Chapters Night flying is a b***h sometimes
Night flying is a b***h sometimes
I have always been known as a night dragon amongst the few that I know. To be honest, I prefer flying during the night; unlike most dragons, I was hatched with a natural ability to navigate with the stars. Of course, I couldn't help that the way that the moonlight's glow and starry nights practically mesmerized me as I flew across the land. A simple pony could have seen me and thought me as some form of shooting star, with the moon reflecting off my white luminescent scales. Now, there were some side effects about flying at night; like when my own night vision fails to see the mountain that I slammed into, or when the only thing that told me where the ground was located was a giant city on said mountain, or the fact that it doesn't have magical healing powers from the pain that I am soon going to experience.
The wind whistled loudly in my ears as my decent towards the city increased in speed. All I remember is the mountain just appearing out of nowhere, and now I was falling head first to the streets below. Flapping my aching wings, I had managed to, somewhat, roll to the side as my body made contact with the first building. Immediately, I felt something in my left wing break as I smashed the roof of whatever building I hit. The world became a blur as I started summersaulting farther down, bouncing against the walls in a very painful horror ride; until something struck me across the head, causing me to lose consciousness as I fell the rest of the way down.
As I lay on the ground, slipping in and out of consciousness, I couldn't help but notice ponies decked out in armor sprinting towards me. Some were calling for medical aid, other for the princesses, but most were calling for some way to chain me down. At that point in time I should have been trying to escape, however, as I slowly started to pass out for the third time, I noticed to regal ponies galloping towards me.
Song
With a long groan; I opened my eyes to the mid afternoon sun beating down on my scales, causing me to enter a form of bliss as I basked in the heat. The sail on my back arched as tried to bring in more sunlight.That is until the pain from last night's tumble came at me like a train. I knew right away that several things were broken; mainly my left wing and a few ribs, and that my head wouldn't stop throbbing. A quick inspection of my form revealed several scrapes and missing scales. Great, regrowing scales was a more uncomfortable experience then wing growth. Plus side was that my tail was fine. Silver Lining is good, right? Right? Probably not, considering I fell from the top of a mountain. My being alive was silver lining enough.
My thoughts were broken when I heard the sound of horseshoes against concrete drawing near. In front of me, came the pony responsible for the nights that I loved flying in so much. Princess Luna gracefully walked towards me with some sort of goal on her mind, her eyes giving it away as she made eye contact. Most ponies would cower in fear at being in front of a dragon, however, she was not most ponies. As I raised my head up to greet the princess, she made no movement nor showed emotion to her being scared. Of course what's to be afraid of in an injured dragon? She stood in place as I attempted to lift up onto my legs, her face standing firm as she showed no emotion. Her façade quickly crumbled as my legs gave out in their injured state, causing me to crash down to Earth on my side. A look of concern was on her face as she looked me over for anymore injuries; taking extra care in checking the splint that now rested my wing. As she kept looking me over, I felt the throbbing in my skull return as I tried to roll onto my stomach. Much to the displeasure to Princess Luna.
"Please, be still; We only wish to see you properly healed." Her voice was calm and gentle, but I had a feeling that it could change tones very quickly. As I lay there, I couldn't help but notice several guards making there way near us. A sick feeling in my gut told me to watch one in particular, a black stallion that sported a scar over his right eye. His red mane was done up in the Guards traditional Mohawk style in his helmet. His wings were fared up and ready for anything, as if I was going to try something. He spoke in a gruff voice that stated that he was a veteran of many battles.
"Your Highness, I must ask that you stay away from this beast, who knows what it can possibly do to you?" This caused an agitated sigh from the blue mare as she lay a hoof on side. Now, I wasn't one to pry, but something told me that she did not like being told what to do by a guard. So I decided to speak after raising my head.
"Silence guard, must you be reminded of your place?" The soldiers didn't to take to kindly of that, mostly the black one, who raised his spear.
"It speaks."
"Of course I speak, Pegasus, did you think you ponies were the only ones capable of such, Joor Mey? I strongly recommend you lower your weapons and remember who I am. I am Nightwind, and right now I am wishing to speak to your princess here." I turned my towards Princess Luna, who in turn turned towards me after shooing off some guards.
"Nightwind, We wish to propose something to you, if you wish to hear it." I recognized her speech as an ancient for of respect that ponies gave dragons so long ago. Obviously, times have changed.
"Of course, Princess, I shall hear it. Tinvaak; speak what's on your mind." The princess slowly nodded and seemed.. timid, either she wanted me to do something for her or... I wasn't sure.
"Kind dragon, We wish that you stay with us after you are fully healed. There is much that We can learn from you, and you'll be allowed to go where and when you please." As I glanced into her eyes, I noticed something else other than determination; companionship, and after several minutes of thought I decided to give her my answer.
"Of course, Kulaas. I shall accept your offer." Her eyes lit up as I said this, running up to my side and giving me some form of hug. I unexpectedly let out a loud yawn as the warm summer sun beat down on my scales and sail. "If you shall excuse me, I wish to rest and heal. We shall talk again, Princess." Before waiting for a response, I lowered my head and felt the comforting grasp of sleep take me.
Author's Note
OK. First person is a new experience for me, so let me know what you think.
Obviously, the dragons here are being based off the dragons in Skyrim, however, they are unable to use shouts. They can only breath fire and ice.
*Small authors note; to give you a relative size of Nightwind, he is as tall as Princess Celestia when standing on all fours. His body length from nose to tail can partially cover a train stations boarding dock, and his wing span can cover half. Just wanted to iterate that since we'll be starting off in the castle.*
Several months had passed since I agreed to be in the services of Princess Luna. During the first couple of weeks, she would come out and talk to me as if I were a close friend. Which we pretty much became after the first month; especially when she granted me permission to live in the castle with her and her sister, not that I didn't enjoy sleeping outside in the cold gardens or anything. Most of my days were spent either following my new mistress around, or sleeping behind her throne when she had court duty. More often than not, she would lay down next to me on my makeshift pillow bed, claiming that she enjoyed how warm I felt during the night.
I lay in front of the fireplace one night, keeping an eye on the door that she used to go in and out of her room, when the sound of somepony screaming caught my ear. And like all guard dragons, I immediately went onto high alert as I slowly pushed open the door with my snout; smoke trickling out of my nostrils as I readied to fry whoever was causing the pony to scream. To my disappointment I only saw Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance hoping around like little school fillies. They turned to face me when they heard the loud groan of disapproval coming from my throat. Exiting my mistress's chambers, being sure to close the door with a flick of my tail, I gave a small yawn and stretch my sleeping legs and tight back awake.
"Evening, Nightwind, did you sleep well?" The pink alicorn giggled as she came over to stroke my back. Twilight Sparkle did the same, only keeping her mouth shut as she did. With a swift movement of my tail, I gentle pushed the two aside as I started making my way towards the Great Hall.
"Krosis. Forgive me for being rude, but I was just looking for the princess." I regretted speaking as a very out of character purple unicorn spoke up.
"Which one?" A simple question it was, but everypony should have known that I only associated myself with Princess Luna. She backed down as I gave her an more intimidating scowl than I intended. Her ears flattened as she lowered her head. "Sorry."
"No, don't apologize. I didn't mean to look upset, I should have been more specific." Her ears perked up as a smile plastered her muzzle.
"I believe I saw Princess Luna in the Courtroom a little bit ago, but whether she's there now I don't know." Well that was a nice hint. It was a start at least; of course that warm fireplace sounded like a great idea at the time, I could always wait for her to return.
But where was the fun in that! I bid the two mares farewell with a bow and continued my trek down the spotless white halls. The Courtroom wielded zero results as to where Luna's location was. What I did manage to find was a bunch of whining nobles that never seemed to be satisfied, no matter how hard the princesses tried. Quietly exiting the large room; I made my way towards the gardens, not looking forward to the chilly wind that the night brought.
My wings unfurled themselves as I pushed open the door that lead to the Canterlot Gardens, ready to take flight. It took all I had in me not to just jump into the airandyouknowwhatbuckit. A sinister grin appeared around my teeth as I gave a mighty leap into the air. My powerful wings effortlessly took me higher and higher above the castle as circled around, performing an occasional roar as I let my mistress know that I was still there. Under the moonlit sky I flew ever higher as I flew with no general purpose or location in mind. My wings, reveling in their new found freedom, turned back towards the tower that myself and Princess Luna called home. The dark silhouette of her body against the fireplace's flames eased an irritating itch in the back of my head.
Slowing myself down to a safe landing speed, I placed myself besides the princess as she overlooked the Kingdom of Equestria. The well lit city below them was fully of bustling ponies as they went about their lives during the early evening. Luna let out a sigh as she watched the scurrying ponies.
"To think that I was once jealous of my sister's day. Now, I see that our subjects enjoy the night just as much as they do the day." She turned towards me with a grin on her muzzle, "Did you have a nice flight?" I quickly nodded as stretched beside her, giving my wings a quick flap. "I'm taking that as a yes."
"Krosis, it had been awhile since I last took flight on such a brit, beautiful, night. Seeing how I couldn't find you, I decided to stretch my wings." Princess Luna smiled as she turned back towards her chambers, myself following behind and making a beeline for my own bed in front of the fire. My black sail raised higher as it felt the warmth radiate from the flames that danced in front of me. The dark blue mare followed suit and lay in front of me, allowing my tail to wrap around her in a protective barrier. She turned her head to make eye contact for a brief moment and spoke again.
"Might I suggest that we get some sleep, both of us have a busy day tomorrow. Especially if we are to be in Ponyville before the school starts its session." My eyes widened as I heard her say this; no wonder I couldn't find her, she was having preparations made for our trip to visit the Ponyville Elementary School for a visit. She mistook my audible groan as something else as I felt like a fool. "Oh, its not going to be that bad you baby." She scratched the spot behind my ear that she knew I loved having done. If dragons could purr, I would have done it several times as her hooves found the various spots that virtually made me putty in her hoofs. She slowly got up and made her way towards her own bed; being sure to close up and lock the doors and windows into her room. As she removed her regal wear, I couldn't help but stare as her ethereal mane cascaded down her neck and towards he fl- GET A GRIP, DOVAH!
I shook my head as I stopped my thoughts from going farther, besides she was my mistress, I was her aar; a simple servant. Plus, I was a dragon and she was a pony. There was so many things that were wrong in that sense. My thoughts were broken as her voice filled my ears.
"Nightwind? Can you hear me? I said goodnight." I blinked several times and after looking around the dark room, found her sitting on her bed waiting for me to answer her. Which I did... eventually.
"Volaan, Kulaas. I'll be ready for tomorrow's events." Oh, how I hated lying to her. I used my ice breath to snuff out the fireplace and lay back down on my pillows, the embers of the fire still giving off some heat. Princess Luna's breath slowly made its way to its normal deep sleep rhythm as she slept. I just lay there wide awake. It didn't have anything to do with the trip to Ponyville, instead my thoughts kept coming to rest on why I was staring at Luna. I live with her, its not like I hadn't seen anything different before. Well... save for that time that I temporarily moved to Celestia's room while Luna went through her special mare time, but that was different. Sleep poked and teased me for what seemed like hours before finally allowing me to close my eyes.
Author's Note
Eeyup.... Chapter 3 will be a field trip. Sorry that this chapter seemed short, or rushed... or both. I'll make up for it with chapter 3. In the mean time, I hope you liked this chapter, and let me know what ya'll think. It definitely helps me out a lot with making these stories better. See you next time. :)
I awoke with a start as the sound of approaching hoofsteps reached my sensitive ears. Jerking onto my legs from my back, my golden eyes struggling to gets used to the early morning sun that leaked into the room, I saw a maid preparing Luna's opal regal wear as sounds of somepony splashing in the bathroom became present. I yawned; stretching my front legs and baring my claws slightly into the tile floor. The maid nervously smiled at me as I went to the breakfast cart that she had brought in. One good thing about being in the service of a princess was that I never had to hunt; especially when you had a griffon for a personal chef. Grabbing the plate that was clearly marked for myself, I lazily sauntered back towards the fireplace and began eating my meaty breakfast of fried ham and eggs. A carnivore I was, but I hardly ever ate meat that was raw; too messy to be honest. I paused when I heard the bathroom door open; Luckily for me, Princess Luna had already dried herself off and mercifully saving myself from beholding her majestic wet form.
The maid turned her attention towards her princess and gave a quick bow with a smile, "Perfect timing, Mistress, your dragon had just woken up and is enjoying his meal," both turned to me as I let an accidental burp escape after I finished off the ham. "Indulging in it would be the better choice. Anyway, I have your royal wear polished and ready to go as you commanded." Princess Luna turned towards the dark armor pieces, inspecting them closely as if trying to spot any form of blemish. Letting a soft smile spread across her lips, she nodded in satisfaction and started placing the polished pieces on her body. I watched as I saw the sleepy headed mare transform into the ruler I learned to love and respect. I gave her a small bow as we turned and left for the chariot that awaited her.
The flight to Ponyville was uneventful to say the least, but damn was the view beautiful. The scenary was nice, don't get me wrong, but the wind whipping Luna's mane behind her and the sunlight making her appear more beautiful than ever. I noticed myself start loosing altitude as I gazed at the regal beauty, more like stared now that I think about it, flapping my powerful wings a few times to catch back up to the Pegasi drawn carriage. I performed magnificent barrel rolls, flips and tricks as I enjoyed the freedom of the sky. Occasionally, I would catch my mistress watching me with those loving azure eyes full of awe and wonder. Granted being one of the few dragons to have luminescent white scales could have been a part of it; especially when the sun cast an occasional rainbow on the carriage as I flew around.
We landed with hardly any problems at all, the hardly coming from a grey Pegasus with a blonde mane almost colliding into me. The grassy meadow we landed in sat in front of the Ponyville Elementary School. It was a decently sized little school house, its maroon colored walls was littered with drawings that the little foals made. A simple jungle gym and slide combo thing sat a few yards from the school with a nearby tree for shade and picnic table for outdoor lunches. I felt the cuteness meter rise as I watched the fillies and colts run and play in the mid morning sunlight. However, it quickly dropped when I noticed a small Pegasus sitting by herself under a tree.
