True origins

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Spike entered the main hall. Princess Celestia was already waiting there. Her mane was disheveled, and her pose was tense, like she had been under a lot of stress lately. Still, she was wearing a kind, yet tired, smile.

“Spike, I’m glad you could make it! Why didn’t you come earlier?”

“Yeah… hehe” Spike gave her a sheepish smile “About that, let’s say that it ‘lost in the way’”

Celestia raised an eyebrow.

“Lost in the way” she shook her head, and her face went serious. “No, that doesn’t matter now. Come with me” She started walking down the left hallway, Spike quickly followed suit, Peewee nestled on his head.

“Looks like you have a new friend, a phoenix it seems.”

“Yeah, I called him Peewee, isn’t he cute?”

“It sure is. But let’s not distract of the matter at hand.”

Her face went serious again.

“When I sent you that letter, I wanted to explain you how your egg had ended up in my possession. Things, however, got more serious when I received these ‘special’ guests. But let me explain from the beginning.”
Spike realized that they were taking the long way to the Throne Room. Maybe Celestia wanted to explain everything, and, maybe, prepare him for what could come later.

“You see, it started many years before Twilight was even born. I was called for an important meeting near the north frontier, when my escort found what it seemed to be the rests of a battle. We couldn’t identify any of the creatures that lay dead in the plain, but it seemed an attack of some type. All of their possessions were broken or missing save for one thing: an egg that, miraculously, was untouched between the carnage that was placed in.”

“I realized that it was still alive, and unwilling to let it die, I decided to take it with me and raise the creature that would come out of it. After asking some experts, I knew that it was a dragon egg. Still, my decision was the same.”
Spike, having paid attention all the time, raised his head a bit and looked at the princess.

“So, that egg was me, right?”

Celestia nodded.

“Yes, it was you. I thought that waiting for it to hatch would be the best choice, and so I waited. However, it never hatched, so I gave it to my School for Gifted Unicorns. You know the rest: Twilight had to hatch it as her entrance exam, and as you know, she was able to do it. Still, the origin of the egg was a total mystery to me. That is, until today.”

Just then Spike realized that they were standing at the throne room doors. Celestia entered, Spike followed suit, and froze in the place, mouth hanging open.

In the room there were five immense dragons, their heads almost touching the ceiling. The first four looked the same, grey scales and silver spines, covered in full armor, making them a really scary look. The fifth was different; black scales, green spines and red eyes, he was also the tallest of the five.
“Spike, this is King Kiguroth, Dragon King of Draconia.”

Twilight paced back and forth, deep in thoughts. Again, she raised her head and asked the guards.

“Are you sure I can’t go with him?”

“Orders of the Princess, ma’am.”

“Can I at least know what is happening?”

The guard on the left seemed uneasy to answer, but finally gave in.

“Well, you see, yesterday afternoon we spotted five dragons near the northwest part of Canterlot. They didn’t seem to be doing anything dangerous so the captain sent a squad to talk with them. I don’t know what really happened but I heard that this big black dragon stepped forward and demanded to speak with the princesses. I think they are in there, so it makes sense if she asked for the little guy, although I have no idea why she called him.”

Twilight began to worry, had they been followed? Had those dragon bullies found where she lived? But she sure didn’t remember a black dragon. She had to investigate.

Since the guards weren’t there to preventing her to going anywhere, she could look in the windows. She rounded the castle grounds, and found a spot in the inside that wasn’t guarded. Twilight quickly teleported inside and made her way until she found the throne room. The door was half open, so Twilight could take a look at the inside of the chamber.

She gasped at the scene: Spike and Celestia were in the middle of the room, dwarfed by the sight of four grey dragons and a huge black dragon. But, whoever these guys were, they definitely weren’t the ones she had faced. In fact, she had never seen them at all. Where were they from? What did they want with Spike?

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the black dragon speaking.

Spike stood there, gaping at the sight. Even if his mind tried to do something, his body could simply not react. Kiguroth gazed at him, and he tried not to cower from the power of the King’s glare.

“So, this is the whelp, Celestia? About time, I was starting to lose my patience”

“I’m really sorry for the delay, Dragon King, but I have brought him as you requested.” Celestia answered, she maintained her regal pose, still she kept her guard up.

He turned again to Spike, who was still trembling in his feet. Peewee had taken shelter in the princess’s mane.

“Step forward, young one.” Spike did as he commanded.

“W-What do you want from me?” he could manage to timidly speak.

“I have been told about you, and I have been informed of certain… ability of yours.” Kiguroth looked into Spike’s eyes, and his expression seemed to ease a bit, but he quickly shook his head, dismissing his thoughts, and regained his serious expression.

“Show me your fire, whelp. Let me see it”
Spike tried to calm down, but his trembling didn’t disappear. The pressure was too much. Just a day after the fight with those bullies, this dragon showed up and commanded him to show him how he breathed fire. Was this some kind of test? Did this ‘king’ want to see if he was a ferocious dragon? What if he failed? What if his flame was not big enough? What if Kiguroth told him that he wasn’t worthy of being called a dragon? Would others dragons come to Equestria just to make fun of him?

All this thoughts raced through his mind, but he was finally able to calm down, taking a few deep breaths.

“So? I am waiting, and my patience is growing thin. I have waited for you to show up all the past night, so it would be a good idea not to keep me waiting.”

The four dragon guards had remained firm the whole time, still, they would obey every command his King would give to them. It was already a bad idea to upset a dragon, let alone five.

Spike gulped, and took a big amount of air. ‘Okay, this is it’, he thought, ‘time to show them that I’m a real dragon!’
He exhaled strongly, letting out a tiny flame of bright, emerald fire.

All the dragons gasped in shock. Even if its size wasn’t too big, the flame’s color revealed them the truth. The guards lost their composure, and started whispering in draconic.

“It’s Him!”

“After all this time…”

“It can’t be! It’s impossible!”

“You saw it too! It’s undeniable! It was the Royal Symbol!”

Kiguroth remained silent, his face an expression of shock. He stared at Spike for what it seemed like hours. Suddenly, he broke in laughter, deep guffaws that made the entire room to tremble.
“What was it? What did I do?” Spike glanced at Celestia, as oblivious as him.
Kiguroth looked at him again, smiling widely. “I can’t believe it! After all this time, after all that worthless searching, I have finally found him!”
He let out a big flame, a bright emerald, the same as Spike.
“Today, I have found my son, the Prince!”

Chapter 3

“A… a prince?” Spike’s mouth uttered the words, yet his mind couldn’t process they had said. Celestia was as wordless as him. The dragon guards kneeled down towards Spike.

“Ahh, my son, finally, after all this time, a great weight has finally been lifted of my heart.” Kiguroth’s smile was wide, revealing all the sharp teeth he had. Celestia and Spike involuntarily took a step back.

“I can’t be a prince! I’m just a baby dragon, there must be a mistake.”

“There is no mistake, my son. You carry the Royal Symbol, the Emerald Fire, a sign of your royal ancestry.”

Kiguroth then breathed fire again, showing the same emerald flames Spike had shown. He still couldn’t believe it. Celestia spoke up, taking a step forward; Kiguroth faced her, his smile being replaced by a serious expression.

“Dragon King, what are you saying is a really serious matter. Are you sure that Spike is your son?”

“Rrgh, stop calling him like that! I will not accept the name you ponies gave him. He must know his real name, the one I gave him myself the day he was born as an egg… Ka-Hurr”

Ka-Hurr… Spike muttered the name under his breath. It felt strange, alien, and yet… somewhat familiar, like remembering a nickname you were given as a kid. He decided to speak again.

“But, but… then why did you abandon me? I thought that you loved me, since you were my father and that”

Kiguroth covered his eyes with his right claw and sighed, he seemed hurt. It seemed that he didn’t want to talk about it. One of the guards unfurled his wings menacingly at Spike.

“How dare you speak like that to the King?! Even if you’re the Prince, that doesn’t give you the right to…”

“No, let it be, Kentamureth. He needs to know exactly what happened.”

“Everything started almost a hundred years ago. Draconia was at war with its neighbors, the storm giants…”

“Woah, woah, woah, slow down please.” Spike interrupted. “Storm giants?”

Kiguroth leaned down and patiently answered. “It seems that you hadn’t heard about them. The storm giants are gigantic humanoid creatures that dwell in the Storm Peaks, in the Northern Wastelands, far away from here. We dragons have been in war with then for millennia. Just some years ago we could be able to finally come to a fragile peace.”

“As I was saying, we were at war with them, Draconia was invaded and most dragons were locked inside the Citadels, which were under constant siege. They were finally able to enter into the Capital Citadel. Me, along with my Honor Guard were in the front line, I refused to stay behind. I was a fool, I wanted to take part in the fight, I didn’t mind for anything else. In the end, we could drive them back out of the Castle and made them retreat out of our frontiers. However, when I came back, I received the news that my son, you, had been kidnapped.”

“I chased the fleeing giants; I destroyed entire groups of them. But I couldn’t find you. Finally, I gave up.”

