dousing the fires as the colt continued to fire arrows into the sky. Rain Blitz started to remember the roads and landmarks, he was on the right track home, but there was another problem…))
Rain: “Wait…” (he stopped dead in his tracks) “What was that noise?”
((The echoing roar of a dragon filled his ears, and it was coming from the direction he dreaded. Rain Blitz continued to run home. As he turned the final corner he saw an enormous black dragon hovering over his partially burned house, he could see his Floral standing scared inside. A deep, dark laughter filled the air))
Dark Voice: “So, this is the infamous pony that has been taking out all of my subjects?”
((Rain Blitz looked up at the dark creature in the sky… It was the Prince of the Dragons, Xancarn. Xancarn stared down at Rain Blitz with his glowing red eyes and sickening sharp-toothed smile. But what was he doing here? Dragon royalty never went into battle))
Rain: “What do you think you’re doing beast?!”
Xancarn: “Now is that any way to speak to royalty, especially when I have this one in my sight?”
Rain: “You better not hurt her! Or I swear I’ll-”
Xancarn: “You’ll do what? Stop me?” (he continued to smile and speak in a cunning voice) “You have killed many of my kind and I feel it is only fair that I take something of yours.”
((The cry of a new born filly rang from inside the burning building. As Rain Blitz looked in the charred remains of his home, he could see his Floral holding something. It was a little foal wrapped in a blanket, it was HIS little foal))
Xancarn: “Oh no, I woke the baby…” (his smile widened as he looked down at the house)
Rain: “No…”
((Xancarn opened his smiling mouth and let loose a deafening roar of flames upon the building))
Rain: “NO!!!” (he began to charge at the fireball but Night Spark tackled him to the ground)
Night: “No! You’ll die too!” (she struggled to keep the Pegasus held down)
Rain: “NO! I need to save them!”
Quick: (he quickly helped hold down Rain Blitz) “Sir, it’s too late… I’m sorry…”
((The Prince chuckled at the sight and flew away along with the remaining dragons following behind. The mare used her powers to put out the flame that was once Rain Blitz’s home. Once the fire was extinguished the two allowed Rain Blitz to stand up))
Rain: (he slowly approached the ashes) “I’m… Sorry Floral…” (tears began to fall from his eyes) “I’m so sorry I couldn’t protect you… or our child… I wasn’t here for you…”
Quick: (he carefully walked up beside Rain Blitz) “Rain… I…”
Rain: “This is all my fault… I shouldn’t have left…”
Night: “No! This isn’t your fault-”
Rain: (he quickly turned around, tears falling uncontrollably down his face) Then whose fault is it?!”
((Both the colt and mare wanted to say something, but were at a loss for words))
Rain: “My love and child are dead, all because of what I have done!” (he took off his helmet and threw it to the side. He looked down at the ground, feeling nothing inside) “Because I’m this ‘glorious dragon slayer’ I’ve lost the true reason I joined this war, and that was to protect her…”
((Rain Blitz looked back at the charred remains of his life once more before he began the walk back to camp, Night Spark and Quick Draw followed at a distance behind him))
…
((As the days turned to weeks, and weeks to months, Rain Blitz still felt guilty of what happened. The war continued and Rain Blitz continued to defeat dragon after dragon, hoping to satisfy his revenge one day. Even on the most beautiful and peaceful of day, all the other ponies were enjoying the quiet, sunny day while Rain Blitz would stand on the highest point possible, keeping guard. For what was he to be happy about anymore? As time passed it appeared as if his color had begun to fade. Most wondered if it was just part of their imagination, but in reality Rain Blitz was a ghost of his former self.))
((One day as Rain Blitz was standing guard on a cliff, the General walked up beside him, hoping to help in any way possible))
General: “You know what you’re doing isn’t healthy right?”
Rain: “What else is there to do?”
General: “Well, you could come down and relax a little… I’ll send another pony up to take your place.”