I nudged Luna a bit as she started speaking to a maroon mare named Cherilee, the teacher of the school. This quickly turned into a swat with her tail as I nudged her again. With a frustrated huff, steam literally spilling out of my nose, I decided to talk to the filly myself. She was an off white color, with teal eyes and a bedhead style crimson mane. She was just sitting under the tree, sunken head, eyes full of tiny tears that snaked down her cheeks to form a small puddle below her. I took notice of her wings the second I got closer to her; Batpony wings. Images of Luna's night guards formed in my head as I inched closer, unsure of whether or not I'd scare her away.
I sat down next to her and decide to form some small talk, "Hey, are you ok?"
"Go away." Her voice cracked as she continued crying, "Your just like everypony else." I became quite curious by what she meant by that, but decided to learn that later. Right now there were more pressing matters; like making her feel better.
"Oh, I can guarantee you that I am most definitely not like everypony else." I tried to sound as friendly as I could possibly get, however, that went to dust; especially when it was true.
"Yes you are, you're here to make fun of me aren't you." Dang it kid; look at me! Pushing the thought aside, I kept on egging my way to her.
"Why would I make fun of you?" Here it comes, I just know it.
"Because I'm different... I'm a Batpony hybrid, blank flanked freak." Ouch. Deciding that I should actually try cheering her up instead of reminding her why she's alone, I started swishing my tail around until it was under her closed, sobbing eyes.
"And what's wrong with that? Just because you're different doesn't mean that you're a freak. I mean look at me and tell me what you see." Her hooves wiped away the tears from her eyes as she started to open them again; which immediately dilated to the size of pinholes as she saw my tail swishing back and forth on the ground in front of her. She slowly turned towards me and let out a highly audible gasp as she saw my figure laying down next to her. The sail on my back fluttered slightly in the small breeze, causing it sway and ripple from the base of my wings to the beginning of my tail. My scales cast miniature rainbows as the sunlight hit them through the tree leaves.
"Whoa." That was all she said as her eyes grew twice their normal size; how ponies can do that I have no idea. She got up on her hooves and stretched a forehoof out, which I met half way as I let her rub the scales on my chin. My sensitive ears twitched as I heard Princess Luna's voice approaching from behind.
"I swear, you turn your back for a second and that dragon disappears on you." It was apparent that she was highly annoyed. A second voice, sounding full of worry sounded off as they started getting closer.
"You don't think he flew away, do you, Your Highness?" I could just picture the look on my mistress's face as she shook her head.
"No, we'd be able to hear him calling to me with his roar. Its something he does to tell me that he's still around. He's loyal like that; always there for me when I need him, willing and ready to do what I desire of him."
"Sounds like you have a winner there, Princess."
"Yes, and if I knew what he thought of me, I'd be willing to- Nightwind!" My head dropped at the sound of her tone; yeah, she ain't happy with me. "I bring you here to give these students an opportunity to see a dragon and you're out here laying under a tree!?" I felt the little filly below my chin inch her way close to me, her body physically shaking as she heard Luna yelling. And if it wasn't for the fact that I knew how she worked, I'd be shaking too.
"Now, Kulaan, allow me to explain myself." She shot me a venomous stare that told me I had better have a good reason for walking off. which I did; fortunately. "I got a little sidetracked with my new friend here." I stood up on my legs and revealed the cowering filly. Her ears were tucked as close to her head as they could go; her head lowered as if expecting a lashing or scolding. Luna was about to say something before Cherilee interrupted her.
"Ruby! What's the matter? Did the dragon scare you?" Yes, blame the giant lizard for scaring the foal. The filly known as Ruby slowly shook her head as she inched closer to me again.
"Did the princess's yelling scare you?" I closed my mouth shut as I felt an imaginable dagger being pierced through my being. She knew what I was doing and I relished in the idea of getting the better of her. To tie her up and temporarily remove her sense of power and make her my- in other news... life. I shook my head as those thoughts made their way back into my mind. Luckily, I was saved from making a fool of myself when a small squeak from Ruby sounded from between my forelegs. I looked down to see that she was nodding her head yes. Princess Luna's face changed from possibly contemplating my demise to instant regret as her ear fell flat. She eased her way towards the small Pegasus and gave her an apology, giving her a very motherly hug in the process.
Things were super sweet until the bell rang for the school to start, Ruby was nuzzled ahead with Cherilee next to her; leaving me with a very large want to take to the sky. I was shocked to the point of changing to the color red as I felt a pair of lips meet my cheek. Princess Luna giggled as she started walking towards the schoolhouse. "You're so sweet," she said looking back at me. After falling back to Earth from cloud nine I started to make my way towards the bustling building.
The rest of the morning went by without a hitch; mainly due to Princess Luna tempting the class with some of them being able to ride me as I flew around for a bit. I'm not going to lie; I was not looking forward to it. Especially when the more 'noble' foals claimed that it would be them that would be riding the dragon. I quickly lost interest as Luna began talking to the students about different countries scattered around the world. I lay down next to her, crossing my forelegs in the more regal dragon stature and soon found myself falling asleep as the sun started heating up the room. After waking from a quick cat nap; Luna was still in her speech about culture and its benefits to ponykind. How she and Twilight Sparkle did put the world to sleep with their lectures will remain a mystery, all I knew was that I desperately wanted to fly. My attempt at being the super stealthy dragon that I was failed as a colt's voice rose over Luna's.
"Ooh is it time to ride the dragon!?" I froze midstep as I heard the droned sound of excited fillies and colts as they talked about riding the dragon. I turned to my mistress for a sign of help, but soon noticed that smile of hers. She was planning something and that made me very nervous.
"We only have time for one of you to ride him for now," Oh don't tell me, "However, during lunch he will be giving rides to anypony that wants them." You dirty.... I narrowed my eyes at her as she gave me a sporting wink. I soon realized that just standing in the doorway was a bad idea as I saw a stampede headed my direction. Outside didn't fair much better as I was surrounded by a sea of ponies, each coming up with a good excuse as to why they should be allowed on my back.
As I turned for a few moments, a familiar figure over by the school's door caught my eye. Ruby was standing by herself again, with a crestfallen look. I could understand it, why would I pick her since she didn't fit in. Then Luna's wink slapped me in the face as I realized that she wanted me to pick Ruby. I made my way over to her with the group of foals behind me. Kneeling down on my legs, I gave her the signal to hop onto my back, much to the groans of disapproval from certain fillies. Princess Luna stepped outside and blocked the other foals from myself and Ruby as she made it clear that she wasn't sure what to do.
"I have chosen you to be the one who gets a good flight with me. Consider it a form of offering for the privilege of being your friend." The filly's eyes watered a bit at the word friend. After giving her a quick affectionate nuzzle, I helped her climb up onto the spot where the base of my neck and shoulders were. Making sure that she held on as I took to the sky, I released several roars as I climbed into the clouds. I had to let out a small chuckle as I glanced back at Ruby, "Open your eyes, young one, the view is even better." I heard her gasp as I flew straight and level, sending out several more roars as I gave Princess Luna an idea of our position. The land below the afternoon sun was bustling with ponies as they went about their daily lives in Ponyville. The few clouds in the sky made it a perfect day to live, and enjoy the outdoors.
I felt Ruby tighten her grip around my neck as I made a slight turn towards a nearby lake. I lowered my altitude and drug a claw over the water's surface, splashing the white Pegasus a little; who giggled at the thought of being wet. I climbed into the air again as a few more roars escaped my throat, echoing along the countryside. After a few seconds of catching my bearings, we turned and flew off towards the school.
Author's Note
So here is chapter 3. Its a bit longer than the first two, but let me know what you think. Should I continue with longer chapters or stay with shorter ones?
If you would like a reference on Nightwind's sounds for his roars, attacks, etc. check here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOWav94syLc
Princess Luna and I sat together under the tree nearest to the playground, my attention focused on Ruby as she played with three fillies that called themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The three were the first to greet us after we landed, stating that they had wanted to be her friends as well, but weren't able to find her half the time. My concentration was broke when I felt a certain wing rubbing my side. Princess Luna simply gave me a smile as she looked into my eyes. Those dominating azure eyes that I could never say no to. She turned back to facing the playing foals as she decided to break the comfortable silence.
"I spoke to Cherilee about Ruby while you two were gone." Her smile had disappeared into a small frown, she continued when she saw me turn to her from the corner of her eye. "It seems that she is an orphan; her mother died during her birth and her father abused her until she decided to run away from him. Ever since, she's been living in the orphanage near here." She let out a disappointed sigh as she continued, "It astounds me how things have changed so much since my banishment and yet seem so similar." She looked at me with those passionate eyes of hers, her sense of dominance missing as I gazed into them. This only lasted a second as she turned back to watching the fillies and colts run into the school building as a bell sounded again. "I feel sorry for her."
"What if we invited her to stay with us?" I couldn't stop myself from spouting it out. A lifted eyebrow was all I got as a response.... and a swat with her tail.
"Did you hit another mountain during your flight? What makes you think I'm ready to be a mother!?" A visual blush had appeared on her cheeks as I let out a small chuckle, earning another swat by her tail.
"She'd be under my care, Princess, I'll teach her the ways of both Dovah and Ponyfolk. Not to mention the fact that I'd be the fatherly figure she deserves."
Luna rolled her eyes at me and replied, "That's a scary thought if I ever heard one. Do you even know what its like to raise a foal?"
"Nope, not a single clue, but I am willing to try for her sake." Luna let out a defeated sigh as she lowered her head in thought.
"I don't suppose I can talk you out of it; I know how you are when your mind is on something." Obviously you don't since that sexy fla- who's in charge of the thoughts!
"We Dov are known to be stubborn at times yes."
"More like all the time," She giggled when it was my turn to swat her with my tail. "I'll go inside and speak to Cherilee and Ruby after school's out. You can sit out here and show the carriage where to land." She stood back up and started walking towards the school, my brain practically turning to mush as her tail swept under my chin. Passing the movement as an accidental brush, I stood back up and noticed the familiar pang of hunger deep in my stomach. Noticing the woods nearby I decided that a Cockatrice sounded fantastic.
Finishing off the last of my fire charred Cockatrice leg, I made my way back towards the school house. It was sad really. The devilish beast was able to turn any creature to stone with a look to its eye, and yet I reduced it to a charred meal with a simple blast of my fire; granted I could turn anything to ash since my flames could reach up to twelve hundred degrees. I swallowed the last of the Cockatrice and noticed that the school day had come to a close, since stallions and mares alike were coming and leaving with foals in tow. I snaked my way to my mistress only to be noticed by four fillies, one of which seemingly overexcited about something.
The air in my lungs shot out of me as a white rocket knocked me to my side. Ruby was literally jumping with excitement as she bounced up and down on my chest. I called out to Luna as the CMC jumped in and started to bounce as well, only to see her giving me the most mischievous smile I have ever seen her give. This worried me as she drew closer to the scene.
"Okay girls, I think Ruby's new father has had enough punishment for making me wait." So that's why she had that smi- wait, did she just call me Ruby's dad? My answer came in the form of a white ball of fur wrapping her hooves around my neck as she gave me a warm hug. I felt the three other fillies jump off my chest as I found myself hugging the hybrid.
"I promise to be the best daughter ever! I'll clean my room, water the plants, do my dishes, everything." I lifted her up as I rolled over and stood back up; helping her climb onto my back in the process.
"Relax, Ruby, there will be plenty of time for you to be the best daughter ever at the castle." I smiled as her eyes widened when she heard the word castle. She jumped off my back and went back to bouncing with her friends. My ears twitched curiously as I heard Cherilee and Luna talking.
"... You don't think that its a bit early for him to just... adopt her do you?" Cherilee cast a worried glance at a smiling Luna.
"Most ponies would think so, however, he has a way of forming these bonds. I'm not sure how to explain it myself, it doesn't work like any of the magic I have seen, but it seems more effective. Don't worry about Ruby, she's in good hands..."
The conversation was nice and all, except for the fact that another sound hit my ears. A sound that set my sail into defense mode by flattening itself against my back, I snarled towards the woods as the sound of another dragon's roar emitted from it. My golden eyes scanned the trees both above and in as the distant roar stopped. I must have been growling or something because Princess Luna quickly rushed to my side and stood next to the confused fillies. Another roar came from the woods, this time it sent a chill down my spine as it reached my ears.
"Vulonven!" The sound of my name in my native tongue gave me a very uneasy feeling. Somedragon from home wanted me to know they were there. And they meant business. I half expected to see whoever it was that called for me break from the treeline, but all I got was silence. After several tense minutes, I allowed myself to relax, giving my mistress the signal that the coast was clear. Steam erupted from my snout as I felt the heat of my fire building up after exhaling the air that was being held in my lungs.
My attention was turned elsewhere when I felt something soft rubbing against one of my legs. I looked down to see Ruby nuzzling into my leg in an attempt to calm me down. I in turn leaned down and nuzzled her back as Luna's chariot landed by the school.
"Come on, it's time to go home." I said softly as I nudged her towards the chariot. One look at the princess told me that tonight was not going to end well.
"Would you kindly explain to me what the buck that was about!?" Princess Luna and I stood on her balcony overlooking Equestria. Ruby was sound asleep in Luna's bed; forcing the both of us to talk just above a whisper, Luna's voice almost turning into a small hushed shout. I sighed, since I knew that this isn't going to end without me explaining myself, so I decided to let her know.
"About what? The part where I was ready to defend you, or the part where my name was yelled out?" Her angered look told me that jokes weren't going to work at the moment. "Yes... That was my name that the other dragon yelled. Since it knew my name I'm guessing it was from the Western Dragon Territories, where I'm from. Their purpose is a complete mystery; I'm not sure if its a challenge, a messenger, or some other cause all together, but I did know that defending those that I cared for took priority." Luna's face lightened up as she saw the truth in my words. I honestly had no clue why any other dragon from my old territory would be calling me and I didn't care to know why. I did know, however, that those azure eyes were staring into my sole and I couldn't look away. The reflection of the moon's light off of her fur amplified how beautiful she was.
"You know, I didn't just ask you out here to just discuss what happened today. I believe you for now, but I want you to know that you are to respond to the first sign of trouble." I just simply nodded, which enticed her smile even more. "Good, now," she planted a kiss on my cheek again, "With you having a foal now, I hope you plan on being the father she deserves." That was interesting, my curiosity was obvious as I tilted my head. A bright blush appeared on her muzzle as she found the courage to continue, "I was wondering... if you'd allow me to be apart of your family as well?" My ears couldn't believe what they were hearing- oh buck it, this was hard to believe at all. I mean a pony and a dragon!? Well we do have Ruby already but that's beside the point. I must've been taking to long to answer her, since her ears fell flat and her head lowered a bit. She started to back away but was stopped by my tail, leaving an opening for myself to hug her from behind in an understanding hug.