Kiguroth sighed; his voice was starting to tremble.

“The Queen, your mother, couldn’t take it. She loved you with all her heart. Losing you… it was too much for her. I’m sorry Ka-Hurr, if I had stayed where I had to be, instead of where I wanted to be, maybe you could have been saved.”

Spike approached the King, and hugged his muzzle.

“It’s okay… dad. It’s okay.”

Kiguroth sighed and blinked away a tear that had formed in his eye.

“A hundred years, son. A hundred years I mourned the loss of you and your mother. A hundred years I searched almost every bit of land in this world for you. A hundred years I hoped there would be the day where I could finally find you. And now, that day has finally arrived, and I thank the Great Dragon for giving me the opportunity to mend my mistake.”

Silence fell. Celestia took this as the chance to speak again.

“Well, going back to the matter at hand. Dragon King, what are your plans now that your suspicions have been confirmed?”

The King grinned. “You don’t have to ask, Celestia, I’m taking him back. He will be reintroduced to his original life, and will be taught the manners of royalty.”

“But… does that mean that I’ll have to leave my friends behind? I don’t think I can do that.”

“Son, look at me.” Kiguroth’s tone wasn’t demanding, he was just asking Spike to listen. “I’m giving you the chance to know who you really are, how your life could have been. I can show you what it really means to be a dragon.”

Spike looked at the ground, deep in thought. Despite what he had said to his friends the night before, that they were his family, he really wanted to know where he was from, who he was. And now it was this chance, he couldn’t let it pass. He would make them understand, this was important to him.

“Yes” he answered, “I’ll go.”

“What?”

The voice came from the entrance. Spike and Celestia looked back, and were speechless when they saw that the voice came from no other than Twilight, she had been eavesdropping the whole time, and had heard everything.

“No…” She took a step back.

“Twilight, wait.”

“No…” Another step back.

“Twilight, please listen.”

“NO!”

She shouted and teleported away, with a bright flash, she was gone.

Author's notes: I'm sorry for the delay, I try to take the chapters out as soon as possible, and is really hard to me to stick to the schedule of a chapter every week, I have been busy all week and besides I have been thinking in another idea for a fanfic (I haven't sterted writing it yet, I prefer to focus in this one for now). Next chapters will probably take more time, but I assure you, I'll work as hard as I can.

Well, here's my first attempt of a cliffhanger. I know my writing isn't as good as other authors here, my first language isn't English, and while I have been studying English all my life, it's still hard to me. So, if you want, leave a comment, I appreciate constructive criticism.

Chapter 4

Twilight reappeared in Canterlot Library, in an empty room that nopony used. She could have teleported back to Ponyville, but she hadn’t thought about it, she only wanted to get away from the Throne Room and didn’t think of where to go. She slowly dragged her body to a corner, and finally broke down and cried.

When she was still a filly, and messed up something really bad, she always ran to the library to this very room, sat in a corner and cried alone for hours until Shining Armor, Cadance or Celestia herself would find her. Even it had been years since she had stopped doing that, it seemed now like the only thing she could think about now.

She silently cried for what it felt like hours until the door to the room opened creaking slightly, and the short figure of Spike entered shyly into the room.

“Twilight, are you here?”

“*Sob* Go away.”

“I’m not leaving Twi.”

“Isn’t that what you want!?” She yelled angrily and turning around and faced Spike. Her cheeks were stained with tears and her eyes were already red from crying. “After all we passed through, after all that you said, you’re just going to leave us!? To leave me!? Fine the! Go away! Go…!”

She could have kept yelling if at that moment hadn’t stepped over and wrapped his arms around Twilight. He had started to tear up too.

“Please Twilight, don’t cry, please! If you want I won’t go but please don’t cry! Please don’t cry…”

They stayed locked in the embrace some minutes. Twilight sobbed a bit after that, when she recomposed herself Spike let her go. “I’m sorry Spike.” She sobbed. “I didn’t want to say that. It’s that… I had known you all my life, you have always been there for me, and I don’t know what could I do if you were gone.”

“It’s okay Twi” Spike hugged her friend again. “I won’t go if you don’t want. It’s just;” He broke the hug. “Knowing now who I am, where I’m from, I just, well, I think this was important for me, but I don’t care. If you want me to stay, I’ll stay, you’ll always come first.”

Twilight gazed at nowhere, thinking. Two days ago, he would have accepted without second though, and now he was giving it away the opportunity of his life, just for her. It felt rather selfish of her part. She made a decision and sighed. It was not going to be easy for her, but Spike deserved it.

“Spike, do you want it? Don’t think about me, do YOU want to go?”

Spike broke the gaze with Twilight’s eyes, he looked at the floor, and slowly nodded.

“It’s okay, Spike. You deserve it, you deserve to know who you are. I think you must go with them.”

Spike looked at her, dumbfounded. “Really?”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”

Spike hugged her again, this time stronger than before. “Oh, thankyouthankyouthankyou!”

“Twilight, are you in there?” Celestia’s voice came from the hallway. She saw Twilight and Spike in the room and came in.

“It’s okay, Princess:” Twilight said after she put Spike aside. “Sorry for overreacting, and sorry for eavesdropping there.”

Celestia shook her head. “Don’t worry Twilight Sparkle, you had the right to get upset, you are the one that has to make a decision too, apart from Spike.”

“Thank you Princess, but…” Twilight looked at Spike again. “I think I already made a decision. It’s not easy but I think he deserves it.”

Celestia smiled. “Very well, I will tell the Dragon King that a decision has been taken.”

“Wait!” Spike suddenly spoke up. “I can’t leave yet! I never said goodbye to the others! I’m sure my dad can wait a bit more.”

“You’re right Spike. Don’t worry, go back to Ponyville, I’ll tell King Kiguroth about your decision.”

The others took the news about Spike somehow better than Twilight, although they still found it hard to believe that the little dragon they knew and loved so much was in fact a prince of a faraway land ruled by dragons. Of course, they didn’t like that Spike would have to go back to his homeland, but they had all agreed that they wouldn’t get in the way.

The news about the dragons in Canterlot and Spike spread through Ponyville like a swarm. The other ponies, that had treated the purple dragon like one of their own, now looked at him with a new sense of respect and disbelief. It boosted Spike’s pride, but it also made him feel a bit uncomfortable. He hadn’t changed at all, and his actual position wasn’t going to change anything.

“I wish sometimes they stopped looking at me like that” Spike said while he and Twilight made their way to Sugarcube Corner. Since he was leaving Ponyville, Pinkie had insisted on making him a farewell party. “It’s not like I changed at all. I’m now a prince, big deal”

Twilight shook her head as they arrived at Sugarcube Corner. “Okay, we’re here.”

As they entered the shop they were met by music and the sound of ponies talking, it wasn’t any different than any other parties they had attended. There was punch, games, food and everything that needed to be at a party. It was astonishing how fast Pinkie could be when it was about parties.

It all went on smooth as silk for three hours, everypony played, talked and laughed until Pinkie turned off the music and jumped on a table to attract attention.

“Okay, everypony, we’ll now listen to what the guest of honor has to say!” And quickly took Spike, put him on the table, and got down of it.

“Oookay, everypony, are you listening? The ones on the back? Okay” Spike was nervous, he hadn’t thought he would have to give a speech. At last he decided to say what he felt.

“Well, I would like to thank every one of you for being so supportive and friendly all this time; you all have been so kind to me, even if I wasn’t a pony, and well,” He wiped away some tears that had formed in his eyes. “I’m going to miss you all so much.”

As he got down of the table, Pinkie yelled “Group Hug!” and Spike was quickly embraced by Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. After the hug was broken the rest of the town went to greet him, some congratulated him for being an amazing dragon, others said that they would miss him and the town wouldn’t be the same without him.

Around 5 p.m. the party started dying out. The guests gave Spike a final farewell as they got back to their houses. Now remained only Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Spike, as they went to the outskirts of Ponyville, where Kiguroth and his Honor Guard were waiting him.

It was time to say goodbye to his most close friends. The first was Fluttershy, she was already starting to tear up, she even didn’t mind the presence of five huge dragons in front of her.

“Goodbye Fluttershy, it was beautiful having you as a friend.”

“T-Thank you Spike. The same to you.” She said, hugging Spike tightly. Then, Spike turned to Applejack.

“I hope wherever you go, you won’t forget us.”

“That never. I hope YOU don’t forget about me. Goodbye Applejack” And Spike hugged her too, before turning to Rainbow Dash.

“Goodbye, Spike. We’re going to feel your absence here” She said putting a hoof on his shoulder with a sad smile. She was trying her best to keep her cool, despite that she was visibly a bit shaken.

Spike jokingly opened his arms. “Oh, come on, you know you want one too.” Rainbow didn’t wait a second. She threw herself to him in a tight embrace.

“Oh, I’m going to miss you so much!” She said, starting to tear up.

“There, there.” Spike waited until she calmed down before releasing her, and faced Rarity. She white unicorn had no problems on throwing herself at him and crying.

