What is friendship to a Dragon?

Chapters

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

Chapter 1

Winter had begun in the magical land of Equestria. The winter chill swept through the lands, in some areas were harsh, while in others not so much. The town known as ponyville and the areas surrounding it were covered in a fresh blanket of snow. The local residents of emerged from their homes to behold Mother Nature’s gift, schools were closed giving the young ones a chance of free snow days and the workers were issued a day off from their work. Giving them a chance to relax and enjoy the day off with their families.

Ponies of all of ages bundled up in the appropriate attire to keep warm as they ventured out to indulge themselves in the sweet winter wonderland. Most ponies enjoyed the winter, but there were a few who disliked the season. So when the ponies had their fill of fun in the snow, they would go inside their homes where it was warm and toasty, curling up around the fireplace and wrap up themselves with a nice warm blanket or treat themselves to a nice cup of hot cocoa.

Though not all the inhabitants in Equestria were enjoying this winter wonderland. No, there was one creature in particular living deep in the Everfree Forest. The Everfree Forest was a large and unexplored forest. Like its name suggested it is a forest and unlike most forest in Equestria. In the Everfree Forest, the plants grew by themselves without the assistance of ponies; the animals cared for themselves, and the weather changes just as the season’s changes. As normal as it sounds, the forest was anything but normal. It was considered to be unnatural by the ponies of Equestria, especially the ponies who live in ponyville.

Because of its reputation, most ponies never go to Everfree Forest. Besides the reputation, the forest was filled with all sorts of strange creatures; some were even considered monsters. However there were no monsters present in the winter perhaps a few creatures moving about in the woods looking for some food. Finding food was never easy and winter was at its harshest. Though some creatures in the Everfree forest were prepared for this season’s winter particular a creature that lived in a cave.

This creature was unlike any other creature that ever lived in the Everfree forest. This particular creature was a dragon. Unlike the typical dragon that has a large hoard of gold, gems, and other valuables. This dragon was different than the normal dragons that lived in Equestria. It was a white dragon whose scales were as pure as snow and the scales of his chest and underbelly were of lime green. His wings were feathered and were slightly larger than him giving him a majestic and angelic appearance.

He had two stag like horns on his head and his snout was narrow. On his face a large scar ran down to his right eye to his jaw line. On the end of his tail was a crescent like emblems that resembled that of a flame and on his back were crescent runes that were prominent down his spine. On his legs and tail were clear blue bands, and instead of having three talons on his front paws, he possessed four. What made this dragon different from other dragons was his size; this dragon was small though it had already reach adulthood, but could still grow in a much larger size. The dragon stood up as tall as Celestia herself, but his long, slender frame, from head to tail, made him considerably longer in overall length than the princess. Thick, dense muscles were hidden under his scales, mostly in the forequarters, hindquarters, and in his long neck.

This dragon and others of his kind were elemental dragons. Dragons that were gifted with the elements of nature, but few and only few a dragons were gifted with one or more elements. This dragon however controlled more than one element, but why he controlled so many elements he did not know. Nor did he think it about as he slept. The cave that he took residence in was neither small nor was it big but it was enough for him to live in. He didn’t have any sort treasure that he slept on like normal dragons would have, but he did have a large chest that he kept his most prized possessions in and a small storage of food that he had gathered before winter had begun.

As of now the dragon was asleep, but was not enjoying his dreams. Whatever dreams he was dreaming about had suddenly jolted him awake, sitting up from his unconscious state, his chest was heavily heaving like he hadn't been breathing for minutes, his heart was beating violently against his chest as his shaken form self-scanned his surroundings and he found himself in his cave and he realized it was all just a dream. The dragon sighed in relief as realization that his dream wasn't a reality,” It was just a dream, just a dream.” The dragon thought as his breathing began to slow to calm, and his heart rate started a steady pace, leaving dragon to dwell on his tormenting thoughts. The dream was only a recollection of his past mistakes but a reminder of the one thing he lost… a very close friend; he had them frequently as if the innocent soul he had tried to save was taken away before his very eyes.

His mind twisting and suffocating him in sorrow and misery, reminding him never to forget his greatest failure. The scream of his friend only reminded him of the terror and pain that he used to hear during the Great Wars he and his brothers fought in. Now the dreams tormented him to the very core, never being rid of the great sadness that dwelled in his heart. “I should never even think about the past.” He said to himself. He shook his head trying to clear his head from the past. Having cleared his head the dragon looked around the cave to see if anything was out of place. He knew he did not have many things with him besides the chest and the small storage of food. “Food.” he thought noticing the small amount of food he had left. Not much was left only a small pile of fruit that lay before him. The storage he had now was not going to last him through the winter so maybe getting more food would clear his head from his thoughts.

With that in mind the dragon stood up to his full height and stretched, hearing a few satisfy pops around his body. Normally he would eat all kinds of fruit, but occasionally he would need to eat some meat since it was actually a part of his diet so it was only natural for him to eat meat. But since it was winter food was not easy to find. Once he finished his stretching the dragon slowly left his cave and began to move deeper into the Everfree forest. The dragon knew nothing about the Everfree forest only that it is home to a variety of creatures. Creatures that he had encountered and fought with, but some of the creatures he had met were just unnatural.

Like Timberwolves their bodies were comprised of twigs, logs, and leaves yet they took the shape of wolves, then a Manticore which he knew what they were. A creature that has the body of a lion, a scorpion's tail, and a pair of dragon-like wings. Next were the dragons, which he knew were different from him and then finally was a cockatrice. A creature that had the head of a chicken and the body of a snake. Surprisingly that creature was unnatural to him having magical abilities that turned creatures into stone. Much like the Basilisk he fought in the Great War. The dragon shivered remembering the large serpent whose direct glare causes instantaneous death or turning to stone.Though it was hard to fear a creature with the head of a chicken and the body of a snake. In an odd way it gave a bad image to the Basilisk. Yet the cockatrice was to be avoided even if it wasn’t intimidating. So with that in mind, he cautiously looked around for any signs of danger. But everything seemed peaceful at least for the moment. And if everything went well he might be able to find some food to eat. But today was going to be different.

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Meanwhile on the other side of the forest predators were on hunt. Most of the woodland creatures fled for their lives when a pack of hungry wolves were prowling about. But these wolves were much different and more vicious than the Timber wolves that lived in the Everfree Forest. These wolves were known as Saber wolves, large but much more feral than timber wolves. Saber wolves possessed unnatural strength and speed comparable to that of Timber wolves, and their claws and fangs are able to slash through the toughest of hides. These silvered faced wolves were hungry and desperate to find a meal. Mother Nature was at her cruelest during winter and these beasts were desperate for a meal. Luckily they have found something to hunt but what they were hunting was not willing to give up their lives.

The wolves were chasing a group of ponies running for their lives in the snow covered forest. Why these ponies were here in the Everfree forest, well there was a good explanation but right now they were running. The wolves were chasing after earth ponies, unicorns and two Pegasus who were also on the ground running with the unicorns and earth ponies. One was a little filly named Scootaloo who through this chase was sticking close to her two friends; an earth pony filly named Applebloom and a unicorn filly named Sweetie Belle who altogether made the trio known as the cutie mark crusaders.

The other Pegasus on the ground running was an adult mare called Fluttershy who was the spiritual representation of Kindness, one of the Elements of Harmony. The other two mares fleeing from the wolves made up half of the Elements. There was Applejack, the element of Honesty. She was the older sister of Apple Bloom. Then there was the unicorn, Rarity, who represented Generosity. She was the older sister of Sweetie Belle. Last but not least was Twilight Sparkle who was the spiritual representation of Magic and was also a unicorn.Why these seven ponies were in the forest there was a good explanation, but at this moment the wolves were slowing gaining on them! Rarity looked back to see that the wolves were slowly inching closer to them. Applejack had taken that same moment in time to look back. Her eyes widen in fear when she saw the wolves were coming closer
.
“Run faster, young’ ins! Them wolves are gaining on us!” Applejack said as she tried to hurry her little sister Applebloom and her two friends on ahead.

“You heard Applejack, Sweetie Belle. Run!” Rarity said as she tried to run faster as well.

Fluttershy looked back as well and felt cold wrenching fear. She could see the wolves were slowly gaining on them. This made her run faster, faster than she ever could. Normally she was always afraid of creatures that would do harm to her or her friends. But sometimes she would have the courage face them. She faced a manticore only thing was the poor thing had injured his paw with a thorn stuck to his paw. A large dragon that snored and even a cockatrice. But she wasn’t prepared for this. All the ponies could do was run and run they did. Something had to be done and quick. With that in mind Twilight looked at her surroundings which made up the Everfree forest and got an idea. Twilight took as much concentration off of trying to get away from the wolves as she could so she could cast a spell. Her horn began to emit a glowing aura around it which began to spread to the branches of the surrounding trees. Then the branches began to extend out behind the ponies and in front of the wolves, the branches tying themselves together.

The branches managed to slow the wolves down, few were even tangled in the branches. Applejack took a moment to look behind and smiled,” Good thinking, Twilight. That’ll slow them down a bit.”

“I hope it does.” Twilight said with a slight smile, but both girls’ expressions changed into a mixture of fear and despaired as they saw the wolves breaking through the branches as if they were nothing.

Particular a large black wolf was breaking through the branches followed by the other wolves. This wolf was the leader or known as the Alpha. The Alpha wolf was much larger than his pack mates and was very, very hungry. His mouth was wide open, showing his large canine teeth, salivating in hungry anticipation. Now the wolves were more determined as ever to catch the group of ponies. The Alpha gave a loud howl signally the rest of his pack mates to be ready as they heard the ponies deeper into the woods.

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The dragon lay on his stomach, slowly pulling himself along the ground with his arms and slowing headed towards his prey. A deer was feeding in a snow covered meadow, trying to eat on what it could find in the snow. The dragon was at least happy to have found some game today. Winter was always harsh and finding game was never easy, but today luck was on his side. The deer did not seem to sense any danger at least for the moment. Still the dragon had to be careful or else he would lose his meal. Moving slowly the dragon slowly prepared himself and just as he was about to begin his hunt. A loud and thunderous howl was heard from the distance.The deer startled by the howl panicked and fled into the forest, leaving the dragon alone in the meadow. He growled angrily smoke rising from his nostrils,” Cursed those wolves and their howling.” He said to himself. Growling in anger the dragon searched for anything else to eat, but the deer was all he could find and it was first deer he had seen in a few months.

Since there was nothing else for him to hunt, the dragon decided to head back home. There was still some food left, but he would have to find more soon. Just as he was about to head home, something had just entered the meadow and was moving fast. The dragon was surprise to see ponies in the forest, but they were not alone. Behind them was a large pack of Saber wolves and they were closing in on the ponies. The dragon didn’t what was going on, only to see both the ponies and the wolves disappear deeper into the forest. The dragon didn’t care about the ponies nor was it his problem. Yet somehow it bothered him, the ponies were frightens they as fled for their lives. Fear was a feeling he disliked and a feeling he did not wish to see on others or himself. Whatever this feeling was, it bothered him. He shook his head trying to rid this feeling in his heart. But no matter what he did he could not ignore this feeling.

It somehow made him remember something from the past, words that he remembered from his Father,” My son, you must always remember that as a Guardian, we are to protect the weak. We protect our world from the darkness. We are protectors of the light. And as protectors of the light we are to bring peace, balance and harmony to our world. As Guardians we protect what is precious to us.”

The dragon’s eyes sadden remembering the words his father taught him. He could never forget the teachings of his father, but in his heart he wanted to ignore them. ” I am not the same Guardian as I once was father. “ He whispered to himself,” How can I call myself a Guardian if I could not protect what was precious to me.” No answer came to him… and that only sadden him even more. He growled wanting to rid himself of these questions. The ponies were not important to him, but why did it bother him. All he had to was leave and be rid of these thoughts. But he couldn’t move only starring in the direction the ponies fled. Was it right for him to leave? To let them suffer their fate? Should he help them? He glared in the direction the ponies fled to. “Should I help them or should I let fate decide? What do I gain from this?” He narrowed eyes as he finally found the answer to his question. At least he hoped it was the the right decision.

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Back with the ponies things had gotten worse. The wolves were still behind them, and luck was not on their side. When the alpha howled more wolves appeared surrounding the group of ponies, not giving the ponies a chance to escape. But the chase continued and it was slowly taking a toll on the ponies. This gave the wolves an opportunity to catch up, unfortunately the chase was about to come to an abrupt end. The group of ponies let out a joint gasp as the ponies skid to stop. It turns out the path that they have chosen to run on led to a dead end which they had now just come across. The path was blocked by several huge boulder, trees, and bushes, but it was the other group of wolves that stood in their path.

Each one showing their fangs, growling and drooling just waiting to feast. Soon the other wolves arrived blocking their means of escape if there ever was another means of escape.

“What do we do?! What do we do?! What do we do?!” Sweet Belle fanatically asked the others. The other ponies didn’t know what to do. All of them knew there was no way out, and were stuck with in the forest with hungry, ravenous wolves.

"We got to do something or else we’re dog chow!” Scootaloo cried out as she huddled with her friends.

“She’s right, Twilight. What are we going to do?” Rarity asked. Everypony looked to Twilight Sparkle for the answer.

Twilight was thinking real hard of what the group’s next move should be. Though it was hard to think when you had a pack of hungry wolves around you, and it was a freighting experience. But
then finally her expression turned hard and serious as she reached a decision.

“We have no choice…. We have to make our stand here and fight these wolves.” Everypony let out a gasp of shock at Twilight’s decision.

“Are you crazy?! We can’t stand against these brutes!” shouted Rarity.

“Them wolves are going to tear us apart and you want us to fight them!”

“We don’t have any other choice! Now come on, everypony. We’ve gotten through worse situations than this. We can do it again,” said Twilight Sparkle.

But even as she made that statement, even she doubted how long they would really last against these wolves. But she wasn’t about to tell her friends. Instead she gave instructions for a strategy. “Rarity, you use your levitation magic and fling as many boulders as you can at them, while Applejack assists you with her apple bucking skills. I’ll try to hit with a few attack spells. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, you girls get as far back as you can from the fight. Fluttershy… “Twilight Sparkle saw the yellow colored pegasus shivering in fear as she looked at the approaching wolves.”…you’d better hang back with the kids,” Twilight finished.

“Everypony clear on what they need to do?”

They all nodded to Twilight Sparkle before taking their positions. Applejack looked back to make sure Apple Bloom and the others were far back enough to be safe for the time being. But she wasn’t satisfied with what she saw.

“Scoot back a little further, youngins. And stay close together now,” Applejack instructed.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders did as Applejack instructed and ran back until they were only a few feet in front of Fluttershy, who had her flank pushed up against the pile that blocked off the ponies’ escape. She wanted to be as far away from the wolves as she possibly could, it terrified her so much. But the Cutie Mark Crusaders were with Fluttershy, all feeling the emotion of sheer terror.

“I’m so scared. I don’t want to die and I don’t want any of you to die. But I don’t know how we’re going to get out of here alive!” Sweetie Belle said before her sobbing took over.Apple Bloom walked over and wrapped one of her front legs around Sweetie Belle’s shoulder for a hug.

“Don’t worry, Sweetie Belle. We are going to be alright. We have our sisters and Twilight’s here to protect us, and they won’t let anything happen to us,” said Apple Bloom. But even as she tried her best to comfort Sweetie Belle with her words, she couldn’t stop herself from shedding tears as well. She was just as scared as Sweetie Belle was.

Even Scootaloo was starting to shed tears with her friends,” This is all our fault. We should have never have come into the Everfree forest. We wouldn’t even be in danger, and now Twilight and the others wouldn’t have had to come after us and we wouldn’t have ourselves into this mess.”

Fluttershy quit shuddering in fear when she saw the distress the young fillies were feeling at the moment. She began to feel more fear for the little fillies than she had been for herself. She was a full grown mare who had been in several of these situations before. But this was a completely new experience for these poor little ones. “I should be ashamed of myself for acting the way I have when these poor little ones need somepony.” Fluttershy thought to herself. She reached out one of her hooves towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders and began walking towards them as she started to speak in attempt to comfort the frighten ponies. She embraced the young fillies, doing her best to comfort the young fillies. They accepted the embraced and the soothing words she whispered to them. Giving some reassurance that they will be alright.

With Twilight and the others things were things were starting to look up. At first the wolves were charging in sheer number, but were being pushed back. Thanks to the constant throwing of boulders thrown at them by Rarity and Applejack. And the wolves were weary of Twilight’s magic so were keeping their distance. Only a few number of wolves came close to attacking the ponies, but a few well thrown boulders stopped them from attacking. Some wolves were hurt by the boulders thrown by Rarity and Twilight.

Some wolves that were bold enough to attack Applejack were given fractured jaws and fractured bones, thanks to Applejack kicks. The wolves couldn’t even touch Twilight thanks to her magic. This gave the ponies hope that they could make it out of here alive.

“Keep it up girls; I think they’re starting to back off.” Twilight shouted as she used whatever magic spell she could use against the wolves. Sending magical bolts of magical energy towards them.

“Looks like we got them on the run.” Applejack said delivery a swift kick to a wolf that got a little too close to her hooves.

“Let’s hope it stays that way darling.” Rarity said levitating whatever she could use in her possession. Concentrating on her magic Rarity with the help of Twilight levitated a large log, hurling the large piece of wood at the wolves. Making them scatter or else they would be crushed. The situation was starting to look good for the ponies, but their hoped diminished when they heard the thunderous howl coming from the Alpha wolf. Making Fluttershy and Cutie Mark Crusaders scream in terror. This cause Fluttershy to hold the young fillies closer to her not wanting them to see the large wolf that was slowly approaching them.

The other wolves moved away from the black wolf, letting him come to the front of the pack. The Alpha wolf could see some of his pack mates injured, making him growl in anger. He barked orders, making them ready for their next attack. This time the wolves were more coordinated as they surrounded the group of ponies. Now they were avoiding the boulders Rarity was throwing and Applejack was doing her best dodging as the wolves’ tried to bite her. Twilight wasn’t doing any better either now that the wolves were more careful of her magic.

“It doesn’t appear that we’re are slowing them down at all,” said Rarity

“I know Rarity,” said Applejack as she delivered swift kick to a wolf that got a little too close,” But our sisters and our friends are depending on us.”

The Alpha only watched as his pack mates continued their attack. Waiting patiently for his chance to strike and he can already see how. Some of the ponies were huddled together as the others continued to defend themselves. Making them an easy target and easy meal. Exhaustion was finally taking a toll on the young ponies and the wolves were starting to close in. One wolf yelped having been hit by Twilight’s magic, but she didn’t have time to recover, as the shadow of a wolf fell over her. The unicorn turned towards the shadow’s source and only had time to gasp in shock and fear when she saw wolf lunging towards her.

The wolf struck against her body, sending Twilight towards the ground. Without having anytime to recovery the wolf jumped on top of her, using its front claws to hold her down. This caused Rarity and Applejack to lose their focus as their friend was in trouble. Before the two ponies could do anything to help Twilight, the wolves struck pinning the ponies down and thus ending their any means of defense.

“Girls!” Fluttershy shouted seeing her friends were all down and on the other side; there was nothing left to keep the large black wolf from coming upon them. The three little fillies realized this and began to cry and scream for help.

“Help us! Somepony, help us!” Sweetie Belle screamed out.

“Please! Please! Please! We don’t wanna die! Help!” Apple Bloom added on.

“Can anypony hear us?! Help us!” Scootaloo shouted.

Fluttershy saw the wolf slowly coming towards them. The Cutie Mark Crusaders huddled close together as they cried in fear. “Oh no! The wolf has us cornered and it’s going to hurt us if somepony doesn’t do something,” thought Fluttershy. She looked around hoping to find any means of escape, but there was none. Her friends were unable to do anything to help and the made her realize on what she had to do, “It has to be me,” She thought,” I’m the only pony still standing, and I’m the only pony who can save my friends.” Fluttershy took a few deep breaths trying her best to calm her nerves. Then she pulled her herself away from the fillies.

But whatever courage she had left her as the Alpha let out a bellowing snarl. Fluttershy let out a terrified scream causing her to huddle with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The ponies tremble with fear waiting for the wolf to bring them to their end. The four ponies found that none of them were able to run, for they were paralyzed with fear. Even if they could run, where would they run to? The other wolves were blocking their means of escape.

“Fluttershy! Run! All of you run!” Twilight shouted.

“Girls run while you still have the chance!” Rarity shouted.