"It would be my honor, Kul-" A hoof shushed me as she looked back into my eyes. Her blush almost seemed vibrant as she lead me inside towards my bed of pillows. We lay down in a familiar setting; her body next to mine with my tail securely making a barrier, but for a different reason this time. We lay down with feelings known and an unbreakable bond between us. As sleep slowly crept up on us, we failed to notice an off white filly smiling at us and drifting back into the realm of dreams; happy to have a family again.
Author's Note
OK... This chapter more than likely, is the worst you will get in this story. I may go back and rewrite it later, but that depends on the response I get. As always let me know what you think, and don't be afraid to share. Until next time!
Several seasons passed since Ruby became my daughter; the running of the leaves had come and gone and the cold bitter wind came around chilling the Equestrian air to bring in the Fall and Winter. Ruby and I were enjoying the fall weather while Luna was helping her sister with some diplomats from the Minotaur Territories. Ok, I was just basking in the sun while the filly jumped around in the leaves, but still enjoying the sunny weather never the less. We were in the Canterlot Gardens and were over by the pond. Next to me sat Ruby's saddlebags full of books that she had checked out from the Canterlot Library, most of which focusing on constellations and appearances of the moon during different seasons. That was her new mother's influence, I reminded myself as I watched her white bat-like wings flap uncontrollably as she attempted to take flight, landing her a trip into the pile of leaves that she used as a protective bed.
"Relax your muscles more, and take your time. Gravity is your enemy here, focus on catching as much air with your wings as you can." I called out to her as a crimson mane popped out of the leaves. I had to admire her desire to fly, watching her constantly practicing to build her wing muscles, after her studies of course. She shot a nod in my direction and scrunched her face up in concentration. Her wings started to flap again and she slowly got airborne, her face lighting up when she dared to open her eyes. I let out a small chuckle as she fell back into the leaves again, her concentration broken from her excitement of somewhat flying. I stood up and helped her out of her leafy prison, taking note of the look of disappointment on her muzzle. I gave her a loving nuzzle and encouraged her, "Your getting there, Pup, the art of flying takes time to master and even then you're always learning."
Ruby trotted over to her saddlebags and took out a small juice box that a maid had placed. After taking a large sip from her drink, she turned to me and spoke, "But you and Mommy make it look so easy." I noticed her heavy panting and decided that it was about time for her to go back inside. After helping her get the saddlebags on, we started towards the entrance back into the castle.
"That's because me and mommy have been flying for a long time. Don't worry yourself to much, you'll be flying soon enough. Now, how about we go and see about getting some lunch; I bet you're dying to get some of Gourmet's food in your belly."
She paused, almost hesitant about something on her mind. The little filly slowly started to speak when she saw me stop and step back to her. "Daddy, do you think we can.. um.. go to Sandy's for some... uh ice cream instead." Well... can't say that I expected that. I placed a claw on my chin as I acted like I was pondering the thought.
"Hmm... Let's see; should I go out with my daughter and spoil her to some sugary sweets?" I saw her mind go to work as she started to think that she wasn't going. I smiled and looked back down at her, as I saw a familiar mare making her way towards us. "This decision is just to hard for me to make. What do you think Princess?"
Princess Luna came trotting up behind Ruby, giving the white filly her own motherly nuzzle as she greeted her adopted daughter. The hallway that we stood at was basically abandoned, so I gave the princess a warm nuzzle to her neck. I hated having to keep our relationship a secret, however, it was necessary since she was a princess of Equestria. The word of her being involved with a dragon would probably send the kingdom in anarchy. Okay, so it won't be that bad, but still... bad. My mistress let out a long, tired sigh as she scooped Ruby up onto her back, walking besides me as we headed for her chambers.
"Please forgive me, sweetie, Mommy's a little tired. What was it you wanted?" I was confused as to whether that was for me or Ruby, but considering Ruby answered first, I'll take it as a Ruby question.
"I asked Daddy if we could go to Sandy's for ice cream. I'm down with my studies for today and Daddy said that I did a good job learning to fly today."
"Oh, I don't see why not. Unfortunately, the Minotaur leaders aren't budging on our new trading terms. I swear if we can't come to an agreement we'll have an economic crisis on our hooves." She levitated Ruby onto my back as she turned back around, "I fear that I won't be accompanying you both tonight until late. I must return to continue the meeting." She took off at a gallop towards the Counsel Chambers, leaving myself and Ruby alone in the hallway. After a few seconds, we continued to our chambers and placed Ruby's saddlebags by her new bed. Once I made sure we had enough bits, and helping Ruby climb back on my back, we headed back out into the quiet halls.
As the two of us made our way down the hallways to the main entrance, Ruby broke the silence that had crept its way to us. "Mommy's got an important job, doesn't she Daddy." I nodded in response.
"That's right, Pup, she does. She is one of the most important ponies in Equestria."
"Because she raises the moon, right?"
"Right, but there are more things that she has to do as well." I could almost sense her tilting her head in curiosity.
"Like what?"
"Well... let's use what she's doing right now with the Minotaurs. Can you tell me why they're an important ally to Equestria?"
There was a pause as she thought for a second, followed by her jumping on my neck to see my reaction as she gave her answer. "Because they give great motivational seminars?" I struggled to contain a laugh as she answered.
"No, Pup, Minotaurs are actually the main provider to all of Equestria's metals and raw materials for creating metals. Right now the Minotaurs are experiencing a shortage in their main trade item; Iron. Iron is used to create things from a simple nail to the most intricate machinery known to Ponykind." We rounded a corner and alerted the guard to our presence, who immediately opened the door to the front of the castle. I gave him a respectful nod we passed then continued on with Ruby's extra lesson. "It's because of this shortage that Mommy has to work very hard to see that Equestria gets its share of the Iron the Minotaurs export, these negotiations will often last for days until an agreement is met. Said agreement can be anything from food and supplies, to promise of aid if the Minotaur nation experiences disaster or war."
Glancing back I could tell that she was trying her best to stay interested, mainly since myself and Luna were her teachers since there weren't many copony schools in the Unicorn controlled city. Sensing that my lecture was done, she readjusted herself into a more comfortable spot on my back, enjoying the feeling of the early evening sun. "I'm not going to have any homework over that, am I?"
"Consider it a side lesson, Pup. Now let's go get that ice cream." I heard her breathe a sigh of relief as I gave a powerful push with my wings, taking to the air. I circled the castle for a few seconds until I found my target; a Sandy's Ice Cream Parlour over by the train station, and set my course for it.
Author's Note
Another shorter and highly uneventful chapter. Sorry about that. Hopefully my attempt at feels makes up for it. Let me know what you guys think and I promise that there will be more stuff going on in the future, just give it some time.
And I totally didn't steal the Andy's frozen custard idea.... ok, I did. I suck at that kind of thing.
"INCOMING!"
Luna's and my eyes opened wide as a teen-aged missile zeroed in on both of us. Ruby laughed uncontrollably as she watched the two of us go from sleeping soundly to wide eyed and bushy tailed in two seconds flat. The young eighteen year old's laughing stopped momentarily when she surveyed the results. Luna was the worst off in my opinion, her ethereal tail and mane were standing on end, and she was shaking uncontrollably. Of course after I detached my claws from the ceiling, and fell ever so gracefully to the hard floor, I turned towards the red haired mare and narrowed my eyes towards her. Fear gripped the hybrid as I slowly sauntered her direction, she started backing up and tried talking her way out of what was going to happen next.
"Now, Daddy, let's talk this over shall we? I'll let you and Mom to back to sleep and I'll just to back into my room. You know my room sounds really good right now I think I'lljustheadthererightnow." As she turned to run out of the room, I pounced and caught her underneath as she struggled to break free. I turned towards Luna and gave her a wink, chuckling a lite bit as I made eye contact with Ruby.
"I'm afraid, my dear, that I cannot allow you to leave now that we are awake. However, there is a matter of give you your punishment for waking us up before we expected to... By three hours judging on the sun." A midnight blue aura surrounded the white mare, and her eyes shrunk to the size of pinpricks. Luna's magical field started to vibrate and tickle Ruby as she helplessly accepted her fate. A smile plagued my muzzle as Ruby started to laugh uncontrollably as Luna intensified her tickling. I lowered my head down to her stomach and gave her belly a long raspberry, causing the Thestral to squeal. Luna bumped me with her flank and signaled for me to move over as she took over "punishing" Ruby. I resigned to watching my girls fight each other in an attempt to gain the upper hoof and tickle the other. Granted, such family moments as this are short lived in a house of royals. A knock on the door, and a Thestral Captain entering, ceased the family moment and royal duties replaced the atmosphere. I turned towards the Captain and addressed him while Luna and Ruby went into the bathroom to prepare for the day.
"What is it, Captain?" The guard stood at attention and waited for me to move closer to him. With Luna announcing me as her personal guard, it placed me much higher in ranks even though I was a dragon. Oh well, reminds me of home actually. Anyway, the Captain started giving his report.
"Sir, a lone changeling was discovered and captured just shy of the Market District. She claims to know you, Sir, but I believe its just a plow. She also denies that there are others, but I would like to request that a sweep team he assembled just in case." He stood waiting as my brain began processing the information. There was no way that she could have... Better ask one thing first before deciding. Luna would have my hide if she learned about Jitter.
"What was the chosen disguise that she had taken?"
"A medium grey unicorn mare with Amber eyes, and rusty orange mane and tail, she also sported a-"
"Yellow and green lotus cutiemark?" I asked with a slight hope this was just coincidence.
The answer was plain, simple, and scared me to death. "Yes." Jitter was my personal servant, serving myself as a scout sometimes, and a companion during others, and a damn good tactician. She was often placed into my father's service when he needed to weed out some Gryphon spies and insurgents. If she's here...
"Dammit, Jitter." As the name passed through my mouth I instantly felt a cold stare coming from behind me.
"Mind explaining to me about this Jitter, Legionaire ?" Princess Luna intensified her stare as I made eye contact, Ruby had snuck out to go to Twilight's chambers at the far end of the castle in order to escape seeing her mother murder a certain dragon. The guard was probably wishing he could do the same.
I let out a sigh and decided it was better to let her know than to play it off, especially if since Jitter was... Well Jitter. "Jitter was my servant when I still lived in the Empire. Father saved her shortly after some failed invasion attempt in order to increase their territory in the badlands and placed her in my care. I asure you that she's not related to the same hive that attacked Canterlot. But that's all she is, a servant." I figured I could leave out the intimate bits, since her stare had grown warmer as I explained. Turning to the guard and asked for him to escort us to her holding cell.
The Canterlot dungeons were more closely related to resort's than actual cells compared to the ones back home, at least these ones had a bed and working plumbing. Luckily for Jitter they didn't execute on site either. As we made our way closer to the cell, I couldn't help but notice the tension in the get thicker and thicker. Hell, it practically sucker punched me when we rounded the corner and found Jitter's cell with a small zoning figure in it. I recognized her instantly. Hard not to. How many changelings do you know with silver eyes and missing both wings? She must have heard my claws on the stone along with the hooves, because when we stopped, she spoke in a hopeful tone, staring at the entrance.
"Master? Are you there?" Taking a deep breath I had the cell opened and entered. She was noticably shaking and flinched when she heard my claws scrape against the ground to stop. Stretching out a wing and letting it gently rub the scared changeling's cheek she let out an audible trill and looked right into my eyes. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you again, Master! I'll admit that working for your father was fun, but accomplishing a mission never felt the same." Her eyes narrowed and she switched her tone to a more seductive stance, "Plus, he never knew how to please a mare like his son." Dammit, Jitter! I instantly froze up when I heard a very annoyed 'ahem' from behind me, Jitter was having fun rubbing her body all over my legs like a cat wanting attention. Of course, only she and I knew it was so she could have my scent mask hers and prevent any mishaps with other changelings.
Luna, unfortunately, did not see it that way. Before Jitter what bit her she found herself flat against the wall, all the air in her lungs being squeezed out as the Nightmare took control. I would have stopped her if it weren't for the restraints being placed on my legs and muzzle. Everytime I struggled to break free they got tighter and dug into my scales. Jitter had tears in her eyes as she started to realize what was going to happen, she no longer tried to stop it. I heard an audible snap as I focused all the energy I had on my restraints, not caring about the pain I felt in my limbs.
"Luna!" I shouted as loud as I could, snapping her back into reality. An audible gasp came from her and she released us. Jitter fell to the ground coughing and catching her breath, and I ran to Luna. That is tried to since that snap I heard was my right forleg breaking. It hurt more than when I bit the mountainside, but honestly I didn't care. But as I took a step towards the princess she took a step back, head shaking, fighting back emotions that wanted to act against her, and before I could try anything I watched her disappear in a bright flash of light.
I probably stood there for a good ten minutes just staring at the blank spot in the room where Princess Luna used to stand. Anger welled up inside me, I'm not sure at who but it built up and I roared, shooting flames at the ground by my legs. Jitter and the Captain took cover behind a corner in order to avoid the extreme heat. When I had stopped Jitter hesitantly made her way next to me and softly spoke, her throat hoarse from being choked and breathing in the still hot air, "Um... Master?" I turned towards her with bared teeth, a sign she new from my father that I was not to be messed with, but she kept on, "i... I think you should find her. Don't worry about me... I'll be fine... I found Master and know you're alive... I'll... I'll just go ba-" I cut her off by bringing her in for a tight embrace as I held my oldest friend. I turned and motioned for the Captain and gave him his next orders.
"Get her to the infirmary. Make sure she gets a full and unbiased physical, then take her to Princess Luna's chambers. She is to be unharmed and treated as any normal servant here. She is under my protection now and those who dare test it shall be dealt with personally. Am I understood?" a simple nod was all I needed, and I let him escort Jitter away as I made my way towards an exit. If I knew Luna as well as I believed I did, then there was only one place she would be.
Author's Note
Oooooook, so I'm not dead and it feels so good to finally be able to get back to writing. I promise I'll have more coming soon. Especially if I keep receiving the demand I have to continue. But I assure you, we aren't half way through yet.