“Oh, my Spikey-Wikey! I am so proud of you! What am I going to do without you?!”

“Have more gems to work with?” Spike joked. Rarity giggled and kissed him in his forehead, leaving him red faced.
He then turned to Pinkie Pie. She only gave him a cupcake as a gift.

“Thank you, Pinkie. I’m really going to miss you all.” Pinkie said nothing and simply hugged Spike tightly.
Lastly, he turned to Twilight.

“Ehm, take care of the little guy for me, could you?”

Twilight nodded and hugged him. After it she spoke up.

“I’m going to miss you so much Spike. You are always going to be my number one assistant and a little brother to me, remember that. We’re always going to be your family here in Ponyville, never forget that.”

Spike nodded and wiped a tear that formed in his right eye. He turned to his father.

“Are you ready son?” He asked with a calm smile.

“Yes, I’m ready.”

Kiguroth offered him a claw, palm up, and Spike climbed on it. Then the Dragon King brought it near his chest and took flight, the guards soon followed him.

Spike watched as Ponyville became a little spot on the distance.

‘Goodbye Ponyville. Thanks for everything’

Author's notes: I'm deeply sorry for the delay. I'll do my best to not take so much next time.

Chapter 5

It is not known by many, but sometimes dragons are capable of reaching great speeds that allow them travel great distances in short time. The Dragon King and his escort were able to reach Draconia just in a matter of hours.
Clutched in his father’s grasp, Spike was able to see many unknown lands for pony eyes: plains, mountains, swamps, deserts. The sights amazed him, they were an example of how big the world really was. As they were reaching the Northern Wastelands, Spike began to feel a cold he had never felt before.

“There!” Kiguroth said over the wind as they approached the top of a chain of mountains. “The south frontier of Draconia!”

The cold was almost unbearable for Spike. Even in winter he hadn’t experienced such chilling conditions. His father noticed this and used his breath smoothly to warm him up. When they passed the mountain tops, the sight left the young dragon speechless.

It was in fact just a plain that extended to the horizon, yet it was dotted with several mountains and fortresses constructed like they had grown out the mountain itself. All was covered in snow up until where Spike could see, the freezing winds carrying blizzards and snowstorms. When he focused on the ground, he could catch sight of some packs of animals and some woods, but it was almost a desert down there. It was a place so harsh, that only dragons could survive there.

The group flew towards the tallest mountain, where the Capital Citadel was placed. It was constructed in the tallest mountain, much taller than the mountain where Canterlot was placed. It was adorned with towers, walls, and different platforms and balconies where dragons could land on. The group landed in a platform near the top, in front of a pair of huge gates.

“Here it is” the Dragon King spoke again, releasing Spike on the ground. “These gates lead to the upper part of the citadel, where the Palace is placed. Come on, son, your new home awaits”

The group neared a pair of dragons guarding the gates, their armor was simpler than the Honor Guard’s, indicating that they held a lower rank. The pair opened the gates and bowed deeply as the King and his escort entered the city. Spike followed suit. It was a bit hard keeping up with the bigger dragons, but he didn’t mind.

Inside Spike saw many more dragons that he had ever seen. The streets were crowded by them. Big, small, adults, teenagers, kids of his age, all were doing something; some were walking, others were talking about everyday stuff, it looked like a normal day in a town for them.

All the bustling stopped immediately when the group appeared at sight. The dragons around quickly gathered around the king, whispering and talking in their strange language.

“The King is back.”

“Look at the whelp that is walking with him.”

“Is that the Prince?”

“The rumors are true? The Prince is back?”

Finally, Kiguroth reached what it looked like the main square. He stood there, surrounded by his guard, took Spike in his hand, and let out a deafening roar.

“My people, listen to me!” He yelled in draconic “Today is a glorious day for our kingdom! For I have finally found my son, Prince Ka-Hurr!”

He roared once again, this time followed by the thousands of voices of the other dragons.

As they entered the Throne Room, Spike took a look at his surroundings. A mostly black room, lighted by torches, with many guards present, bowing in respect for the King.

At the other side was a golden throne. There was a smaller dragon sitting in there. His scales were light blue, his spines white, and his eyes were ice blue. He quickly stepped out of the throne and kneeled down.

“My King, I wasn’t expecting you would come back so soon. How was the visit to Equestria?” He spoke up with a polite tone.

“Rise up, Sarr. And for the visit, I was successful.” Kiguroth replied with a smile.

Sarr stood up, just then he noticed Spike. “Is this your son? He looks… kind of small.”

Kiguroth sighed, and chuckled “Yes, I was a bit surprised by that, but his breath didn’t lie. He is my son after all”

Sarr looked at Spike and bowed. “Prince Ka-Hurr, it is a pleasure to finally meet you”

Spike smiled sheepishly. “Hehe, nice to meet you too.”

Kiguroth nodded “Son, this is Sarr, my High Counselor, Great Archmage of the Ice Heart, and my most reliable subject for the last two thousand years.”

Spike perked up, suddenly interested. “Wait. Archmage? You can make magic?”

Sarr nodded amused, and when he sighed instead of flames he let out an icy wind. “Indeed, my Prince. We dragons are capable of using different kinds of magic, much more advanced than any unicorn magic.” He spat the word unicorn like he had eaten something rotten. “Ice magic is mostly used as a sign of high range. It shows to others the control we have with magic, as we are creatures naturally more related to fire, it is harder to learn and perform. It takes many decades for a novice to learn and perform any simple spell, for easier as it may seem, we usually dedicate almost all of our immortal lives to the study of magic. I can teach you if you want to, but I’m sure your father would prefer to teach you the ways of a warrior instead.” He grinned looking at Kiguroth, who grinned and shook his head.

“We will talk about that another time. For now, I think it’s time to show Ka-Hurr his new home.”

Kiguroth took Spike through the rest of the Palace, showing him many places such as the barracks, where the all guards of the palace lived, the storeroom, where part of the gems that were mined under the mountain were brought to feed the nobles and servants, and even Spike’s quarters, where he would sleep. He was amazed at the size of his room; it looked bigger than the library itself.

“Whoa, this place is huge, and I’m going to sleep here?”

“Yes. As you’ll grow up, you will see that this room will fit you better then now. But come, it’s now time for dinner.”

At hearing this, Spike’s stomach grumbled in response. Spike grinned sheepishly and followed his father towards the dining room. Something then bugged his mind. As it seemed, Kiguroth lacked of a hoard. That was different from any other dragons Spike had met, maybe he would ask him later.

When they arrived, many nobles were already there, all bowed in respect for the King and the Prince. Kiguroth had already presented Spike to them, it had been the only boring part of the tour for Spike, but he had to get acquainted to them as well as the servants if he was going to live there from now on. The dining room consisted in in one big stone were nobles ate at one time. Kiguroth, Sarr and Spike ate in a different table, and servants in a separate room.

Tonight something was different though; as a way to celebrate the return of the Prince of Draconia, Sarr had arranged an orchestra to play after everyone finished eating.

The meal itself was incredible; Spike was served a pile of gems in a gold plate as tall as himself, which he ate incredibly quickly. Sarr and Kiguroth ate silently, watching Spike.

After all they finished, they were led to the amphitheater, where the orchestra and the choir were preparing themselves, with several different instruments. The public sat down, and the orchestra started playing.

One more time, Spike was left speechless. It was almost unbelievable that dragons could be able to make such incredible music. As the song went on, he felt something inside of him awaking; he suddenly could almost understand the lyrics, even if he didn’t know a thing about Draconic. The tale of an ancient warrior that defeated a great evil, and which dragons reverenced as a hero. Spike started wondering what would really mean to be a dragon. ‘Maybe there is more about being a dragon than just hoarding gems. Where do we come from? What is our story?’

That night Spike went to bed with his head full of thoughts. Two days ago he had joined the Dragon Migration to find answers about who he was, and in the end he had ended being a prince. He had seen an entire city of dragons that lived in peace, order, and harmony. If someone had told him that two days ago he would have laughed in his or her face. But now it felt almost like a dream. Spike closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep. More things would come tomorrow.

Chapter 6

Author's notes: This chapter will include some names that are taken from The Elder Scrolls, they are no property of mine. I only took them and used them in the story, please don't be mad because of it.

Spike woke up with the first light of the morning. He groggily sat in his bed and yawned. Just then he noticed that he was feeling strange. He felt his shoulders a bit heavier, and his back was itching a bit. He stretched an arm, and his eyes widened in surprise as he felt the cause of the itching in his back.

“What the…? Are those wings?!”

Indeed, he had now a little pair of dragon wings growing from his shoulder blades. He tried to shake them, and the wings fluttered slightly. Still, they were too small to lift him off the ground, although it didn’t matter for the young dragon for now.

“This is so cool! I’ll be able to fly! I can’t wait to show Twilight these… Oh, right.”