“Run now!” Applejack shouted.

But they couldn’t move as the as the large wolf charged its mouth open ready to devour its prey. The ponies began to scream, as it seemed they were doom. But they opened their eyes when they thought they heard the wolf cry out in pain. What all the ponies saw was unbelievable. The Alpha wolf was struck by a large white dragon that had appeared before them. The Alpha wolf struggle to escape the grip the dragon had on him, snarling at him to let go. But the dragon did not let go his talons sinking deeper into the wolf’s flesh, instead it gave out a thunderous roar startling the wolves and ponies around him.

Suddenly without warning the dragon hurled the Alpha wolf towards his pack mates, a series of yelps were heard as the wolves were struck by their leader’s body. Once that was done the dragon turned to where the other ponies were only to the see the wolves charging towards him with their claws extended. The rest of the pack joined in on the attack. This gave Twilight and her friends a chance to regroup with the others since the wolves that guarded them went to attack the dragon.

They could only watch as the battle began to unfold. The wolves were biting the dragon with their gleaming fangs, failing to cause any damage due to the durability of the dragon scales. Though few wolves manage to pierce his hide around his legs and arms. The dragon countered using his teeth and claws, injuring only the wolves that cause pain around his body. But soon the dragon was overwhelmed by the sheer number of wolves as they all pounce upon him. Each one sinking their fangs and claws on to the dragon’s body. The dragon roared rolling on the ground to rid himself of the wolves that covered his body, soon there was a mess a bodies rolling, pouncing and biting. Roars and snarls were heard as the combatants fought against one another. The ponies remained where they were unable to move as the fight continued. All of them stayed in their place as they stared at the dragon that had arrived out of nowhere.

“I don’t …believe it? A dragon just saved us. Are you girls seeing this?” Twilight asked.

“I am, but I don’t believe it. That big fella just saved our lives.” Applejack answer.

“Well let’s hope he doesn’t decide to eat us after he’s dealt with these brutes.” Rarity added though, a part of her hope this dragon was a friend and not an enemy.

The others were thinking the exact same thing, though Fluttershy was thinking of something else. Fluttershy was fearful of many things, and at times she would have the courage to face them, but if there was one thing she feared the most it was Dragons. She never seen dragons fight before and now here she was watching a dragon fight. She wasn’t fond of dragons except for Spike since he was just a baby dragon and then there was this one time she actually faced a full grown dragon. The large red dragon was bully to her friends and Fluttershy could not stand by and watch her friends get bullied.

She gained enough courage to fly up to the dragon and admonish him for what she calls his bullying. Cowed by Fluttershy's tone, the dragon tries to justify his anger by explaining that Rainbow Dash kicked him. Much to Rainbow Dash's confusion, Fluttershy apologizes for Dash's attack on the dragon, but also says that the dragon is bigger than the ponies and should be more considerate. She also admonishes him for sleeping in a place where his snoring could endanger the health of other creatures. The dragon weakly attempts to argue back, but Fluttershy won't let him. After he has been scolded so harshly that the red dragon bursts into tears, Fluttershy comforts him to which the dragon accepts leaves the mountain after he was asked nicely by Fluttershy. But this dragon before her was much different. This dragon showed anger and was vicious. Not at all like the dragon she faced yet that dragon was a bully, this dragon was something else and she could only hope that this dragon would not harm her or her friends.

The fight continued as the wolf charged straight for the dragon with fangs fully extended. The dragon readied himself and evaded the wolf’s furious strike. Suddenly, in a blink of the evasion the dragon unleashed a devastating attack towards the craze wolf and hitting it directly in its rib cage. An air breaking sound could be heard as the craze wolf coughed and choked as its chest shattered from the impact. The dragon threw the defeated wolf aside to writhe in pain as its life slowly came to a gurgling halt.

The dragon roared and smashed his head against the wolf’s fragile skull. Thus, the wolf’s husk fell to the ground with its, nose and mouth bleed in a grotesque excitement. Suddenly, another wolf appeared and leaped towards the dragon from behind but the fire breather was ready for a counter attack and caught the wolf in his horns. Quickly, the dragon used the wolf's momentum and gave the wolf a powerful hurl into a tree that gave an air cracking pop. The dragon then looked outwards at the defeated wolf and felt the presences of many more craze wolves ready to attack his backside, so in response the dragon gave a mighty tail swing that swiftly daunted the horde of wolves attack. The wolves continued their attack never wavering from their assault.

The Alpha’s eyes narrowed, glaring and gave off a menacing leer towards the white dragon. The White dragon’s strength proves most effective among the fight, for most of the wolves were greatly injured. However, despite the injury the pack of wolves has sustain, the wolves unwillingly attacked with relentless fury and were ambitious as they fought. Then, the Alpha wolf barked a new order of attack that would overpower the white dragon’s capabilities. The dragon was so preoccupied with the other wolves that he failed to notice the wolves approaching him. Until, violently a wolf closed in and ferociously clamped his teeth onto the dragon’s his left wing. Thus, the dragon was Bellowing in pain as his wing was pulled to the side by yet even more wolves.

A dragon’s wings are sensitive and fragile, so in a fight dragons have to be extremely careful because if the wings are injured it would cause more than just deep seething pain but also serious problems like flight disability. Consequently, pain shot through the dragon’s wing as it was pulled, and then the dragon turned in an agitated manner to his attackers only to feel more pain in his wings. More wolves were biting into his wings, pulling in the opposite direction. His wings once looking majestic now looked as if they have been torn asunder and riddle with blood. Roaring In anger the dragon tried to shake the wolves off his wings, but the wolves refuse to let go only applying more pressure to their attack.

The fire breather was so preoccupied with his wings that he failed to notice the Alpha wolf approaching, moving swiftly readying itself to deliver the Killing blow. The Alpha wolf curled his lips back, bearing his fangs to the roots in a vicious snarl. In an instant the Alpha wolf leaped for the dragon’s throat where the softest scales were located. The teeth lightly penetrated the scales, but they were not able to dig down into the thick artery which he sought to tear apart. Letting go, the Alpha wolf leaped aside a safe distance as his comrades attack. Trickles of scales escaped the bite wound, but it wasn’t enough to bring the dragon down.

Roaring in anger the white dragon struck the wolves with his powerful fore-claws. He hack and slash the wolves off his wings; as a result, the craze pack of wolves cried out in pain as they had their bodies grossly severed from the dragon's wings. The instant his wings were free, the Alpha wolf closed in, clamping his teeth once more in the dragon’s neck. The dragon roared and tried to pull away, but the large black wolf held on, jaws clenching harder.

The Alpha wolf tasted blood and it encourage him to hold on. He shook his head, teeth working at the muscle. Roaring the fire breather bit down into the wolf, sinking his teeth deeply in its flesh with a sicken crack heard from where the dragon had bitten. The Alpha wolf howls in agony making him release its jaws from the dragon’s throat. Now that he was free, the dragon took the offensive. With the wolf still in his jaws the white dragon swings his foe with all his might. The powerful throw sends the Alpha wolf flying through the air before colliding into a large boulder, making a horrible cracking sound.

The rest of the wolves ceased their attack as their leader laid still, only to hear their leader sputter blood withering in agonizing pain before his life came to a gurgling halt. With their leader gone the dragon decided to end this fight, the fire breather stood tall to his full height despite the injuries that covered his body. Extending his wings to their fullest, making himself much larger than he really was. He roared in full force, making his display of dominance more threatening. This display proved enough to scare the wolves off as they turned tail and took off into the forest. With the danger averted and the threat gone, the fire breather took a moment to regain his breath and fanned his wings trying to ease his muscles from the pain that lingered. Blood was flowing out from his neck, shoulders, and arms, making him already ragged appearance even worse. He however paid it little attention as he glanced behind him to see the ponies behind him.

Twilight and others did not move, fearing that if they did the dragon would come after them, but to their surprise the dragon merely looked at them and then walked away. Leaving them without so much as a word. But there had to be a reason as to why this dragon chose to save them, there just as to be. So with whatever courage she had Twilight called out to the dragon.

“Wait!” she called out, making the dragon freeze in place, his entire body going rigid. “Why did you save us?” This question made the others curious as well though hopefully this dragon would answer Twilight’s question peacefully. The dragon turned his head, his expression showing nothing of annoyance or anger.

“I do not know why I saved you or your friends…. Perhaps there is a reason, but I do not know what that reason is.” He answered truthfully,” Nor should you be concern about it. Leave before the wolves return.” The dragon said as he resumed his walk.

“But you need help.” Twilight said.

“I don’t need help nor did I--ack“a jolting pain ripped out from within him. Gasping to breath, the fire breather barely had time to grasp his chest before falling to his side, unable to move; shaking violently from the excruciating pain. The last thing the dragon saw before passing out was the ponies rushing up to him.

Chapter 2

Pain, it’s all the dragon could feel, and the cold, the harsh bitter cold. He was so tired that he could barely keep his eyes open. But he could still hear, he could hear faint voices. Voices that spoke about him, some sort of disagreement or argument, he couldn’t really tell. Whatever these ponies were talking about, he hoped that they would leave him alone.

“Are sure it’s wise to bring a dragon back with us to Ponyville?” a voice said.

“Well we can’t just leave him here to die; I mean he just saved our lives.” Another voice answered,” The least we could do is help him.”

“If we were to help, where should we take him? Ponyville is not exactly the kind of place that would accept dragons of his kind.”

“What about Spike, he’s a dragon and I don’t believe any pony has a problem with him.” A third voice spoke with an accent.

“Well… Spike is different, he is kind, helpful, sweet and protective of us and might I say he is just so adorable. While this dragon here is…. A bit harsh and rather rude.”

“Harsh or not, he still needs our help.” Twilight said, ”Fluttershy is there anything you can do for him?”

The shy pegasus sadly shook her head,” I wish I could help him… but-“she was startled as the dragon groaned in pain. The yellow pegasus was dreadfully afraid of dragons, except for Spike since he was a baby dragon. But looking at this dragon withering in pain, she knew that this dragon risk his life to protect them, and Fluttershy did have a special talent in communicating with animals, which she uses in order to provide them with food, medical attention and other forms of care when they needed it. She knew how dangerous dragons were, and she knew he may be a threat. But now that she looked at how weak, injured and defenseless he was right now, she couldn't let him suffer from those injuries.

“We need to get him somewhere safe, so I can treat his wounds,” Fluttrershy said more force in her voice.

“And where can we take him Fluttershy?” Rarity asked her dear friend,” To your cottage?”

“Well no… I mean we could take him there…. But I don’t think Angel and the other animals would be comfortable with a dragon staying with them.”

“Well then why not Sweet Apple Acres.” Apple Bloom suggested.

The four mares turned to the young filly that had suggested the idea. Sweet Apple Acres was a good place and it was away from Ponyville, but how would the rest the Apple family feel about housing a dragon in their home.

“I don’t know Apple Bloom, taking him to the farm does sound like a good idea, but how would Granny Smith and Big Macintosh feel about him?” Applejack questioned her young sister.

“I don’t really know, but they would want to help him after what he did for us.” She answered, looking at the dragon with sad eyes. ”We just have to help him.”

“Apple Bloom’s right, if it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be standing here at all.” Scootaloo said.

“We will help him. Won’t we Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking up to her older sister.

“Of course we will Sweetie Belle, it’s just-“A loud howl was heard, making the ponies jump in fright.

“We better go before those wolves decide to come back.” Twilight stated as her horn began to glow. ”Rarity I may need your help.” Rarity nodded understanding what needed to be done. Both unicorns horns glowed, their magic surrounding the body of the dragon. Their combined magic gently levitated the dragon’s body, both being very careful.

“Applejack, Fluttershy you two go on ahead and get everything ready at Sweet Apple Acres. We’ll meet up there as soon as we can.” Twilight instructed.

“What about us Twilight? What can we do to help” Apple Bloom asked, hoping that the Cutie Mark Crusaders would be of some help.

“You girls go with Fluttershy, help her get whatever she needs.” Twilight instructed, the three young fillies nodded, following behind Fluttershy and Applejack went on ahead with the young fillies close behind them. Leaving Twilight and Rarity alone with the dragon that was gently levitated by their magic. Both mares moved slowly and gently as they could, both not wanting to worsen the injuries the dragon had sustained.

“Twilight, dear. Are you sure it’s still a good idea to bring a dragon with us back to Ponyville.” Rarity questioned her friend.

“To be honest, Rarity, I really don’t know. All I know is that this dragon saved our lives and we have to help, it’s the least we could for him.” Twilight answered truthfully, though a part did feel a little uneasy about bringing a dragon to Ponyville.

“Well I just hope he does not cause any trouble to Ponyville or any kind of trouble at all.” Rarity said.

“So do I Rarity, so do I.” With that said both ponies continued on their journey towards Ponyville, with the dragon still in their magic grasp. They moved on quickly, leaving behind today’s events that transpired in the Everfree forest and the danger that still might linger.
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Sweet Apple Acres is the family farm orchard located near Ponyville, home to Applejack, Big MacIntosh, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith. Well known for its sweet and juicy red apples, Apple Cider, and Zap apples made for its sweet apple jams. Sadly the apple orchard was barren due to the harshness of the cold winter season. But the Apple family were prepared for winter and stocked up on their supply of food for winter. Where we find Applejack, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Fluttershy preparing the barn for the arrival of Twilight, Rarity and their injured guest.

Applejack had spoken to Granny Smith and Big Macintosh after returning from Everfree forest; both were a little uncomfortable housing a dragon in their barn, but after hearing what happen to her, to her sister and her friends. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh both agreed and allowed the use of the barn for the dragon’s recovery, since the dragon had risked his life protecting the Apple sister and their friends from danger. This was enough to convince both Granny Smith and Big Macintosh that the dragon was no threat, at least they hope so.

The barn was cleaned and ready to be use, now all the ponies had to do was wait for Twilight and Rarity to arrive. With the barn cleaned, there was the task of getting medical supplies, luckily Fluttershy had gather all the necessary medical supplies from her cottage with some help from Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. Fluttershy thanked the girls for helping her gather all the medical supplies she needed to treat the dragon’s wounds.

Now all they had to do was wait, but their waiting was cut short when they heard a knock on the door. Applejack quickly made her way to the door and opened it, greeted by Twilight and Rarity with the dragon still surrounded in an aura of magic. The two unicorns walked in, still holding the dragon in their magic aura. The dragon groaned deeply, a large fang deeply imbedded in his neck, which was coated in his dark red blood, and it continued to seep the liquid of life. Fluttershy looked on with worry gracing her features, her unyielding urge to nurse the dragon. Unfolding her wings, she flapped them as she pushed herself off the ground with her hind legs.

“Girls, make sure you put him down gently.” The yellow pegasus instructed gently. Which the girls nodded as they gently laid the dragon on hay bale makeshift bed. She grabbed a bottle of iodine from her saddlebag, hovering in front of the large reptile. ”Applejack, I need you get to me warm clean water.”

“Alright, I’ll be right back with that water.” Applejack said, going to fetch the water that Fluttershy had asked.

“Rarity, Twilight I may need your help with this.” Fluttershy said eyeing the large fang that was imbedded in the dragon’s neck.

“What would you want us to do, dear?” Rarity asked, with Twilight beside her.

“Grab those towels next to you and get ready to press down on the wound, Twilight, I need you to hold him down just in case he tries to move.” Fluttershy instructed. Both unicorns did as they were told, Twilight moving next to the dragon and gently holding him down and Rarity with the towels ready. The dragon started to move, then Fluttershy pressed her hoof down on his shoulder as his body began to make movements that indicated he was attempting to move.

"Oh no, no, no, no. Don't you move, Mister Dragon," Fluttershy commanded in a motherly tone. The dragon’s movement ceased almost as if the dragon was listening. She was a little worried since she had never fixed an injury on a dragon before; however she did possessed enough experience, knowledge, and good judgment to mend almost any infliction. Most of the injuries the dragon had received could easily be mended, but the wound on his neck was by far the worst.

The large fang was be removed first; otherwise the injury would only worsen if not properly attended to. With a determined look Fluttershy gently placed her hooves around the fang, signaling her friends to be ready. With a firm and gently pull the fang was removed, but the dragon moved from the sudden pain, making Twilight hold him down. Rarity moved in quickly pressing the towel firmly in the wound, stopping the blood that escaped from the wound.

Applejack finally arrived with the water that Fluttershy had asked for early, placing the bucket of water next to her, “Applejack, Twilight I need you two to soaked the towels in water and clean his wounds.” Fluttershy softly commanded. Both ponies nodded as they followed Fluttershy’s instructions. The towels were soaked in warm water and were gently pressed to the dragons wounds. This made sure that infection would not spread as the wounds were thoroughly cleaned

Minutes elapsed before Fluttershy took her blood-stained towel away and set it aside. Reaching for a few squares of gauze, she soaked them with iodine and proceeded to dab and wipe the wounds clean. She used both of her hooves as she worked considering the fact that tending to an injury was a bi-manual task. Rarity, Applejack, and Twilight moved aside, allowing Fluttershy to tend to the dragons wounds.

The fire breather winced at the stinging pain every now and again. Fluttershy paused for a second to look up at him with sympathy-glazed eyes. As she reached up to pat him on the nose with her hoof, she spoke to him in such a sweet voice.

"You poor baby," she crooned to him. "It's okay. It'll be over soon."

“Baby?” Scootaloo whispered. Apple Bloom shrugged as did Sweetie Belle. Knowing Fluttershy it was her way of comforting the injured reptile.

Fluttershy resumed cleaning his wounds as did the others. Eventually the yellow pony went for the needle, sanitizing the threading needle; she plucked a hair from her mane. She threaded the capillaceous strand through the needle's loop and secured it in a knot. Tilting her head to look at the dragon, who was still unconscious. If the dragon was awake, he would not be very happy as to what was about to happen next. Fluttershy was about to close the wound, when she realized the needle wouldn't be able to penetrate the dragon scales hit. They would have to be removed if she was going to sew the skin back together. Tentatively, she grasped onto the first scale attached to the edge of the torn flesh, knowing that this was going to hurt the fire breather. Yanking it off, the dragon responded with a grunt. A quick apology followed and the pony went away with removing more scales.

After what seemed like an excruciatingly long time, every single scale encircling each fang mark on reptile's body had been removed, revealing a layer of skin underneath. Fluttershy left his wounds alone for a few minutes to allow the burning pain to ebb away from where scales used to be. Fluttershy softly stroked the dragon's upper arm in a comforting manner, her face morphed into an apologetic expression for causing him pain. Gently as she could, she to begin stitching his flesh back together.

"Oh… okay…" Threading needle at the ready, Fluttershy started stitching. Twilight and the other ponies couldn't keep their eyes off of the yellow pegasus. Her face had contorted into a look of concentration as she sewed wound after wound in smooth, gentle motions. Just by observing her technique, the others could plainly see that she was adept in dealing with injuries.

“My goodness Fluttershy, where did you ever learn to stich like that.” Rarity asked with great curiosity.

“I had a lot of practice.” Fluttershy answered; truthfully she had learned it from Rarity when both girls would have some time to enjoy each other’s company. Mostly it was Fluttershy who would come to Rarity when they would have fun together.” And a good teacher.” Making Rarity smile.

Each pinprick wound didn't require any more than a few stitches each. It didn't take long at all for Fluttershy to finish closing up the bite marks on his arms, legs, and especially his neck. After that was accomplished, she snagged one of the towels and fluttered to the bucket to soak it in warm water and lather it with a little soap. Gliding back over to the dragon, she scrubbed off the traces of blood then went over them again with a dry towel. She washed her hooves and arms clean, sanitizing her hooves afterward.

Fluttershy wasn't done yet. Returning to him, she picked up the roll of gauze to wrap his arms, legs and neck. Once the wounds were properly cleaned and taken care of, the shy pegasus moved to examine his wings. The dragon’s once beautiful and majestic wings were now tatter and shredded, but thankful they were not broken. It would take time for his wings to fully heal, so all she could do is clean them and carefully wrapped the gauze bandages around his wings.

Fluttershy gave a calm sigh as she placed the last cool rag on the dragon’s forehead. Each of the gauze bandages that covered half a dozen cuts all across his body was tinged with red, the largest being from the neck. “Ok, I think that’s all I can do for him now.”

“Fluttershy, is he going to be ok?” Sweetie Belle asked, looking very sad as the dragon continued to sleep.

Fluttershy glanced down at her, with a small smile,” He’ll be alright.”