I landed on the cold stone floor in front of the old statue of Princess Celestia in the Castle of the Royal Sisters in the Everfree Forest. The night air was cool and clear, much like the night sky which was missing it's usual beauty that Luna seemed to provide. 'It seems Celestia raised it after all.' I thought as I slowly made my way farther into the castle, the sound of my claws echoed through the vast ruins with each step I took. Transforming each step into hundreds of steps, each echo seeming to scream out my location. As I started climbing up the stairs to one of the ruins many towers, I could hear the very faint but distinct sound of somepony or something crying. My heart sank as the image of Luna appeared in my head, her heart must surely must in pain after Jitter reclaimed me as her Master, but there was somepony else I need to take care of. Imagine my surprise as I took the final steps to see Nightmare Moon sitting on her haunches, head hung low, her cheeks soaked from tears as she sobbed. Luna as laying down behind her, her chest steadily rising and falling in the tell tale signs of slumber. As my claws landed on the stone, Nightmare's eyes slowly looked up at me, filling with happiness, then immediately filling with anger and something else, but I wasn't to sure what.
"You! You betrayed Us! How dare you step foot into Our sacred place!" She stood up, flaring her wings menacingly, sharp fangs showing threateningly in a display that did little to hide the pain in her voice. Even if she where just a manifestation, I still felt saddened and guilty for failing to fully explain what was going on, of course it wasn't like I had much time to explain in the first place.
In an attempt to show my sincerity, I bowed as low as I could go, taking note at her reaction when she saw the blood that was drying on my leg. "I came to apologize to Luna, and to explain myself and for Jitter's actions, but before I answer your questions I ask you to answer on of mine." Nightmare raised an eyebrow as she looked down at me, I could feel her slitted eyes burning into my soul as she fought with herself.
"Very well, Nightwind, ask, but make it fast. We want answers."
Raising my head and switching to a more comfortable position, I motioned for her to do the same, which she reluctantly did with a roll of her eyes. "Why did you show yourself after all this time? If you really had the ability to seize control of Luna again then why didn't you try to take over again?" Her response was an interesting one to say the least.
She reeled back, her cheeks turning a very bright red as she stumbled on her words, "I... It's not like I didn't want to or anything, I just realized that if I came back I'd be beaten again. Besides," her words trailed down to a whisper, "Luna found you,and We found love..." her cheeks blushed again, "But this changes nothing, you were still being lovey with that changeling!"
"Because she's my pet."
"... What?" She stared blankly at me.
"Well, kinda, her kind owe my family a life debt for saving their hive from extinction. So as a boon her hive picked her as my personal servant. As time went on she turned out to be extremely skilled in the world of stealth and illusion, the perfect candidate for the leader of my own Personal Guard or the Legion. Yes, we got... intimate every once in a while, but that was only for one breeding season so she could focus on the missions I gave her." Apparently, Nightmare was buying it.
"Well that doesn't explain why she was rubbing herself all over you when she saw you,since you claim it was a one time thing."
"That's because in the Dragon Imperium, scent is everything to us. It tells us who you are, what house you belong to, and who your mate is. All of my Legionnaires get covered in my scent as a warning. Abuse my Legionnaires, deal with me. Jitter also likes to rub on me when she feels insecure, or frightened. And considering what she probably been through, I'd say both." As I was pleading my case to the alicorn in front of me, I could help but notice how much she was squirming in place. A hint of longing on her muzzle told me there was more to her appearing than she led on.
"Must be nice..."
"I'm sorry?" I cocked my head in slight confusion. Moon hung her head again, her lunar mane failing to cover more tears dropping to the floor.
"I want to feel loved; to be held by loved ones and feel needed. I've always known jealousy, loneliness and fear, the only one to accept me ended up consumed by those feelings." As she started sobbing again, I slowly made my way towards her and wrapped a wing around her, which she used to nuzzle into my neck and let it all out. After what felt like a few minutes she looked up at me and then to Luna. "I have a request Nightwing," I gave her a nod to go ahead as we made eye contact. "I do not wish to be like this anymore, I want to be a normal pony again. To laugh, sing, play, and love, but it's physically impossible for me to do that on my own. I know a spell that'll grant me a body, but there is a catch to it. Luna has to get pregnant and it has to be with the one she loves most. I would be born as a new foal with no memory." My wing wrapped tighter around her, and stopped her from continuing.
"If that is what you wish, my daughter." Her eyes lit up, and a smile crossed her face as she nuzzled into my chest. Her ethereal form started to fade out, as another wing was wrapped around us; a magnificent midnight blue. Luna sat on the other side of Nightmare as she ran a hoof through her mane. 'Just like a mother' I thought. The last of Nightmare Moon faded away and back into Luna, who sat there staring at me with her hard to read regal face.
Not to sure of the situation, I decided to do what any dragon would have done in my shoes, "I am so sorry, Luna. I didn't mean for whaAAAH!" I, of course, was interrupted but a blue alicorn mate pouncing on me and landing a kiss on my muzzle.
"Your apology will be accepted after our child is born." And with that she gave me another passionate kiss before sending my mind into the stars themselves.
Author's Note
Sorry about the quality on this one, laptop decided to crap itself so I'm stuck on my phone, so be gentle please
Trouble
The last three months had actually gone by surprisingly fast. Jitter regained her title as my personal guard on the condition that we kept it a professional relationship, save for her habit of rubbing herself on me. Luna and Jitter had a rough start at first, but after several times where I had the two alone they quickly became close friends. Ruby found a mentor in Jitter, often going to her for advice about things she had trouble discussing with myself and Luna. Of course, this didn't come without problems from the Canterlot elite. Moaning and groaning about who should be with the princess, and why it's not acceptable to have a dragon amongst ponies. Not to mention the constant string of wanna be suitors begging to rethink her choice and attempting to scare me away.
One day I laid on my sun bathing rock enjoying the late October weather, not a single thing could've distracted me from my half sleep, half awake daze as I blissfully basked in the sunlight. Even though there was a slight buzzing noise ringing in my ears as I lay there. "Hey!" I don't hear you. "Hey!" I partially opened an eye to see what was bugging me, hoping it was just a blue fairy playing around, but as fate would have it, it wasn't. "About time you no good overgrown lizard!" Sighing as I sat up on my rock, billowing a plume of smoke from my nostrils as I prepared to hear yet another noble.
"Apparently you nobles haven't heard that it is unwise to disturb a dragon." More smoke from the nostrils for effect. I glared down at the noble and his lackeys, a dark red unicorn stallion with a combed back blonde mane, his golden eyes were partially showing as he stood snobishly as most nobles do. The two unicorns behind him were basic; white coats, blonde mane, blue eyes. The uniforms they dressed in must have had the same magic as the guards armor. The only difference being a scar over one of the stallions left eye.
You do not scare me, Dragon, I will not stand idly by while you take my princess for your own."
"Oh? And just how do you plan to do that?" I prowled closer to the noble, a slight growl in my voice as my patience with these nobles had worn thin, the lackeys, or guards in their case, slightly backed away as I crawled closer. "If you plan to use brute force then you're either blind or dumber than you look, and what makes you think Luna would accept your permission for courtship? If I recall correctly, you tried to argue that Thestrals had no belonging in pony society, in front of Celestia of all ponies. I'm certain they spoke together about that, considering Thestrals were her children of the night."
"T-that's before I had the chance to see the princess!" He objected with a stomp of his hoof, "I'm warning you, Dragon, if you don't leave Luna's side, then you'll leave me no choice but to take action." Apparently he didn't notice that his bodyguards were missing, nor that I snuck behind him. With a very audible growl I made my presence known.
"Try me. Be thankful that you haven't found yourself in my claws, Mollycoddled, because a threat to a dragon is the same as a decree of war. However," a sweep of my tail turned him towards the castle gates, "I am willing to forgive and forget since this isn't the Empire and I don't want to dirty my claws with an honorless foe, on the condition that you leave and not disturb myself, Luna, or our daughter. Midnight, please escort this young noble out." 'Midnight,' Jitter in disguise made her presence known with a flap of her Thestral bat like wings as she landed in front of Mollycoddled, her dragonscake armor shimmering brilliantly in the sun. I chuckled inwardly at the little changelings disguise, a midnight blue Thestral, black mane, and piercing bright red eyes. Her disguise was a choice Luna came up with. Her armor was made of actual dragon scales I donated long ago when we lived in the Dragon Empire, the only modification was the Azure jewel that was infused into the armor by Luna that enhanced the armor's defense and marked her as my guard.
When Jitter made her appearance so did two other guards that were nearby that heard what was going on, and after a few huffs and puffs from the noble, he smartly decided to follow her to the gates. After a quick stretch to loosen up, I started walking back towards the castle in order to prepare for our journey to Ponyville for our Nightmare Night visit. But I was stopped short when the sound of hooves galloping behind me hit my ears.
"Must you really be so tough on them, Master? I mean he was just a jealous noble."
I sighed slightly as Jitter took her place by my side, her calm and inquisitive voice calming my nerves as we made our way through the garden. "A jealous noble he may have been, Midnight, but he needed to be reminded that we don't not tolerate any form of threat, whether it be empty or sincere." We went through the doors of the large castle, acknowledging the guards stationed there after a salute, and turned the corner towards the throne room.
"But this makes the fifth noble this week, not to mention the countless complaints coming in. Why can't ponies just accept the fact that Princess Luna had made her choice and be glad for her." She paused once we made it to the door of the throne room, looking up at me in confusment. A motion of my claw stated for her to lead the way in, and follow me to our usual spot by Luna's throne. Day court was going on so our entry into the room didn't go unnoticed by some, mostly a few nobles, and ponies that were waiting to plea their cases to Celestia. Sitting down next to the Throne I turned to Jitter and spoke again.
"I wish it were that easy. You see, Luna being a princess makes her practically untouchable in the eyes of most ponies, others still fear her as Nightmare Moon; even after she was defeated by Princess Twilight and her friends." We silently coversed as two unicorns bickered back and forth about some trivial argue net about cabbages and a damaged cart, "Ponies hearts hold emotions darker than even the darkest caves; hatred, jealousy, empathy, they can't help what's in their nature. When they learn that their beloved princess has a new suitor, they feel like they've been cheated, like it was supposed to be them by her side. Lives have been ruined, even destroyed because of a ponies jealousy of Luna's choice of suitors." Jitter adjusted uncomfortably in her spot, the thought of a pony murdering another leaving a bad taste in her mouth. I stared into the crowd of ponies before us as we sat. A noble that I recognized as Hoity Toity was presenting building plans for a new boutique based off one in Ponyville, stating that the amount of time and effort this mare puts into her work demands recognition by the Canterlot Elite.
After watching several more ponies make their cases, we decided to exit the throne room. But not before I overheard another noble making a rather personal case. "That dragon does not need to be amongst ponies, it should be locked up and chained where it won't be a danger to any pony." I paused midstep, claws slightly scraping against the tile floor. The room itself went quiet as the noble began speaking again. "My fellow ponies, surely you must all see what is going on here. This is an obvious attempt by the Dragon Empire to extend their claws into Equestria!" Princess Celestia sat on her throne, looking at myself and the noble before speaking up.
"Why do you say that, Prince Blueblood, what evidence do you have to present to us that he is guilty as you claim?" I started moving towards the throne again, telling myself to stay calm. Jitter was already by Celestia's side at attention.
"As I said it's obvious, we all know of a dragon's greed and taking things for themselves. Have we not Witnessed this several years ago in Ponyville?" Shushed murmurs rang through the throne room, "he has ceased control and taken the lovely Princess Luna for himself and has used her influence to slowly turn our society to accommodate Dragon law, and he stinks." He then turned his attention directly towards me, "Isn't it true, Dragon, that our captured a disgusting changeling that claimed to have ties towards you?" My gut wrenched at the insult he indirectly aimed at Jitter.
"Yes, it is true." I spoke in honesty, casting a glance towards the princess, I could see her whispering in Jitter's ear, the latter giving a nod and leaving the room in a hurry. He wore a smug grin as he continued after more mutters were heard.
"Then it was also true that you ordered the release of said changeling, who I hear is still in Canterlot as we speak."
"Yes, I ordered her release. She was acting as an emissary from the Dragon Empire. Coming in peace with no Ill intent, her capture was lucky enough not to be noticed by the Empire." I turned towards Blueblood and started making my way towards him, claws coming down heavily one the tiled floor. "My father sent her to see how I was doing, to even see if I was still alive. Now believe what you wish, but it's time for me to educate you, you pathetic excuse of a stallion, of how we dragons handle false accusations!" With a loud roar and a spout of flame towards the ceiling, I stood on my hind legs and spread my powerful wings to their maximum wingspan. "When the Empire wishes to conquer a land, we do not perform cowardly acts as you claim. The honorable field of battle is how we claim our land. If what you claim were true, Equestria would be a burning sea of dragon fire!" Each word I spoke shook the room and every pony in it to the bone, all stood in fear as I toward over Blueblood, who looked like a scared little filly. With a single hand, I lifted him into the air eye level with me, "If I hear of you spreading false knowledge about me again, it will be the last we meet."
"Nightwing!" The sound of Luna's voice hit my ears, causing the redness of anger I let overtake me to fade away. "Put him down." I did just that, turning torwards her I could see the disappointment in her eyes as she entered the throne room. Head hung low I backed away, ignoring the talk that was going on, Jitter and Ruby stood behind Luna with fear plastered in their eyes. A familiar fear that sent me here when I crashed that night, and without thinking I did the only thing that came to my mind. Run.
NIGHTMARE NIGHT! WHAT A FRIGHT!
You know there's something about fate that I find absolutely hysterical, and just downright screwed up. It was fate that caused me to crash into the side of a large mountain and introduced me to Luna. It was this very same fate that caused the weather Pegasi to place overcast skies over Ponyville. And you guessed it, fate also decided that I needed to get intimate with Princess Twilight's crystal castle... very intimate, as in face meet wall, body meet branch. So, as I'm swinging by my tail upside down on a crystal branch, I couldn't help but think back as to why I flew to Ponyville in the first place.
Let's see, I know I messed up. Especially since I made Blueblood almost piss himself in front of everypony and Luna in the throne room. I panicked and ran away, then bang, here I am. As I hung there in thought I was interrupted by a sound. A soundly sound, the kinda sound that sounds cracky? Is cracky even a word? A sudden jolt then brought me to reality and why is the ground getting closer?
As I shook my head after kissing the ground, I noticed that somepony was talking to me. "Oh my gosh, Nightwind, are you ok?" I looked up and was met with twin images of Twilight Sparkle spinning around.