Rain: “No thanks sir, I’d feel more comfortable staying here.”
General: (he put a hoof on Rain Blitz’s shoulder) “It’s not your fault son…”
Rain: (he chuckled a monotone laugh) “Son… and to think it could have been possible, or even daughter…” (he stared into the setting sun, the beams of light reflected off everything but his now faded coat and mane)
General: “I’m sorry…” (he removed his hoof from Rain Blitz’s shoulder and started to walk away)
Rain: “We’re all sorry for something, it’s just a matter of what you can do about it… Sir…”
…
((That night the General sat in his tent taking some notes and writing letters to the families of the ponies he had recently lost in battle. Suddenly one of the scouts came running in through the opening))
Scout: “General, Sir!”
General: “What have you got to report son?”
Scout: “Son, sir?” (the pony looked confused at the word, they were not family, or really even friends)
General: “My apologies, I’m pretty tired tonight… Please, what do you have?”
Scout: “I have news that Xancarn is in the area, but I suspect he doesn’t know where we are.”
General: “Xancarn? Are you sure?”
Scout: “One hundred percent sure sir, saw him with my own eyes.”
General: (he leaned back, contemplating his next move) “Alright, thank you for the news but let’s not spread the word, no need to cause a panic if he doesn’t know where we are yet.”
Scout: “But sir, what if ‘He’ finds out?”
General: “By ‘He’ do you mean Rain Blitz?”
Scout: “Yes sir…”
General: “Just keep this information to yourself, who knows what He would do if He found out…”
Scout: “Yes… Sir…”
((As the scout calmly left the tent but he didn’t realize Rain Blitz was standing right outside, he had heard everything. Rain Blitz walked over to his tent to gear up. As he was getting ready he stopped and stared at the blade. Seeing the engraved flowers brought make many memories and feelings, some were happy, some were sad, but mostly it was the hate for what had happened. As he began suiting up in his dragon-skin armor Quick Draw walked in))
Quick: “Rain, what are you doing?”
Rain: “Don’t worry about it, it’s nothing of your concern…”
Quick: (he continued to stand there as Rain Blitz got ready) “It’s ‘Him’… Isn’t it?”
Rain: “Yes, but you are not to tell anypony about what I’m doing… Do you understand me?”
((The colt nodded his head as Rain Blitz held his sword up, looking at his reflection in the shine of the blade, he could see all the memories racing past in his head. As Rain Blitz sheathed his sword the colt stepped aside))
Quick: “Good luck, sir.”
Rain: “I won’t need luck for what I’m going to do…”
((And with that Rain Blitz flew off into the night sky without any thought of regret. The General ran over to the tent, demanding Quick Draw explain what was happening, but the young colt didn’t say a word))
…
((Rain Blitz had followed a group of dragons to a lair in a cliff side. He could tell these were the Royal Guards that served for royalty by their armor. As the dragons positioned themselves on watch shifts Rain Blitz waited from the forest shadows, planning his moves as carefully as a rage-filled colt could at the moment. As the night drew on the first shift became weary, Rain Blitz knew his time was soon. The group walked into the cave to awake the other guards for their shift. Rain Blitz quickly moved to the front of the cave opening, just quick enough to see where the guards were walking. He could see their sleeping quarters, an eating station, and in the very back of the cave was Xancarn, sleeping upon a pile of gold and treasures he most likely stole from the fallen town he had burned before. The guards woke the others as they switched places, Rain Blitz quickly hide back around the corner as not to be seen. The new guards took their positions outside and the first two had quickly fallen asleep, this was the moment Rain Blitz had been waiting for. Without a sound being made, Rain Blitz slit the guards’ throats with a knife he carried as a backup, they were not worthy of his true blade. As Rain Blitz stealthily made his way to the sleeping quarters he picked up a spear and jabbed it into another guard’s skull, instantly silencing him. The others were simple to take care of as they were all asleep, but none of these satisfied his craving for revenge… He knew what must be done. As Rain Blitz stood over the sleeping dragon prince, with his blade above the beast’s neck, he knew doing it this way would not be enough)
Rain: “Xancarn… Wake up…”
((Xancarn slowly opened his eyes to see he was already defeated without a fight, the dragon gave an impressed smile))
Xancarn: “I see I have finally been bested, well done.”