He then remembered that he wasn’t with Twilight anymore, and sighed. It wouldn’t be easy to live without the unicorn. Spike stood in the huge bed for a moment, feeling a bit sad. A knock from the stone and a voice door caught his attention.

“My Prince, are you already awake?” It was Sarr.

“Yeah, come in.”

The blue dragon opened the tall door and entered the room. “I hope you have slept well.” He said with a pleasant tone.

“Yeah, it wasn’t so hard.” Spike took a look to the bed. It was dragon-sized, like the rest of the room, and made of stone. A thick blanket of what it looked like thick threads of wool covered it, making it less hard to sleep on. “Err, I think there’s something you should see…” He added pointing at his back.

Sarr inspected Spike and noticed the tiny wings, he also noticed that the little dragon was now a little taller than before. “Oh, interesting.” His tone was curious. “I’m not sure, but I could guess that being with your kin and learning about the true nature of dragonkind could be stimulating your body and spirit, helping you develop faster than expected.”

“Really?” Spike was now curious about this situation. “But I thought that could happen only due to greed.”

Sarr shook his head. “Greed is not the only way a dragon becomes an adult. That is not the way we choose in our kingdom. But enough talk.” The dragon mage stood up and headed to the door. “Your father is waiting for you in the dining room. Better not make him wait.”

They got to the dining room, where Kiguroth was alone. Spike took a seat next to his father.

“Good morning, dad.”

“Good morning, my son.” Kiguroth replied with a smile. “I hope you have slept well.”

“Sure I did.” Spike quickly ate his breakfast, which once more consisted on gems. “So, what are we doing today?”

“Of course, today.” Kiguroth sighed. “I hoped that today we could continue teaching you about our culture. However, I must hold court for the rest of the day, so I won’t be able to.”

“Don’t worry about that, Your Highness. I can help if you need it.” Sarr quickly said, willing to help.

Kiguroth nodded. “Yes, that’s why Sarr will become your tutor from now on. Listen to what he says and don’t get in trouble.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Spike answered pretty annoyed.

“Very well, now I must leave.” Kiguroth got up and headed to a hallway but was stopped briefly by Sarr.

“Are you sure you will be okay without my help for the rest of the day, Your Majesty?” He asked a tad worried.

“Don’t worry about that, I can handle myself. Have a nice day both of you.” And with that the Dragon King left, leaving the dragon mage and Spike alone.

Sarr looked at Spike and grinned. “Very well. Shall we go?”

The day had been pretty fruitful. Sarr had shown Spike several places in the city, and taught him about dragon society. Spike had learned several things that seemed odd, comparing to what he thought he knew about dragons.

Dragons in Draconia were far more civilized than any other dragon he had met before. As far as he knew, Draconia was the only civilized dragon society, the rest lived everywhere in the world, alone or in small groups, with no rules and no leader but the strongest of that group. All the cities in Draconia were mining cities, they dug for gems and minerals for subsistence or in exchange of other products with countries and kingdoms in the south.

But this was maybe the oddest: no dragon in Draconia seemed to be like the ‘outsiders’ as they called them; here they rejected the savage lifestyle of any other dragon outside the kingdom’s borders. No dragon had a hoard, as such act was considered barbarian. Here dragons had rules and laws, and they stuck up to them.

Right now Sarr and Spike were going up the stairs that led to Ice Heart Tower, headquarters of the Order of the Ice Heart.

“The Order of the Ice Heart was formerly created after the foundation of Draconia. Before that the mages were assembled in a formerly secret brotherhood. They didn’t share their secrets with anyone, and were often regarded with fearful eyes, until they officially joined the government after the foundation of our glorious kingdom.” Sarr was explaining with a glint of pride in his eyes. “Since then, the Order has been an almost common part of society. We also founded the most prestigious university of the kingdom, as you have already seen.”

Spike nodded. The University was a place where only the best could study, a place that could put Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns in shame. From there, novices were recruited to join the Order of the Ice Heart, and learn the ancient secrets of dragon magic. The Tower itself was a forbidden place to everyone that wasn’t a member of the brotherhood, except for novices, or in this case, a guest of the Great Archmage himself.

The Tower consisted of three parts; the lower part of it was where novices and members of lower rank lived; in the middle part were the classrooms and other facilities; and the upper part was home of the high ranked members of the Order, along with the library.

The library was enormous, it made Canterlot Library, the biggest and most important library in Equestria, look like an old bookcase, or so it seemed to Spike. Thousands of ancient books and scrolls rested in tall stone shelves that went up to the ceiling. However, as impressing as the place was, the two dragons didn’t have much more time to admire it, as Sarr decided to keep on.

“Let’s go, my Prince. This way. I would like to show you something else before we go back with your father.”
They left the library behind, and entered in another room. This was pretty small and round but it seemed old, an very important. Sarr closed the door behind him, and everything went silent.

“Where are we?” Spike asked curious.

“This is the most sacred place in the city. Here is the oldest representation of our kind’s history.” Sarr pointed at the walls. “Look around.”

Spike looked around and saw it. In the walls were several carvings, showing what it seemed many different dragons in different moment in history. In these carvings, was the history of Spike’s people.

“I brought you here to tell you about the history of Draconia.” Sarr said solemnly. “How we came to be and how we stood against our own kind to prevent the destruction of our world.” As he said this, it seemed that the light was diminishing, until they were almost surrounded by darkness, the only light were the few torches in the walls.

“In the beginning, there was nothing, but two beings of immense power. Despite their aspects were different, they were brothers, as they shared the same essence. One of them was Akatosh, the First Dragon. The other was Chronus, the First King.”

Spike looked at the carvings Sarr was looking at. One of them was a dragon, Akatosh definitely, but the other looked like… a pony. More specifically an alicorn. Spike decided not to bring that up.

“One time, they slept. And they dreamed.” The mage went on. “They dreamed of life, of a world filled with the essence and the breath of the Two. And when they opened their eyes, their dream had taken form, and our world was born.”

“However, it wasn’t the world they had dreamed of. It was dark and barren, and life could not bloom in it. In their infinite wisdom, they understood that they had to make it the world they wanted it to be. And so, they worked. They filled seas and lifted mountains, and breathed the air we still breathe.”

“In the climax of their work, Akatosh comprehended that this new world would need guardians to protect it. The Two were not the only beings in the Void, and there were other things that fed of the Void and opposed the Two. Although Chronus offered himself to watch over it, they would also need an army. And so Akatosh took a part of his great powers, and created a race of guardians according to his own image. These were the dragons, the First Born. All the first dragons were majestic and powerful creatures, but there was one that surpassed the other, one whose majesty, power and loyalty to the Two had no equal. One that was titled the Firstborn of Akatosh… and also the one that became one of the biggest threats to the world.” Sarr stopped and took breath.

“Who was him?” Spike asked, his curiosity reaching critic levels.
Sarr grimaced and looked another carving. It depicted a black dragon followed by an army, facing the Two, Akatosh and Chronus. It was a dark chapter in the history of his people.

“The World Eater. Alduin.”

Chapter 7

Alduin.

The room seemed to darken even more with the mention of the name. Spike couldn’t repress the shiver that went down his spine.

“Alduin was the first creation of Akatosh.” Sarr went on without noticing Spike’s reaction. “Indeed, he was the Firstborn among the First Born. More powerful than any other dragon, with a strength and a cleverness that could not be outmatched. He was the perfect leader for the armies of the Two, and so he was the first to wield the gift of the Thu’um.”

“Thu’um? What’s that?” Spike asked.

Sarr nodded. “The Thu’um is a kind of magic that comes from our voice. It is believed that in the ancient ages our language and voice held a hidden power that could unleash devastating magical attacks on the foe. However, the knowledge of the Thu’um was lost, destroyed, or guarded by its masters. That magic is unattainable even for the mages of the Ice Heart by now. Only the Greyscales, an order dedicated only to the control and mastery of the Thu’um, know its secrets.”

“Oh, okay. Please go on.”

“As you wish, my prince.” Sarr answered condescendingly. “Once the guardians were assembled, life could finally start to spread in the world. Many creatures were born, and everything lived in harmony for eons.”

“But of course, nothing lasts forever, and something as perfect as our world could not go unnoticed by foreign eyes. The evil creatures that roamed in the Void, monsters made of darkness itself, saw the perfection of this world, and wished to corrupt it, to consume this light in the darkness. And so, the cruel Lord of the Void, a creature despised even by its own kin, but also feared for its power, sent its vile armies against the world.”

“The Two and their armies fought the invaders, and drew them back to the shadows of the Void where they belonged. But then, the unthinkable happened.”

Sarr gazed at another carving in the wall: A black shapeless creature over a golden dragon.

“During the last battle against the Lord of the Void, Akatosh was mortally wounded.” Sarr continued with sadness in his voice. “The Lord was then banished to the Void by Chronus, but the damage was done. With his body getting colder, the light and life of the world started to die. With his last breath, Akatosh launched himself in the sky, and exhaled his own soul, which free from his dying body, burned again, and light returned to the world. His body, instead, curled and froze, but some power remained in it, becoming a guardian when his soul did not burn in the sky, scaring the creatures and demons that remained in the world."