"Hello, Princess, could you please tell the world to stop spinning for me?" I shook my head again in an attempt to clear it up. Which surprisingly worked. "So that's how an apple feels when it falls off a tree." Twilight giggled when she noticed I was okay, but her smile quickly turned to a frown.
"What are you doing here? You and Luna aren't supposed to be here for another couple of hours." The sigh she got in response didn't help at all either, "I'm guessing what happened in Canterlot has a lot to do with you being here huh." I looked at her in confusion, "I have a magical mirror that I use to converse with Pri- I mean Celestia, she contacted me shortly after it happened."
"What did she say, that I'm to be placed under arrest on sight? I wouldn't mind that, anything actually, to keep me from having to face Luna and Ruby." Looking up to the sky I curled my claws into a fist and roared in frustration. "Look at me I'm acting like a young drake that just lost breeding rights."
"Well I can't say anything about breeding g rights, but I can say that even though you acted out, it was still technically a form of self defense, large emphasis on technically, Luna is actually very worried about you." I hung my head low, sure I felt glad Luna felt worried, but she was worried. Of course confronting Ruby won't be easy, same with Jitter.
"Lead me to the mirror I'll speak to Luna."
"Why don't you speak to me in pony?" The sound of Luna's voice made me release a breath of air that I had no idea I was holding. As I turned around, I saw her, Ruby, and 'Midnight' walking from her carriage. Of course my look of relief turned to confusion as a thought hit me, which must have been plastered on my face since Luna answered the unasked question. "When you hit the castle, Twilight was pretty certain it was you since most Pegasi don't make buildings shake on impact." Well... mystery solved. "As glad as it makes me to see that you're okay, I am still disappointed with you. Do you know how worried we were when you ran off? It's not healthy for the foal I can guarantee that much, especially when I thought you were never coming back!" As she continued to rant on tears started forming in her eyes as her emotions caught up with her. "Do you have any idea what I would have felt if you left?" Ruby being the good daughter that she is nuzzled Luna in comfort, earning her a small smile from the Princess.
"Daddy, I have no idea what happened in there, but it terrified me... all of us. And when you ran off I felt my heart break thinking I lost another father."
I sighed as I made my way towards the two most important ponies in my life, frowning when 'Midnight' visibly flinched when my claws hit the ground next to her. "I'm sorry, my dears, I didn't mean for that to happen, I just panicked. I promise I'll explain things later, but since we are in Ponyville why don't we get started on helping Twilight."
Ponyville looked completely different from the happy town that it was when we were done; banners bearing Nightmare Moon's symbol were plastered all over, torches lit the town just enough to see your hoof our claws in front of you, spiderwebs, fog, hay bales, you name it. As I made my way through the town, I couldn't help but notice that there seemed to be more foals running around this year. I guess word about Ponyville's celebration gets around. I soon found myself at my destination, a large statue of Nightmare Moon that stood menacingly with razor sharp fangs, piercing serpentine eyes, and intimidating stature. As I looked at the very lifelike statue, I swore I could see it breathing. Carefully observing the statue again, taking a good look at the eyes, I was about to call it just paranoia but then...
"BOO!" The sudden noise and the feeling of something touching my backside was enough to send me shooting up the nearest tree I could find, of course not after releasing an almost filly-like scream. When I realized what happened my cheeks started burning red hot from embarrassment as Ruby started rolling on the ground laughing. After I glided back down to Equestria, Ruby stopped her laughing and watched me with a large smile on her face. "It's so easy to scare you, Daddy. You should have seen your face."
"Laugh all you want to, Missy, but revenge is a dish best served cold." I smirked at her as she tried nuzzling my chest in an attempt to make nice. "So, where's Luna and Jitter?"
She looked at me and shrugged, "Her and Mom are with the mayor, Zecora, and Twilight, going over the route they're taking the foals and organizing events. So..." She started to nibble on a piece of her mane as she shuffled her hoof in the leaves on the ground. Her eyes shuffling back and forth like she was debating something.
"What is it, Ruby?" I spoke softly, laying down and motioning her to lay next to me. "You haven't chewed on your mane since you were an insecure filly."
She lay down next to me and made eye contact, confusion, amongst other emotions swimming in them. She let out a sigh and spoke, "well... there's... this pony and..."
"Oh Gods it's a stallion isn't it?"
"No, Daddy, it's not. And that's just it, it's a mare, but I thought I was supposed to have feelings for stallions." She looked down and shook her head, "I'm so confused."
A small chuckle escaped my lips as I nuzzled against her white body, "Tell me something, Sweetie, have you ever felt this way for any other pony?"
"No, I haven't." A small blush formed on her cheeks.
"And have you been listening to what your heart says?" I watched her closely, her eyes closed as she focused. Taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out, she answered.
"It's telling me that I should tell her my feelings at least, but," she turned and made eye contact, "how should I ask her, she's a Changeling and I'm a Pony, how does that even work?"
"The same as any pony I would guess... wait, you've got a crush on Jitter?" I tried hard to hide the smile threatening to destroy my poker face. I had a feeling those two were getting close, but not as a couple. My eyes glanced up to see a pair of red eyes making their way toward us, "Well you know what they say, no time like the present." With that said I gave my wings a strong flap and took to the air, "I'll go see if the evenings ready to begin." With a chuckle I turned towards town after watching the Ruby hesitantly make her way towards Jitter.
Author's Note
Part 1 of 2 of Nightmare Night, look forward to it, this is where things will get interesting.
Flying into town wasn't a very long flight, in fact, it was quite the opposite. This was primarily due to the occasional scare I would pull on unsuspecting ponies as I flew. As I circled Ponyville Townhall, I noticed that the sun had barely started making it's decent to make way for the beautiful night Luna had planned for this particular night. However, I couldn't help but notice how still the air felt... how the wind died to an eerie stillness, how the birds ceased their singing, and how even the insects ceased to chirp. Something wasn't right, and it sent a very icy chill down my spine. Luna did a damn god job at setting Nightmare Night up this year.
Upon landing next to the Princesses and the Mayor, I couldn't help but notice that something was definitely wrong. The three Alicorns and Earth Pony stood around a young Unicorn mare, her silky white fur, and fuchsia colored mane and tail were stained dark red from the blood covering her. A large cut was obvious on her forehead, just under her cracked horn. She was gasping for breath, her legs visibly shaking as if she had run for her dear life. Princess Celestia was already speaking when I got close enough to hear them. "What do you mean by mechanized monsters, my dear? Please tell us what you remember."
The mare's voice was weak; sad, and broken. Tears ran down her face as she recalled what had transpired. "It happened so fast. S-so many died, Manestown was burning when I ran. I... I don't know if any others survived."
Luna stepped up and spoke as calmly as she could a hint of worry and the slight sound of fear in her voice. "But what about these machines that you talked about? Aurora, whatever you can tell us will help protect the other towns."
"They were huge... larger than any animal I have ever seen. Bodies the size of a large elephant, menacing red eyes, bolts of fire shooting from their mouths."
"The Behemoths," I said under my breath. By the Gods, what have the Minotaurs done?
Aurora's head turned towards Celestia as more tears formed in her eyes, flinching when some of Twilight's medics started treating the mares wounds. "Please... I... *gasp* I don't wanna die! My foals... my herd needs me. I... I lo... love... th-" The rest of her words fell silent as her eyes closed and her body went limp. A single tear fell off her cheek and silently landed on the ground. Luna shook and started sobbing as a medic felt the mare for a pulse, slowly shaking her head as she covered the mare with a white sheet. I turned away and called one of the Thestral Guards that stood nearby.
"Find Princess Ruby and bring her here, after that, send Midnight and her best scouts to Manestown, if there are any signs of hostiles then return immediately. Am I understood?" The guard saluted and nodded in acknowledgment before galloping away. Turning back to the Princesses I prepared myself for what was sure to come next. "Your Highnesses, given the situation I highly suggest that we consider evacuating Ponyville and getting you someplace safe." Six sets of eyes were on me as I took a seat next to Aurora's body. "This mare speaks of The Behemoths, a terrible weapon developed by the Minotaurs. So terrible that my ancestors ordered their destruction after the Empire conquered the Minotaur Capital. The armor is virtually indestructible, and the armor is heavy enough to survive dragon fire. If they show up here, it will be a losing battle. Once the scouts return we can plan a course of action." At this time a particularly large crowd had formed around us, worried murmurs and opinions echoing throughout. Ruby had since made her way back to her Luna's side, shaking under one of her mother's wings as she stared at the bloodied sheet.
The princesses turned to each other and nodded in silent agreement, however, my gut told me this night wasn't going to end without more bloodshed. My feelings became more solidified when the sounds of galloping hoof steps and flapping wings sounded behind the crowd. Royal guards moved to create a lane for the scouts and Midnight as they came to the town hall. Gasps could be heard as the Ponyvillians noticed the shape the scouts came in. Fewer numbers and almost every single one was either burned or wounded. Midnight landed next to me, earning a worried look from Ruby, and proceeded to report what had happened.
She was one of the worst looking of the scouts; hair disheveled and matted to her forehead, her armor had visible scorch marks and burns littered all over. What really caught my eye was the cut that ran along the left side of her armor, deep enough that it pierced the armor and left one of her wings torn. Blood from an unseen injury on her head had run into her right eye. She spoke sporadically, her lungs unable to keep up the required oxygen needed to breathe and talk at the same time. "We got ambushed. Three dead. Rest of us escaped." She paused to take a few deep breaths in before continuing, "Sir, there are four machines heading this way, along with a small group of warriors." She looked at me straight in the eyes and I saw a great fear in them. "They bare the mark of the Enclave!"
Ruby's ears perked at the name, "Who's the Enclave? I've never heard of that faction before."
Twilight stepped forward and spoke up, "The Enclave was a radical group of idealists. They sought to cleanse the world of those they deemed tainted by 'lesser species,' and were seeking a world ruled only by Ponies. This often lead to the destruction of entire villages, and one known mass extinction. Thestrals, Zebras, Dragons, Griffons, Minotaurs, Humans, even Changelings, are just a few examples. I thought the Enclave was disbanded centuries ago, after the raid on their headquarters in Zebrafica."
"It seems not all of them was willing to surrender. If the Enclave still lives, then we must hurry with the evacuation and save as many lives as possible and figure out how they gained Minotaur tech." Nods of acknowledgment were all the support I needed, "Midnight, you and a small squad need to stay by the princesses side... protect them at all cost."
"But, Mast- er, Legionnaire, I can still fight!" She looked at me with a pleading look in her eyes, but I shook my head as I lowered to her level.
"I understand your eagerness, Midnight, but you and your scouts are in no condition to do anything else other than help with the evacuation and protect the princesses. I need you to be there for Ruby and Luna." I turned towards Twilight, "Princess Twilight, how many guards do you have stationed here?"
"Fifty altogether, I sent twenty with my friends to start evacuating Ponyville and to open the underground passage to Canterlot." I gave a nod and turned to Luna. We only made brief eye contact, but everything we needed to say was silently spoken, along with a hug from Ruby. "Don't worry, I'll be alright. The rest of you, move towards the northern fields, we'll distract them for as long as we can before we escape."
The northern field shone brightly under Luna's moonlight, the full moon acting as our personal sun as we awaited the approaching threat. The guards lined up behind me in their traditional phalanx formation; fifteen Earth Ponies formed the main body of the phalanx, protecting five Unicorns dedicated to keeping telepathic communications, medical, and arcane bolt support, the rest were a mix of Pegasi and Thestrals ready to take the fight to the air with me. As the sound of the approaching Behemoths grew louder, we began to feel the ground beneath us start to shake. I turned back to look at the stallions and mares, seeing a mask of determination over their fear. A Thestral spoke beside me as we prepared to attack.
"What's the plan, Sir?" I recognized her as Eclipse, a young sergeant who had lots of potential within her.
"All we need to do is buy enough time for Ponyville to be evacuated, so I don't want any lone wolf heroics. before they clear the treeline I will use my Dragonfire to slow them down. Flight Squadron and I will then focus on keeping the Behemoth's attention off the phalanx. With luck, we can slow their progress down enough for the Archmages to fire several spells to dwindle their numbers. Once we hear the sound of the bell ringing in Ponyville, we make our retreat. Guards, it's been an honor serving you, and for those that don't make it; the Gods will welcome you back home." A loud cheer rang out in the night sky as the guards raised their spears.
"EQUESTRIA! EQUESTRIA! EQUESTRIA!" The guards shout over and over as I took off in night sky towards the trees. As I neared the treeline and prepared to spew my flame on the ground, a Behemoth stepped out of the forest and into my flight path. With nothing else to do, I let my Dragonfire free towards the head of the beastly machine, its armor immediately glowing red hot from the heat. The ground around and underneath instantly began to burn as my flame covered the ground and incinerating anything unlucky enough to be in its path. Two more Behemoths emerged from the foliage as I flew back to meet with Flight Squadron, the unmistakable sound of cross bolts and arrows screaming in the air as we dodged what we could.
Suddenly there was a thunderous boom and a bright red arcane bolt flew past me, just missing us by inches. The bolt, although missed us, it passed close enough to tell me that the heat on my scales wasn't from the moon, that explains how Manesville was burned. As we flew, the Thestrals and Pegasi fired their mounted crossbows at any target they could, then that's when a voice screamed out in our minds.
"Legionnaire, you have incoming pegasi from the west."
Eclipses voice rang out next, "I see them, Hawk, you and Twitch make your run. I'll cover for you."
"Yes, Ma'am!"
"Star, you got one on your tail!"
"I can't Shake him!" I scanned the air after making another pass of Dragonfire on the ground, the behemoths moved forward without stopping, quickly clearing the flames. My eyes caught sight of what must have been Star trying to lose an Enclave Pegasus. Bright red arcane bolts flew past us and even came from the weapons the pegasi were using. I sped towards his direction hoping that I'd get there in time.
"Star, head East, I'm on my way."
"Yes, Sir!" His voice sounded panicked, I needed to hurry. My claws readied themselves as I passed Star, tackling the Enclave Pegasus in the air. The menacing eyes on the mask the pegasus wore stared deep into my soul as I fought with him to disable his weapon. As we fought in the air, one of my claws tore his mask off his face. The Enclaver screamed in pain as his hooves work to cover his face, forgetting to keep his wings flapping and falling to the flames below. After watching the pegasus get consumed by flames, I turned back to the battle and listened to the voices of my guards.
"Hawk, you're too close to the machines, get out of there!"
"I would, but I'm getting caught in the crossfire."