“Really?” she asked, her frown slowing turning into a smile.

“Oh yes, in just a few days he’ll be as good as new.” Fluttershy answered, smiling as the Cutie Mark Crusaders gave her the biggest smiles they could show. The others girls smiled as well, happy that everything was okay. But there were still a few things that needed to be answered,

“So uh, Twilight, is there anything we should know about this dragon and why he saved us?” Applejack asked.

“None that I can think about, but maybe I might find some answers in my books.” Twilight answered truthfully,” and I am bit curious myself. I mean why would a dragon save us, dragons are not exactly friendly nor are they protective to others.”

“Do you think there is a reason why he protected us? “Sweetie Belle asked.

“Well whatever that reason is, Sweetie belle. We should all be grateful that he saved us.” Rarity answered.

"We should count our blessings. You know, as bad as it was, we should really count our blessings. I mean it, that could've been worse," said Applejack, "A lot worse.”

"You said it, Sis. I was so scared," said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah, I really thought our number was up," said Scootaloo.

"But thanks to all of you, we're safe," said Sweetie Belle.

"Seriously, if it wasn't for you..." Scootaloo started.

"We'd be history!" Apple Bloom finished.

"Thanks for saving us, everypony," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, thanks y'all!" Apple Bloom added on.

"Thank you all so, so, so, so much!" Scootaloo finished.

"Well of course we saved you, youngins. That's what friends are for and two..." Applejack stopped and looked over at the dragon.

"I mean two of us as your big sisters and one dragon. We're always gonna be there to help you out in a jam."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders all smiled up at Applejack, Rarity, Twilight and Fluttershy, all of who stood directly in front of them. But their smiles faded when they saw looks of anger spread across their older sisters' faces and Twilight, except for Fluttershy who only had a look of disappointment.

"But, maybe you wanna tell us just why the hay we had to go chasing after your little flanks through the Everfree Forest to save you this time?!' exclaimed Applejack.

"Really, Sweetie Belle, what were you thinking?! You could have been killed! If not by those wolves, then sure enough by one of the other horrible monsters lurking within the Everfree Forest!" Rarity scolded.

"What in tarnation could've possibly of gotten into your little filly heads to get you to go into the forest?!" asked Applejack.

The three little ponies looked away in shame, unable to face their sisters. It was Scootaloo who looked back to the three mares and finally stepped forward to spill the beans and face the music.

"It was my fault we went into the forest and ran into trouble, Applejack. It was my idea to go and I talked Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle into it," said Scootaloo.

"Scootaloo, why would you do all that?!" asked Twilight Sparkle scolding. Scootaloo looked away to hide the tears coming out of her eyes.

"Well... I... I... I was trying to get us our-"

"Your cutie marks," said Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity all at the same time.

"Your cutie marks in what? Suicide?!" asked Applejack.

"We were trying to get...explorer cutie marks. Like Daring Do," said Scootaloo.

"First of all, Daring Do is a fictional character. She's not real," said Rarity.

"Secondly, you ought to know by now that the Everfree Forest is no place for youngins! It is the most dangerous place in Equestia with the most dangerous of creatures!" said Applejack.

"Indeed, you will never find a monster more dangerous than those in the EverFree Forest. I can't believe you'd put your lives on the line just for cutie marks. I must say, I'm very upset with the three of you. Especially you, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity.

"We're sorry," the three fillies said as they looked up at the adult ponies.

"Not as sorry as you're going to be when I talk with Granny Smith about this, Apple Bloom," said Applejack.

"The same goes for you when I tell Mother and Father about this, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity.

"Aaaawwww," said Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle at the same time.

"Twilight, did you want to add anything?" asked Applejack as she looked to the lavender unicorn. But she shook her head in response.

"No, this is something that should be discussed amongst their family superiors," said Twilight Sparkle. “And a proper apology given to our injured friend.”

"If you say so. Fluttershy dear, how about you?" asked Rarity.

“Maybe we shouldn’t be too hard on them.”

"Ooooookay. On that note, I reckon we'd better go and let our guest rest. Come on now, Apple Bloom," said Applejack. The young pony did as her big sister said and trotted up alongside her. As they walked away, they could still hear Applejack chewing her little sister out.

"We'd better start along back home too, Sweetie Belle. We have much to discuss with Mommy and Daddy. Come along," said Rarity.

Sweetie Belle trotted up to her sister's side with her head hung in shame. As the two unicorns walked away, Rarity could still be heard scolding her sister just like Applejack had been doing to Apple Bloom. Scootaloo looked up at Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy, who has a stern look on her face.

"Well, Twilight... are you going to chew me out like Applejack and Rarity did to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle?" asked the orange filly.

"No. That's a job for your mother and your father, neither of which I am. So no, I won’t give you a long lecture. I can however say this," said Twilight Sparkle. ”That you, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle have a lot to think about.”

The young filly frowned and bowed her head in shame. Fluttershy gave a small smile as she reached out one and pulled Scootaloo closer to her.

“Everything will be all right Scootaloo… I mean I know things might look bad now, but in the end everything will turn out for the best.” Said Fluttershy as she smiled down at the orange filly.

“You… really think so” Scootaloo asked as she looked up to Fluttershy.

“Oh yes, I’m sure everything will be alright.” She answered with a small smile, giving Scootaloo a loving hug while Twilight watched from the side with a smile.

“Come on, Scootaloo. I’ll take you home.” said Twilight.

“Okay, and thanks Twilight.” said Scootaloo. And with that, the two walked away. But before leaving Twilight stopped,” Are you going to okay being alone with him.” Twilight said pointing a hoof where the dragon was sleeping.

“I think I’ll be okay on my own for a bit.” Fluttershy said glancing behind her to see the dragon still sleeping.

“Okay, then I’ll see you later. Goodbye” said Twilight, Scootaloo following close behind. Leaving Fluttershy alone to tend to the dragon as he slept.

The shy pegasus returned to the dragon’s side, still sleeping peacefully as he slept. She arrived to the male's side, and with much care slowly collapsed upon her legs, to lay down. She slowly and carefully began scrolling her eyes across the sight of his body. She started on the forearms in front of her. Fluttershy had never paid attention to the scars since she was tending to his wounds. The scars ran up his arm and to the rest of his being, marked with his lime greened scales. The scars seemed to be claw like, scratches and cuts from battle. She noticed one of the scratched that cut horizontal to his paw. This one was particular, a clean cut, unlike the others he held. Slowly and carefully, the pegasus brought her hoof down upon the scar. Her hoof touched the strong scales without disturbing the dragon from his sleep. She slowly ran her hoof around the scar.

“I'm sorry”, she thought to herself, as she ran a hoof across the discoloration once more. For a moment she wondered if it had hurt. This dragon must have suffered so much pain.

The female began to go up, past his arm, and reached her sight up to his back. The muscles here were quite strong. His body was marked well; she looked at his wings. They were sturdy, powerful, injured, but they would heal in time. Her eyes began to slowly go upwards to his face. The young mare carefully studied, noticing a large scar upon his right eye. This scar was much older than the others, making her wonder how he received a scar this large.

The young mare fragily brought her hoof over to the side of his face, and gently touched the mark. The skin on the scar was rough, and rugged. All of a sudden, the yellow pegasus heard a soft muffled grunt. Fluttershy shot her look to the male dragon, with the fear that she had been caught. When she glanced, she found the dragon still sleeping. Relieved, Fluttershy slowly and carefully placed her hoof back down on the hard floor.

"Sky-….-wind," the dragon suddenly murmured out. "Brother." Fluttershy caught attention of this.

“Skywind?” she whispered. “Who is Skywind?” Little did she know, her question was about to be answered.

Chapter 3

Over the clouded skies of the Everfree Forest, there was a pegasus in flight. This particular pegasus was massive, a full head taller than Big Mac, one of the larger stallions that resides in Ponyville and a definite above average sized stallion. His size was massive that he may be on eye level with Princess Celestia herself. He was powerfully built, every inch of his body was rock hard muscle. His coat was a deep black color, darker than that of the night sky, supplemented by a silver mane hanging around his head and neck. He had very large graceful wingspan far larger than the average pegasus.

And his cutie mark was different, but also unique. It was a symbol or an image that resemble a dragon, white in color. Other than his cutie mark, what was unique about this pegasus was his eyes, His eyes were a deep red, filled with great sadness. His eyes held remorse and a deep feeling of loneliness. A loneliness that never ceased to leave him.

As a young foal, the pegasus never had many friends while growing up. The only friends he ever had while growing up was his older brother and his friends, but also his dear sweet mother and caring father. He never knew his real parents, but he was happy with what he had. A mother and father that cared for them deeply. And they were his only friends, and that made him happy. But there was still something, like an emptiness inside him. He did not know what it was, but it was a feeling,or question that he had always wanted answered.

But now it did not matter to him, something else was on his mind and that was finding his older brother. The black pegasus had been flying for three days, searching for the place that his brother resided in. He did not know exactly where he was going, only that he followed instructions given to him by a friend.”

He could still remember the words that were said to him by the Wise One three days ago,” You will find your brother in the southern lands, in a forest filled with monsters. This forest is a place of untold danger. The Everfree forest is where you will find your brother, but you find something else beyond the forest. Something very special.”

“And what will I find beyond this forest, Master?” The pegasus asked.

The old one smiled,” Now that my young friend, you must find out on your own.”

The pegasus sighed wondering what the Old One meant by his words,” What is so special beyond the forest, Master.” He said to himself,” And where can I find this forest.”

No answer came, which meant he was on his own. Normally he would get answers from the elders back home, but getting an answer from the Wise One was never easy. Leaving home wasn’t exactly easy either, but he manage to get this far without any trouble. So things were going well for him, except he was lost. And for obvious reasons, one he did not know where his brother was, and two it was freezing cold.

Flying in the cold air was taking a toll on his body. Flying did help a lot in traveling great distances, but eventually he would have to land soon so he could rest and regain his strength. So with that in mind the large pegasus continued to fly. Sadly the area around him was not really suitable for resting. The land was covered in deep snow, no signs of life anywhere. Winter was at its harshest this time of year that much he knew. If he did not find shelter soon he would surcumb to the bitter cold, luckily there were some trees in the distance. A forest not far from him, which meant if there was a forest there was bound to be a place for him to rest. Beating his wings faster, the pegasus cut through the branches of towering trees, trying to find some place warm and dry. There were not many suitable places for him to rest in, but he continued on. He very was careful as not to make his presence known to the forest as there were sure to be some predators that lurked in this woods. All of which made the process that much more difficult.

Eventually he found a clearing, suitable for him to land. Landing gently the pegasus’s hooves touched the snow covered ground. The clearing that he stood in was small and the trees were barren. He looked around, searching for any sign of life, but there was none. None the less, he still had to keep his guard. Otherwise the predators that roamed these land would find an easy meal. Not wanting to waste time the stallion walked deeper into forest, but being very cautious of the surrounding area. He hoped to find shelter soon before nightfall.
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Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the sun was slowly descending and the moon was beginning to rise to the night sky. Signify that the day was over and that all creatures should prepare themselves to a long deserved sleep. To where we find Fluttershy still wide awake in the barn, watching as the dragon continued to sleep. Sleep was beginning to take a toll on the shy pegasus making her yawn quietly so as to not to disturb the dragon’s sleep.Then she heard some noise behind her.

The door to the barn opened revealing Applejack with a lantern in her hoof. “Everything alright in here sugarcube?” she asked closing the door behind her.

Fluttershy nodded,”Everything is-”yawn” all right.” she answered.

“That’s good to know.” Applejack said,”How’s our friend doing.”

“I really don’t know?” Fluttershy answered softly, watching as the dragon continued to sleep.”He hasn't woken up yet."

“Well I hope he gets better.” Applejack’s gaze fell upon the dragon. ”It getting kinda late.” Her eyes meet Fluttershy.” I think its best we get some sleep ourselves.”

“I...I don’t Applejack, I don’t want to him alone. I mean what if he needs help and I’m not there when he needs help.” The pegasus said, feeling a little uneasy to leave the dragon alone.

“Now don’t you worry bout a thing. Granny Smith and I can handle things from here.” Applejack reassured,” And if anything happens to our friend then I’ll be sure to let you know if we need anything.”

“Well okay… I guess I can go home if that's okay with you,” Fluttershy said as she stood up.”You will let me know if anything happens to him right?”

“I will and don’t you worry bout a thing.” Applejack said reassuring her friend.

Fluttershy nodded and stretched her sore muscles as she stood up, Applejack following her as both mares left the barn quietly. The shy pony looked back over her shoulder one last time before leaving, wanting to make sure the dragon will be alright. The door closed quietly behind them, leaving the sleeping dragon alone.
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Back in the forest the black pegasus was still searching and the moon had already risen to its full height. The pegasus sighed sadly, annoyed at not finding a suitable place for him to rest and to make matters worse a howled was heard from distance. Making the stallion more aware of his surroundings.

“This day seems to get better and better,” he thought. “First, the cold weather, and now I may have to deal with ravenous wolves. Can things get any worse?”

Suddenly a growl was heard and three pair of yellow eyes appeared in the bushes in front of him. Slowly without moving the Stallion took a defensive stance. Three creatures jumped out of the shadows.They looked like large wolves but much more feral and they didn't have any fur at all, instead their whole body seemed to be made out of sticks and branches. The creatures slowly drew near. Timber wolves were known to be the apex predator of the Everfree forest, but usually there was always a bigger predator other than them.

The black stallion’s wings spread out from his back. The angle at which he held his wings caused the feathers to splay upwards and outwards, giving the impression that the pegasus was considerably larger than he actually was, the feathers on his wings spreading giving him a much more larger appearance. Two wolves backed away from this suddenly display, but the third was not bother. The leader only growled as he stood his ground.

Another wooden wolf jumped out of the bushes behind him. The pegasus eyed the wolves with a smirk. The wolves just stared back at him growling, but a few moments passed when none of them moved. “So who’s first?”

Suddenly one of the wolves burst out from their formation and charged. The stallion jumped to the side and the wolf missed its target. The second wolf charged towards him, baring his fangs. Moving swiftly the pegasus sidestep, delivery a swift kick to the wolf’s side. The timber wolf was sent flying, hitting tree before breaking off into small pieces of branches and sticks. The second wolf charged intending to sink its teeth in the pegasus’s flesh, but pegasus bucked low and swung his hoof upward hitting the wolf hard in the chest. The wolf choked, missing his breath and grasped as he fell. The stallion spun out of the way to avoid being crushed as the third wolf tried to pounce, but missed as the pegasus moved away keeping his distance.

Both predator and prey were at a safe distance from each other. The timber wolves quickly recovered and were growling in anger seeing their prey was standing without a scratch. The pegasus stomped his hoof readying himself as the timber wolves prepared to charged. Without warning the wolves charged, the leader lifting his its gigantic claws to strike him. The pegasus stood his ground, feeling the wind surround him. Spreading his wing to their fullest the stallion unleashed a gale-force wind. The powerful gust of wind impacted and dented into the timber wolves chest, throwing them backwards with more force than when he had punched the first wolf.

The timber wolves broke apart their bodies shattering in pieces, their forms disappearing leaving nothing but sticks and branches. The pegasus ceased his flapping, the wind dying down as his wings came to a complete stop. He looked to where the wolves were thrown, but there was nothing except a pile of wood. The pegasus turned his back as he continued his searched for a place to sleep. Just as he took a few steps, all the pile of sticks began to glow green and float into one area in the air at this point, the pegasus hears a magical reconstruction of the timber wolves and starts to turn around, "That’s… new.." The pegasus trailed off as he looked up at the twenty foot tall timber wolf that had reconstructed itself behind him. The timber-wolf emitted a loud roar, causing all the the creatures in the forest to run. if there were any. After the roar was over, he looked up to it again, straining to see the top of it. The winged pony didn't panic though, instead he just gave a cocky grin, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall."

And with that, the black pegasus ran straight and began charging to what looked like the wind was surrounding his body. The Giant timber wolf didn't know what to expect, until it was too late. After a moment of charging, the pegasus shot out straight towards the timber wolf. The timber wolf look horrified and opened its mouth as a result roaring. The pegasus charged in a burst of speed running as his body was in gulf by the wind. This resulted in a charging wind force that was blowing the ground and the trees as it moved. He continued to pick up more and more speed as he sped towards the the giant wolf.

The pegasus collided with the timber wolf's chest and shot out its "other end" in a fraction of a second. The black stallion dropped to the ground, landing with a gentle thud. The timber wolf just stood there unmoving, it blinked before moving its head around. It smiled evilly and growled as it turned around to its prey, growling. It bent its legs and charged at the pegasus while roaring. The pony didn't even react, he just stood there with a smirk plastered to his face. The wolf was about to strike, ready to take a bite out of him. But right before it got him, the wolf fell apart into small bits of wood. The pegasus looked down at the pile in front of him with an eyebrow raised and said, "I guess he wasn’t as tough as he looked." With that said and done the pegasus continued on, leaving the pile of wood as it was.

Half an hour had passed and the night was getting colder. The pegasus was tired after his encounter with the timber wolves. He had already used most of his energy flying and then fighting with the wolves, it was taking its toll on his body. But luck was on his side tonight, because he had found a cave that was unoccupied. But he still kept his guard up, knowing full well how dangerous it was to sleep in a caves. Luckily the cave was empty, except for a pile a fruit that was sadly spoiled and chest.

He knew the cave was occupied, but whoever was here was gone long by now, or fell victim to the creatures that roam in this forest. Whatever the reason, it would have to wait until tomorrow. Exhausted from the fight and the journey the pegasus gently laid head down his vision going black as he closed his eyes to sleep.

Chapter 4

It’s been one day since the incident that had occurred in the Everfree forest. The sun was rising from the west, signify the dawn of of new day. The ponies of Ponyville knew that their ruler Princess Celestia had risen the sun. Making all the ponies in Ponyville to wake up and go about their business. Some stayed in bed, wishing never to leave the confines of their bed, but they would eventually get up and start their day.

Golden Oak Library is a large hollowed-out tree and the home of Twilight Sparkle and Spike. The main reading room is on the ground floor, while the bedroom is on the second floor. There is also a basement where Twilight performs her experiments on magic. The tree has a large beehive hanging from a branch though empty because of winter, a candlestick sign on the front door, a sign of an open book outside the door, and two balconies, one of which has a telescope. Inside the tree, the residents were moving about through their daily routine.

“Did you—?”

“Cleaned the shelves, reorganized the desk, sorted out the card catalog, dusted the books—”

“Even the—”

“the super special rare books, of course shelved towards the top so the younger fillies can’t get to them.”

“Great! So now there’s the matter of—”

“Breakfast? Toast with daffodil butter and a refreshing glass of milk to get your brain muscles pumping.”

As the plate and glass sailed across the table towards her, Twilight Sparkle couldn’t help chuckling a bit to herself. “Wow Spike, it’s like you don’t even need me anymore.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t go that far,” Spike grinned proudly before heading back to triple check the morning checklist of what needed to get done at the library today. Twilight had slept in a bit that morning after a rather grueling research session the previous night, which usually meant that her number one assistant took advantage of this and caught a few extra Z’s himself. She was surprised when she woke up around ten o’clock to find both her room and the library spotless, clean and organized, all of her books back in their proper places with fresh parchment, quills and ink ready on her desk.

Hearing the little dragon humming to himself as he continued his daily routine, Twilight felt touched that he had taken it upon himself to wake up early and get everything ready for her for the day, plus make her breakfast.

“Besides,” Spike added as he joined her at the table, “it’d get way too boring around here without you going crazy about something every other day.” He gave her a joking smile. “And also about what happen yesterday.”

The unicorn lost her smile, remembering the events that happen yesterday. Spike was so worried when she had returned, wondering why she came so late. She explained and gave her reasons as to why she came home so late, but she also mention about what had happen in the Everfree forest. The young dragon was shocked, but also relieved that no harm was done to his friends. He was in fact curious about this mysterious dragon, after all it's not everyday you hear or ever see a dragon save somepony’s life or Some ponies for that matter.

Plus it was also exciting to actually meet another dragon, but was this dragon friendly. Spike did not know. “So… uh.. what’s this dragon like?” He asked curiously.

“Well… he’s not not exactly nice and… well…” Twilight answered, though was not sure on what to say about the dragon.

“Well what?” The young dragon asked.

”I really don’t know, Spike. I don’t know anything about him. Only that he saved me and the others from ravenous wolves.”

“So that makes him a hero right?” He asked.