“Chronus took control of the celestial bodies, and moved them where they were most needed. And so, the eternal cycle of night and day was created.” Spike pondered about what Sarr had said, and when he took a look at another carving, Chronus between a Sun and a Moon, everything fell into place: that was how the Sun and the Moon had been created. ‘But he also said that Chronus took control of the Sun and the Moon. That would mean…’

Realization hit Spike. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were descendants of Chronus! The little dragon was left speechless with his own discovery, but decided not to tell Sarr about it.

“Is something wrong, my prince? Do you want to stop for today?” Sarr asked, noticing Spike’s absence of mind. “We have still plenty of time before sunset, but if you want to stop…”

“No, it’s okay.” Spike answered coming out of his absorption. “Please go on.”

“As you wish, my prince.” Sarr nodded and looked again at the hieroglyphics in the walls.

“The war was over, although remnants from the Army of Shadows remained in the world. These remnants were hunted and locked in the place universally called Tartarus. Many guardians were placed in its many entrances so nothing would escape. And so, the world was at peace again. Life bloomed again, with new creatures that replaced the species that disappeared in the war. Among these new creatures were Chronus’s children.”

Spike looked at another carving in the wall. This one depicted many ponies, earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns, surrounding the alicorn. Sarr snarled.

“Yes. Ponies. Although they are weak, mortal, and oblivious to the world outside their little utopia, they are still creations of Chronus, and must be respected. Specially the alicorns, which are Chronus’s direct descendants.”

Spike gulped down. It seemed that even here ponies not particularly liked, although they seemed to be respected a bit.

“However, things were different now. Maybe it was the shock of Akatosh’s death, which afflicted every other dragon, or the horrid essence of the Void that had tainted him, but Alduin started acting different. He once was honorable and prideful, but he became arrogant and bearish. He even blamed the mortal beings for our god’s death.”

“And then it finally happened. Alduin and the dragons turned against Chronus and his and Akatosh’s creation. He came to the conclusion that since they were the first creatures born they had the right to rule the world in Akatosh’s absence. And so, they began to march south from their territories in the north.”

“But not all dragons rebelled. In the previous war Alduin had gathered five generals to command the armies, their names were lost in time. Four of them were loyal to Alduin when he attacked, but the Fifth General remained loyal to Akatosh, and so he and everyone that thought the same as him flew south and alerted Chronus.”

“Chronus created an army from all the lesser beings, and along with the dragon rebels, he fought Alduin and his lust for domination. But it was a lost cause, Alduin and his forces were too strong. Nothing could stop them, until in the world’s darkest hour, Akatosh’s heard Chronus pleas for help. The Great Dragon then imbued Chronus’s most trusted warrior with his essence, and the Dragonborn was created. Part mortal, part dragon, he could naturally use the Thu’um, and absorb a dragon’s soul to become stronger. He was Akatosh’s Chosen One.”

Spike took a look at a carving Sarr was looking at: Alduin looking upwards, facing what it seemed to be a pegasus pony. Another thing that astonished Spike.

“The Dragonborn, along with Paarthurnax, Alduin’s brother and lieutenant, who had changed his mind and betrayed Alduin, fought the World Eater, title he had set himself, and won. But his soul could not be absorbed by the Dragonborn, so its fate is still unknown. The Dragonborn and Paarthurnax disappeared after this, their fate also unknown.”

“Order and peace were reestablished again, but not everything had changed back to normal. In his last breath, Alduin cursed dragonkind. We would feel the greed he once fell for, and we would forever be monsters, nothing more than twisted remnants of the proud race we once were. Alduin’s army let this curse take its course, even accepting it. They spread through the world and turned into the monsters other lesser races know. But the Fifth General and his followers did not resign to this fate. They found their place here, in the Northern Wastelands, and called it home. Draconia was founded, and the Fifth General became its first King.”

Sarr sighed, and light seemed to return to the room. “That is pretty much the history of not only our race, but of our whole world as well. This is something you need to know, my prince, dragons were not always the greedy beasts the lesser races think of us. Those outsiders gave up to their greed long time ago. But Draconia will forever be a reminder of the old days for our race, when we fulfilled our purpose. We will never fall.”

Spike was thinking about a lot of things when he and Sarr exited the Tower and went to the palace. Ever since he got here his previous knowledge about dragons had been put upside down. Now he knew what it really meant to be a dragon, a First Born. And he was proud of his origins.

Three weeks had passed. Spike had learnt more about Draconia, and had matured in both body and mind. He wasn’t the little baby that had left Equestria anymore, he had become a long and slender dragon that stood on four legs, with his wings fully grown and capable of lifting him up. King Kiguroth had taught him fighting techniques and proper manners in court, and Sarr had taught him Draconic language. He had changed, yet he was the same inside. He hadn’t forgotten about Twilight or the others, and still missed them.

Today he had been training in the barracks for the whole morning until his father had called him to the throne room. It seemed urgent, and when he reached the throne room, Kiguroth’s appearance seemed to confirm it. The King seemed distressed, and Sarr at his side was not better.

“Dad, I came as fast as I could. What’s going on?” Spike asked. His voice was also a bit deeper, matching his now grown body, although it was more fluent and soft, unlike the one he had got with his first growth spurt, back in Ponyville.

Kiguroth looked from the messenger in front of him to his son. “We have received grim news from the west frontier.” He said gravely. “It’s the storm giants.”

“What’s with them?”

“They are on the move. After a hundred years of truce, they are attacking again.”

Chapter 8

Spike stood in his spot, unable to move. He finally reacted when Kiguroth spoke again.

“I’ll ready the troops. Sarr, go to Ice Heart Tower and gather your best battle mages. We’re moving out as soon as we can.”

“Yes, my King.” Sarr nodded and left the room.

Spike and Kiguroth were left alone. The King sighed and clenched his fists.

“I can’t believe they dare attack us after the truce we made.” He muttered with barely contained anger. “I can’t believe I was so stupid to think they would keep their promise!”

“Dad…” Spike tried to say something, but didn’t know what to say.

Kiguroth landed a fist in the floor, cracking it. He kept shouting to no one. “I won’t spare them again! I will finish what I was supposed to do a hundred years ago, even if it means taking the battle to their own land, and killing every one of them!”

“Dad, stop!” Spike finally shouted, flying to his eye level. “Please, calm down.”

Kiguroth growled under his breath, but at last he sighed. “You’re right, son. But I will do whatever I need to do to protect my people. If the giants threat us, then I won’t hesitate to fight them.” He broke eye contact with Spike, and headed towards a door at the side. “I’ll go grab my armor. I will personally command the troops in the front.”

“I’ll go with you.” Spike tried to follow him. His father turned and faced him again.

“Forget about that. You are not ready to fight, and you have not even reached half of your adult size. I will not send my own son to the line of battle, and that’s final.”

He turned again and left, leaving Spike alone. Spike, however, was not going to stay idly.

‘I’m not going to stay here while you risk your life out there, dad.’ He thought. ‘If you’re not going to let me follow you then I’ll have to go there unnoticed.’

Spike headed to his room. Once there he put on his own armor and sword, made some time ago by the royal blacksmith. Spike was not going to let his father risk his life out there, no matter what he said about it. Once he had strapped the sword to his back, he took flight towards the main perch outside of the mountain, where he knew the troops from the citadel would be assembling.

He passed the entrance gates, and was hit by the freezing air outside. He had got used to it, so it wasn’t too troublesome. He saw the soldiers in formation: at least a hundred dragons, even two hundred. They were clad in grey armor, and carried halberds and swords as well as shields. Facing them was the King’s Honor Guard, also in formation: thirty of the best fighters in the kingdom, and along with them where some other dragons. These wore no armor, and their scales were light blue, with white spines: mages of the Ice Heart.

Spike got closer to them, taking care of not being noticed, and hid behind large crates of supplies that would be taken to the watching post in the frontier. He saw his in front of the soldiers, with Sarr at his side, and heard him speak.

“Soldiers of Draconia, hear me! Those traitorous giants have dared invade our home once more. Are we going to let them do what they want in our own home?!”

“No!” The soldiers shouted at unison.

“Of course not! This is our land, our home! We are dragons! We have pride! We are not going to be defeated by those barbarian storm giants! We are going to do what we were supposed to do a hundred years ago! We are going to end their threat to our kingdom!”

He then roared at the air, followed by every dragon in the terrace. Some even let out fire, inspired by their king’s speech. The roars almost deafened Spike, but thanks to his still small size he was able to hide inside a big crate that was going to be transported. All the dragons took air, with King Kiguroth at the front, leading them.

The flight took about half an hour. When Spike felt they had landed, he poked his head out of the crate. They were now in the watching post, but there was no sign of battle here. It seemed that the giants had retreated, but not before making some damage. Spike saw that the tower and the perch that indicated the place of the watching post near the peak of a low mountain had suffered some damage. He heard some speaking from the outside.