"Swing by the front, Hawk, I'll pick you up." Eclipse's voice called out.
"Don't worry about me, I managed to get an arc caster and am gonna slam dunk it in one of the machines."
I let my opinion heard as I sped towards Hawk's location. "I don't like your tone, Hawk."
"Then you're not gonna like this, Sir. YEAAAARGH!" Immediately after, one of the Behemoths started to blow up from the inside. Starting from the head of the machine and making its way back. Fire and smoke billowed from the machine in heavy torrents as it started to fall to the ground. The sound of bells started to ring from Ponyville, causing us to take our attention away from what had happened.
"Fall back! Fall back!" I called out, making sure the survivors started flying or galloping back to Ponyville. Arcane bolts from the Behemoths started firing at anything that moved, the phalanx broke apart after a bolt took out part of their left flank. The crystal castle came into view, along with its open doors ready to receive us. Upon entering the town I felt a solid thud hit one of my wings, causing my flight path to lurch. Even though my wing was screaming for me to land, but I needed to make sure the survivors made it. Waiting at the door I took count of how many survived and how many I needed to pick up. The last guard came into the castle panting heavily and gave me a final count; seventeen dead, and fourteen survived. Before I turned for the escape tunnel, I turned towards the northern part of town in time to see the Behemoths firing upon the houses, setting fire to Ponyvile.
Author's Note
Sorry about the wait, but here's the next chapter. Hopefully, the longer chapter works as a solution. Pretty obvious that I've been watching Star Wars a lot recently. Look forward to the next chapter; The Enclave has become a threat and it's up to our heroes to find out why.
The sounds of hoof steps and claws hitting stone bounced off the cavern walls as we ran towards Canterlot. Everypony ran as hard as they could, the torches on the walls fading from a menacing orange to a magnificent blue. This signaled to us that we were entering Canterlot. I turned around to make sure that we weren't being followed before following the guards through the doorway that lead to Canterlot Castle. The sight that fell before me tore me apart; refugees of Ponyville lined the streets, looks of terror and uncertainty on their faces. Mothers and fathers holding their foals as they looked at the smoke billowing up from Ponyville.
My vision started to blur when I saw Eclipse speaking to a young mare Thestral holding a newborn foal, holding a Pegasus doll with Hawk's cutie mark stitched to its flank. As we made our way closer to the castle I noticed more and more ponies started to crowd the streets, murmurs of confusion and peaked interests. One particular noble came next to me and started speaking, "What's going on here, Legionnaire, first the Princesses come here looking like they've seen the ghost of Tirek, then refugees from Ponyville, and now you're here with fewer guards than they left with."
"I understand your concern, Fancy Pants, but I fear this is a matter that must be discussed with the princesses first before we let everypony know what's happened." I got a nod of understanding before he spoke back.
"I understand, politics was never my favorite thing to discuss, and same goes for gossip if there is anything I can do to help."
"See to the refugees. They all lost a lot tonight, and the road to recovery is going to be long. Anything to make their lives a bit easier will greatly be appreciated." I turned to look at him and was met with a kind smile and an even kinder heart.
"Of course, Sir, my wife and I shall be glad to help. I also know Mr. Hoity, and Mrs. Finish will be more than glad to help, as well as a few more nobles. We'll cover their living costs for as long as needed."
"I wish all nobles were as honorable as you, Fancy, since I know you are doing this from kindness and not personal gain. I'll be sure to let the Princesses know. Thank you." As I bowed my head to him he raised a hoof up and shook his head with a grin.
"No thanks are necessary, I'm just doing what my heart is telling me." With that said he turned and started off towards the refugees.
Canterlot castle was bustling with ponies of all parts of the social spectrum, nobles and towns ponies alike were gathering around the main gate trying to get information on what had happened in Ponyville. Some of the guards were standing in front of the gate, reassuring ponies that the princesses would make a public address once the situation was under control and that the ponies in Ponyville were safely relocated. Inside wasn't doing any better. Ponies were running around all over the place as medics tended the wounded, guards moving to assist the ponies from Ponyville, maids, and butlers seeing to the needs of everypony in the castle. After seeing my charges off to the medics, my eyes scanned the throne room for any sign of my small herd. A sigh of relief escaped my lungs when I heard the sound of Ruby's voice over the constant drone of voices in the large room.
"Please form an orderly line! We have plenty of food, water, and beds for everypony, but it'll take longer to... Hey, no cutting!" She pointed towards a dark gray pegasus stallion who sheepishly grinned as he backed from the line. "As I was saying, we will get things passed out faster so long as this line stays neat and orderly!" My attention briefly turned towards the large line of Ponyvillian refugees that seemed to wind around the throne room. "DADDY!" My attention was brought back to Ruby as she sprinted towards me. I started to run through the crowd as Ruby started to visibly start crying when she drew closer, completely sobbing as we embraced each other. I wrapped my wings around her, softly saying calming words as I ran a claw through her mane.
"Calm down, Sweetheart, I'm here. Everything is going to be okay." Her sobbing slowed to simple hiccups after a few minutes. When she was finally finished she resolved to nuzzle into my side like she did as a filly. My wings tightened around her as I reassured her. "Where's everypony else? Are they still safe?" A silent nod was my answer. Releasing the breath I was holding, I proceeded to ask if she knew where they were.
"Moms with Aunt Celestia and Aunt Twilight... Jitter.... She's... She's..." She started to lightly sob at the mentioning of Jitter. After a reassuring nuzzle from me, she resumed speaking, "She collapsed as soon as we made it to the castle. The medics have her in the Critical Care Wing. I'm so scared to lose her, Daddy."
"I know, Sweetheart, and I am sorry for putting you through this. Had I known this would happen..."
"We both knew the risks." Ruby interrupted before I could finish, "It comes with being in the Guard. I just wish I could do more for her, it hurt so much seeing her like that, that I couldn't stand it. That's why I'm out here, instead of with her." She turned towards me and looked into my eyes, sorrow, and fear prominent in them. "Does that make me a bad marefriend?"
It does not matter what you do, Ruby, as long as you know in your heart that you love her." Ruby smiled as I spoke, not noticing that we were making our way to the Critical Care Wing. I constantly had to remind myself that I had to be there for my filly, no matter how much I wanted to ensure Jitter's safety. "Also, as the daughter of Luna, you need to be strong for everypony, even if your head says otherwise. Right now yourself, Twilight, Luna, and Celestia are the rays of hope that these ponies need. Ah, here we are." Ruby looked forward in confusion before turning to me with her ears pinned back. The CCW housed the more severely injured guards both from the scouting group and from the defense we held. One of the medics gave us a knowing smile as she pointed us in the direction of Jitter's room.
"Midnight, you have some visitors." The medic gave a knock on the door to the small room, aside from the various I.V tubes attached to her, you would never guess she had been in a battle. The healing cycle of Changelings never ceased to amaze me. Ruby slowly made her way over to Jitter's side, nuzzling into the the crook of Jitter's neck, earning her a soft purr of affection from the Changeling. The disguised Changeling ran a hoof through Ruby's mane, smiling at her while carefully wrapping a wing around the white hybrid.
"Any news from the doctor?" Ruby softly spoke, making eye contact with her lover.
"Just some serious exhaustion, to put it bluntly, nothing to be worried about." Jitter's reassuring voiced did little to sooth Ruby as she started to sob again.
"There is too something to worry about. If... if something were to have happened to you..."
Jitter chuckled as she booped Ruby's nose, "You silly little filly, it's my job to be the protective one remember? Besides it was worthy it so long as you're all safe."
"But that doesn't mean that you ca-Haah." The rest of Ruby's sentence was cut short from a nibble to her right ear, The bitter's eyes were closed but her facial features did little to hide the smile she had. Ruby's face, however, proceeded to change from her marvelous white to a shade of red to give her mane a run for it's money. While she didn't fight to get her ear away from its captor, she did shuffle her hind legs just enough for me to know that this was a big turn on for her. Of course the sweet aroma that filled my nostrils as I watched Jitter go from one ear to the other then moving to her neck started filling my head with thoughts of R-
"GAH!" I shook my head of the thoughts, and proceeded to exit the room with tremendous speed when Ruby released a particularly loud moan. "I'll be back," I said to no pony in particular as I closed the door and made my way awkwardly towards the throne room, running into a wall after an image of Jitter and Ruby popped in my head again.
Author's Note
Another chapter down and several more to go. As you may have noticed, the rating has changed, primarily because of a scene I have planned. For those of you who are interested I have been contemplating on writing a one off with Jitter and Ruby, let me know what you think. And sorry again for the time it's taking me to update, I greatly appreciate your patience and support.
Bondages *Mature Content*
Bondages *Mature Content*
The rest of the night went fairly uneventful after I met up with Luna and Celestia. As Luna's moon finished its journey through the stars, Celestia brought out her sun in hopes of a brighter day. A brief visit back to Jitter's room in the CCW revealed one peacefully sleeping Ruby and a content looking Midnight. After speaking to her and her doctor, I had left to seek out my own lover, meaning meeting Luna, Celestia, Twilight and Cadance, who arrived shortly after the attack, to start relief efforts and recover the bodies of the fallen guards. Eclipse had hunted me down to inform me that she had already prepared a team to go back and perform a final sweep of Ponyville to survey damages and retrieve what they can. The sound of my rank being called out revealed on out of breath Fancy Pants and an equally out of breath Octavia.
"Forgive me for the suddenness, Legionnaire, but Ms. Octavia here wished to speak with you about this evening's performance." the stallion raised his hoof in the direction of the gray mare, who was bowing thanks to all of the princesses being behind me and... was that a blush on her cheek? My curiosity was interrupted when she spoke up, her Trottingham accent the definition of Canterlot nobility.
"It's an honor to make your acquaintance, Sir Legionnaire, I am Octavia Melody from the Canterlot-" She stopped when she heard me chuckling at her. Raising her head and having her violet eyes making contact with mine, her expression changed slightly from poised and in control to curiosity.
"Please, there is no need for formalities here, Miss Melody, especially from somepony who is willing to spend her free time performing last minute." I smiled when I saw her head move slightly to glance at the princesses behind me, "Don't worry about them, or the rest of the nobility; we are speaking as friends, and I wish to keep it informal." The blush returned to her face slightly as she nodded her head in understanding. "Good, now, what was it you wish to discuss?"
"Well, I wish to go over the details about tonight as to where I'll be performing, and who else will be performing as well, so I don't play for too long."
"I see, you'll need to speak to Raven for that information. I know it's my event, but that secretary is handling all the details. I'm sorry for any confusion, but it was nice meeting you Octavia. I look forward to hearing your music tonight." After a little more red appeared on her cheeks, she bowed again and headed towards the direction I sent her, stumbling slightly before reverting back to her poised gait. As I watched her and Fancy Pants walk off another voice startled me out of my thoughts.
"I think you have an admirer, Nightwind."
"I doubt it, considering dragons aren't really the most liked- GAH! Princess Cadance, I didn't know you were there." The bright smiling face of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or Cadance as she prefers, stood next to me with a knowing smile on her muzzle. Her mane mixed with yellow, pink, and purple flowed with beauty and grace fit for a princess. A small laugh left her lips as she continued watching Octavia speak to Raven.
"Well, now you know. But on a more serious note, it is my specialty, isn't it? I recognize all forms of love from true to admiration. And even though it is not in my place to discuss details of everypony's feelings, I can tell you to speak to Aunt Luna about possibly forming a herd."
A painfully obvious snort left my nostrils, a puff of smoke leaving them as I responded, "Please, although I have no doubts that she'd want to form a herd, I do doubt many ponies wish to join one with a dragon. Granted have you seen me? I'm me!" Cadance let out another laugh as she ran a hoof down my sail like she saw Luna many times, soothing my mind as I arched my sail to gain more of that wonderful feeling.
"Perhaps if all dragons were like you and Spike, most ponies would accept you like they do griffons, zebras, or minotaurs. You would be surprised how many ponies would like to be under the protection of a dragon." She moved her hoof towards my neck as she kept rubbing my sail.
"Perhaps, Empress Ember is doing her best to integrate dragons into pony society. A little lower please, yes, right there. The problem is that we dragons are a proud race that is known throughout the land to block the skies with our sleep alone."
"Says the dragon enjoying a belly rub." I looked down to see that I was laying on my back, her hoof gently rubbing my stomach as one of my legs subconsciously kicked in enjoyment. She pulled her hoof away as I let out a snort, and looked away from her.
"I didn't say to stop, I'm only letting you do this because you're Luna's niece, and in return, I'll speak to Luna." Cadance giggled as she kept on rubbing my stomach.
________________________________
The evening came quicker than expected, what with helping the maids prepare the throne room for the benefit concert, tending to the families of the fallen guards, ensuring there were enough resources to repair Ponyville, and making sure my herd was well. Jitter had been released and was still in her disguise without the armor, Ruby was busy ensuring that there was plenty of food to go around for the guests. I had the ability to speak to Luna for a split second and raised the question of forming a herd, to which she replied, 'I'm willing to give the old tradition a chance, so long as you keep your greed in check and don't forgot that I am your Alpha.' Octavia was currently on stage preparing her cello, and taking care of last minute preparations. Princess Luna and Celestia were greeting ponies as they trickled into the large throne room. It was obvious that the nobility thought of this as a way to gain recognition, since most of them were either acting to enthused about helping Ponyville, or made sure to wear their family's coat of arms to show they were there.
I decided to let that little detail go, and went onto the stage to speak to Octavia. As I got closer to her, I couldn't help but notice that she kept sneaking glances my way and either thought I didn't notice or didn't care. She closed the empty case for her cello and placed it on her back before taking her poised and calm demeanor.
"Good evening, Nightwind, how may I help you?" I simply smiled as I motion for the mare to join me by my side, eliciting another blush from her gray muzzle. As she stepped next to me, I couldn't help but enjoy the scent she was giving off of her mane. "This isn't going to take long, is it? There is only an hour before I need to be on stage."
"Do not worry Octavia, I just wish to speak to you in private." The slight look of puzzlement gave me a light sense of mischief as I continued speaking to her, now escorting her down the hallway. "What I do want to know though is, what would you do to be with a dragon?"
Mature Content- end of chapter if you don't want to read.