“I suppose it does, but it just doesn’t make sense to me as to why a dragon would save our lives. Common knowledge states that dragons care about nothing but themselves, and they are solitary creatures… uh no offense Spike.”

“None taken, but is there anything about dragons that you may have found in books?” The purple reptile asked.

“Sadly no. They are hardly any books that explain anything about dragons. No pony has ever written a book about them. Apparently they are too rare or too scared to even study a dragon.” The unicorn answered.

“It’s no wonder I could never find a book about dragons.” Spike said. ”So uh…do I get to meet this dragon.”

Twilight had taken a bite from her toast, but swallowed so she could speak,” I don’t know if that’ a good idea, Spike?”

“awww...come on Twilight. Please let me go with you?” Spike asked with a hopeful smile.

“Well I guess its okay, but we must be in our best behavior.” Twilight answered as she took another bite from her breakfast.

The young dragon gave a big smiled as he hopped from his chair and headed towards the kitchen. Twilight watched him as she continued to eat her toast. She could hear Spike move about in the kitchen, but she figured he must have been hungry. Still she continued to eat her breakfast until the young dragon returned carrying a small bag with him.

“What’s in the bag Spike.” Twilight asked as she took one last bite from her toast.

“Well I thought I bring some gems and figured he might be hungry.” Spike replied. “And maybe I can thank him for what he’s done, you know.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Twilight said with a smile. ”Maybe I should bring some books.”

Spike gave her a look ‘Really?’ seeing the unicorn gathering books from the shelves and putting them in her saddlebag. Twilight smiled thinking how the dragon may react when he receives books, hopefully it would be a good reaction. After all the dragon was staying at Sweet Apple Acres, which meant the dragon was not likely to move anywhere until he fully recovered from his injuries.

“You sure bringing books to a dragon is a good idea.” The young assistant asked. ”I mean how do you know he is going to read them?”

“I don’t, but if he is going to stay there for a while I figured I give something to pass the time.” She answered packing the last book into her saddlebag. “Beside wouldn’t you be bored if you were in his position.”

“Well when you put it that way. I guess I would feel a little bored.” The young dragon answered honestly.

“Exactly, which is why I am bringing these books to him.” Twilight said, placing the last book into her saddlebag.

Spike nodded, ”So does any other pony know about this?”

“No, no other pony knows about this and it should stay that way at least for a while.” The unicorn answered seriously. “We don’t want cause any kind of panic in Ponyville now do we.”

“Nope, but should we tell Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie about this?” Spike asked.

“We will, but I think its best we wait a bit before we tell them.” She answered grabbing her winter clothing, Spike doing the same.

“Okay...so when do I get to meet this dragon.” The young dragon asked.

“Right now.” Twilight said.” After all we do have a schedule to keep up with.” Her assistant nodded following the unicorn as she walked out the door. Both unicorn and dragon had their winter wear ready, so as to not feel the effects of cold winter. Both were heading to Sweet Apple Acres where the other ponies, if they are there will be waiting for her and Spike’s arrival.
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Off into the direction of town, or rather, coming from it was a beautiful snow white mare walking along with a young white filly. Clad in high boots on all four hooves, a warm fuzzy faux fur coat, and a rather stylish pair of blue earmuffs that matched the color of her cutie mark, Ponyville's prima donna fashionista Rarity was making her way to Fluttershy's cottage with Sweetie Belle tagging along.

Rarity was taking a more scenic route and enjoying the weather the winter day had to offer, despite it being rather chilly. Rounding a bend that had rolled around a knoll, the purple-maned unicorn smiled as her sister spoke about how the dragon would enjoy his gift.” Do you think he’ll like the gift, Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked her big sister.

"Like it?" answered Rarity. To which Sweetie Belle nodded, hoping the gift they made together was good. The gift was a thank you present for the dragon and Sweetie Belle thought that making a gift for the dragon was a good idea to show their appreciation. After all he did saved their lives and it only seem proper to give thanks to their savior.

"Like it?" she stated in a harsher tone, letting her sister guess her feelings. There was no doubt in her mind though about how she felt about the gift she and Sweetie Belle made together …and it had come across marvelously.

"No…I don't think he’ll like it," said the unicorn, her head held dismissively, Sweetie Belle let out an exasperated sigh. Yet, at once she recovered, "I think he’ll love it!"

“Really!” Sweetie Belle said, beaming with happiness.

“Of course, I think he’ll love it.” Rarity smiled. “After all you and I made this together.” Pointing at the perfectly wrapped gift that was securely carried by Sweetie Belles. The present was an innocence white with lime-green streams that sparkle like the greening of an elated spring or how Rarity would describe it poetic poetry. Their walk ended as they neared the home of Fluttershy.

Near the Everfree Forest stood a two-story cottage. Bird houses hanged from every tree and post in the yard, a few of the tiny houses even placed on the roof and the chimney of the cottage; on the ground burrows surrounded the cottage’s front, while a chicken coop could be seen in the back. A calm brook streamed that was frozen in front of the cottage, a small bridge spanning over it.

"Oh, Fluttershy!" Rarity called as she crossed over the small bridge leading to pegasus friend's home, "It's me, Rarity!”

“And Sweetie Belle,” The young filly called out as well.

Inside the cottage Fluttershy was hummed to herself and trotted downstairs. Her animals were currently eating breakfast, giving her a bit of time to strap her saddlebags on and head on to the Sweet Apple Acres. She took one last look around her kitchen. It was a mess; foodstuffs for various animals were scattered around the floor as the animals ate. The dishes from last night were still in the sink, and she was certain that unpleasant smell was from her overflowing garbage bin. She sighed knowing she would have tidy her home if any of her friends came by. But that would have to wait as the yellow pegasus heard her name called from outside. Angel the rabbit, was sleeping in his basket as Fluttershy went towards the door. She opened the front door and took one step outside when she heard the voice of Rarity calling her name..

The door to the cottage opened, revealing the shy yellow pegasus.“Hello.” Fluttershy opened her front door and looked out, to see Rarity and Sweetie Belle. “Oh, hello girls. I didn’t think anypony would be coming.”

“Well If I thought it would be a good idea to accompany you to Sweet Apple Acres. After all Sweetie Belle and I are heading there ourselves.” Rarity said with a gentle smile. Her sister nodded giving the the yellow pegasus a smile.

Fluttershy smiled, feeling quite happy that Rarity had come to see her and with Sweetie Belle. Making her day a bit more nicer. So after their brief meeting Fluttershy made sure her animal friends were taken care before she left. After checking them once more, Fluttershy closed and lock her door, knowing her animal friends would be alright. While Rarity and Sweetie Belle waited patiently for their friend to finished. Once that was done the ponies began to make their way to Sweet Apple Acres.
____________________________________________________________________________________

Back in the Everfree forest in the cave that was occupied, the black pegasus was starting to wake up from his sleep. The pegasus yawned and shook his head waking up at the start of a new day. So far nothing was in cave with him and who ever occupied this cave before him had not returned. Whatever the reason, it was best to move on. As the pegasus stood up, he noticed a pile of fruit a few feet away from him. The fruit must have be gathered for the winter, after food was scarce this time of year and his was a bit hungry. However the fruit was no longer good so eating them was not an option. With nothing to eat the hungry pegasus decided to leave and continue his search for his brother.

He was about to leave the cave when something caught his eye. A large chest stood a few feet away from the fruit. The chest wasn’t big or small, but it was just the right size to be carried around by a dragon. Of course the pegasus did not know if it belonged to a dragon or not. Normally he would have left the chest alone since it did not belong to him, but his curiosity was getting the best of him. So the large stallion came towards the chest. The chest looked very old with the wood slowly breaking and color fading away. Old and worn it may have been, but it was still usable.

The pegasus then opened it and was surprised at what he had found. Inside the chest were scrolls, parchments, and even pictures of art, though they were hand drawn or in this case claw-drawn. But what struck out the the most was the large pink pearl. This pearl however was not just any pearl, but a pearl that was created through the enchantment of magic. The pearl was large much larger than your average pearl. He had seen this pearl before and he knew who created them. This was a dragon pearl created by the Elder dragons from home. The pearl was very special and very rare. What made it so special was that it allow the owner to see one’s memories. Memories that are precious and the memories that are disfavored.

He knew very little about magic and the use of magic was very rare for dragons. None were able to use magic since the ancient times. Only a few, just a few dragons knew of the ancient magic. He remembered lessons his masters taught him, lessons about the ancient times. That dragons long ago once used magic for good, but where there was good there was also evil. Magic was used long ago during The Great War, a war between the light and the darkness. The war ravaged for so many centuries and dragons suffered greatly. There was a creature of pure evil, a monster that wanted to plunged the world in everlasting darkness. But the dragons fought against this great evil and defeated it, but the cost was high. Many dragons lost their lives and the land was ravaged from war. But what hurt the dragons the most was loss of their magic. But even without the use of the magic the dragons were still strong and were not to be underestimated. After all the dragons were known as the wielders of the elements.

Years went by and the dragons managed to recover from The Great War. Their homes rebuilt, their lands healed, and their lives returned. Peace had once again returned to the lands. To which the pegasus enjoyed those years, though thankfully he was never a part of The Great War nor was his brother. It had all happen one thousand years ago or so they say in the ancient scrolls. Never the less this pearl belong to a dragon, which meant his brother must be near by. “So you are here, Shen.” The pegasus whispered to himself. Now the pegasus knew his brother was here, but where exactly he did not know. So he closed the chest, leaving everything as it was and walked out of the cave. “I’ll find you Shen. Where ever you are?” Thus the stallion continued his search for his brother.
___________________________________________________________________________

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple family were having a peaceful breakfast. Not knowing that their guest was having trouble sleeping in the barn. Inside the dragon was cringing and growling in his sleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything seemed darker than usual. All he saw was darkness. All he could feel was darkness. He turned around, nothing was all he saw. Slowly, he put one foot in front of the other and proceeded through the darkness. Everything was so quiet. He went on for what seemed like forever. Hours and hours he wandered through the darkness, not seeming to get anywhere nor have any idea where he should be going.

"Its so good to see you again, Shen-lung." He spun around. Again all he could see was darkness.

"Enough of these games!" Again he spun around to view nothing. "Who’s there! Show yourself!"

"I’m just an old friend of yours." The voice spoke again.

He took his head in his hands. "Stop it."

"And why would I stop. We’re just getting started"

He fell to his knees clutching his skull. "Get out...get out of my head." The voices seemed to be coming at him from every direction. Grinding into his mind painfully.

"Oh how I enjoy you suffering. It just feels so good to see you suffer this way." The voice laughed. ”And it gets even better.”

"STTOOPP!!"

Everything went silent. He remained there in the darkness clutching his seemingly pulsing head in his paws. "Just stop...stop." It was then that he saw it. It was a dragon. Slowly he made his way over to the scene. He stopped right next to the white figure. He noticed the dragon was looking down at something. Bringing his eyes down, they widened in shock and terror as he saw the broken and bleeding figure. "No...No! This isn't happening...it's just..not." He backed away in horror as the other presence slowly turned around and looked at him. His eyes looked back in terror at the blood red eyes staring at him. "This isn't happening, this is just impossible." The dark figure gave an evil smile and raised his hand towards him, the razor sharp talons dripping with a deep crimson liquid. He fell back down to his knees, again pressing his hands to his eyes.

"Never, this would...never happen, it can't!" He felt the hot tears pour into his hands. He heard the footsteps and slowly looked up. All he saw were those blood red eyes staring at him. Unable to break away, he could only watch as the figure brought his talons to his throat with an evil smirk.

"Your greatest failure." said the dark figure who then brought his claws across the soft skin. ”How does it feel to lose the one you loved the most.”

Shen-lung growl slashing his claws upon the dark figure. The black creature merely laugh as his body disappeared. “How long have you mourned for her.”

“What do you know about her?” Growled Shen-lung,” You know nothing about her.”

“Now you see that is where you are wrong.” The figure said as it slowly took form,” I know everything about her and even… you.”

“That’s a lie.” Shen-lung responded in anger. ”You know nothing about me!”

“Say what you will, but I know everything about you.” The voice said, ” After all you and I are like brothers and whatever you know I know.”

Shen-lung narrowed his eyes, ”What are you?”

The shadow roared,” Your greatest fear!” before two piercing red eyes shone out from the darkness, staring directly into Shen-lung’s. He let out a loud ear piercing roar as the creature lunged for him. The last thing he saw was its long sharp fangs…and it’s piercing, red, eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"NOO!" Roared Shen-lung waking from his sleep. His body was so wet it looked as if he had been through a rain storm. His heart was still racing as he darted his lime green eyes around the room. The dream was unlike any other. These dreams, these horrifying dreams were beginning to plague his mind more and more frequently. What little comfort he was given came from his loved one, though sadly she was no longer with him. He took a moment to calm himself, trying to bring his heart to its normal rate. After calming himself, the white dragon noticed the surrounding area around him. He was not in the forest, but inside some sort of building. The building was large and quite spacious, though it had barrels, large sacks fill with some sort of food, and bales of hay. Which he found himself on a makeshift bed of hay.

That’s when he took noticed of his body. He had bandages wrapped around his arms and legs. His wings were sore and were wrapped in bandages as well. He gave an experimental flap and hissed in pain. His wings were injured but they would heal in time and was quite thankful that they were not broken. But the worst of the injuries was the bandaged wrapped around his neck. Blood had seeped through the bandaged, indicating that a wound had reopened. The large dragon was confused, wondering how he got here and who had brought him here. Suddenly voices were heard outside, coming from a large door in front of him.

“What’s going in there!” Applejack uttered before pulling the slide lock aside and opening the barn door. And that’s when time seemed to stop. Both dragon and pony froze, both holding very still. Applejack could feel Apple Bloom behind her, clinging to her slightly. Her sister took a peek and her eyes widen. The dragon was staring at them, though he was not showing any sign of emotion. None of them spoke nor did they make any sudden movement. But that all change when the dragon’s eyes narrowed and a deep audible growled was heard. Applejack gulped a little nervous, but more worried for her and her sister’s safety.

“Apple Bloom.” She whispered, gaining the attention of her little sister. “Whatever happens stay close to me alright?” Her sister nodded still clinging to her older sibling.

“Where am I?” The dragon growled his lips curled revealing sharp teeth.

Applejack gently wrapped her hoof around Apple Bloom,” Your in Sweet Apple Acres.”

It spoke again, voice cold, white teeth gleaming in the light from outside,”Why did you bring me here?”

“Well..uh my friends and I brought you here and-”

“And what? To kill me.” Smoke rising from the dragon’s nostrils.

Applejack was afraid that much was true, but she was not one to be accused of something that was not true,” No, we brought you here because you were injured and it looked like you needed help.”

“I didn’t asked for your help pony.”

“Whether you asked for it or not, we still would have helped.” The earth pony answered firmly, though was careful not to anger the dragon any further than he was.

The dragon gave an intimidated glare, hoping to make the pony regret her decision. But the pony did not flinch and gave her own glare. This made the dragon very angry, ”I never asked-Aacck.” he hissed feeling the pain in his neck. Applejack was about to to come to his aid, but he hissed baring his fangs as a sign of warning. “I don’t trust you pony nor do I need your help.”

“Listen I know you don’t like me and I know you don’t trust me, but I’m not gonna lie, the situation looks none too good for you, but be honest with yourself. Why would I want you to suffer?” she said, and with the most trustworthy face the dragon had ever seen, she gave a small smile. The two looked at each other, unblinking. It was the longest minute of Applejack’s’ life. Finally, the dragon brought himself to speak.” How do I know you are speaking the truth?” He questioned, ”For all I know you could be lying to me.”

“You don’t, but I can tell you this. I promise nothing bad is going to happen to you, because what I am telling you is the honest truth.” Giving the dragon the sincerest smile she could ever show. For once the dragon hesitated, surprised and confused that a pony would speak about honesty. He studied her seeing no lies in her eyes and in her words. A part him believed her words, but there was a small part of him that doubted.

The dragon knew very little about ponies, only remembering stories that his old master told him when he was young. Stories about all the creatures that lived in this world. He was familiar with Gryphons, Owls, and the Eagles, but ponies he knew nothing about. His options were limited, either he goes in the cold forest to be alone and suffer from his injuries or he stays here and recovers while the ponies attend to his needs.

He sighed deeply already coming to a decision, ”Very well...I will trust your word.” Making Applejack sigh in relief. “But know this if what you say is not true then you and your friends will suffer my wrath.”

“I promise you won’t regret it.” Applejack said, relieved that the dragon had calmed down ”Apple Bloom.” She said gaining the attention of her younger sister. ”I need you to go back to the house and bring back the medical kit. Can you do that?”

Apple Bloom nodded going towards the house, leaving Applejack alone. Applejack thought seeing her sister run off to the house. Not noticing at that very moment her friends Rarity and Fluttershy had finally arrived to Sweet Apple Acres with Sweetie Belle close behind them.The dragon sighed deeply and lowered his head allowing his body to rest from sitting up too long. He watched as the ponies greeted each other from a distance, though none of them seemed to pay any attention to him. His expression was no longer threatening, but it was not a pleasant one either. The ponies conversation was pleasant, but was changed to one of concern as Applejack began to tell what had happened moments ago. Now the dragon can see their expressions, one of the ponies was a unicorn who was concern and the other was a pegasus who was quite scared.

“My Goodness, Applejack is that what really happened,” Rarity asked her friend.

“It sure did. I was afraid something bad was going to happen, but I manage to talk some sense into him.” Applejack said.

So... um i-is it safe to go near him.” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“I reckon so, but let’s try not to upset him.” Applejack answered.”I’d hate to imagine what he would do to us if we make him angry.”

“Eeep!” Fluttershy gasped, hiding behind Rarity.

“Darling there is no need to worry.” Rarity said, trying to calm her friend. ”After all Applejack did manage to persuade that ruffian from harming us.” Fluttershy took a small peek behind Rarity, seeing the dragon was staring right at them. Smoke rose up from his nostrils making Fluttershy shake in fear.

“Now don’t you worry bout a thing Fluttershy.” Applejack reassured her shy friend. ”I already talked him so we don’t have to worry about a thing.”

“O-kay.” Fluttershy whispered feeling a bit better by Applejack's words, though she was still nervous. Their conversation ended as the three mares and two young fillies, entered the barn with a very injured and rather rude dragon.

The dragon said nothing as the ponies finally came to him. Two of the ponies were not frighten of him, only slightly nervous. But the yellow pony was actually more frighten than her two companions while the young fillies were behind their two older sisters. The dragon had a feeling that one of the ponies was going to speak to him and it looked like he was right.

“I cannot believe,” Rarity sighed to herself, “that I am actually doing this."

“Well?” The dragon questioned.

“Well Mr. Dragon, sir? I apologize if we are disturbing you, but I was wondering if you would be amenable to a... a little chat.” The unicorn asked politely.

“And what exactly do you wish to talk about?” The dragon said moving closer to Rarity until their snouts were nearly touching.

“Uh… well I do believe a proper introduction is in order.” Rarity said moving a few paces back from the dragon’s snout. ”After all we never did have the chance to formally introduce ourselves.”

The dragon blinked, surprised even.”You wish know about me?”

“Oh! Yes, of course!” Rarity blushed, ashamed to think she’d gone so long without giving her own name. “I’m so sorry for my rudeness! My name is Rarity and this is my younger sister, Sweetie Belle.” Pointing to her younger sister who gave a big smile to the dragon. ”I must say, it is a pleasure to finally be formally introduced.”

The dragon stared at the pony, not exactly sure how to respond. Then he turned to the pony with the stetson hat,” The name’s Applejack.” She said tipping her hat to him. “And this filly here is my little sister, Apple bloom.” The dragon craned his neck to see the young filly with a nervous smile,” Hello.” To which the dragon nodded and turned to the last pony.

“And you?” He asked, seeing the pony shake in fear.

The yellow pegasus squeaked her response. “M-my n-name is Fluttershy.” she said inaudibly.

The dragon move a little closer. “What was that? Speak up.”

“F-Fluttershy,” she mumbled even quieter, hiding behind Rarity.

The dragon shook his head, ”What?” moving a little closer to the shy pony.

“Fluttershy.” She whispered, hiding behind her mane.

“Fluttershy, is that your name?” He asked, moving his head away from the pony. ”You should speak louder, otherwise no one will hear.” Rarity thought it be best to take the attention from Fluttershy seeing her friend shake in fear, “And you Mr. Dragon. What is your name?”