Rain: “You still keep such composer even on your deathbed… Although I guess being faced with your own mortality would do that to any creature wouldn’t it?”
Xancarn: “Do you really believe killing me will do anything for this war?”
((Rain Blitz continued to stare at the prince with murderous intent))
Xancarn: “There are others out there, more than willing to take my place once I am gone. You killing me will bring about nothing!”
Rain: “You think so high of your kind, yet continue to act as savages by destroying the lives of the innocent that have done nothing wrong to you? All for the sake of having riches and wealth… You are not royalty, you are an abomination!”
Xancarn: “Says the colt with nothing to live for… They are never coming back you know.”
((Xancarn chuckles with a sickening smile at Rain Blitz as the Pegasus raises his sword high))
Rain: “In the name of Equestria, for those who have fallen by your claws for the sickening cause of greed, for the innocent lives you have ruined… And for my family… I cast you to Hell!”
((Rain Blitz swings his sword with all of his might, slicing clean through the scales and bones of the prince’s neck, severing the head clean from its body. And with that, whatever color was left within him, faded to a lifeless grey. Rain Blitz fell to his knees in agony. Even after having his revenge he still felt nothingness, the beast was right after all, nothing could bring them back. Rain Blitz sat in the darkness, surrounded by the results of this recent actions, not knowing what more he could do))
…
((As Rain Blitz dropped the massive head of the deceased prince in the camp’s center for all to see, the General was standing outside of his tent, disappointed he couldn’t stop this. Rain Blitz stared eye to eye with the General, both dissatisfied with the other’s decision. Rain Blitz then walked back to his tent to retire for the night without speaking a word to anypony. Quick Draw walked back over to the General))
Quick: “Do you still need to know what he was doing, sir?”
General: “You better be lucky I don’t Court Marshal you!”
Quick: “He is my superior, sir, and he ordered me not to speak… Who am I to ignore orders?”
((The General didn’t say a word, what was done was done, nothing he could do about it now))
Quick: “Goodnight General.”
((The General said nothing as Quick Draw walked back to his tent. All the ponies stood around the head and conversed about the death of a dragon prince, and also of how powerful one individual pony must be to have done this alone. The General had nothing more to say or do at the moment, he also retired to his tent to sleep… And think))
…
((A few days had past and Rain Blitz had never left his tent ever since that night. Some wondered if he had left in the night to go kill more dragons, others wondered if he was even still alive in there. Eventually Rain Blitz emerged, but instead of cheering and congratulating him for his heroics, they all stared and maintained a distance. For now they could all see he was no longer himself. They all remembered him for his shining white coat, his blazing golden mane, and his determined brown eyes, but now he was nothing but a lifeless shadow. He was now an emotionless, hollow shell with only a shred of sanity left keeping him afloat. The General pulled him aside to speak about that night))
General: “Rain… We need to talk.”
Rain: “There’s nothing to talk about sir, you tried keeping information from me and I took action. Simple as that.”
General: “No, you acted out of emotion instead of reason! We were tailing Xancarn back to the Dragon King’s location… His father!
Rain: “Yeah?! And how long was that going to take?! Another week, maybe years?!”
General: “We didn’t know! And now we never will thanks to you!”
((Rain Blitz tossed a paper in front of the General))
General: “What is this?”
Rain: “It’s a precise location of the Dragon King’s lair. It was in Xancarn’s cave and I took it before I left. I’ve been deciphering it for the past few days but I know exactly where Draco is.”
General: “And now you plan to kill the lord of dragons?”