I smirked in satisfaction as I gazed at the sight that was bound in front of me. Like a predator stalking its prey, I circled around Octavia, watching her visibly shutter as I emphasized my claws hitting the marble floors. The gray mare lay on the bed of my personal chamber, which Luna and I converted to serve as our own escape while we fulfilled our sexual fantasies. Her front legs were bound, hoisted up via a rope and pulley system that forced her to stand on her hind legs. Her legs would very subtly rub against each other as her arousement started to increase. The charcoal mane and tail were pulled back and tied up, not only keeping them out of the way and leaving her most vulnerable place exposed, but it also exposed to me her gourgeous neck. A violet blindfold was securely fastened over her eyes, while her mouth was sporting an equally purple ball gag. A shutter ran down my spine as a feasted on her lithe frame; so small and fragile, yet strong enough to stand for hours playing her cello.
A small whimper from her brought me out of my observation. she was moving back and forth, Troy g to get more pleasure from her legs as she waited for me to do something... anything... oh the suspense must be killing her, but alas I have yet to finish preparing my delicious treat. Slinking across the room towards her, I made sure to grab a few more items that would complete my Dominance of this young mare. I felt my member start to emerge from its sheath, reminding me of my own desire. Placing it to the back of my mind, I finished my short journey across the room, just shy of the mare in my bonds.
She gasped sharply as one of my claws painstakingly slowly made its way from her navel to her exposed neck, my tongue teasing her cheek as I savoured her scent. She whimpered again as I pulled away, her arousal very obvious by now. Her whimpers changed into moans as I dragged my claw close to her pussy, circling around her cutie mark before a sharp slap and yelp echoed through the room.
"I don't believe I gave you permission to pleasure yourself, did I?" I asked her, caressing her freshly spanked flank as she shuttered. " We'll have to fix that." She let out a questioning whine as I spread her legs apart, her delicate pussy winking, begging for attention. Another whine came out as I locked her legs in a spreader that kept her legs far enough apart for her not to lose balance. I placed teasing kisses up and down her legs, getting higher, and closer to her soaked marehood. As her moans got louder the closer I got, the more tantalizingly close until I skipped her pussy all together and gave a teasing lick to her tight little asshole. Her back arched at the contact, driving me to give her another long and slow lick. As my tongue pulled away, her breath hitched when she felt the tip of something at her puckered entrance; the small butt plug effortlessly entered her ass, and she let out a long moan as she was filled. At the end of the plug was a scale I had shed that I decided to use to mark those who wore it as mine, and thanks to some magic from Luna, it enhanced the wearers pleasure while it was inside them. This was made obvious from Octavia squirming back and forth, her pussy juice leaving trails down her legs.
"Anxious aren't we? Do you desire release that much?" Octavia frantically nodded her head, hoping that would suffice for an answer.
It didn't.
"I'm sorry, my dear, but you must by more clearer than that. I ask again, do you desire release?" With a knowing smirking I unsnapped her gag, allowing her to give me an audible answer.
"Yes... please." A yelp escaped her lips as I landed a spank on her cutie mark.
"Ah ah ah, you must answer correctly."
"But I don't knAAHH-" her sentance was lost as I landed another spank on her ass, the scale visibly moving as she clenched her down. "Yes, Master, please let me cum? Your humble pet wishes to cum so badly."
"Good girl." Octavia shook under me as my tongue teased her ear while I spoke to her. Moving in front of her, just enough to where she was high enough to reach my hips, her front legs now holding her up on the ground. "But in order to cum, you must pleasure me first." I stood up on my home legs, letting my member hang just in front of her. It wasn't anything to brag about really, at least a stallions length according to Luna, with ridges lining the shaft towards the tapered tip, and an apple sized knot at the base. The cool breath escaping from Octavia's mouth made it twitch as I held it in front of her.
As I placed my cock on her lips, she opened her maw wide, allowing me to enter. When I stopped, she immediately understood what I was implying, and started bobbing her head back and forth. Experimenting with the new flavor and texture that plagued her mouth. I let out a deep guttural moan as her tongue swirl around the head of my shaft before she slowly took it into her throat. With one of my claws I cut the rope, that was holding her mane and tail up, while also taking off her blindfold with the other. When those lush violet eyes met mine I almost came right then and there, so beautiful and full of drive, yet the hide her deepest desires behind them. The sound of her gagging brought me back to reality as I realized I was holding her as deep as my cock could fit in her throat. After pulling away and letting her catch her breath, she went back to work, but kept my shaft in her throat as she throat fucked herself. She paused briefly as my tail started to tease her marehood, coating it in her sweet nectar before slowly penetrating her. The moans that escaped Octavia's throats added to my pleasure as it caused her throats to vibrate. This caused me to quicken my tails pace before I felt her pussy clench hard on my tail and a slew of her juices spurted from her swollen marehood. It was when we made eye contact again that my resolve gave in and I painted her mouth and throats white with my hot seed. This took Octavia by surprise as she struggled to swallow rope after thick rope of my cum, cause some to spill out from her lips. As I came down from my orgasm, I got to work freeing my new mare from her bonds, leaving the plug in her ass, and cleaning up the mess that was the musky and sticky room. Octavia took a well deserved nap, she earned it before her performance in 30 minutes.
Author's Note
And my first ever mature scene is done. This took way longer than it should have to release but hey, it's done. I will go back tonight and edit this chapter when I get off today, until then leave a like and I'll see you in the next chapter.
Beautiful Music *Minor Mature Content*
Beautiful Music *Minor Mature Content*
To say that the benefit concert was a success would be a huge understatement. Everything from the food to entertainment went without a hitch; even Octavia accepting her place in the herd and acknowledging Luna as her Alpha. Speaking of Octavia, she now wore a black velvety collar embroidered with diamonds and a single one of my scales in the front, symbolizing her role as Luna's and mine. The citizens of Ponyville didn't need to worry about there not being enough funds to support everypony, due to the large amount of donations that were given. Even those with very little to give gave all they could. The plan was set in motion for the princesses and several construction ponies to meet up and discuss rebuilding. When the event was over, Luna took great care in asking for Octavia to stay with her later that evening. Of course, not wishing to upset her new Alpha, Octavia agreed and asked if I would be there. Her ears fell back when she was told that I was not until later. Which was true since I had asked to speak to Celestia after the event.
I sat in Celestias's private chamber next to a large fireplace. The heat of flames doing wonders to warm me up as my sail absorbed more heat. The lush, red carpet almost felt like it was inviting me to sleep on it; it softness caressing my claws and tickling my stomach as I laid down. The solar monarch sat on a couch in front of the fireplace, sipping on a cup of warm tea she ordered from a maid. on the nightstand that sat next to said couch, was a plate of half eaten cake that she picked at. The soft glow of the fireplace bathed the large suite in an orange glow, casting dancing shadows around the large bed that sat behind us. Large double doors to her private balcony were opened to let the crisp evening air into the room, offering some relief when the fire got too hot. Several doors were littered around the room that must have lead to her bathroom, closet, and who knows where else. Of course I wasn't curious to find out, considering what our conversation was about.
"I understand where you're coming from, dear Nightwind, but why speak to me privately rather than have Twilight or Cadance here?" She took another delicate bite of the chocolate cake and crossed her hooves, "I'm sure my old pupil would have some insight to find a way to take care of our new problem."
She raised an eyebrow when a slightly audible snort escaped my muzzle. "Forgive me, Your Highness, but we both know that this is not a new foe we face, and that Princess Twillight; despite her victories in the past, lacks the kind of experience needed when dealing with a genocide driven cult." I rose to a sitting position and curled my tail in front of me, "These monsters caused the extinction of the human race 500 years ago, and forced the great empires to their knees. No amount of magic or help from the elements can guarantee the safety of all of Equestria's nonpony residents."
"What do you propose then, Legionnaire?"
"I suggest we first figure out how the Enclave is getting funded and supplied. Start with an internal investigation of the noble houses, starting with the more radical ones first. Also consider an audience with the world leaders... all of them." My hesitation seemed to not go unnoticed as Celestia spoke again after a sip of tea.
"Not so thrilled about speaking to the Dragon Lord are you?" A quick golden glow from her horn caused a tea kettle to appear in front of her as she poured herself a new glass, placing it back on its warmer when she had enough. "I'm sure it couldn't be that bad."
I chuckled slightly before responding, accepting a cup that was offered to me. "If only... considering before I left I was in command of numerous horde and second only to the Dragon Lord, but suddenly disappearing and having several of my best soldiers leaving leaves a bad taste on the tongue." A creamy combo of sweet caramel and cocoa with hints of sea-salted almond hit my tongue as I took a drink of the tea offered to me. "This tea is delicious, were did you find this particular blend?"
"Honestly one of the maids offered it along with several other blends she created as a means of kick-starting her own business. Now she owns her own little shop and humbly sells her teas while also filling orders for me and my sister." With a little wink she took another sip of her
"I'll have to see this shop next time I stroll through Canterlot with Ruby, I know she'd love this stuff. But we are getting off track, the point is that there is something amiss about a centuries old cult being reborn along with these ancient weapons created by the Minotaurs."
"Indeed there is my friend, but let us retire for the evening. I shall begin investigating the Noble Houses tomorrow once I am rested. And it will take some time for the world leaders to accept my invitation to Canterlot." I let out a yawn after she spoke, "And you have had a long couple of days. We shall speak more later." With a bow i got up and started to exit the room, but was stopped in my tracks when I heard her speak again, her tone almost threatening, "Remember to keep your greed in check, I will not tolerate you hording my ponies for the wrong reasons." After speaking, she turned and headed for her bed, giving me a lot to think about on the way to Luna's room.
The raven haired cellist lay asleep with Luna laying behind her, a soft loving smile adorned her muzzle as she watched the little pony sleep. As I entered farther into the room, my nose was immediately bombarded by two very sweet, and very distinct smells. The scent of the two mare's love making started to drive my instincts made as I made my way over to the two. Luna's pregnant belly filled me with a sense of pride, knowing that the filly inside her would be unique. Should be any month now. I thought to myself as I came closer to her. I couldn't help but see Luna's tail hiked up higher than she usually would, giving me a perfect view of her delicate flower. A guttural groan escaped my throat my nostrils were filled with Luna's scent; my muzzle so tantalizing close to claiming my prize. Only for it to be closed off by an ethereal tail.
"Nice try, my beloved, but Octavia here made sure that I was well taken care of." In a teasing manner she wagged her tail just enough to waft some of her and Octavia's scent. All the while Octavia moaned a little in her sleep as an azure hoof slowly trailed down her back. "Of course that doesn't mean that I'm not going to let you not have any fun. I bet the smell of your pregnant mare, and one fertile mare is driving you insane." The snort I released was all the answer she needed, "Well then, how about we move to the bed? If you could carry Miss Octavia there please." Obediently, I scooted down next to the sleeping cellist. Using my front claws, I carried her over to the bed where Luna already lay. The covers were already drawn back, but Luna's mischievous bed room eyes told me she was planning on something.
A long couple of months had passed since the concert. Rebuilding of Ponyville had gone underway, new security measures had gone under way, and word has gone out to the other nations to meet the Princesses several months down the line. This allowed for life around Canterlot Castle to some what return to normal. Some what. The scene playing in front of me made sure of that. The sounds of Octavia Melody's cello rang throughout the grand hallways of the castle; her beautiful, sweet songs sang just as beautiful as the mare playing the instrument. Her expertly trained hooves gracefully made the Bethooven masterpiece come to life. To the standard pony, they would see an untouchable mare, who's stoic nature and unwavering spirit brought her to a level above everypony. What I saw was a mare in heat. As I sat in my personal dungeon with said mare, I couldn't help but admire how she powered through her performance despite how much her body practically screamed to be satiated. Her delectable scent filled the room, causing my instincts to cry out to breed this fertile female in front of me.
A smile crept onto my muzzle as ideas began pour into my head as I watched her try to relieve some of her heat by rubbing her hind legs together. My eyes glanced towards my "toy chest," thinking about one particular enchanted toy that would possibly help with her tension... or make it worse. Either way I was going to gain some enjoyment out of my little submissive mare one way or another. Her performance faltered for just a moment when she noticed me getting up from my place on the couch. A whip to her flank from my tail as I walked passed told her everything she needed to know. "Keep playing." Her song picked back up, allowing me to revel in the masterpiece as I searched in my chest, picking out everything I needed to test her ability to stay focused.
"You seem mighty relaxed today." Princess Luna greeted me as she approached my basking spot in the garden. The warm afternoon sun helped warm my scales against the colder autumn air. Winter was coming, and I wanted to spend as much time as I could enjoying the remaining sunlight. Luna sat down next to me in an effort to rest after walking whatever distance she just did, her pregnant belly looking ready to burst any moment granted she still had a few months left. I enjoyed the site now laying down next to me, the dragon pony hybrid developing in her womb, filled me with a sense of pride. Pride that wished it could do the same to Octavia. Perhaps i should seek out a dragoness to add to the herd. Maybe one like Empress Em... Stop it brain!
"Well, Octavia's performance this morning was absolutely astonishing. She managed to perform for a solid two hours before she gave in to a break." Luna looked up at me with a knowing smile, often having the same private concerts with Octavia during her time off. Of course these moments were only able to happen when she was back in Canterlot; either home from tour, or on break from symphony. She had her life still, and neither Luna nor myself wished to take her from it. Smoke spilled from my nostrils at the sudden realization of Octavia mentioning having to leave for a concert with DJ Pon3, a famous Ponyville disc jockey that specialized in dubstep. Now I had no problems with that DJ, considering how close of friends the two are. No my problem was Neon Lights, another artist tagging along on the tour. Even though Octavia said she'd be alright, the fact that my mare was in heat with another stallion present immediately sent a fit of rage to my head.
"What's the matter, Love?" The sound of a concerned Luna brought me out of my thoughts and back to reality. Bending down to nuzzle the side of Luna's neck, I reassured her of just thinking about Octavia and her tour. "I'll admit I'd be lieing if I said I wasn't worried about her, but she has her career to look after. All we can do is be there for her and wish her the best."
I smiled as I kissed her cheek, "Spoken like a caring mother. I guess my fear is some stallion taking advantage of.."
"Hey there, Princess!" Both of our heads turned as a voice interrupted our conversation. To our surprise, and a bit of confusion, Vinyl Scratch, aka DJ Pon3, Octavia, and Neon Lights were trotting up to meet us. Vinyl wore a huge grin, her purple shades doing little to hide her excitement as they came to a stop in front of us. The three lined up in front of us with Vinyl's white slender body to the right, Neon Lights in the middle, and Octavia to the left. Brief eye contact with Octavia told me she wasn't very comfortable. Not just from her heat, but the fact Neon was standing a bit too close to her, his wings practically groping her flank as they listened to Vinyl speak. "Octy here wanted to say something to you guys. I'm not sure what about, but considering the guards let her in without questions cool on its own." Octavia face hoofed as she heard her friend talking, her cheeks taking on a deeper shade of red than her already aroused state.