“Report.”

“Y-Your Majesty! I wasn’t expecting you at all.”

“We will have time for formalities later. Now, how is the situation?”

“We were able to drive them back out of the frontier, but many of our soldiers are still down there fighting.”

“Very well.” Kiguroth replied. “Call the wounded back, my soldiers will replace them in the battlefield.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The other dragon bowed and Kiguroth left, flying to the line of battle with his Honor Guard. The commander of the post then commanded some of the soldiers there to take the crates of supplies to the warehouse in the tower. Spike got out of the crate he had been hiding in and hid in another place, near a hallway. He would have to find a place from where he could get out of the tower unnoticed and join the fight, or at least take care that his father wasn’t killed due to his recklessness.

‘Maybe from the warehouse, there has to be a back door somewhere…’ His train of thought was interrupted, however, when he heard a too familiar voice behind him.

“I thought your father had given you an explicit order to stay at the palace.” Spike turned around. Right behind him, previously unnoticed to him despite his size, was Sarr, with his arms crossed and a look of disapproval in his face.

“Sarr!” Spike turned around in a second, shocked. “How long did you know?”

“Since we still were at the Capital Citadel. You weren’t so difficult to spot.” The mage answered without stopping looking at Spike in the eyes. “The only reason I haven’t told your father yet is because I am worried about him too.” He sighed. “Listen, Prince Ka-Hurr. After the war with the giants had ended, and the notice of your disappearance had spread through the whole kingdom, your father wasn’t the same. He became more serious, with a great resentment against the storm giants. That resentment turned into a cold hatred after the Queen, your mother, died of depression. I knew when I became his counselor that he would react like this if conflict with the giants arose again. He won’t listen to me. You are his son, maybe you can make him regain sense if you talk with him. Maybe we can resolve this conflict without any more bloodshed.”

Spike nodded. “I know. I’m worried about him, I don’t want to see him like this. I just hope we can put an end to this before he gets killed.”

Sarr nodded and clasped his hands together. “Very well. We must hurry now and join him in the battlefield, I sense he could be in trouble. Come with me, I’ll take you.”

Chapter 9

Sarr informed the others about Spike’s presence, so he wouldn’t have to remain hidden. He also ordered them to prepare the tower in case the giants could break through the main army and attack the watching post itself. Suddenly, an explosion shook the entire tower, throwing everyone to the floor.

“What was that?” Spike asked, dazed.

“Their artillery.” Sarr answered while he ran outside to see where the impact had taken place. Spike followed him. “Their siege weapons are able to break parts of mountains without problem. That’s how they could put the Capital Citadel under siege a hundred years ago.”

More impacts. Some soldiers took flight to stop the siege weapons from causing more damage. Others went to the lowest levels to repair any exterior damage. Still, there was no sight of storm giants, which meant they were still being held outside of the frontier.

“Now, Prince Ka-Hurr.” Sarr offered one of his hands to take Spike. “We must hurry. Your father could be in danger.”

Spike nodded and hoped on the hand. Sarr immediately took flight, followed by a dozen of dragon soldiers.

“Sarr.” Spike inquired; despite the roar of the wind they were able to talk to each other. “What do you know about the storm giants? Why did they attack in first place?”

“Storm giants are one of the oldest creatures in our world.” Sarr explained. “They fought along with the dragons and other creatures in the first war against the Army of the Void, and they also fought with Chronus’s army against Alduin. After that they retires here, to the Northern Wastelands, but they still expanded their territories, until Draconia entered in conflict with them. They are warriors and conquerors. Thorimus, the first giant known, which is also considered the mightiest warrior that ever existed among them, is worshiped by them like a god. They care only about themselves. They conquer, take lands as theirs, and if the local inhabitants resist, they won’t hesitate to fight.”

“Do you think we could reason with them?” Spike wanted to put an end to this the most pacific way possible, so there wouldn’t be more bloodshed.

“That is unlikely.” Sarr responded. “They take any attempt to dialogite as a sign of weakness. They are too prideful for that. However they still value honor. If their chief is challenged to a duel, he will have to accept, and if he loses, he will have to obey any conditions imposed to him in case he lost.”

They were outside of Draconia’s borders by now, and everything was a vast white plain. However, even in the blizzard they were in, Spike could see something at ground level. Hulking catapults towered over the relative plain terrain, made of stone and metal, launching gigantic boulders against the mountain. Siege weapons, but Spike had never seen something as big before, the machines could have easily crushed a pony’s house.

Some of them fired against Sarr and the dragons. “Incoming fire! Disperse!” A sergeant yelled. Immediately the dragons dispersed and descended, flying near the ground. The sight of the battlefield became clear, and Spike took a glance at it.

He had never seen a storm giant before, but he could see hundreds of them now. They were humongous, humanoid creatures, as tall as an average adult dragon. They carried immense axes, clubs and hammers, and they wore armors made of metal and mammoth skin. Spike saw several armored mammoths with the giants, and he came to the conclusion that those beasts were the giant’s battle beasts.

The storm giants were fighting the dragon soldiers, and both sides seemed to be in a tie. Spike gulped down. Corpses were scattered on the snow, of giants and dragons alike. So many losses…

The dragon reinforcements started firing fireballs at the catapults. One by one, the siege weapons exploded in flames. Spike looked up, and saw Sarr take a breath. The mage then aimed to a catapult. He then fired not a fireball, but a frost bolt that impacted on the catapult and exploded, destroying it and freezing a nearby giant with the shockwave. After that he breathed again, showering a group of five giants with a little hailstorm. They covered with their shields, but they got hurt anyways.

However, there was no sign of Kiguroth anywhere. And both dragons were getting more and more worried. For a moment, Spike dreaded one of the corpses would be of his father, but after a quick glance he rejected that thought. However, this did not ease his worry.

Sarr, on the other hand, seemed to have seen something. “There, Prince Ka-Hurr! The King is fighting with their chief! We must help him!” Sarr descended quickly, and Spike could now see it.

Kiguroth launched a vertical slash, which was easily blocked by his opponent’s two axes. The giant then twisted them and diverted the sword of the dragon, which left him vulnerable to an attack. The giant took this opportunity and sent a horizontal slash with the axe in his right hand. The dragon was able to take a step back in time with a flap of his wings, but he had been to slow. The edge managed to cleave the armor and make a shallow cut in his chest.

It wasn’t the first though, Kiguroth’s body was covered in cuts and bruises, and although his opponent was hurt too, he didn’t look tired at all, unlike the Kiguroth, who was exhausted.

“Come on, already out of breath?” The storm giant warlord mocked him. “I told you, no one can beat me, Warlord Strom, in a fight. But what else could I have expected from someone as thick-headed as you? Just give up, your overgrown lizards will never defeat Thorimus’s warriors.”

“We did it a hundred years before.” Said Kiguroth between gasps for air. “Don’t you remember?” He knew he had stricken a nerve. Strom’s left eye (the only good one, the other was crossed by a scar) twitched. He roared in anger and hit Kiguroth with his right axe. Kiguroth was too tired to evade the attack, and the axe left a deep gash in the dragon’s left arm. He clutched it with his other hand, dropping his sword.

Strom spat at the king’s side. “Of course I remember. You marked me that time.” He pointed at the scar in his right eye. “But this time, I will end you. Your petty kingdom will fall. No one stands against the storm giants!”

He lifted both axes for the final blow, but was interrupted by a spike of ice falling from the sky, aiming right at him. He dodged it pretty easily, and spotted a light blue dragon towards him.

Sarr shot several frost bolts at the giant warlord, but he repelled it with his axes. Soon, the mage landed next to Kiguroth, and Spike between the elder dragons and the storm giant.

“Your Majesty!” Sarr leaned towards Kiguroth and tried to help him stand up. The Dragon King rejected the offer and stood up by himself.

“Ka-Hurr. What are you doing here?” Kiguroth asked, still shocked for the appearance of his son in the battlefield.

“I couldn’t let you go out there and risk your life. And I know how to stop this war right now.”

He then pointed at Strom.

“Warlord Strom! I, Prince Ka-Hurr, challenge you to a duel!”

Chapter 10

Even in the middle of the blizzard, there was silence. Even the battle around them seemed to fall into background after what Spike had said. Finally, Strom laughed.

“Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Really? You, just a mere whelp, challenge me to a duel? Please, kid, don’t make me laugh!” Strom hadn’t taken Spike seriously, probably due to his small size. Yet, Spike wasn’t going to be discouraged by this.

“Ka-Hurr! Stand back! I don’t want you to get involved in this.” Kiguroth tried to sound as commanding as possible, but his voice lacked the strength needed in that moment.

“What is it, Strom?” Spike smirked. He knew how to convince the warlord to accept the duel. “Are you going to decline a challenge because you don’t want to get your hands dirty? Or maybe you’re afraid?”

The last part seemed to have got the result Spike wanted. Strom’s mocking grin disappeared immediately. He glared at Spike.

“I could crush you under my boot, insect. I’m not afraid of you. I’m not afraid of anything.” He practically spat at Spike.