The dragon turned to the unicorn that had addressed him as ‘Mr.Dragon’. ”My name is……..Shen-lung.”

“Shen-what now?” Coming from the pony with the stetson hat.

“Shen-lung, my name is Shen-lung.” The dragon repeated.

“That’s a weird name.” Sweetie Belle said, making the other ponies stare at her. Their eyes showing fear that the dragon’s name was insulted.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity gasped, looking at her sister with disbelieving eyes.

“What?” She answered noticing the dragon was staring at her.”Oh….umm.” Subconsciously the young filly moved closer to her sister, afraid she may have angered the dragon. Normally the dragon would be angry, but these ponies knew nothing about his kind nor did he know anything about them as well.

Shen-lung stared at the young filly, showing no anger, ”I.. suppose my name would sound ‘weird’ to you ponies, but to me it is a worthy name for a dragon.” He said showing no hint of anger, making the ponies catch their breath after that little mishap.

“So are there any dragons like you anywhere near Ponyville.” Apple Bloom asked, curious to know.

“No, there are none.” He answered turning his attention to Apple Bloom, then to his neck since the pain was beginning to become unbearable. ”Who healed my wounds?”

“I-I d-did.” Fluttershy whispered, making the turn to her once more.”

“You.” Shen-lung said, ”Hard to believe you could do such a thing.” Making the yellow pegasus shrink behind Rarity.

“Now see here, Mr. Shen-lung!” Rarity said in a firm voice. ”My dear friend Fluttershy has done a good, if not wonderful work of treating your wounds and I would appreciate it, if you would show the proper respect she deserves.”

Shen-lung blinked few times, before looking at the bandages that covered his body. He was stubborn to admit it, but the unicorn was right. If it had not been for the pegasus, he would be suffering a great deal of pain.

“I suppose I should grateful for what you have done..” He paused for a moment, trying speak the name of the pegasus, ”F-Fluttershy…..and I thank for what you have done for me.”

Seeing the dragon thank her made her hide in her mane with a faint blush, still nervous but at least the dragon was polite,”Y-you're welcome.” She whispered.

With the proper ‘thank you’ given, Rarity gently nudged Fluttershy, ”Perhaps it would a good idea for you to see how he is recovery from his injuries.” She whispered to her shy friend.

Fluttershy nodded, as she slowly made her way to the large reptile. She was still nervous, but she put that feeling aside wanting to help the dragon heal properly. Shen-lung looked down at the pony, seeing her unwrapped the bandage from his neck. The wound was stitched well and showed no sign of infection, but it would need to be cleaned and given a new bandage.

Fluttershy took out a clean towel and Iodine from her saddlebag. She soaked the towel with the sanitizing liquid, getting ready to press the it to the dragon’s neck. ”This may sting a little.” She said quietly.

Shen-lung said nothing as Fluttershy gently pressed to towel to his neck. The dragon hissed, clenching his teeth as he felt the stinging pain that burned away any infection that still lingered in his neck.

“Its okay,” Fluttershy said, soothing the dragon from any pain he was feeling.”It will be over soon.” Shen-lung could only nod as Fluttershy finished cleaning his neck. Once that was done she place the towel next to her and reached into her saddlebag, taking a fresh new roll of gauze. As she carefully wrapped the gauze around Shen-lung’s neck. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were having a conversation amongst each other.

“So what’s in the box Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom asked her friend.

“Well its a present my sister and I made together.” Sweetie Belle answered. “ ‘A thank you’ present to Mr.Shen-lung, you know after what he did for us.”

“Aww, why didn’t I think of that.” Apple Bloom feeling a little sad.

“Why don’t you make him some apple pie.” Sweetie Belle suggested.

“You know that's not a bad idea.” Apple Bloom said, thinking how great the idea sounded. “That’s sounds like the perfect way to thank Mr.Shen-lung for what he’s done for us.”

“Then its settle, you bake him the pie and then we both give him our gifts to him at the same time.” Sweetie Belle said with a smile. Apple Bloom smiled as well like how this idea was going.

“But if I am going to make this pie. I’m going to need some help.” Apple Bloom spoke with seriousness. Sweetie Belle playfully saluted her friend,”Ready to help bake that pie.” Both girls nodded to each other, giggly at the idea of baking a pie. But first Sweetie Belle had to give the gift to Rarity. To which she said she would watch over the gift until they get back. With that done the two fillies left the barn and into the house of the Apple family.

Just as the two fillies entered the house, Twilight Sparkle and Spike had finally arrived to Sweet Apple Acres. Both seemed to be having an enjoyable conversation, mostly Spike asking about the dragon.

“So do you think he’ll like the gems I brought him.” Spike asked holding his sack of gem close to his chest.

“I’m sure he will Spike.” Twilight answered, “After all what kind dragon would he be if he doesn’t like to eat gems as much as you do?”

“You make a good point.” Spike answered.” But-whoa!” Making Twilight look in the same direction Spike was staring at. She suppressed a smile, as Spike continued to stare at the dragon. Fluttershy had just finished wrapping the gauze around Shen-lung’s neck, stepping back so as to give Shen-lung some space. The white dragon examined the the bandaged around his neck, feeling no discomfort of any kind.

“Thank you.” He said, ”It feels much better now.”

“Oh, you're quite welcome Mr. Shen-lung.” Fluttershy said with a small smile.

“Good to know our patient is doing well.” Twilight said, catching the attention of her friends and even the large reptile. The three mares smiled and greeted their friends with cheerful smiles. While Shen-lung watched as the ponies greeted their friend, though what caught his interest was the small dragon accompanying the lavender unicorn.

“Woah, you weren’t kidding when you said he was big.” Spike said in awe, walking towards the dragon.

“Uhh, Spike-”

“Now this is interesting.” Shen-lung interrupted Twilight. ”Another dragon besides myself and here I thought I was only dragon here.”

“Well you are the only dragon here in Ponyville, besides me of course.” Spike answered with a grin.

“So you say.” Shen-lung said as he lowered his head to Spike’s level. Spike took a step back as the dragon’s massive head came to his level. He went to Spike and started to sniff the young purple dragon, like he was trying to pick up some unique scent. He then stared into Spike’s emerald green eyes. "You're just a hatchling." Spike laughed uneasily, backing up a nanometer or two from Shen-lung.

“Well I’m not exactly a hatchling anymore.” Spike said. ”I am older than I look.”

“What’s your name boy?” The large dragon asked as he rose to his full height.

“My name’s Spike.” He answered. ”And yours?”

“Shen-lung.”

“That’s a weird name.” Spike said, making Twilight stare at him in utter shock.

“What?.....Ooh” He said, his eyes meeting Shen-lung’s slit eyes.

“My name may sound weird, but I’m not the only dragon here with a weird name.” Shen-lung said, thought with a small smile. Making Twilight and even Spike sigh in relief.

“So what brings you here Spike.” Shen-lung asked.

“Oh uh.. I.. uh brought you something to eat and also to say thanks for saving my friends.” Spike said, showing Shen-lung the bag he had brought. Shen-lung blinked in surprised at the young dragon’s gift. Never had he received a gift in such a very long time and from a child no less. This made Shen-lung a little curious of what the young dragon had brought him. Spike made his way to Shen-lung, laying the bag down and unwrapping the gift from its confines.

“I hope you like them as much as I do.” Spike said with a grin.

Shen-lung licked his mouth with his tongue, feeling quite hungry. Whatever Spike brought would be enough for him, at least to satisfy his starving stomach. But he lost his appetite when Spike revealed the gift to be gems. Gems were not a part of his diet, but the young purple dragon said it was a gift and he did not wish to hurt the young one’s feelings by rejecting it.

“Thank you, Spike.” Shen-lung thanked taking the gems from Spike.

“Your welcome.” Spike said with a smile. ”So are you going to eat?”

“I…can’t eat them.” Shen-lung confessed.

“Is something wrong?” Spike asked nervously. ”Did I do something wrong? Did I give you the gems you like or did I give the gems that you don’t like?”

“Its not that...Its just that I don’t eat gems.” Shen-lung said, calming down the small dragon from his nervous breakdown.

“You don’t!” Spike exclaimed.”Then what do you eat, if I may ask?”

Shen-lung lowered his head to Spike’s level once more,” Anything that is edible and if you are going to ask if I eat meat. Then yes I do meat.” Revealing his sharp teeth.

Spike gulped,”M-m-meat huh. You’re not going to eat us are you?”

Shen-lung rose to his height, ”I don’t eat ponies nor would I eat you..”

“Oh, well that’s good to know.” Spike sighed in relief.

“So...who’s your friend?” Shen-lung asked motioning his head towards Twilight.

Twilight came to Spike’s side when Shen-lung had mentioned her. The lavender unicorn could only look up as the dragon stared down at her. Injured or not this dragon still looked intimidated, thought he was not showing any sort of aggression towards her or her friends. So it was safe to say the he was friendly at least for now.

“Ahem, greetings Mr.Shen-lung my name is Twilight Sparkle.”Greeted the lavender unicorn. “And I wish to properly thank you for what you have done for me and my friends.”

“Thank you? For what?” Shen-lung asked.

“For saving our lives. If it wasn’t for you, my friends and I wouldn't be here at all.” Twilight answered. ”And well-”

“Stop!” Shen-lung interrupted, stopping Twilight from speaking. Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy were startled by the dragon’s tone. Gone was the dragon’s gentle tone, replaced with a tone that was serious. “I do not why I saved you and your friends, but there was a reason for it.”

“And what reason is that exactly Mr.Shen-lung?” Rarity politely asked.

“I do not know? Nor should you care about it.” Shen-lung said. ”But know this once I have recovered. I will leave and you will never hear or see from me again. Is that clear?”

Twilight was silent as was Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack. Even Spike was at a loss of words. None were prepared of what Shen-lung had said. And none of them could find the words to speak or at least reason with the dragon’s decision to stay at least for a while.

“D-did we do something wrong to u-upset you Mr.Shen-lung?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

“No you did not. I just…have reasons that are personal to me and…I wish to be alone.” Shen-lung explained, seeing the ponies look at him with sadden eyes.

“I-is it because of S-skywind?” Fluttershy quietly asked.

Shen-lung narrowed his eyes towards the timid pegasus,”What did say?”

“I-I heard-” Fluttershy stutterd.

“How do you know that name? Speak!” Growled Shen-lung, making Fluttershy hide behind Rarity. ”Answer me!”

Rarity comforted her friend while giving a glare towards Shen-lung, ”That is no way for you to speak to my friend.”

“How does she know that name!” Shen-lung growled, giving his own glare towards Rarity.

“I-I heard you t-talking in your s-sleep.” Fluttershy whispered, still clinging to Rarity. This seemed to calm Shen-lung, but it did not stop the glares he was receiving from Rarity, Applejack. and even Twilight.

“Is this Skywind fella trouble?” Applejack asked, making Shen-lung turn to her.

“No he is not.” Shen-lung answered.

“Then who is Skywind.” Twilight questioned. Shen-lung lowered his head to Twilight’s. There snouts almost touching,”He is my brother.” He answered.

“Your brother?” To which everypony and dragon said at the same time.

“Yes, my brother.”

“Wow, I didn’t know you had brother.” Spike commented.

“Well now you know.” Shen-lung said crossing his arms and laying his head down. “Are there any other surprises I should know about? Any more of your friends coming?”

“No, at least I don’t think so?” Twilight answered truthfully.

“Let’s hope it stays that way. I do not wish to cause any problems to you nor do you wish to cause any problems to me. Now if you’ll excuse me I wish to be alone.”

Not wanting to upset the dragon anymore, the ponies and Spike decide to leave Shen-lung alone. The white dragon watched as the ponies and the young dragon leave the barn. Leaving him alone as Applejack closed the door.

“Well that went well.” Spike commented to the the dragon’s behavior.

“Well if you ask I found that little introduction of ours rather unpleasant. The nerve of that dragon acting so ill-mannered towards Fluttershy.” Rarity added, feeling quite mad at how Shen-lung acted towards them.

“Well I think its best we all leave him alone for awhile.” Applejack suggested. ”After all he’s not exactly in the right mood for talking.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Applejack” The white unicorn agreed.

“So does this mean Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie won’t be able to meet Shen-lung?” Spike asked Twilight.

“I don’t know Spike? I really don’t know?” Twilight answered truthfully.

“Now that you mentioned it Spike. I’ve been wondering about those two.” Applejack mentioned. “Do any of you girls know where those two are.”

All of them shook shook their heads. They have not heard or seen Rainbow Dash or Pinke Pie. Which made them all wonder. What were those two doing and where were they.
____________________________________________________________________________________

It just so happened that at that moment, Rainbow Dash was still at her home. Basically what she was doing was waking up from a peaceful nap. After eating a small snack and taking care of some basic needs. She packed her saddle bag with things she needed for today’s work. She was finally ready to head out the front door. However, just as she was reaching for the doorknob, there was a knock at that same door. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened in surprise.

"Whoa, I wasn't expecting that. Super weird," Rainbow Dash said out loud to no one in particular.
She laid her saddlebag next to the door and opened the door. Standing there, she was surprised to see, was Scootaloo, and her parents.

"Well, hello there, Rainbow Dash," said Scootaloo's father.

"Good afternoon to you, Ms. Dash," said Scootaloo's mother.

"Um, hello, sir," said Rainbow Dash as she nodded to Scootaloo's father. Then she nodded her head to Scootaloo's mother as she said, "Ma'am."

"I hope we're not interrupting anything," said Scootaloo's father.

"Me too. Did we catch you at a bad time?" asked Scootaloo's mother.

"Oh no, you're okay. You didn't interrupt anything," said Rainbow Dash.

She secretly used her back leg to gently and quietly kick her saddlebag further out of sight. "Why? How can I help you?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"Well... We know this is somewhat unusual, but..." Scootaloo's father was unable to finish, so his wife took over.

"We have to go out of town on very important business and we're suppose to leave today. But we had to go alone and leave our poor little Scootaloo at home with a foal sitter," Scootaloo's mother explained.

"Yes, but our planned foal sitter for her canceled on us at the last minute. Can you believe that? It was something about pony pox," said Scootaloo's father.

"So now we either have to find a new sitter in time or we miss our train. We know we're not very well acquainted, Rainbow Dash, but our daughter thinks the world of you," said Scootaloo's mother.

"So we we're hoping... We humbly ask... Would you watch Scootaloo for us while we're out of town?" said Scootaloo's father.

"It'll only be for a few days. I promise she won't be any trouble," said Scootaloo's mother.

"We'd also pay ya. So what do you say, Rainbow Dash?" asked Scootaloo's father.

Rainbow Dash had a thought filled look on her face, as she tried to think of a decision. She looked at the hopeful looks on the faces of Scootaloo's parents. Then she looked to Scootaloo herself. Her decision was made right there. Rainbow Dash smiled as she said, "Of course I'll watch Scootaloo. She'll be a blast to have around for a few days. We'll have loads of fun." Scootaloo and her parents smiled brightly at the rainbow maned pegasus' decision.

"Thank so, so much, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo exclaimed as she pranced into Rainbow Dash's house and around the blue pegasus herself.

"Thank you so much for doing this for us," said Scootaloo's mother.

"We totally appreciate it," said Scootaloo's father.

"Well while I'm doing this for you, I'm also doing this mostly for Scootaloo," said Rainbow Dash as she rustled her front right hoof through Scootaloo's mane.

"Of course," said Scootaloo's mother. Then Scootaloo's father handed Rainbow Dash a back pack. "This is some of Scootaloo's things." Then he wheeled in Scootaloo's scooter.

"You know how much she loves revving around on her scooter," said Scootaloo's mother. Then Scootaloo's father pulled out some money.

"No, no, keep it. Just having this awesome little filly to hang out with will be payment enough," said Rainbow Dash.

Everypony smiled at the blue pegasus' kind words, especially Scootaloo. "That's very sweet of you to say, Ms. Dash," said Scootaloo's mother.

"You can call me, Rainbow Dash. The miss thing ain't really doing it for me. Is there any special care or attention Scootaloo needs?" said Rainbow Dash.

"No, she only requires the same amount of care that anypony else would at her age. Although that doesn't mean she isn't special," said Scootaloo's mother as she smiled at her daughter.

"Certainly not. Why, our Scootaloo has got to be the specialist little pegasus filly this side of Equestria," said Scootaloo's father.Everypony looked at Scootaloo who had an embarrassed smile on her face with blushing cheeks to match.

"Not just this side of Equestria. I know for a fact that Scootaloo's also the specialist. Most awesome filly in all of Equestria. I feel really lucky to be spending the next few days with her. And I thank you both very much for thinking of me," said Rainbow Dash.

"Thank you for agreeing to do it," said Scootaloo's father.

"Well, we gotta get going. Take care you two. We'll be back in a few days, Scootaloo. Take care and behave yourself for Rainbow Dash," said Scootaloo's mother.

"Respect and obey her like you would us," said Scootaloo's father.

"Yes, mom. Yes, dad," Scootaloo replied.

"We love you," both her parents said at the same time as they started walking off.

"I love you too," Scootaloo called after them. Rainbow Dash shut the door front door and looked over to Scootaloo with a smile.

"Oh, Rainbow Dash, I can't tell you how happy I am you agreed to be my foal sitter. I'm so looking forward to spending a few days with you. This is gonna be so awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed.

"You're darn right it'll be awesome! I'm glad to have you here too, Squirt," said Rainbow Dash as she lifted Scootaloo off the ground and put the orange filly up on her back. Scootaloo's smile turned to a look of sorrow and guilt.

“What’s with the look squirt?” Rainbow Dash took Scootaloo off her back and put her back on the ground.

“It’s just..well you see there is this... friend of my that got into a fight yesterday and...he’s hurt. I kinda blame myself for what happened to him yesterday.”

“Really? What happened?” The prismatic-hair pegasus asked.

“Well me, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle got into some trouble yesterday. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity and even Fluttershy were with us as well.

“Really? I didn’t even know Twilight and the others were involved?” Rainbow Dash said.

Scootaloo nodded,” Mhmm, then we got into more trouble. Things were looking really bad until our new friend came and that’s when things were starting to look good for us, but I feel really bad that he got hurt and...well I just feel like its my fault.”

"You made a mistake, Scoots. Everypony does at one point or another in their lives, even me," said Rainbow Dash.

"You? You've made mistakes?" asked Scootaloo.

"Of course I have. You know I have," said Rainbow Dash.

"I know... I just try not to notice because you're awesomeness outweighs any negatives," said Scootaloo.

"Aw, quit it, Squirt. You're making me blush," said Rainbow Dash.The two nuzzled the sides of each other's face.

"So, how hard did the chain of command bring down the law on you?" asked Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo let out a sigh before speaking. "It was pretty brutal. In fact, I just got off a week long punishment today. But, now I'm off the hook and we can do something cool! Can we do something?" said Scootaloo. An excited smile came over Rainbow Dash's face.

"Heck yeah, we're gonna do something," said Rainbow Dash.

"Great! What are we gonna do?!" asked Scootaloo with an equal amount of excitement.

“How about we visit this friend of yours. I’m sure he be happy to see you.” Rainbow Dash said gently placing Scootaloo on her back.

“Really!” Scootaloo said.

“Hey why not. After all he is your friend and he does sound like a pretty cool pony.” Rainbow Dash explained with a smile.

Scootaloo gave a nervous smile,” hehe, about that. He’s not exactly a pony.”

“He’s not?” Rainbow Dash asked putting on her winter clothing, Scootaloo doing the same. “So what is he?” Scootaloo was silent for a moment as Rainbow Dash walked through her door. She made sure it was locked before flying into the sky.

“Well its kinda hard to explain.” Scootaloo answered holding on to Rainbow Dash.

“It can’t that hard to explain?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Oh by the way, where is this mysterious friend of yours anyway?”

“He’s at Sweet Apple Acres.” Scootaloo answered, holding on tightly as Rainbow Dash made a sharp turn towards Sweet Apple Acres. Both ponies were unaware that a pink and quite happy pony was going in the same direction as them.

“So what is he?” Rainbow Dash asked once more.

“He’s well a..." Scootaloo answered, thought it was more like a whispered

“What?” The rainbow colored mare asked.

“He’s a dragon.” Scootaloo finally answered.

“Oh a dragon.” Rainbow said until her eyes widen in shock, ”A DRAGON!"