Rain: “Yes… Xancarn was right, you can kill as many dragons as you want but in the end there will always be others ready to take their place. There’s only one Dragon King, and if I kill him, there will be nothing to take his place.”
General: “Rain, you have to remember, the Dragon King didn’t get there by being strong. Draco is a magical dragon with powers some ponies can never master themselves. Yet you plan on taking him out all by yourself?”
Rain: “If that is what it takes, then so be it… I will be leaving tonight, don’t try to stop me and don’t send anypony out to help. This is my battle now.”
((The General knew nothing he said would change the colt’s mind, the best thing he could do was wait, and hope))
…
((As night fell, Rain Blitz suited up for battle, hoping the next time he used his sword will be the last. He walked into the forest following the directions carefully to the Dragon King’s location. After quite a few hours Rain Blitz began to feel as if he was being followed))
Rain: “I know you’re there, you might as well keep up.”
((Night Spark and Quick Draw revealed themselves and walked alongside Rain Blitz))
Night: “What, you thought you’d lose us that easily?”
Quick: “Plus, we wouldn’t miss a fight this big for anything!”
Rain: “I told the General not to send anypony after me.”
Quick: “That’s why we didn’t ask.”
Rain: “You two are coming out here under your own free will?”
Night: “Again, you aren’t loosing us that easily.” (she smiled as they walked)
Rain: “I’m sorry, but I don’t even know your names, I tried not to learn names. I found it was harder losing an individual if you knew who they were.”
Night: “I’m Night Spark”
Quick: “Quick Draw”
Rain: “Nice to finally meet you both.”
Night: “Same.”
Quick: “Right, finally.”
Night: “So, where is this ‘Dragon King’s lair’ anyway?”
Rain: “It shouldn’t be much further.”
Quick: “I think I know where it is…”
((The trio looked up over the hills to see the sky dark and gruesome, swirling into the top of a mountain. They could see the energy radiate in the clouds as lightning and thunder crackle in the distance. They still had a long way to go and they didn’t know what laid ahead. The three continued cautiously))
…
((After a few more hours of sneaking around they had come to realize that there were no Royal Guards to be found, and for that matter, no other dragons at all. Something was obviously wrong but Rain Blitz didn’t care, he had his mind set on what needed to be done. They finally reached an enormous cavern in the side of the mountain))
Rain: “The entrance is right here, let’s get moving.”
Quick: “Rain, something doesn’t feel right…”
Night: “He’s right, where are all the dragons?”
Rain: “It doesn’t matter, we are here for Draco and that is it, now let’s focus!”
((A deep, dark voice bellowed from inside the cave))
Voice: “I have been waiting for you… Enter.”
((The three ponies entered the cave to find themselves in a large, spacious room filled with treasure of all types. Sitting on top of the pile was a very large and old looking dragon, his scales looked frail and discolored. They had finally found Draco, the Dragon King))
Rain: “You have been waiting for me?”
Draco: “Yes, I have seen all that you have done, all that you have suffered, and also the death of my son Xancarn… I am most displeased.”
Rain: “Then you know why I am here.”
Draco: “Yes, but your actions are futile, so I give you this one chance to leave peacefully. I would suggest you heed my mercy.”
Quick: “How can you see all of these events, were you there for all of it?”
Night: “No, he’s magic remember? He can probably see everything that is happening right now just by sitting there.”
Draco: “The mare is correct, I can see all that has happened, is happening, and will happen. And you, Sir Rain Blitz, will not succeed in your quest today.”
Rain: “And what exactly is my quest? Enlighten me.”
Draco: “You are looking for closure, to ease your mind from the pain in feeling guilty of the death of your partner and child. You do not understand how to accomplish this feat and that is what is eating you inside.”
((Rain Blitz looks down at the ground allowing the words to absorb into is mind))
Rain: “Shut up…”
Draco: “You run around aimlessly seeking revenge on those who have hurt you but none of it is truly settling the demons within you, is it?”