“Then why you refuse my challenge? Maybe you’re a coward.”

Strom snorted strongly. It seemed to have worked.

“Very well, ‘prince’.” Strom said, menacingly. “I accept your challenge. Right here and right now.”

He then took out a war horn and blew it. The sound it made was heard by all the storm giants who, knowing what the sound meant, stopped fighting and rushed to the warlord. At the same time Kiguroth roared at the sky, sending to the dragon soldiers the order to do the same. In some minutes a large crowd had gathered, leaving Spike and Strom some space in the center.

“I’ll state my conditions.” Spike raised his voice so everyone could hear him. “If I win, you and the rest of the storm giants will surrender and never attack Draconia again, nor any other inhabited territory in the Northern Wastelands.”

“Very well.” Strom snarled. He obviously knew he had been tricked. “But if I win, you lizards will surrender and leave the entire kingdom. Every one of you. Did I make myself clear?” Spike nodded. He knew he was risking a lot in this fight.

Before the duel started, Sarr lifted his claws at the sky and muttered some words, the same did the rest of the dragon mages. When they did this the blizzard subsided until it stopped completely. It was an almost complete silence, save for the shuffling of armor that could be heard sometimes. Spike and Strom looked at each other in the eyes for what it seemed some minutes.

And then, the duel began.

Strom attacked first, sending a vertical slash towards his opponent. Spike unfolded his wings and jumped to the right, avoiding the attack. He then drew his sword and launched towards the giant, but a swift move of his massive hand was enough to repel the young dragon as if he was a fly. Spike stumbled back but recovered in the air, then he tried to attack again. Strom tried to hit him the same way as before, but Spike was ready for that. He avoided the giant’s hand and flew up to his face. However, he had forgotten the other hand, and Strom tried to hit him with a slash of his axe that almost cut the dragon in two, but was able to dodge it by pure luck.

‘That was close!’ Spike thought. ‘I have to be careful. One hit and it’s over.’ He retreated to a safe distance to think of a plan.

“Who’s the coward now?” Strom mocked. “Come on! Come here and fight as a man!”

Of course, Spike didn’t fall on that. Strom kept trying to hit Spike, but Spike was fast enough to avoid the giant’s axes. ‘He may be bigger and stronger, but that makes him slow. If I can use that as an advantage, I could have an opportunity.’

Spike flew around the giant, searching for a weak spot in the armor. He tried to attack the joints of the armor, but Strom was fast enough to block the sword. Each time Spike attacked, his sword bounced on the thick steel. In the last attempt, Spike was open to an attack, and Strom used that to his advantage, and sent a slash towards him. The young dragon almost got his right wing severed, but he was able to avoid the hit at the last moment.

Spike started flying around Strom, who kept sanding slash after slash of his axes. Spike had to think quickly, if he avoided fight for too long, he would automatically forfeit, and Strom would be the winner. He kept searching for a weak spot where his opponent wasn’t covered in armor plates or mammoth skin, when he found a place. Right behind Strom, Spike found an open spot in the back of the giant’s knee. Spike dived down as fast as an arrow, Strom started turning around but it was too late.

Spike drew the first blood.

“Gah!” Strom made an exclamation, mostly of annoyance and anger than of pain. Spike had stabbed the giant with his sword, only the handle visible in the injury. “How dare you! You will pay for that!”

He shook his left leg, and Spike was sent flying. Unfortunately, his sword was still stuck in the giant’s flesh. ‘I have to get it back!’ He dived down to retrieve it, but Strom blocked his path slicing the air just in front of him.

“I don’t think so! It was really entertaining following your little game, bug, but I’m tired of it. Now DIE!”
He sent down the other axe, right over him. Spike’s father closed his eyes…

And saw no blood. Somehow, Spike had dodged it, letting Strom’s right axe stuck in the ground. ‘Perfect!’ Spike thought, and quickly flew down to retrieve his sword. He extracted it quickly enough to notice when Strom had dropped the right axe and tried to catch him with his hand, and sent a stab to the gloved hand.

“Arghh! Why you little…!”

Strom had dropped both axes now, and was just trying to catch Spike with only his hands. The young dragon was able to dodge every attempt to catch him, but that left him unavailable to find another weak spot. This went on until Spike saw the little cut he had left on the giant’s glove. ‘That’s it!’ He thought. ‘It’s dangerous, but it can work!’

He then stopped flying around and hovered in the air. Strom smirked. “Tired already? Too bad.” And gave a slap to where Spike was with both hands. Spike waited until the last moment, when he drew his body a bit up, leaving the pair of massive hands just under him.

“It will be bad for you!” Spike shouted and slashed at the giant’s wrist. It didn’t hurt Strom, but left a big cut in his left glove. A cut Spike used to crawl under Strom’s armor. Kiguroth and some other dragons, as well as some giants, held their breaths.

“What in the name of Thorimus are you doing?!” He shouted, trying to hit with his other hand the place where Spike was under the armor, like if a bug had got under his clothes. “Get out!”

Being between Strom’s skin and armor was like being inside the belly of a beast. Spike had to crawl with very little space, stepping in the giant’s sweaty skin that felt really uncomfortable, with very little air to breathe, and having to dodge Strom’s palms on the arm. The stench of sweat was almost unbearable. Still, Spike crawled up the arm, and descended through the chest, until he was at the left side of the giant’s chest, just between two ribs.

Hastily, he drew out his sword and stabbed between the two ribs. He heard Strom shouting, and some blood started pouring from the recent injury. However, Spike wasn’t done. He quickly sheathed his sword and crawled round the body, until he was on the middle of the giant’s back. ‘This won’t leave permanent damage, but it will be enough.’ He then stabbed the giant right between two vertebrae.

Strom screamed, this time in real pain, and clutched his back. He fell down on the snow looking upwards. Spike crawled out of his armor and pointed his sword to the giant’s throat.

“You surrender?” Spike asked. He had the advantage, where he was, with one swift movement, he could have severed important arteries, effectively killing the giant. But he hoped he wouldn’t have to do it.
Fortunately for him, Strom accepted. “Okay, okay. I surrender.” He slowly and painfully stood up, more hurt in pride than anything else.

“Remember the conditions. If I won, you and your kind would leave us alone, and would never attempt to conquer any other place in the Northern Wastelands again.” Spike stated. Strom just spat at the ground.

“Over my dead body, insect.” He grabbed both of his axes and lifted them, but Kiguroth drew out his own sword.

“Those were the conditions of the duel. You lost, and you must follow. Or you don’t have any honor.” At hearing this, Strom bared his teeth, but took a glance at his surroundings. All the storm giants were looking at him. Reluctantly, he sheathed his axes.

“Fine.” He grumbled. “Fall back, we’re leaving!” He then shouted.

The dragons cheered loudly. The storm giants turned back and left to their own lands, while the dragons went back to the watching post.

Spike smiled to himself. He had done it. He had resolved a conflict by himself, without risking more lives. However, all feelings of happiness vanished when he saw his father with a serious face, frowning slightly at him.

“Come with me, Ka-Hurr. I’ll have a word with you once we get back to the palace.”

Spike gulped down. This wouldn’t be pretty.

Back in the palace, Kiguroth sat on his throne, while Spike was in front of him. The Dragon King looked at his son in a disapproving manner. At his side, Sarr was doing his best not to look scared. The mage knew he was going to be punished too for not telling the King about his son’s presence.

“Ka-Hurr.” Kiguroth said, his tone high and formal. “Your status as my son and Prince does not matter to me. You disobeyed an explicit order to stay at the palace, and put not only yourself but our entire kingdom in danger with that challenge. You could have got hurt just as me, you could have died, and you could have lost, effectively making all of our kind to leave our ancestral home.”

Spike lowered his head. He knew this would happen. Yet, he didn’t regret going to the battlefield, he would have done it a thousand times if it was to help his father and his people. So he would have to accept the consequences. But what he heard next was something unexpected.

“However,” Kiguroth went on, his tone a bit more warm. “You effectively drove the storm giants off Draconia, as they will never break their pact again, I hope. For that, I congratulate you.”

Kiguroth Stood up and kneeled in front of Spike, putting a finger over his son’s shoulder. “I am proud of you.” Spike felt not only relieved, but also happy.

“And as for you, Sarr.” Kiguroth stood up again and faced his counselor, who was doing his best not to faint. Kiguroth’s tone was seemed hard, but Spike could see that he was trying to hide a grin. “You should have warned me about Ka-Hurr’s presence, but I will let you pass this one. You have been of great assistance, and a good friend.”

Sarr almost fainted, but of great joy. Trying to control himself, he bowed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. It will never happen again.”

“Very well.” Kiguroth turned back to his throne, but saw Spike’s troubled expression. “Ka-Hurr, is there some problem?”

“Oh, nothing.” Spike shook his head. “It’s that just… it has been almost a month since I left Ponyville and my friends, and I just miss them. Sorry, but I can’t help it, they were the first friends I had.”