Chapter 6

The girls could only look up as the dragon towered over them. Injured or not this dragon could still hurt them. The fillies huddled together shivering in fear as the dragon slowly lowered his head to their level. The dragon’s snout barely touching them, but they could feel the heat radiated from his body. A low audible growl emanated from the dragon’s throat, ”I will not ask again. Why are you here?”

Shaking in fear the fillies look to one another, ”W-w-we j-just wanted t-to say t-thank you f-for saving our l-lives.” Sweetie Belle squeaked.

In an instance the dragon’s anger vanished, ”What?”

“Y-yeah w-we just w-wanted to s-say our thanks t-to you, ”Scootaloo quietly said.

“W-we d-didn’t mean t-to bother you.” Apple Bloom quietly answered, ”We j-just wanted to t-thank you that’s all.”

Shen-lung has never received a ‘thank you’ in such a long time, five years to be exact. Nor has he ever shown any sort of interests to other creatures. In the past he had left home to escape from something that had hurt his heart deeply. And when he left home, all he ever wanted was to be alone. He never wanted to see or speak to any creature, be if they be Gryphons, Eagles, Owls, Wolves, Dragons, or even Ponies. He wanted to be alone, alone and away from others. But there were a few things he could never forget.

The teachings from his mother and father. Try as he might he could never forget them. Growing up as any creature would was given teachings or lessons from their parents. Lessons that were very important, ones that could never be forgotten. Shen-lung’s parents taught him that one should show kindness to others and to never ever harm those who wish to help, especial children. As ill-mannered and short tempered Shen-lung was, he could never harm a child. And these fillies were just mere children, children who were innocent and knew nothing about the hardships of life. He would never say or admit, but the dragon was very fond of children. Children were innocent, full of energy, and they gave him a sense of happiness. A feeling that he had forgotten so long ago.

Shen-lung’s expression soften, ”Forgive me...If I scared you young ones.”

“What?” The fillies said confused at the dragon’s sudden change of attitude.

“I had told your sisters that I wanted to be left alone,” Shen-lung said gently, ”But it seems they have forgotten to tell you three about it. So for that I am deeply sorry.”

“S-so you're not angry with u-us?” Apple Bloom said, a little shaken but was able to find her voice.

“No, I’m not and I should not have let my temper get the best of me.” Shen-lung said sincerely.

“Aww its ok,” Sweetie Belle said with a smile, ”Its not your fault that you got angry. It was mostly our fault.”

“What do you mean young one?” Shen-lung asked turning his head to Sweetie Belle.

“Its just that my friends and I wanted to thank you for what you’ve done for us.” The young filly explained, ” And It was kinda rude of us for bothering you while you were sleeping.”

“Yeah we’re really sorry.” Scootaloo apologized.

“We’re sorry that we bothered you Mr. Shen-lung.” Apple Bloom apologized as well.

Shen-lung turn to each one of the fillies. Seeing them made him smile as they apologized to him,”Let’s forget this ever happened young ones.”

The girls smiled at how friendly the dragon had become and would have given him a hug, but a smile was enough. “So why did you girls come here to see me.” The dragon asked.

“Well we wanted thank you for what you’ve done,’ Apple started, ”So my friends and I baked you some apple pies.”

“Apple pies?” Shen-lung repeated, wondering what an apple pie was. ”What’s an apple pie?”

Apple Bloom gasped,”You don’t know what apple pie is?” The dragon shook his head.

“Then its a good thing my friends and I made you some pies.” Apple Bloom said with a smile.The young pony brought her hoof up and pointed to three silver dishes that were emanating an aroma of some sort. Shen-lung slowly brought his snout down to the steaming hot apple pies that the girls graciously place before him. The dragon could smell a strong yet sweet aroma and it was starting to make him drool. But the dragon hesitated, wondering how it would taste like and if it was good to eat.

A few minutes had passed and the ponies were starting to get worried that the dragon may not like the pies. His stomach on the other hand gave a loud growl and could not wait any longer. The dragon bit into it, and was almost overwhelmed with flavor and the texture in his mouth

“This is delicious!” Shen-lung said through bites. ”I have never eaten anything this good before!”

“Aw, thanks, I’m glad you like them.” Apple Bloom said, ”But I couldn’t make these pies without my friends.”

Shen-lung finished the pie in a matter a seconds, gulping down the sweet taste of apple pie, ”And I thank you three for making these pies.” Moving on to the next pie.

The girls gave a cheerful cheer as they watched Shen-lung finish the second pie. Savoring every last piece he takes into his toothy maw. In no time, he finishes the last of his offered meal and licks his lips clean. The third pie was shared between them, so everypony and dragon enjoyed it. They all finished the pie in a matter of minutes, leaving the dish empty. Shen-lung smiled as he savored the last bite and swallowed with a satisfying sighed.

Feeling happy that he had finally eaten something to ease his hunger, ”Thank you for the food. It was delicious.”

“Your welcome Mr.Shen-lung.” Apple Bloom said with a big smile. “I’m glad you liked them.” To which Shen-lung nodded with a smile and noticed a white box with a lime green ribbon next to Sweetie Belle.

“What is that?” He asked pointing his snout towards the box.

“Ohh!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed, ”This is a gift my sister and I made together. We wanted to give you something very special.” She said as she gently grab the gift, placing the white box in front of Shen-lung.

“A gift?” The dragon said.

“Let me guess. You don’t know what a gift is either?” Sweetie Belle asked with a frown.

“No, I…I know what a gift is. Its just I have not received one in such a long time.” Shen-lung admitted.

“Then you are in luck cause Sweetie Belle and Rarity’s gift is really special!” Scootaloo said with a grin.

Shen-lung stared at the white box then to Sweetie Belle who gave him a big smile. Then he looked at the box again, wondering what was inside this box. He brought his head down to examine this strange gift. Sniffing it to see if there was anything edible, but all he could smell was some sort of fragrance. He snorted, trying to rid himself of a flowery scent. Sweetie Belle gave a sheepish smile, ”My sister wanted the gift to be perfect.”

The dragon nodded in understanding the thought, but the scent was a little too much for him. Ignoring the overwhelming scent, the dragon placed his claw on the box. Ripping the plastic paper off and opening the box. He peered into box and and found something that nearly made him gasp. It was a scarf made from silk fabric that shimmered lightly in the darkness of the box. Gently and carefully, the dragon touched the fabric feeling the soft texture. The dragon drew his paw back quickly, making Sweetie Belle frown, “You don’t like the gift?” She said, her voice beginning to sound sad.

“No, no, no the gift is wonderful.” Hesitated Shen-lung ”It’s just that I don’t deserve such a gift.”

“Of course you do silly,” Sweetie Belle giggled. ”You're a hero.”

The dragon’s eyes sadden, ”I’m no hero.” He said with sadness, ”I used to be, but that was a long time ago.”

“If you’re not a hero then what are now?” Apple Bloom asked curiously.

Shen-lung sadly shook his, ”I don’t know what I am now?”

The girls had small smiles as they huddle together, whispering amongst themselves. Shen-lung barely paid any attention to the young fillies. As his mind began to remember memories, memories that he a buried long ago. He shook his head of such thoughts, ”No,no, no I will not remember the past again.” Then he felt something soft touch his neck. The scarf was gently wrapped around his neck by the young ponies. He could feel the warm, soft cloud of fabric caressing his neck in its warm embrace.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo had wrapped the scarf around his neck. All three had to carry the scarf so that it would not get dirty from the ground they stood on and also because it was a little bigger than the average scarf. Gently as she could Sweetie Belle had gently and neatly wrapped the gift around the dragon’s neck. The girls moved back to admire their work.

“So what you girls think?” Apple Bloom asked her friends

“I think its perfect.” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“It looks great.” Scootaloo agreed.

The scarf matched perfectly well to the lime green scales of Shen-lung’s body, even contrasting well to his white scales. It was soft and warm, and had a pleasant flowery scent though thankfully it was different from when he was opening the box. The dragon was at a loss of words, staring at the scarf that was wrapped around his neck. The fillies were giving him genuine smiles, making him smile as well. A real genuine smile that the dragon return, ”Thank you, young ones. This is a wonderful gift. And I thank you for giving this gift to me. I will treasure it always.”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Gift Givers Hooray!” Making the dragon cringed over the exciting shout the girls gave. The girls excited as they quickly turned to their flanks, searching for the one thing they wished to have. Their ‘Cutie Marks’. However their smiles soon turned into frowns as they found no marks of any sort on their flanks. With defeated sighed the fillies sat down on their haunches sad at not earning their ‘Cutie Marks’.

“Is something wrong young ones?” Shen-lung asked, frowning at how the cheerful smile from the fillies turned into sad frowns.

“We didn’t earn our cutie marks,” Apple Bloom sadly answered.

“We kinda hoped we got them, but we didn’t.” Scootaloo added, she frown at how they couldn't get their cutie marks.

“I guess being gift givers wasn’t enough.” Sweetie Belle said sadly.

“You should not think like that young ones.” The dragon said, ”You three gave me wonderful gifts. Gifts that made me very happy.” That seemed to cheer the girls up, but it wasn’t enough to a bring smile.

“We know.” Apple Bloom said, ”But we just want our cutie marks so badly.” This made the dragon curious. What was this ‘Cutie Mark’ and what was so special about it?

“What is this ‘Cutie Mark’ you speak of?” Shen-lung asked wondering what a cutie mar was.

This question seem to make the girls smiled as they explained what a cutie mark was. From what Shen-lung can understand was that a cutie marks were unique picture-like symbols located on the ponies flanks. From they learned from school was that ponies are born without a cutie mark. The cutie marks are obtained when ponies discover a unique talent that sets themselves apart from others. He had seen these markings recently from their sisters and even one particular marking that he had seen before, one that belonged to his younger brother.

“I see...so that is why these cutie marks are so important to you girls.” Shen-lung said now understanding their reason. “I like your determination young ones, but you lack patience.”

“Ugh that’s the problem.” Apple Bloom stomped her hoof, ”We don’t want to wait. We want them now.”

“Waiting is sooo boring and it takes forever.” Scootaloo added.

“And we always get teased for not having a cutie mark,” Sweetie Belle said sadly.

The dragon chuckled, ”I don’t know how you young ones will earn this marks of yours, but I know you’ll earn them someday. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday you will earn them.”

“Really?” The girls asked their frowns slowly disappearing.

“Believe me young ones you’ll earn them.” Shen-lung smiled. ”Now why don’t I show you girls something very special.”

The girls nodded at the idea that the dragon was going to show them something special. Keeping their eyes locked on the dragon. A look of wonder in their eyes as they watched Shen-lung lifted his right paw plunging his claws into the soil, digging with them until he reached the depth of his choosing. "Observe young ones."

The fillies kept their eyes trained on the hole he had created. "I learned this from my teacher when I was young. This is a very special gift that I was born with." He suddenly shut his eyes and faced the hole he had dug, taking in a breath and releasing it, softly spewing out a soft greenish cloud onto the soil. The girl’s eyes widened in curiosity as they watched him continue. He broke away and opened his eyes, smiling brightly as the greenish cloud entered the soil. Once the cloud vanished the dragon gently used his claws, filling the small hole with dirt.

“Nothing happened?” Sweetie said, hoping to see something amazing. The other girls nodded in agreement.

"You’ll see" Replied Shen-lung.

They all looked down to see a green stem pop up, then one more to its left. Before too long, there were ten tall stems sprouting from the hole he created, but it didn't stop there. They gasped when all of the stems blossomed at one time, sprouting beautiful flowers with the petals exactly the same color as his white scales. He leaned down, a smile still on his face. Enjoying the looks he was receiving from the fillies. The fillies leaned in closer and gently touched the flowers with looks of wonder.

"My teachers taught me that my elements aren't just for protection. Some can be used for different purposes." He gently laid his head down to rest. "To be honest, I've been trying to perfect this technique since I was a hatchling.”

“Wow, how long did it take to do this,” Apple Bloom asked still staring at the flowers that had just grown from her barn.

“A year or less. Its been a while since I’ve done this” The dragon said truthfully.

“There beautiful.” Sweetie Belle said her eyes sparkling with amazement.

“That is so awesome!” Scootaloo exclaimed with excitement.”What else can you do?” The dragon could only smile, thinking what else he could show to the young fillies.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Back in the home of the Apple family, Skywind was resting from his long journey. The large pony was listening with great interest from the ponies that may have met his brother. He listened from each of the girls of what had happen a day before his arrival, except from Spike and Rainbow Dash since they were not there that day. The girls explained how they had entered the Everfree forest and why they did so. They went into the forest searching for their friends and younger sisters who had entered the forest, hoping to earn their cutie marks. He was curious of what a cutie mark was, but he remained silent.

Once they were in the forest the girls found their sisters safe and unharmed. But all that changed when wolves appeared, making the ponies run for their dear lives. They ran as fast as they could, doing whatever they can to slow the wolves down. They ran through the forest, though an open meadow, but they wolves were persistent. They used magic to slow the predators down, but that only fueled their determination to hunt. The ran, ran as much as their legs allowed them, until they came to a dead end. Try as they might there simply was no escape, so the only thing they could was fight.

They did what they could, using whatever was around from rocks, boulders, magic and even fighting the wolves with their bare hoofs. Things were looking good for them, but things got worse when more wolves arrived. Including the arrival of their leader. They fought back as much as they could, but were overwhelmed by the number of wolves. They could nothing but watch as their lives were coming to an end. But out of nowhere a dragon had appeared fighting the wolves, protecting them from the beasts that had attacked them.

The dragon fought with all he had, and had managed to send the wolves running for their lives. Sadly the large reptile collapsed from the injuries he had sustained from the fight. Thus ends the story as ponies brought Shen-lung here to recover after saving their lives.

“S-so he’s here? My brother is here?” The pegasus asked almost at a loss of words.

“He sure is. In fact he’s in the barn resting, but that brother of yours has a short temper.” Applejack answered.

“That sounds like him” Skywind said with a smile, ”I hope he hasn’t caused you girls any trouble?”

“Oh no he hasn’t done any sort of trouble, Sky dear.” Rarity answered with a smile, ”Although the only problem he has given us is his rather rude behavior.”

“Then I apologize for my brother’s behavior.” Skywind apologized giving a small bow to the girls.

“There’s no need to worry about that sugarcube,” Applejack reassured. ”We’re just glad we could help that brother of yours get better.”

Skywind nodded happy to hear these ponies wanted help his brother recover from his injuries, but then Rainbow decided to ask the one questioned he wanted to avoid, ”So why’s a pony like you calling that dragon your brother?” She asked wanting to know the reason why a pony would call a dragon a brother. Normally the girls would scold their friend for asking such a question, but they were curious.

“Its personal issue that I like to keep to myself and I don’t really want to talk it.” The pegasus answered sadly. ”I’m sorry, its just I’m not ready to tell you girls about myself at least not yet.”

“Seems to me like you're hiding something from us.” Rainbow questioned giving Skywind a suspicious look.

“I’m not its just that I am not ready to explain myself and to be honest I don’t know you girls personally. So do forgive me if I don’t answer your question.” Skywind said truthfully hoping not to hurt the girls feelings.

“Its alright dear,” Rarity said, ”If you are uncomfortable about telling us then you don’t need to answer any questions that are personal to you. Isn’t that right Rainbow Dash?” Giving a slight glare to her friend. The cyan pegasus rolled her eyes and muttered something to herself.

“Thank you for understanding,”Skywind thanked Rarity for understanding his reason, “Now about my brother. When can I see him?”

“I-I don’t think that’s a v-very good idea.” Fluttershy said, making Skywind turn to her.

“What do mean you by that, miss?” The pegasus asked gently.

“W-well you see your brother wanted us leave and h-he was very angry with us,” Fluttershy explained softly. ”I don’t think h-he wants anypony near him.”

Skywind sighed sadly, ”I would like to see him.”

“Are sure that’s good idea?” Spike asked, ”I mean he’s not really in a good mood to see anyone.”

“I know, but I need talk him.” Skywind said.

“I can’t understand why you wish to speak to that brother of yours Skywind dear.” Rarity said with a frown. “After the way he has been treating us, I’m surprise you still wish to speak him.”

“What’s his problem anyway?” Rainbow Dash questioned, making her friends look towards her, ”I mean I don’t know this dragon personally, but from what my friends told is that your brother is a big jerk.”

Everypony’s eyes widen at what Rainbow Dash had just said, none of them spoke or made any sort a sound. Aside from Rarity who gasped in utter surprised, even Fluttershy was surprised. Of course of the girls knew that Shen-lung was rude, ill-mannered, and short tempered, but to say such a thing to his brother Skywind was a little too much.

“Rainbow how could you say such a thing!” Rarity exclaimed.

“What are you talking about?” Rainbow asked with a frown, ”I thought you girls didn’t like that dragon?”

“Well...we are bit uncomfortable of Shen-lung’s presence, but there was no reason for you to use such words, especially in front of Sky.”

Skywind frowned sadly, ”I understand if girls are uncomfortable with my brother. Its just that...well…-”

“Well what?” Rainbow interrupted.

“Its not my place to say, but I can tell you this.” Skywind said looking at the girls with sad eyes, ”Something…terrible happened to my brother and it changed him. I know he may be rude and ill-manner as you say, but he wasn’t always like that. He used to happy, kind, and loving, but that all changed when he lost something very special to him.”

“And that is?” The cyan pegasus asked once more.

“I can’t say.” The pegasus said sadly, ”Only that he lost something very precious to him a long time ago.”

The girls and Spike’s eyes sadden except Rainbow who only had a frown. The girls knew that Shen-lung wasn’t exactly nice, but now there was a reason as to why he acted this way. He had lost something that was special to him. Something that was precious to him and that changed him to what he was today. Whatever happened to Shen-lung must have been something terrible to have changed him. They could have asked Skywind for more information, but he had told them it was not his place to say.

“Now I feel terrible for thinking of him as a brute.” Rarity said sadly.

“Gosh, I had no idea that your brother was hurt? No I’m starting to feel bad too.” Applejack sadly agreed.

“Now I understand why he’s been acting that way.” Twilight said sadly.

Fluttershy was silent but the quiver of lips meant that that she was very sad for Shen-lung’s pain,” D-do y-you still want to see your b-brother.”

“I do.” Skywind with a small smile.

“Then why don’t I take you to him.” Applejack said with a smile, ”I bet he feel better seeing you here.”

The girls nodded and agreed, even Rainbow agreed, but she still didn’t trust the dragon. But she should at least give a chance. Skywind was happy that he was finally going to see his brother, following the ponies as they led him to see his brother. But they stopped as when Rarity looked around, ”Have any of you girls seen Sweetie Belle?” They all shook their heads.

“Where’s Scootaloo anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked, wondering where the filly was.

“Now that you mentioned it. I haven’t seen Apple Bloom either?” Applejack wondered.

“When was the last time you girls saw them?” Twilight asked her friends.

“I think I saw them girls in the kitchen, I thinking they were baking some apple pies with Granny Smith.” Applejack pointed to the kitchen.

Fluttershy entered the kitchen and found no signs of the girls, ”The’re not here.” She said as returned to her friends.

“What! But where could they be?” Rarity asked frantically looking for any signs of her sister.

“Granny!” Applejack said coming to her grandmother who was peacefully rocking in her rocking chair. The old mare turned to her granddaughter,”Yes, what is it dear?”

“Do you know where the girls are?” Applejack gently asked her grandmother.

“Can’t say that I haven’t although I do remember something uh...something...what was it.” The old mare muttered to herself, ” Something….something about the barn.”

“The Barn!” Everypony said except Skywind who cringed from how the girls reacted. The pegasus barely had time to respond as the girls quickly rushed past him. Not wanting to be left behind the Skywind quickly followed as they all left the house. They all ran towards the barn where Applejack arrived to the door first. She pulled the door with a grunt, allowing the others to see inside the barn, hoping that nothing terrible had happened to the youngs fillies.

Chapter 7

The barn door opened letting the sunlight in, making the girls eyes widen at what they were seeing before them. Surrounding Shen-lung was but a small bed of flowers, all kinds that were in bloom, swaying lightly by the cold winter breeze that entered the barn. The girls were speechless at what they were seeing. How was it possible for flowers to grow in winter and where did they come from? Even Twilight was speechless, never had she seen anything like this at all. Of course Twilight was a smart mare, who had a vast amount of knowledge. Knowledge that she knew and studied as a filly, surely there was an explanation for this. An idea, a theory of some sort, anything that could explain this phenomenon.