Rain: “I said shut up…”
Draco: “So now you stand here before me, looking for the truth, but it has been in front of you this whole time. You need to learn that war is cruel and things will happen that you cannot control at any point.”
Rain: “And it is because of you that we are even having this war! You seek more and more wealth no matter what may lie in your path!”
Draco: “I seek the path that has been chosen! I comprehend matters that a far past your equine intelligence and that is why this has all happened.”
((Both Night Spark and Quick Draw are listening to every word being said, not fully understanding what is right and wrong anymore))
Draco: “Long ago, you ponies would argue and fight each other between species, not knowing you all wanted the same outcome… Peace. You all wanted peace so your families could grow. You continued to fight over the years until we dragons stepped in. Now look, you all fight on the same side with a common foe.”
Rain: “Don’t try to make yourself sound like you’re some kind of ‘Caring God’ that brought peace to our kind! You are doing the exact opposite of what you claim!”
Draco: “As I have said, I see the chosen path and I am only the guide to ensure it continues in that direction. Now, I will say this only one more time… You are to leave with my mercy and seek your truth elsewhere, it is not here.
((Rain Blitz couldn’t just turn and walk away; he came too far, sacrificed too much. If he left now he would return to having nothing but if he fought he knew the outcome would not be in his favor… He made his decision))
Rain: “Night Spark, Quick Draw…”
Quick: “Wait…”
Night: “Rain, don’t!”
((Rain Blitz looked back at the two, with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, he quietly spoke))
Rain: “I’m going home...”
((Rain Blitz drew his sword and lunged at the Dragon King. As Rain Blitz flew towards the giant, Draco opened his mouth and released an earth-shattering blast of magically energy at the Pegasus. Night Spark and Quick Draw shielded their eyes from the blinding beam of energy. And with a finally explosion the room fell silent, Draco continued to sit upon his perch and the two ponies adjusted their eyes… But Rain Blitz was nowhere in sight, all that remained was his sword, laying motionless on the cave floor in front of the two))
Night: “NO!”
((Night Spark quickly ran over and kneeled by the sword, still allowing her mind to comprehend what just happened))
Quick: “I… I can’t believe he’s gone…”
Night: “You Monster! How could you do this?!”
Draco: “I will give you two the same final warning as your companion. Leave now or face your mortality.”
((Quick Draw walked over to Night Spark, still in shock))
Quick: “Night… We need to go, now.”
Draco: “Wise choice young one.”
((Night Spark, still crying, picked up the sword and sheathed it to her side, Quick Draw led the way out. They knew they were no match for the Dragon King, not even their commander stood a chance. How they were going to explain this to the General was another story))
…
All of the soldiers were gathered around at the camp, waiting for the trio’s return. Even the General, who didn’t support their decisions, stood at the front of the crowd. They all hoped to have another major victory and finally be done with this ridiculous war. After a few hours a few returned to their tents, the look of hope had left them and some sensed something was wrong. The General also felt it, something was wrong but what could he do? He was not going to risk more troops because these three made a reckless decision
As the hours passed, more and more ponies went back to their tents, their hope was gone. But the General remained. He believed that as long as he stood there, even if he was the only one, he still believed there could be a chance. The General learned this through Rain Blitz himself, that all it takes is one pony to make a change. Remembering back to when they first met on that stage, the General saw firsthand what true courage was that day, to stand up and make a change. So he stood there, alone, for as long as it took, until he knew the truth
The rain started lightly, a drop here and there, but within seconds turned to a blinding downpour. But the General continued to stand there and wait, he was not moving. Lightning flickered in the clouds and thunder rolled through the air. As time went on so did the rain, a few soldiers asked the General if he needed anything, some even suggested he return to his tent, but the General needed nothing but the knowledge of what happened. The General began to grow weary from lack of sleep and standing in one position for this many hours, and just before he was about to retire to his tent he saw them. The shadowy figures walking towards camp through the blinding rain. The General ran towards the blur needing to know what happened. A few troops followed behind ready to help but as they approached they only counted two ponies, one was missing. Their hearts sank as the saw Night Spark wielding the sword upon her side... It was inconceivable… Rain Blitz, was gone. Night Spark carefully handed the General the sword and silently went to her tent, Quick Draw looked upon all of the troops with a look of depression and emptiness as he followed her. The General could do nothing but sit there, with the blade in his hooves… There was nothing to say. Was this truly the end?