He expected his father to get angry, after all ponies were not considered too important by dragons, but instead Kiguroth only sighed. “I understand, son. You are very attached to them, and I value that, despite the fact that they are ponies. But with your status, you can’t just leave. However...” Kiguroth sat in the throne, thinking about something. “That could work. Alright, I think we can resolve this, but on one condition.” Spike nodded, hopeful. “My time as a king will soon come to an end. Even if we are immortal, it has become tradition to left the throne when the time comes. It may be in many years, but it’s close. So I ask you, when the time comes, will you come back and take my place as Dragon King?”

Spike was left speechless as realization dawned on him with all its weight. He would have to become King. He would have to rule Draconia. It was his destiny. But he didn’t mind now. He knew his time would come sooner or later, but he wanted to be with his friends until it was time.

“Okay, dad. I promise: when it’s time, I’ll become King.”

Kiguroth smiled, pleased. “Very well. Then I think I have the solution.”

Twilight Sparkle sighed, once again back at home in Ponyville. The wedding had been a success. Despite the changeling invasion to Canterlot, everything had ended well. And Twilight had been able to reunite with her brother and ex-foalsitter.

‘Only one thing would have made it perfect…’

She shook her head, dismissing the thoughts. He was gone now, maybe forever. She had to let him go and follow his own path. Just some time after he had left she had understood. He wasn’t a pony, he was a dragon. Maybe going back to his kind’s home he would find out who he really was.

So deep in her thoughts she was that she almost didn’t hear the noise from outside. It sounded like the beating of wings. Of many, big wings.

“What is that?”

Twilight rushed to the entrance of the library, just to see where the noise was coming from. Four immense armored dragons were flying straight to Ponyville. In a matter of seconds they landed right in front of the library. Twilight was the only pony in sight, the rest of Ponyville had hidden in their houses.

Twilight didn’t know what to do. These dragons wore grey armor, and they looked as firm as the royal guards from Canterlot. What why they were here? Just then she noted something else, a purple spot that quickly grew, and landed right in front of her.

The spot was in fact another dragon, clad in silver armor, and wearing a large sword across his back between his wings. He stood in four legs, but he was still a bit taller than Twilight, his scales were purple while his spines were bright green. He seemed familiar to the mare, but she couldn’t guess who he was.

Suddenly, a loud chirping was heard, and Peewee, Spike’s old pet phoenix, flew around the young drake and landed on his head. The dragon just smiled.

“Hey there, little guy. I missed you too.”

Then everything fell into place for Twilight.

“S-Spike?” The shock was such that her voice was caught in her throat.

The young dragon looked at Twilight, smiling. “I missed you too.”
“Spike!” Twilight couldn’t hold back. She jumped to him and hugged him as strong as she could. Spike returned the embrace softly. “But how? I thought you wouldn’t be able…”

Spike only chuckled, as the dragon guards, seeing that they were not needed anymore, lifted up in the sky, and went back from they had come. “You are talking now to the new ambassador of Draconia. I’ll be able to stay here in Equestria, and I could try to make an alliance between Equestria and Draconia. What do you think?”

Twilight was barely paying attention at what he was saying. He may have changed, but he was back. He was back.

Now, for Twilight, everything was perfect again.

Chapter 1

In the Northern Wastelands, far, far away from Equestria, in the kingdom of Draconia, there was a great commotion.
A big grey dragon came flying towards the tallest mountain that was placed in the middle of the plain. He landed in front of the huge gates that marked the entrance to the citadel, guarded by two armored dragon guards.

“I need to speak to the King. It is urgent.”

The guards looked each other, nodded, and allowed the newcomer in, escorting him through the tunnels.

Inside, there was a big bustling, as there were many dragons walking down the streets, busy with their own business. After a minute of walking they arrived at the entrance of the Throne Room.

“Wait here” one of the guards spoke. He walked inside, and after two minutes he came out again.

“You may speak with the King. Be hasty”

And with that, the two guards left, leaving the grey dragon entering alone into the Throne Room.

He stepped into the salon, and took a glance at his surroundings: it was a large room, each side with lines of guards next to the walls, which were covered in runes and hieroglyphics. At the other side, stood a large golden throne, with a black figure sitting on it. He quickly made his way until he was in the front of the throne, and kneeled down.

“Your Majesty…”

“Stand up, and speak.”

The voice made the visitor shudder. It was a powerful voice, from a powerful and ancient being. He stood up, and took a look at the King for the first time. The large and muscular body was covered in black scales, black as obsidian, with a pair of leathery wings that matched the scales. His spines, contrasting the rest of his body, were a bright green. His eyes were red, and had a hard look that could pierce to the soul. Next to him was standing another dragon, a bit smaller, with light blue scales, white spines, and ice blue eyes.

“Your Majesty, I had come from the great migration, and I had important news. I have seen a new hatchling this year.”

“Why should I worry about a newborn from the outsiders? You know they are not welcome here.”

“Yes, your Majesty, I know. But I have seen him breathe fire. Even if I could not see him from a short distance, I’m pretty sure it was emerald fire. I think the hatchling was Him”

The King leaned up, interested.

“So, you think you saw this hatchling breathing emerald fire, but you aren’t sure?”

The grey dragon thought for a moment about what he had said, and mentally facepalmed. The King snorted, but kept thinking. It could be nothing, just a product of his subject’s imagination, but still… there could be a possibility… and it was something he couldn’t miss.

“So, could you find out where is this hatchling from?”

“I followed him, and heard that he was from a place called Equestria. A very small kingdom, really to the south, where is warmer.”

“Mrrgh, I know what Equestria is, and which its inhabitants are. Those ponies live so isolated that I’m sure they think of us as nothing more than beasts. You have something more to say?”

“No, your Majesty.”

“Very well, then. You can leave.”

“And…” as the grey dragon left, the King spoke again. “If you are right, I will be more than willing to reward you. But if you are not, and did nothing more than wasting my time…”he then passed a clawed finger through his neck, a sign that everyone knew that meant execution. The grey dragon gulped down and left.

When the door closed, the King dismissed all the guards out of the room, and was left alone with his counselor. For the first time, the light blue dragon spoke.

“My King, what do you think? After all this time, an opportunity like this presents… I don’t want you to lose hope again, but this is the closest trace we have ever had.”

“I know, Sarr, I know. Even if it isn’t… No. Gather the Honor Guard, I’m leaving as soon as possible. You will be in charge until I’m back. It’s time to pay those ponies a visit”

“Stick with me, I’ve got plenty to teach you about being a pony”, Spike said to his new phoenix pet, Peewee, before burping out a letter.

“Hey, what’s this”, Spike let the hatchling on the table and picked up the scroll. It had the royal seal on it.

“That’s weird, the Princess almost never answers back”

He unrolled it and started reading:

Dear Spike,

While I’m happy to know that you have learned such valuable lesson, this may not be the best moment for it. I am still waiting for you in the castle. Haven’t you read my previous letter?

I called you to Canterlot as soon as possible, there’s a really important matter at hand, in which you have a very important role. Ask Twilight to teleport you here, but she won’t be allowed to come with you.

From what I could read in your letter, you wanted answers. This is now the chance to know who you really are.

Please hurry, we don’t have much time.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia.

Spike was speechless, after all he had gone through, after accepting his friends as his family, he was now offered the chance to know his origin. This felt unreal, but the paper in his hands reminded him that it was was not a dream.

‘She told me to hurry. I shouldn’t leave her waiting’ “Hey, Twilight!”

“Yes, Spike?”

From downstairs came the voice of Twilight Sparkle, busy rearranging some books. Spike joined her.

“Twi, the Princess sent me this. I think you should read it too”

Twilight lifted the scroll and read it, her expression changing to one of shock.

“S-Spike… I don’t know what to say. What do you think?”

“Well, it seems that she needs me really much, I shouldn’t make her wait”

“But Spike, do you want this?”

“…I can´t say I want, but it looks that there isn’t other choice”

“Okay, I’ll take both of us to Canterlot Castle. But Spike…”

“Yes?”

“Whatever happens, no matter what, remember that me and the others will always be there for you. We’ll always be your family.”

Spike gently stroked the mare’s cheek with his hand before giving her a hug.

“I know, Twilight, I know”

Peewee came down chirping, and settled on his head.

“That’s the egg? Daww, it’s so cute”

“Hehe, I know. Okay little guy, you can come too. We are ready Twilight”

Twilight nodded, and focused on the spell. A quick teleport to Canterlot shouldn’t let her too tired.

Both of them teleported to the entrance of the castle and went to the guards.

“Twilight Sparkle and Spike here, we’ve come here as Princess Celestia rewuested”

The guards allowed Spike the entrance, but blocked the way for Twilight.

“Sorry, only he is allowed in the Court”

“But, but, I’m his tutor, I must be there.”

“Sorry, orders from the Princess”

Twilight sighed, defeated. Spike yelled from the hallway.

“Don’t worry! I’ll be fine!”

Twilight sighed again.

‘I hope’