Sadly no answer came to mind to the lavender unicorn, Twilight Sparkle was in a way stumped, as were her friends. Though Rarity found them to be very beautiful, though even she too was baffled by this occurrence. She however, could not deny the beauty these flowers held before her, recognizing different kinds of flowers from Red Roses, Moonlight, Blush Noisette, Clotilde Soupert, Ducher, Amaryllis, Bluebells, Moonflowers, Shooting stars, all of them were simply just divine. Making the alabaster unicorn wonder how these flowers that were so rare and divine grow in...this dusty old barn.

However, their questioning thoughts were interrupted by laughter coming from the young fillies. Their attention was drawn in the center of the room, where Shen-lung had lowered his head to the young fillies level, “And that is how I learned to breath fire the wrong way.” He said chuckling at the memory of his youth. The fillies were in a fit of laughter, making Shen-lung almost regret telling his story, well almost.

“Wait *gasp* wait!” Scootaloo laughed, trying to regain her breath.

“I can’t believe *gasp* that happened!” Sweetie Belle giggled, trying her hardest not to laugh.

“I never thought that could *gasp* happened to ya!” Apple Bloom laughing so hard she had to clutch her stomach.

Shen-lung tried to glare at the girls, but failed as he too began to laugh. Filling the the barn with such laughter was making Twilight and her friends smile, even Rainbow Dash, though it was more of a smirk than a smile. But the laughter died when Shen-lung took notice of the girls presence, eyes narrowing at the girls that may have interrupted his happiness, well a small piece of happiness, but it was something he had not enjoyed in a long time. Sweetie Belle’s laughter died down as well as Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. They all wondered what had happen to Make Shen-lung look a bit uneasy, ”Uh, Mr. Shen-lung is something wrong?” She asked carefully.

“No, nothing is wrong young one.” Shen-lung said gently, keeping his eyes on the group of ponies, ”Only that your sisters have come to see you.” Making the fillies turn behind them to see their sisters or for Scootaloo her caretaker and Idol.

“Rarity!”

“Applejack!”

“Rainbow Dash!”

Shen-lung watched as the fillies got up and ran towards their sisters and friends, the alabaster unicorn embraced her sister in a tender hug as did the pony with the stetson hat, hugging her sister with care. Now there was a another pony that Shen-lung did not recognize, it was a cyan pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. Ruffling the orange filly's mane in a sisterly manner.

“Are you alright Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked her younger sister.

“Of course I am.” Sweetie Belle answered, looking up to her big sister, ”Why do you asked? Was it something I did wrong?”

“No..well yes..well no.” The elder sister answered with a smile, ”I-I was just worried that’s all.”

“Ok, then do you want to see the flowers Mr. Shen-lung made?” Sweetie Belle asked with a hopeful smile.

“Of course I will, but only with my little sister.” Rarity said nuzzling her sister gently, earning a smile from her younger sister.

“Apple Bloom, what were you thinking coming here in the barn!?” Applejack grasped her sister in a tight hug, ”I was so worried about ya.”

“I’m sorry sis, I just wanted to give Mr.Shen-lung some apple pies,” Her sister answered struggling to escape her sister’s hug.

“What?” Applejack released her sister, though still holding her, ”What do you mean you gave him apple pies?”

“Yeah, my friends and I made some pies, and Granny Smith helped us make em.” Apple Bloom answered able to look up her sister, after the hug was finished. ”We wanted to thank him for what he’s done for us.” pointing her hoof to the three empty dishes. ”See.”

Applejack followed to where Apple Bloom’s hoof pointed. Her hoof pointed to three empty dishes next to Shen-lung who was still silent, but was still giving his glare. Applejack looked to the dragon then to the dishes, ”You mean to tell me that he just ate the apple pies that you girls just made?”

“Yup and he said they were really good. The best thing he had ever tasted!” Apple Bloom smiled.

“Really? Well who would’a thought a dragon like him liked our apple pies.” Applejack smiled happy to hear that Shen-lung enjoyed the Apple’s family apple pie.

“You alright there, squirt?” Dash asked, ruffling the young filly’s mane in a caring manner.

“I sure am.” Scootaloo beamed up to her Idol, ”You gotta see what Mr.Shen-lung can do! Its so awesome, but uh...not as awesome as you Rainbow Dash!”

“So that your friend there?” The cyan pegasus asked taking a good long look at Shen-lung. ”I was worried he did something to ya.”

Scootaloo’s smile turned to worry, ”Yeah, well I’m sorry if I worried you and that I didn’t tell you where I was going. But Mr.Shen-lung is nice and well…I just hope you're not angry with me.”

“Who me? No way, I’m not angry with you. I was a little worried about ya, Scoots.”Dash said looking down to Scootaloo with a smile, ”Besides if he did anything to hurt you I-”

“You’ll do what pony?” Shen-lung growled, making the ponies shiver turn to him.

“I probably give you a good beating if you hurt Scootaloo or her any of her friends.” Dash said with a smirk, ”I bet I can beat you ten seconds flat easy.”

“Injured or not, I won’t be beaten that easily pony. I can beat you in less than five seconds.” The dragon growled smoke rising from his nostrils." Rainbow was going to make Shen-lung eat his own words, when Rarity decided to intervene.

“Now, now Rainbow, I don’t think its necessary to anger our guest while he is recovery,” Rarity intervene, ”After all Applejack promised that no harm would come to him. Isn’t that right Applejack?”

“I did and I intend to keep that promise.” The earth pony answered firmly, “And that goes the same to you Shen-lung.”

The dragon only glared at the rainbow pegasus, but ceased the fire that was burning within him, ”I will keep my word, but know this pony. I may be a dangerous creature, but I would never harm a child.” still glaring to the cyan pegasus.

Rainbow Dash huffed, still not trusting the dragon. But she can believe in Applejack’s word and can only hoped that this dragon would keep his promise. ”I don’t trust you.”

“That makes two of us pony.” Shen-lung agreed, though still glaring.

“But I want to say something to ya and I’m only going to say this once.” Dash explained.

“And what is that pony?” The dragon asked waiting to hear her word.

“Thanks” She answered her glare soften a bit.

“What?” Shen-lung’s glare seemed to have vanished the moment he heard those words from the cyan pony.”For what?”

“For saving Scootaloo and my friends.” Rainbow answered though looking in another direction instead Shen-lung. ”I mean if I was there I probably saved them myself.” Her friends could have rolled their eyes or groan at Rainbow’s boasting, but refrain from doing so, ”But I wasn’t so thanks for saving them.”

Shen-lung snorted a puff of smoke, but he nodded to what this pony was saying to him. “ What’s your name pony?”

“The name’s Rainbow Dash and I’m fastest pony in all of Equestra.” She declared with a smirk. Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty, the fastest flier in Cloudsdale or Ponyville and possibly all of Equestria. A pony that absolutely refused to leave her friends behind and instead stay with them until she knew they were okay and out of harms way. She didn't get her Element for nothing. Of course Shen-lung knew nothing about that, but gave a nod to her name.

Shen-lung was about to speak, when Sweetie Belle came rushing back to him, along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. ”Mr. Shen-lung can you show that trick you did for our sisters. Please.” The little unicorn asked sweetly, giving the dragon big pleading eyes.

“Please Mr. Shen-lung it be nice if ya did.” Apple Bloom pleaded as well, giving him the big eyes as well.

“Yeah it be great if you did.” Scootaloo agreed as well though she did give him the eyes as well. Making the dragon feel a little uncomfortable under their cute and pleading gaze. It almost made smile on the spot, well almost. It caused him to let out a low sigh, ”Oh alright, but I am only doing this for you young ones.” He gave in, though he gave a small smile.

The girls cheered as their sister and friends came to them to watch, though Fluttershy stayed behind Rainbow since she was still afraid of Shen-lung’s earlier outburst. Surprisingly none of them notice that Skywind was missing.

________________________________________________________________________________________

From outside the barn Skywind dare not move from his spot. His brother was inside the barn, inside not knowing that his brother had come to see him. He was nervous and afraid, afraid how his brother would react. But he came here for a reason, a reason to see his brother and maybe perhaps talk to him. Anything was better than being alone and he was family. The only family he had left, besides their father. It was all he had left in this world and all he had to do was talk to his brother. Sadly things were not that simple as he had hoped for. For now he would have to wait.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Twilight and her friends watched as Shen-lung began his process of creating life. As he had done earlier, he had dug a hole using his claws. Having dug deep enough, Shen-lung brought his head down, taking in a breath and releasing it, softly spewing out a soft greenish cloud that entered the soil. Once that was done the dragon filled the hole with dirt.

“That’s it? I don’t see anything special about a cloud that sinks into the dirt.” Dash said.

“Just wait and see.” Shen-lung said never taking his eye away from the ground.

They all looked down to see a green stem pop up from the ground. Growing and growing, reaching to its full height. Green leaves sprouted from the stem of the flower, but the flower had not bloom yet. Tentatively Rarity gently touched the flower and quickly redrew her hoof back, when the flower responded to her touch. Slowly ever so slowly the flower began to bloom, blooming into a golden star-shaped flower. The flower gave off a light that shined brightly, basking the ponies in its warmth essence.

“My goodness! I have never seen a flower this gorgeous in all my life,” Rarity beamed at the flower with such happiness.

“My stars…I’ve never seen anything like this at all!” Applejack whispered, but it was loud enough to be heard.

“Its beautiful.” Fluttershy whispered no longer hiding behind Rainbow. The timid pony moved slowly next to Twilight, who was at a loss of words. Fluttershy sighed in happiness feeling her fears go away, feeling the warmth from the light that surrounded her friends.

“I just don’t know what to say?” Twilight whispered, ”This is...This is….-”

“Amazing,” Shen-lung finished.

“Yes,” Twilight nodded. ”How are you doing this? Is this magic?”

“No, not magic.” Shen-lung answered, his lime green eyes gave off a faint glow, ”Merely a gift that I was born with and it is a very special gift .”

The light from the golden flower began to fade away and with it, its warmth. Shen-lung lowered his head, his snout touching the flower. Giving it gentle nuzzle, ”This is a very special flower, a gift that I wish give.” The dragon’s eyes locked onto the young fillies, ”At first I did not wish to give anything to you ponies…but I have received kindness. Kindness that I do not deserve, kindness that I have not received in such a long time. ”

“Y-you shouldn’t say s-such a thing.” Fluttershy whispered but it was loud enough for the dragon to hear, “Everybody deserves kindness, e-even a d-dragon like you deserves kindness.”

Shen-lung sighed deeply, ”No...I don’t.”

“Of course you deserve it dear.” Rarity said softly, ”You did something that no pony could ever have done. You saved my life, my friends, and my dear little sister and that makes you a hero”

Shen-lung shook his head, trying to rid of such thoughts, ”I am no hero.”

“But you are aren’t you?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know what I am anymore. I was a Gu….-.” Shen-lung frowned stopping himself from saying something from his past, ”I...I wish to apologized for my behavior earlier, especially to you Fluttershy. You and your friends have done so much for me and I have done so little. Which is why I have decided to give you girls this” Gently caressing the flower with his claws.

The shy pegasus merely hid behind her mane. Half of her face hid behind her mane hoping to hide herself from the dragon’s eyes, but she manage to whisper loud enough for Shen-lung to hear, ”I-I forgive you Mr.Shen-lung and thank you.” To which the dragon nodded to her response.

“You want to give this flower to us.” Twilight asked genuinely surprised by the dragon’s generosity and the apology that he was giving. ”But why?”

“Because I was given a great gift,” Shen-lung said gently looking at the scarf that was around his neck. ”So I have decided to give you ponies this flower.”

“Pfffft, what's so special about a flower,” Making Shen-lung glare at Rainbow, ”besides being a flower.”

“It can heal any illnesses that one suffers from. A flower that can heal life or so I heard.” Shen-lung continued, ”Though I am not certain if it can heal life, but one never knows if the stories are true.”

“So you don’t know if this flower can do as you?” The lavender unicorn asked curiously.

“No I don’t,” Shen-lung answered truthfully. ”The choice is yours to believe if this flower can heal or not.”

“Well I don’t know if this flower can do such a thing as heal a pony, but I thank ya for the gift.” Applejack said with a smile.

“Thank you for the lovely gift you have given to us Mr. Shen-lung,” Rarity thanked with a smile. “Is there any chance you might make more flowers?” She asked hopefully.

“Why the sudden interest R-Rarity?” The dragon answered trying to speak her name. Since he was not use to them yet.

“Well I happen to have a gift for fashion.” Rarity answered, ”And these flowers of yours could do wonders for my shop.”

“Uh, well I uh, don’t know about this ‘fashion’ you speak of, but you are welcome to use these flowers,” Shen-lung gestured to the small patch of green that surrounded him. ”I have no use for them and it would sadden me if these flowers were not put for good use.”

Rarity nodded, ”Thank you.”

“So what will you do now Mr.Shen-lung?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Rest I suppose,” Shen-lung answered with a yawn, revealing his sharp teeth. ”Is there anything else I should know before you ponies leave me in peace.”

“There is actually.” Twilight added noticing they were one pony short, ”Where’s Skywind?” This made the dragon’s eyes widen in surprise. Everypony looked around, wondering where their large friend was, even Shen-lung was looking around. And that’s when they heard the hoof steps of a very large pony entering the barn. Shen-lung could not believe what he was seeing, there at the entrance of the barn stood his brother. Looking strong, healthy, looking the same as he looked years ago.

“Its been a long time since I’ve seen you big brother.” Skywind said giving a small smile.

“B-Brother.” Shen-lung whispered almost speechless to see his brother.

“What he’s your brother!”

“How come you didn’t tell us!”

“Why is he here?”

“Girls!” Rarity intervene, looking to the three young fillies ”Now is not the time nor place to ask such questions about Mr.Shen-lung’s family history. Don’t you agree Twilight?”

Twilight nodded understanding Rarity’s point, ”Girls I think its best we leave these two alone.” Walking towards the the entrance of the barn. The others soon followed, leaving Shen-lung where he was.

“Twilight.” Rainbow whispered, ”Are you sure its a good idea to leave these two alone. I mean doesn’t this feel a little weird to you?”

“Maybe a little.” Twilight admitted, ”But I do know that Shen-lung and Skywind want some privacy. So let’s at least respect that and leave them alone for a bit okay.” Making Rainbow nod to her reason.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders gave a small protest in leaving Shen-lung alone, but a quick glare from their sisters was enough for them leave. Skywind watched as the fillies and mares left the barn, shutting the door behind him. Leaving him and his brother alone. It was a silent and awkward situation between the two brothers. So many question were coming to their minds that the brothers did not know where to start.

Shen-lung took a long look at his brother noticing some changes. No longer was he the little brother he used watch over when they were young. What stood in front of him was now a large and imposing stallion. His mane was much longer, shinier, healthy meaning that he proper care of himself. His muscles flex and contracted, due to his strong breathing. Now his wings were large, strong and healthy much like his own wings, except for them looking injured like his own. Making the large dragon wonder what sort of training he had went through to attain a strong physique. He almost shudder at the thought of what his teachers did to his brother, no doubt he must have went through the harsh training his masters had given to him when he was young.

Skywind also took a moment to examined his brother, noticing some changes as well. He was much bigger than he was before, though not as big as the elders back home. His body was covered in bandages, bandages that were wrapped around his arms, his legs, his neck, and even his large wings. Looking at them made him shiver at what sort of pain his brother must have went through to get such injuries. The large reptile’s scales shown signs of neglect, no longer shining like they used to and his claws were rather dull, though not as sharp as they use to be, they could still do some damage.

Still the silence was beginning to become uncomfortable so the to break the ice first was Skywind, ”Its been a few years since I last saw you brother.”

“Its has.” His brother nodded slowly, ”though I am surprise to see you here.”

“I could say the same to you.” The stallion smiled, ”You haven’t changed a bit.”

“Well that’s where you're wrong little brother.” Shen-lung disagreed, ”I haven’t been the same since…-”

“The day you left our home.” Skywind finished with a frown.”I know.”

“Then tell me little brother. Why are you here?” Shen-lung asked narrowing his eyes towards his brother.

The pegasus sighed sadly, ”I wanted see you and…..I wanted to know if you were alright.”

Shen-lung snorted, “Is that all? I figured it be something more important.”

“But it is to me and if father was here he would agree too.” Skywind answered with a hint a of sadness.

Shen-lung’s eyes soften at the mention of his father, “How i-is father?”

“He’s doing very well.” Skywind answered with a small smile, ”He misses you.”

“T-That’s nice to hear. How is everything back home?” The dragon asked.

“Everything is fine. A little boring for father, wishing for some excitement to happen. After all he is the leader of the council. Things tend to be a little boring for him since he became-”

“King?” Shen-lung added.

“Well no not exactly. I mean most of the people in our city look up to him as a king, but he refuses the title. He always tells me that when one becomes a monarch, they tend to have power and when they have power there is corruption.”

“So instead of having all power that he gives it to the Elders. Preferring it to be more of a uh… what was that word again? The Wise One mentioned it to me. It was a...Republic yes that was it.”

“A republic? What is that?” The large reptile asked curious what that word meant.

“Well its sort like a gathering, where the Elders gather other dragons father included, even the Wise One. Where they discuss issues about our city, trade, laws and such.”

“Sounds boring.”

Skywind chuckled, ”Father said the same thing, but its important if there is to be order.”

Shen-lung slowly nodded, ”So how did father come up with this idea?”

“Mostly from books that he read from the Wise One. You can learn a thing or two from reading a book, especially one as old as the Wise One.” Skywind answered.

“Hmm, tell me.” Shen-lung asked, ”How are the Elders?”

Skywind smiled, “They’re doing alright. They miss you as well. And if you are going to ask the Wise One misses you as well. In fact all our friends miss you.”

Shen-lung chuckled, ”I bet they do.”

Skywind chuckled, ”Believe me they do.” Then Skywind frown, ”Which is why I have thought about asking you this question.”

Shen-lung eyed his brother, ”And that is?”

“When will you ever return home?"

Chapter 8

“I’m not going back home.” Shen-lung growled.

“Shen, its been almost five years since we last heard from you.” Skywind stated, ”And things haven’t been the same since you left.”

“I had my reasons.” Shen-lung answered, glaring at his brother.

“I know…I know you had reasons.”Skywind frown, “But what happened to-”

“Do not say her name.” Shen-lung cautioned his eyes glowing in anger, ”Please don’t.”

“What happened to her wasn’t your fault.” Within a few seconds Shen-lung stood in front of his brother. His body protested of such movements, but he ignored the pain. Anger was fueling him, coursing through his veins. The dragon’s wings flared out, making himself look larger. Skywind stood his ground as Shen-lung lowered his head to his brother’s level, their snouts nearly touching. The pegasus could smell the smoke that was emanating from his brother’s maw. Most creatures would back away from such display of power, but Skywind was use to his brother’s anger, though perhaps he may have pushed a little too far.

“You weren’t there.” Shen-lung growled, ”You wouldn’t understand the pain that I am suffering.”

“No I wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean you are the only one that has ever felt pain. Do you remember mother.”

Shen-lung’s anger vanished the instant Skywind mentioned their mother, the fire that burned within him died down as he took a few deep breaths to calm himself. Skywind watched as his brother took a moment to compose himself, his expression turned to sadness, but his anger was still there.

“You haven’t forgotten about her have you?” Skywind asked.

“No, I haven’t.” The dragon answered. ”I could never forget her.”

“Then you must remember what she did for us, right?” Skywind narrowed his red eyes.

Shen-lung looked away clenching his teeth in anger, but in great sadness as well. ”How could I forget her?”

Skywind glared at his brother, ”She died protecting us. She gave her life so that we could live. Do you think it was easy living with that pain? The pain of never speaking to her again, seeing her, do you think it was easy for father. He felt more pain than the two of us combine. So don’t tell me that I wouldn’t understand, because I do.”

Shen-lung sighed in deep sadness, letting the words of his brother sink in. He turned meeting his brother's red eyes ”You right.” The dragon admitted slowly, ”We may have shared some pain together. Pain that we could never forget. You and I both know that we are to blame for mother’s death, but father told us we were not to blame and he could not find it in his heart to do so. Instead he told us mother had protected us from harm and if the situation had been reversed then mother would be the one suffering and not him. ”

Skywind’s eyes soften, “Then you understand what I am saying to you?”

Shen-lung slowly nodded, ”I do, but you are wrong about one thing brother.” As Shen-lung once again lowered his head to his brother’s level, ”Because I lost something that you could never understand.”

“And what is that exactly?” Skywind slowly asked, feeling a bad feeling about his brother’s words.