"Vinyl, I've told you countless times that the guards let everypony in. They keep the peace not determine who goes in and stays out." Octavia spoke, before taking a step forward.
Only for Neon Lights to cut in front of her, "Sup Princess, I don't think we've ever met. Names Neon Lights, DJ Extraordinaire, Rocker of Nights and Mares." Luna gave a displeased look as her hoof was kissed by Neon, who had picked it up without any disregard. "Perhaps when you have heard my music I might be so blessed as to allow you to grace my bedroom?" A puff of smoke from my nostrils and an audible growl caused him to turn to me, "Like, what's wrong with your pet? I didn't think Dragons were allowed in Equestria."
"First off he is not my pet, but my lover, and I'm the only one allowed to call him so." Luna interjected while forcing her hoof from his, " and second no pony is allowed to kiss my hoof unless they have my explicit permission." A glance at Octavia showed her tail flicker fiercely at Luna's last statement, understanding full well what she meant by that statement. Octavia decided that it would be best to do what she needed and stepped in between Luna and Neon the later of whom backed up next to Vinyl. The same shit eating grin worn on his light gray muzzle. A wing swept back through his green and black mane before slapping Vinyl's flank coming down.
When Octavia got close to me and Luna she simply bowed and meekly spoke,"Thank you for allowing me to play for you these last couple of days. I look forward to when we do it again." After speaking she turned around and made her way back to the other two.
"Oh by the way, our first concert is here in Canterlot. You two should, like, totally come!" Vinyl yelled before turning and leaving with her friends.
"What's on your mind, Love?" I glanced down at Luna to see her deep in thought, an armored hoof graced her chin as she gently rubbed it.
"I'm just wondering how Ruby was doing, I haven't heard from her for some time." I nodded in agreement to her concern, Ruby was with Princess Twilight on a field trip to the Everfree Forest with the Ponyville school to teach young fillies and colts about plants and animals. She'd been gone for a week now, and frankly, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit anxious as well. But I trusted that filly, and deep down I knew that if there was any trouble, Princess Twilight would alert us. We found ourselves walking towards the edge of the Canterlot Gardens, finding a good vantage point that overlooked Ponyville. Luna and I froze in place at the scene that played before us, Ruby was in trouble.
My hooves ached as I sprinted as fast as I could through the Everfree, the constant throbbing pain in my wings reminding me that flying was not an option. The sounds and yelling of the Enclave scouts told me that they were right on my tail. I had decided to go exploring in the forest on my own after the school trip a few days ago, however, my explorations led me straight into an Enclave camp. Sunlight burned brightly through what I assumed to be the clearing into the fields. My lungs burned and my legs started getting weaker and slower as fatigue let itself be known. Blindly, I ran as fast as I could towards the light, tripping on a raised root in the ground and halting my escape.
A sharp twang rang in my ears as an arrow pierced the bark of a tree next to me. Fighting through the pain I felt in my legs, and ignoring the warmth that had started spreading down my leg, I forced myself to run as hard and fast as I could until I finally made it out into the clearing. The sight of Ponyville in the distance brought a great relief in my chest as I ran towards it. As I got to the center of the field, my hind leg gave out from under me. My vision swam in a field of white as my adrenaline started to recede, revealing every cut, scrape, and sore muscle in my body. Every effort I made to move proved futile as my own body refused my commands. the sharp sound of arrows impacting the ground started to get louder as the Enclave launched a small flurry of arrows my direction. My life flashed before my eyes as I realized that I was going to die. I wanted to scream, but all that escaped my throat were the gasps of air my lungs desperately needed. I wanted my mom to hold me. I wanted my daddy and Jitter to protect me. I wanted to live.
As the arrows grew closer and closer, I closed my eyes and braced for the inevitable impacts. For what felt like an eternity, I laid there, completely helpless; and yet my death did not come. Instead , the sounds of the arrows were replaced by the sound of a hearty laugh.
"Hahahaha! Relax, Little Pony, Spaangolz is here for you." I opened my eyes just long enough to see the image of a dragon standing above me. His wings were held in front of him in the form of a shield. As I looked up at his smiling form, a small smile graced my lips as my vision faded into black.
Author's Note
Took me long enough to finish this chapter. Mainly thanks to LoL. And yes, I am basing a character on Braum from League of Legends. Next chapter is going to be a lot of fun to do, so look forward to it.
Deep in the heart of the Dragon Empire sits the glorious city of Revak Du'ul, meaning Sacred Crown in Dragon tongue. Its majestic bu obsidian towers could be seen throughout the empire as a beacon of never ending fire shone brightly to the capital city. Dragons come and go, night and day, as goods and services are delivered to the cities many merchants and to the palace itself. The palace sat at the highest point in the city, its marbled walls showing slight signs of its age. The current ruler sat on her throne as she watched the changeling servants move to and fro; performing their daily duties and patrols along with their dragon allies. A small sigh exited her nostrils along with a small plume of smoke as she impatiently waited for the ruling governors to arrive, each with their own issues from their sectors of the empire to discuss. Her mind stayed a constant buzz, not from the background noise of the changelings speaking to each other, but from the numerous rumors from Equestria of an ancient enemy re-awoken. Two clawed digits rubbed each side of her temples as she sat forward, her wings stretching out before being folded back in. She hated politics. Why couldn't Dragons not do politics? She thought to herself as the doors opened to her great hall.
To her surprise, a young Thestral mare, clad in Lunar Guard armor, was escorted into the hall with two members of the dragon gaurd. The mare's two toned mane and tail of red and silver was disheveled, a long with scorch marks along her armor. Even from where she sat, Ember could tell the marks weren't from volcanic activity. One of the guards stepped forth and approached the throne, his red scales accenting his well polished golden armor. To give him credit, Garble had mellowed out quite a bit after Spike had stepped him down a few notches.
With a bow, he stood at attention while the other guard helped the Thestral move closer, "Empress, this is Sergeant Lunar Mist of the Equestrian Lunar Guard. She claims to have important information from the royal sisters in regards to the rumors of the Enclave sightings. With your permission I'd like to report to the infirmary to have a healer check her out." Ember gave a nod, still eyeing the pony in front of her before before she had spoke. A wave of the mare's hoof brought Ember's attention down to the Thestral.
"No time." She said in between her pants, the forced strength in her voice caused from fighting through the pain she must have been in caused Ember to be sure to listen her words carefully. "They're coming." As she spoke, the doors to the throne room burst open, a long with a deafening explosion, throwing Ember and the Thestral across the room.
Ember's senses slowly returned to her, her ears ringing and blurry vision beginning to clarify. The feeling of fur in her right hand caused her to look over to the pony that now lay dead next to her. As she closed the young mare's eyes for the final time the sounds of struggle drowned out the ringing and caused her to look towards the now smoldering remains of the doorway. Only to see one of her guards get shot down by an arcane bolt, while the other was being lifted in the air, his claws grasping around his neck as his attacker held him up with his armored hand. Murderous red eyes were fixated on the empress by the being, who effortlessly slammed the guard to the floor and placed a metal foot on his throat. The sounds of the struggling dragon was silenced by a sickening crack as the creature finished off his victim. Ember felt fear beginning to overwhelm her as it began slowly marching towards her. It's arms folding behind it's back as it kicked away the bodies of the guards laying before it. The clanging of metal echoed through the throne room, almost drowning out the sounds of battle outside. Ember swallowed as the figure's eyes looked down on her, its armored head failing to show her any emotion. As it stood in front of her it stared her down for what felt like hours before speaking in a raspy, metallic voice.
"Hello there."
I sat by Luna's throne as she and Celestia listened to Spaangolz speak, my eyes carefully watching his every move. Ruby had been admitted to Ponyville Hospital where a detachment of guards was placed to ensure security. The scouts that attacked her were hunted down and disposed of thanks to Midnight and Eclipse. Honestly, that was placed to the back of my mind when my brother barged into the throne room. He was here for a reason, yet he had yet to explain what. The sound of Luna's voice broke my concentration, "we appreciate what you did, fair dragon, but the real reason you're here has yet to be explained."
Spaangolz gave a hearty laugh before speaking again, causing me to close my eyes and resist the urge to clobber the back of his thick skull. He was always that way, taking things lightly and never being serious except when in battle. "I guess its straight to business with you ponies, no? Then I shall relay why I am here." His voice took on a tone that said something was wrong, even the sail on my back shook as i heard him speak. "Revak Du'ul has fallen to the Enclave, and Empress Ember has been taken prisoner. I have been sent here by them to relay a message to the princesses." After he spoke he made eye contact with each princess before continuing, "You are to surrender and submit to the will of the Enclave or face the destruction of Equstria."
Author's Note
I'm back after a much needed and way to long hiatus caused by writers block. I promise more chapters will be coming out sooner, and many thanks to those of you who left a like and have been enjoying.
The cold night air of Canterlot had a slight breeze this evening. Cold enough for the few ponies still out at night to wear either light jackets or sweaters, but not cold enough to warrant full winter attire. The sound of my claws scraping against the concrete streets echoed with the sound of footsteps besides me. Eclipse's small athletic figure kept in step with mine as we entered the red light district of Downtown Canterlot. The streets were filled with ponies moving this way and that, visiting the shops and restaurants that lined the mile long stretch. Glancing down I held back a chuckle as I watched Eclipse blink and hide her eyes from the brightly lit streets. After a moment or two her wings lowered, her pupils finally constricted enough to not be affected by the bright lighting.
"So remind me why you invited me out here again?" She said, a slight shiver in her voice as some cold air blew in from behind.
"I just wanted to treat my newly appointed officer out to dinner and get to know her better." I replied with a smirk, clouds of hot smoke escaping my nostrils with each breath. She gave me a look that claimed she wasn't one hundred percent convinced.
"We're going to be on tour for who knows how long to the Empire, couldn't you get to know me then?" Was that a purr I heard in her voice? We walked down the district, our destination now in site.
"True, but I'd rather know you better now than the limited time we'll have on the airship."
"If you say so." She shrugged as we walked to the door and entered the small restaurant. After getting our table and getting seated our waitress arrived, a young Griffon named Pearl, to take our drink orders. Eclipse decided on a fruity drink that was way to sugary for my tastes, while I enjoyed some honey mead. After some idle chit chat Eclipse looked up into my eyes with a twinge of teasingness. "So how are you and Princess Luna holding up with Octavia?" This caused me to choke on my drink.
"You know about that?"
"Please, who do you think escorted her to your chambers? Late at night. Usually proceeded by the Princess a few minutes later." Her eyelids were closed half way, a knowing smirk appearing on her muzzle as she sipped from her drink. "In all honesty, I find it very sexy. Especially when I can hear what's going on in that room." A few flicks of her ears proved her point.
After picking up my jaw from the table, and giving a few minutes to try and retort, I decided to try and flip the tables, leaning over and whispering in her ear, “So that means that you want in, and I should tie your naughty ass up for spying on the Princess and I during our private sessions.”
Finishing my statement with a soft growl got me the reaction that I wanted. Her now bright red cheeks, and the soft moan she gave before biting her lower lip told me everything. “Y-yes Sir.” Bingo.
“But, alas, thou art a married mare, is thou not? I wonder what your wife would say I’d she new her wife was wanting to submit to a dragon. To be tied up and suspended in the air for my viewing pleasure while you’re forced to orgasm over and over again. Or laying flat on a your back while my claws slice into your skin, leaving designs and scars that only we know about and understand. Maybe I’d just bend you over while having you accept the punishment you deserve and fill your ass with ginger until I decide you’ve had enough.” Her face reddened as i continued, each idea causing her to squirm more and more, the spicy cinnamon like scent coming from her made me want to take her right then and there. But even I have special etiquette that I follow and this was no accept ion. It is what separates us from the animals after all.”
Eclipse swallowed hard as she took another drink, finishing her glass off and taking a deep breath. “I am married yes, but we are an open relationship due to both of us also enjoying stallions. But tell me Night, why suggest those things instead of the basic vanilla things normal ponies do when they are trying to bed a mare?”
“Because you just told me that that’s exactly what you want.” Giving her a wink as she she blushed furiously, “now tell me, would you like to experience this and see what comes from it?”
“Yes!” She replies a little too quick, “I mean... yes, I would, but I must let my wife now of what we did. If you want discrete then I’ll have to pass.” She stares me down with a hoof out in front of her, eyes staring into mine with determination not to back down. Reaching my own claw out, I took her hoof and gave it a shake.
“It’s a deal, but first let’s eat.” I say as our servers arrived with our food. The rest of the meal going with small exchanges and negotiation of what’s to come.
Eclipse and I eventually found our way back into the Canterlot streets, heading back towards the castle. Her light grey fur almost looked silver in the moonlight, her flank swaying back and forth with more emphasis as she swayed her velvet tail to give me glimpses of what lay underneath.
As we entered the castle, we made our way to my private chambers, telling the other guards we passed that I was briefing her on the upcoming deployment to the Empire. Eclipse could barely hold her excitement as I opened the door and allowed her to enter first, almost running straight in before stopping herself and entering like a Guard would for a superior. Once we entered I locked the door so no pony could interrupt us and turned around to see her bent over my chest and looking at the things inside, her tail hiked over to give my eyes full access to her tight marehood and pucker. Silently, I made my way behind her before extending my tongue and dragging it over her entrances, her sweet nectar almost overwhelming my tastebuds. This elicited a moan from the young Thestral, her legs almost giving out as she turned her head to me, her tongue slightly sticking out as her breathing began turning into pants.
“Did I say you could look in there?” A slight growl exited my lips as she tried backing out of the chest, but was stopped by my claws holding her in place. I drug them through her soft fur, spreading and kneading her flank as I continued to speak, “you don’t need to worry about what’s in there. Only good pets are allowed to see. You have been a bed girl and bad girls must be punished for what they have done.” I felt her shiver in my claws, her holes both winking in anticipation of what I’ll be doing with her. Making my way to the door of the room after a soft knock was heard, I cracked it open to reveal a maid holding exactly what I had ordered a little bit earlier. A piece of ginger.
Author's Note
Part 1 of 2 of Nightwind and Eclipse, part 2 will be released soon