…
((The next day both Night Spark and Quick Draw spoke with the General about all that happened that past night. This was not a debrief, there was no such formality for what they witnessed. They told the General of what the Dragon King spoke of, about the “chosen path,” about how he claims to have brought peace, everything. Even though the two hadn’t the slightest clue about what Draco spoke of, the General had a basic understanding of the situation… The Dragon King was right. The ponies were united as one, because of a common enemy. The General took in all of the information and began to think))
General: “… I need you two to try and remember where Draco’s lair was.”
Quick: “Excuse me sir, but what are you thinking?”
General: “I have an idea but I am unsure if it would work.”
Night: “Sir, we barely made it out of there with our lives… Somepony didn’t make it out of there at all!”
General: “I can plainly see that. Please… We have lost a soldier, a comrade… a close friend, but I know what must be done so please, take me to the Dragon King.”
((The three packed for the trip but the General carried a large sack along with him, neither of the other two asked what was inside. The General gave the commanding position to one of his Lieutenants in his absence as they all trekked on back to Draco’s lair. The General had not informed either of his accomplices on what he was planning, for they were just his guide to the truth))
…
((As they approached the Dragon King’s lair a squad of the king’s Royal Guards confronted the trio. Both Night Spark and Quick Draw prepared for battle))
General: “Stand down, both of you!”
Night: “But sir-”
General: “I said stand down!”
((The two ponies did as instructed; the Royal Guards were thrown off by this response))
Guard: “You come here not to fight? Then what is your purpose?”
General: “I wish to speak with your Lord.”
Guard: “I beg your pardon?” (the guards began to laugh) “You believe that just by walking up and kindly asking us, we will let you see our king?”
((A voice echoed from within the lair))
Draco: “Allow them to pass.”
((The guards looked at each other in confusion, but dare not question the king’s orders; they stepped aside and allowed the ponies to enter. The General entered the cave calmly as both Night Spark and Quick Draw stepped cautiously, remembering the last time they were here. The General stood firmly in the middle of the room; he motioned for his guides to remain back a little))
Draco: “Welcome, you will have to excuse me but I have very little formalities for your kind entering my lair.”
General: “Please, we come in peace and with a proposal.”
((Night Spark and Quick Draw looked at each other in confusion, the Royal Guards also seemed puzzled by this elder equine’s words))
Draco: “A proposal you say?” (he chuckled) “You have traveled all this way to speak politics to your enemy?”
General: “Yes, I understand this may come to a surprise but my comrades told me of your words of wisdom… And I agree.”
Quick: “What?!”
Night: “Sir, are you out of your mind?!”
General: “Silence, both of you! Because some are unable to think before acting is the reason we are in this situation!” (he looked back at the dragon lord) “I am not one of them, I have thought and considered your words and you speak the truth. Yes in the past we fought over petty differences instead of just working together in unity, and that is where you and your kind come in. You brought us together in the only way possible at the moment… And I thank you.”
((Now the Royal Guards are standing next to Night Spark and Quick Shot, wanting to hear this for themselves. Was this old pony honestly thanking them for destroying their towns? Has he lost his mind and betrayed his own kind? Nothing was making sense))
Draco: “So, another sees the truth in the events that have taken place… But that does not excuse the actions for what one individual had done.
General: “You speak of Rain Blitz.”
Draco: “Yes, he is the one that had taken away my only born. There may have been another set in line to take his place but there will never be another to replace the position as my son.”
General: “If I heard your speech correctly, you yourself said that ‘war is cruel, some things will happen that you cannot control’… But I believe you never expected to lose one as close as your son.”
Draco: “The same can be said for both sides General. But your loss was not disgraced by dismemberment… I could only lay to rest a partial of my son, now he can never be at peace because of Rain Blitz’s actions.”
((The General threw the large sack he was carrying in front of the king))
General: “Now you can.”
((Draco opened the bag to reveal the head of Xancarn, his son))
Draco: “How do you bring this to me?”
General: “Out of respect, there is no honor in what either side has done during this war.”
Draco: “You bring me the head of my only born, so as I may finally allow him to rest in peace… Why?”
General: “I believe you already know the answer to that… I am here to make peace between dragon and pony kind.”
((All that were watching began to talk amongst their own kind, unsure if peace was truly possible))
Draco: “And how, may I ask, do you plan to have such strong enemies as ourselves, find peace within each other?”
General: “It is quite simple… We allow the other to live without interference of the other kind. As long as dragons do not take from the equine kind we shall do the same for you. We have both lost many of our own… Some more important to use than others…” (he looked at the prince’s head) “To avoid the loss of many more of our loved ones we are to plainly avoid the other… Do we have a deal, your majesty?”
((The Dragon King looks down at the old pony commander, then over to his guards and pony soldiers who were now standing side by side. The giant then thought for a moment))
Draco: “… Then so be it. Dragons and ponies will avoid each other in the name of keeping civil peace unless one is to void said law.”
General: (with a sigh and a relieved smile, he looked up at the dragon lord) “Thank you.”
((The spectating dragons and ponies could not believe their ears, has peace really been restored to this forsaken land?))
Draco: “Guards! Begin to spread the word to our other troops, make it know to all that we in treaty!”
General: “Thank you again your majesty.” (he turned to Night Spark and Quick Draw) “Come, we must spread the word amongst our own!”
((And with that the dragons and ponies began to spread the word to all who were in battle. Although some did not believe this to be true at first, they none the less followed orders to stop fighting. Equestria was finally at peace))
…
((A few months passed and the peace treaty seemed to have taken effect across all of Equestria. The burned towns begun rebuilding as well as long separated families reunited. Unfortunately many did not have homes or relatives to return to. It took quite a while for things to somewhat return to a normal state of living))
((Many of the ponies that were in the platoon ended up coming back to their old town and starting anew. The General ended up staying in the town, how could he leave the place that changed everything? Night Spark and Quick Draw also returned))
Quick: “So, Night Spark… What are your plans from here on out?”
Night: “I don’t know, after all that’s happened I really don’t know… I never started a family before I joined the war so I have no one to go back to…”
((Night Spark looked down at the ground as they walked, suddenly realizing she really doesn’t have anything to return to))
Night: “I guess I end up alone once it’s all said and done huh?”
Quick: “Not necessarily…”
((Quick Draw leaned in and gave Night Spark a kiss on the cheek. Night Spark jumped back, surprised by the action))
Night: “Quick! W-what in Equestria was that?!”
Quick: “Consider it… The start to a new beginning.” (he smiled and gave a slight chuckle)
Night: “You know you’re not getting off easily for that sneak attack right?”
Quick: “I know, and I'll be waiting for your counterattack.”
((The General walked up to the two ponies))
General: “I see you two have become pretty lovey-dovey huh?”
((The new couple began to blush immensely))
Quick: “G-good afternoon General!” (he gave a salute)
((The General laughed))
General: “Oh please, we’re not soldiers anymore, no need for formalities like saluting.”
Quick: “oh, sorry sir, I guess there are some things you’ll never forget huh?”
General: “Yeah… There are some things and some ponies you’ll never forget…”
((The three stood in silence to remember their fallen friend))
General: “Anyways, we are going to be having a special ceremony in a couple minutes, as my last order to the two of you, you are to attend it with me.”
Quick: “Yes.”
Night: “Yes sir.”
((Night Spark and Quick Draw followed the General to a field, there was a crowd waiting for whatever was about to happen. At the front of the crowd there was something under a large blanket. The three walked up and stood at the front of the crowd. As Night Spark and Quick Draw stayed by the crowd, the General walked over and stood next to the covered object. He faced the crowd and cleared his throat))
General: “I want to start off by thanking each and every one of you for coming out today. We stand here today, to celebrate our new found peace in this world, and to new beginnings.”
((The crowd cheers as Night Spark and Quick Draw huddle close to one another))
General: “Now, I know we all made sacrifices to get to where we are today, some of us lost more than others… My deepest condolences go out to those who fought bravely to get us to where we are today. But I want to remember a pony who I personally want to thank for all he did in his time with us. He stood up in the face of adversity, challenged the world, and touched all of our hearts one way or another.”
((Both Night Spark and Quick Draw looked up at the General, with sadness in their eyes but their utmost attention. They knew who the General is talking about, how could they forget that Pegasus?))
General: “Which is why, it is my greatest pleasure, as I stand before you, to present our fair town with this statue…”
((The General pulled the cover off to reveal a statue of a Pegasus, standing tall on the podium with a floral engraved sword sheathed at his side, as if watching guard over the on looking crowd. The plaque on the podium read:
In Loving Memory of
Rain Blitz
Husband, Father, Comrade, Friend
Even As He Left This World He Left His Message Behind
Always Fight For What You Truly Believe In
May He And His Family Rest In Peace
As the crowd shouted cheers of enlightenment both Night Spark and Quick Draw ran over and hugged the General with tears running down their faces))
Night: “Thank you! Thank you so much!”
Quick: “We can’t thank you enough sir!”
General: “No, don’t thank me, thank Rain Blitz. Without him, we would never be where we are today… Thank you Rain Blitz for all you did…”
…
Cheerilee: “And ever since that day, both dragons and ponies have been able to live in harmony with one another. We have even taken some steps in society to bring the two species together to live amongst one another. It may be a slow process but as long as we continue to see past the differences, maybe, just maybe, the entire world could live in peace...”
((Cheerliee turned to her students))
Cheerilee: “So class, how did you like that story?”
((Most of the fillies were sniffling and trying not to let the others see them showing their feelings. Applebloom was on the brink of crying, Sweetie Belle was silently crying, and even Scootaloo was trying to hide the tears in her eyes))
Cheerilee: “Hmm, maybe my story telling skills were a little too effective.”
Applebloom: “Ms. Cheerilee, that was a sad story…”
Cheerilee: “Yes well at least the outcome of it all is happy, without him we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
((Scootaloo finally regained her composure))
Scootaloo: “Ms. Cheerilee, was that really a true story?
Cheerilee: “It is a true story, whether all the details I told you are precise with what really happened back then I can’t say for certain. What I told you is what I’ve gathered through all the stories passed down through the generations of back then. They even say that sword is the actual sword he used.”
Scootaloo: “Really?!”
((The trio quickly go over and look at the still glimmering steel of the blade))
Cheerilee: “Come along fillies, it’s time for us to go back.”
Applebloom: “Come on girls, we gotta go.”
Scootaloo: “Aww alright…”
((As the two started Sweetie Belle continued to stare at the sword))
Applebloom: “Sweetie Belle, let’s go!”
Sweetie Belle: “Wait! I think I see something!”
((The two fillies rushed back over to look at the sword))
Scootaloo: “What is it?”
Sweetie Belle: “Look!”
((The three fillies looked intensely at the shiny blade, and for a quick second as a shimmer of light reflected off the sword, they saw Rain Blitz and Floral, smiling side by side with their little foal. The trio knew they weren’t imagining things. They saw the real happy ending to this story. And with that, the three looked at each other with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces))
Cheerilee: “Let’s go girls!”
All Three: “Coming Ms. Cheerilee!”