The dragon moved towards his brother’s ear and whispered a few words. Skywind’s eyes widen and his jaw hanged opened in complete shock and horror. He moved a few steps back, trying to grasp what his brother had told him. Shen-lung turned away from his brother, wincing in pain as he return to his makeshift bed of hay. Skywind tried his best to speak, but he could not find the proper words to describe what he was feeling. Shen-lung had his back turn, not wanting to see his brother’s reaction.

“S-Shen I-I didn’t know. I didn’t-”

“No...You didn’t.” Shen-lung said with no emotion, ”Now leave me be.”

“Shen I-” Skywind tried to speak.

“Leave. Now.” The dragon growled.

Skywind sighed sadly, ”Alright, I will leave you alone…..just know that I am very sorry for what has happen to you. And...you're probably right about what you said early. I don’t know your pain and...I was wrong. I’m sorry.” was the last thing Skywind said before he opened the door and closed it, leaving his brother alone to his thoughts.

Once outside Skywind was surprised to find the ponies he had spoken to waiting outside, minus the young fillies who were probably inside the home of the Apple family after having a little talk with their sisters.

“Is everything alright?” Twilight asked noticing the sad expression on Skywind.

“No, everything's not alright,” Skywind answered sadly, “My brother and I had an...argument and it didn’t go so well as I had thought.”

“So what did you two talk about?” Rainbow Dash asked, hovering in front of Skywind.

“Personally things.” Skywind answered, ”Personally things that you girls wouldn’t understand.”

“And what’s that suppose to mean?” The cyan pegasus asked, making Skywind think of his next choice of words.

“Listen miss uh-”

‘Rainbow Dash and you can drop miss thing it ain’t really my style.” She answered.

“Well Rainbow Dash,” Skywind corrected himself, ”If you must know. My brother and I had an argument and….I regretted some things that I shouldn't have said.” His eyes sadden at the pain he had caused to his brother. “Listen I’m sorry for snapping at you girls…It just that I’m not exactly comfortable talking about my past or my brother’s for that matter. It just brings back painful memories.”

“We completely understand dear.” Rarity said with a comforting smile.

“We do?” Rainbow asked not understanding the point Rarity was making.

“Of course we do.” Rarity continued, ”After all a stallion such as Skywind would want some peace to himself.”

Skywind gave a nervous smile, ”Well I didn’t really mean that way. I‘m just not comfortable talking about the discussion my brother and I had.”

“Come on Rainbow,” Applejack said gently. ”There’s no reason for ya to bother Skywind with these questions of yours. He’s got nothing to hide from us, well unless its personal to him.”

“Oh alright.” Rainbow finally agreed, ”But you better not be hiding anything from us.”

“Well I’m not exactly hiding anything from you girls.” Skywind said. “Except some things I am not allowed to talk about, but that’s for another time.”

“So whatcha gonna do now Skywind,” Spike asked looking up to the pegasus.

“I guess I go back to my brother’s cave.” He answered, ”Not much I can do here, except leave my brother alone for a while.”

“You are living in a cave,” Rarity gasped, ”Oh no, no, no that simply will not do.”

Skywind was confused of this outburst, “Excuse me?”

“Sky dear, is it alright if I called you Sky?” She asked before asking her next question.

Skywind thought about it and he no problems with since mostly his family and friends called him by his nickname. And these were kind to him, plus he could learn more about his kind if he was going to stay here a while longer, ”I don’t mind,” He answered.

Rarity Smiled, ”Thank you darling, it’s just that a stallion such as yourself should not be sleeping in a cave that is so filthy, wet, and cold. Does that not make you feel uncomfortable?”

“I really don’t have that any problems with that. I mean as long as its warm and dry,” Skywind answered truthfully, ”But I do admit it is hard to rest in a cave when its in the middle of winter, but I’ve have grown use to it.”

“As a friend I simply cannot allow you to sleep in the cold.” Rarity continued, ”I would have invited you to come stay at the Carousel Boutique, but I am afraid I do not have anymore rooms to spare. Perhaps you could stay here in Sweet Apple Acres. If that is alright with you Applejack?”

“Of course he can stay. I don't have any problems with him staying here. I think we have a spare room for him to use.” Applejack answered.

Skywind smiled, ”I appreciate your offer miss Applejack, but I’m afraid I must decline.”

“Is there a problem?” The earth pony asked gently.

“No not really. Its just that I think its best that I give my brother some space.” Skywind sighed, ”I don’t think he would want to see me for a while.”

“Hey Twilight how about letting him stay over at our place,” Spike suggested to Twilight. ”That is if you are okay with it?”

“We do have a spare bed and I don’t think I would have a problem with Skywind staying with us, sure.” Twilight agreed. ”That is if you have a problem with Skywind.”

“I have no problem with that, but I need to get something from my brother’s cave first.” He answered.

“Must you go that dreadful cave Sky dear, ”Rarity asked.

“I can’t really leave my brother’s things alone, and maybe he would have wanted me get it for him. After all it is very important to him.” Skywind answered.

“Do you need any help getting it here,” Twilight asked.

“Not really, but if you girls want to come I don’t mind.” He said walking in the direction of the forest. The girls soon followed behind him, though Spike was riding Twilight so he wouldn’t lag behind.

“So where is this cave anyway?” Rainbow hovered along Skywind.

“In the forest.” He answered as he heard a soft gasp.

“You mean the c-cave is in the E-E-Everfree Forest.” Fluttershy whispered, making the other girls a little uneasy, minus Dash since she wasn’t really afraid.

“Yes..” Turning to see the girls with nervous expressions, ”Why? Is something wrong?”

Applejack surmises, "It ain't natural; folks say it don't work the same as Equestria". Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash elaborate that the plants grow on their own, animals take care of themselves, and clouds move without pony intervention. Making Skywind wonder they meant by pony intervention, but that was for another time.

“The forest is much too dangerous and is filled with far too many strange creatures" Fluttershy explained, shivering at such thoughts.

“Sounds like a normal forest to me.” Skywind said as if it was a normal thing.

“Normal!” Twilight almost shouted, ”You called that forest normal.”

“Well yes, I mean most of the forests I’ve been through seem pretty normal to me.” Skywind explained continuing his walk. The girls slowly followed as they listen to Skywinds words, ”The plants grow on their own. Animals tend to themselves, living on their own. And as for the clouds. They seem to be doing just fine. Whatever you meant about ponies tending to the weather? Seems a little off to me.”

The girls and Spike looked to one another, each of them confused, ”What do you mean by normal exactly.” Twilight slowly asked.

“You know normal. Everything in our world acts on its own.” Skywind explained, ”I learned these lessons from my family, the Elders, and from Earth Mother herself. Though I only met her once.”

“Earth Mother?” Twilight repeated, never in her life had she or her ever heard of such a name.

Skywind cough, mentally scolding himself for saying such things, ”Forget I said that. Why I don’t change the subject.” He thought for a moment, anything that could help forget his little slip up. ”Maybe you can tell more about Equestria and well maybe tell me a little more about our kind.”

Twilight smiled at the idea of teaching Skywind all about Equestria, but she would have to ask what Skywind had said early about Earth Mother, ”I be happy to explain. What would you like to know?” Sadly Skywind’s questions were put to a stop as the girls stopped at the entrance of the Everfree Forest. Making Skywind stopped as he turned to face the girls.

“Oh do we have to go in that dreadful forest?" Rarity complained.

“Well I could go alone and you girls can stay here.” Skywind suggested.

“And let you go in alone. I don’t think so.” Applejack said firmly.

“If AJ’s going then I’m going to,” Rainbow Dash said, ”Beside you’re gonna need somepony watching your back.”

“Um, Sky?” Fluttershy asked softly.

“Yes.” Skywind answered, looking to Fluttershy.

“Do you really need to go in there?” She asked softly, shivering at the thought entering the forest again.

Skywind smiled, ”I do and...because there are things that belong to my brother. Some of those things that can never be replaced. But most of all, they are very important to him.”

“Besides you got me around, so you girls got nothing to worry about.” Rainbow said landing next to Fluttershy, ”Nothing bad is going to happen, not while I’m around.” Putting a comforting wing around Fluttershy.

“Well ok, but only if we don’t get into any t-t-trouble.” She whispered but it was loud enough for everypony to hear. They all shivered at the memory of the wolves that had attacked them, all very grateful that Shen-lung had come and saved them.

“Well if you girls are ready, I think its about time we get going,” Skywind said though he had an apologetic look , ”And not to be rude anything, but I would like to get to my brother’s cave before nightfall. Night time usually brings the worse in forests.”

The girls and dragon nodded in agreement wanting to finish this as soon as possible, without getting into trouble. So with whatever courage they could muster, the ponies and dragon entered the forest following Skywind as he lead them towards the unknown.

Chapter 9

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Chapter 10 Author's Note

Hello dear readers, its been a while since I have written anything in my little story here. Which I will explain my reasons. First, I had some issues that were very personal to me and I wasn't in the mood for writing. Second, college was quite hectic so I didn't have much time to write. Third, was because I was looking for an editor, a really good editor. Thus, I asked my best friend in his help with editing my story due to the fact he had a lot of college level writing experience. Thanks to his help I had to rewrite the chapter often. I am deeply sorry for making you awesome readers wait so long, because some have asked when the next chapter would be written. Again it takes time to write a chapter not to much mention editing must be included as well. So again I am sorry to have kept you the readers waiting for so long. Also, I would like to make a special thanks to my best friend vVv who helped in the editorial progress and aided in my improvement as a writer. Again thank you all my readers for your patience and I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave comments (no flames please).

Chapter 10

The lights snap on, dazzling Skywind and leaving him in a daze as the scream of party poppers and cheers pierce the air. Skywind is utterly blinded and confused by the sudden event. Eventually, the confused Skywind begins to recover from his temporary state of blindness as the dazzling blurs in his vision beginning to clear out of his eyes. Skywind further approaches the distorted scene haphazardly and pauses in astonishment after finally recovering enough to fully comprehend his surroundings. The scene comes into full clarity and Skywind finds himself surrounded by colorful and ornate party decorations. From the beautiful streamers, to the regal banners, and to the vivid balloons arranged. There was a table in the center of the room loaded with sugary delights surrounded by a small handful of party happy ponies.

Skywind jumped as the group of ponies in front of him cheered once more. Consequently, Skywind further loses his stability in the situation as his breathing begins to falter, he stumbled back in an attempt to further evaluate the event. Skywind did not anticipate such an unprecedented event for the scene in all it's entirely was truly a marvelous surprise, for the party decorations were simply astounding along but the fact he was surrounded by so many ponies

“What’s going on?” He thought to himself as he used his wings to hide his flushed face.

The other ponies stop their cheering and let out smiling giggles towards each other as Skywind hid himself from the crowd of ponies. Twilight steadily approaches the sky Skywind to console him in his fluster state.

However, another force boldly yet friendly rushes out...

“Hi!” said a high pitched voice with hot pink hoofs approached with a guard breaking touch that lowers Skywind’s guard, “I’m Pinkie Pie, and I threw this cheerful little party just for you!” Her warming thoughtfulness and smile further breaks Skywind’s shyness.

Skywind is dense to the situation and is still hopelessly surprised to see the very same pink pony he had just met earlier and could only respond with words, ”Y-You're the pony I the met earlier today.”

Pinkie gives a friendly nod, ”Yup I haven’t really gotten the chance to actually get to know you yet you see? And if I haven’t met you yet, that means you're new, and if I don’t know you, then that means you don’t know me because I know everypony in Ponyville and they know me. So that’s why I made a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party just for you!”

Skywind replies in confusion ”A welcome party?”

When one thinks of the name Pinkie Pie, multiple ideas come to one’s mind. One of the primary ideas that’s most common is the face of joy, pink lips and cheeks stretched in a wide grin as the merry and bubbly pony can be. Pinkie Pie represents the element of Laughter, who is hyperactive, excitable, and outgoing, often speaking and acting in an unusual manner. She warmly welcomes new faces True to the element of laughter she represents, she loves to make ponies smile and laugh. Pinkie tends to have a lighthearted manner in serious situations, a result, she is often not taken seriously even by her closest friends, who occasionally call her out on her seemingly illogical behavior.

Pinkie responses to the blundering Skywind kind heartedly “Isn't this exciting? Are you excited because I'm excited I've never been so excited, well, except for the time that I saw you walking to Sweet Apple Acres and I went *gasp* but I mean really, who could top that? I made this party for you, since your new and if you're new then that means you don’t have any friends here in Ponyville. And if you don’t have any friends, then you must be super lonely, and that makes me so sad. So I had a mind gasping idea, that’s why I went *gasp* I should throw a great big ginormous super-duper and spectacular welcome party, and invite everyone in Ponyville. See, and now you have lots and lots of friends.”

Skywind looks around the party decorated area. Ponies of different kinds were all around him, each pony had their colorful appearance and their own uniquely style hairstyles. Skywind felt so out of place and almost alone despite his current position. For years he had been searching for others like him and now he finds himself was surrounded by other ponies, of his own kind

Skywind bluntly response again “This party is for me?”

Pinkie nodded, “It sure is and I did it so you could feel welcome to Ponyville.”

Skywind reluctanly replies,“I-I-I don’t know what to say,” as he tries to take everything in Skywind responses once more, ”This is all for me?” Again the pink pony nods with a smile.

Skywind stares at everything around him, for everything was so colorfully, bright and the atmosphere of the room was so vividly pleasant and cheerful. Skywind wonders and askes ”Is this normal?”

Rarity answers with a smile, “Nothing is ever normal with Pinkie Pie around,” But then again it does liven things up around here.”

Skywind was about to ask what Rarity meant by that, but he was slowly being dragged by Pinkie. Telling him to try the sweets she made and talk to the ponies that were invited to his party.Skywind takes one last glance behind him and gives a nervous smile to Twilight and the others as he is slowly consumed by the mass of ponies approaching him.

Spike appears in the scene and gives a worried looked towards Twilight, “Uuhh should we try to help him.”

Twilight giggles, “I think he’ll be alright,” Twilight watches Skywind disappear among the crowd, ”But let’s keep an eye on him.” The others nodded in agreement.

Hours passed on as the ponies were still mingling and partying with one another. Everypony seemed to enjoy the provided refreshments, the tasty sweets treats, jubilant music, and last but not least the company of close friends. Well almost everyone, for Skywind was trying to enjoy the party, but he was having a slight problem. Namely the mares were perhaps a little attracted to him, Skywind grunt to himself, ”Ancestors please help me.” Then Skywind mistakenly bumps into another group of ponies.

“So what’s a pegasus like you doing in a place like Ponyville?” A white and pinked haired mare asked while, giving him a friendly smile.

“Uh...well I came here looking….for my brother,” Skywind answered courageously despite him being a nervous wreck around mares.

“Ooooh, is your brother as cute as you.” A blue haired unicorn asked, while giving Skywind a more than pleasant smile.

Skywind gives a nervous chuckled, ”I don’t know about that?” He couldn't exactly tell them that his brother was a fire breathing dragon with a short temper. Learning such a thing would probably cause panic or something much worse, with that in mind Skywind decided it would be best to avoid such a question disregarding how politely he was spoken to, However despite how politely the pegasus Skywind was asked the various questions from the other mares was still making very nervous around mares and being in such a large crowd a ponies was only making it more difficult for him to recuperate from his shocking and sudden exposure.

With whatever time the pegasus had, he had taken some time to look for Twilight and the others, hoping to be around someone he was familiar with instead of being on his own. Sadly he could find no one, but luckily his search came to an end when he bumped into somebody wearing some sort of hat.

“Spike? Is that you?” The pegasus asked watching the dragon dance to the beat of the music.

“Huh, oh hey Sky. Didn’t see you there.” Spike replied with a grin, ”How do you like the party so far.

“Its….nice though I am having a little trouble with the attention I’m getting.” Skywind glances behind him to behind him see a group of mares staring at him with a look Skywind finds utterly unfamiliar with.

Spike takes one glance at the crowd of ponies, ”Whoa, I see what you mean.”

Skywind gives Spike a pleading look, ”Do you know by any chance where the Twilight and the others are?”

Spike placed his claw under his chin with a thoughtful expression, almost making Skywind laugh at how ridiculous the pose looked especially with the hat he was wearing. ”Now that you mentioned it, I did see Rarity and Fluttershy by the punch bowl.”

“Great.” The Skywind said, but had a confused looked on his face, ”What’s a punch bowl?”

“You don’t know what a punch bowl is?” The young dragon asked, a little surprised by Skywind’s question.

The large pony shook his head, ”No and you don’t actually punch others with a bowl do you?”

“No we don’t,” Spiked laughed as he tried to suppress his laughter but couldn't, ”What gave you that idea?”

“I guess the name,” Skywind answered a little embarrassed of his answer

“Besides your little misunderstanding about the punch bowl. Is there anything else you need?” The young dragon asked.

“Do you happen to have any ideas on how to get these girls off my back.” Skywind asked with a pleading look.

“I think I got one” Spike answered, ”Why don’t you head on over to Rarity and Fluttershy, while I handle this.”

Skywind nodded in thanks as he walked in the direction of the punch bowl leaving Spike to deal with a large group of ponies, “Ok who wants to play “Pin the tail on the Pony.”

“Oh, oh, I do, I do!” Answered a pink pony with curly pink hair.

With the mares preoccupied with Spike. This gave Skywind a moment to catch his breath to relax and also find some ponies he was familiar with. Funny how he easily towered over most of the ponies, even the stallions, but he was not at all that intimidating to others. There was one particular pony that was almost as big as him, ‘Big Macintosh or Big Mac’ as Applejack would call him was not here. If memory serves he was back at Sweet Apple Acres watching over Granny Smith and the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’, as he recalled the rather loud cheer heard from the three young fillies.

Skywind smiled as he remembered how Twilight had recently told him about his older brother and his encounter with the Cutie Mark Crusaders after they had interrupted his nap. The fillies gave their introductions to one another along with Shen-Lung. They also gave the dragon a gift, a very delicious gift. Surprisingly, even shared a little gift of his own. He hardly had the chance to comment on how the scarfed looked on his brother. He had to admit the scarf did look good on his brother and if he remembered correctly the dragon was actually happy for the first time in...well years. Sadly, all that happiness disappeared when he had arrived and his brother returned to his old cold shell. There wasn't much to care about, or to live for. At least that’s what Skywind had thought about his brother’s feeling towards himself. And yet, something inside the dragon stubbornly fought on, through the loss and ache, the rage and despair. There were times where his brother wanted to end it all, but there was a part of him that defiantly refused to end it. Whatever it was that kept his brother alive, Skywind was grateful for it.

The pegasus sighed sadly, he had hoped to have a warm and welcoming conversation with his older brother, but instead their conversation turned bitter and only seemed to make things worse between them. Now, here Skywind was at a party that was meant for him, a welcome party, but it was still a party. While his brother was back at the barn recovering from his wounds and feeling quite angry but mostly feeling hurt about their mother and about the one he’s brother cared about the most. He could still remember the sadness in his brother voice as he told him a secret he had kept from him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You don’t know what it’s like to lose someone you loved?” The dragon whispers with deep sadness,” I lost my mate the day she died and you know that, but I lost something else as well.”

“What do mean that by that— What else did you lose on that day?” Skywind asked softly,

“My child.”

“WHAT—No…No…that…can’t be true. ”

"It is true." Shen-Lung answered with a tone of overwhelming despair that tensed even the air around. Afterwards, Shen-Lung then bitterly adds on to his previous melodic outburst "Now, you know.".

“Shen…..I didn’t know. I-I-I...am so-”

“Leave...me...alone,” The dragon hissed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’m such an idiot,” Skywind thought with a deep frown, ”I’ve should have known better than to open my big mouth. Maybe Shen’s right, maybe I don’t truly know what it's like to lose someone you love. Maybe I should try apologizing to him. After all it was my fault to mention our past, maybe I should"—

Skywind’s thoughts were interrupted when he heard a voice that was quite familiar to him.

“Tuxedo Charmer, I assure you, I am not interested. I have not been interested and will not be interested.”

A curious look crossed Skywind’s face speeding up his pace to see what was bothering Rarity.

It didn’t take long for Rarity and the stallion to come into view. Rarity did not look happy, instead she was rather annoyed her tail was pressed tightly against the back of her legs and a number of other smaller signs that Skywind knew quite well. She was definitely not happy.

Skywind being the gentle pony he was thought it would be best to intervene on this situation as he approached them. It would be wise to give Rarity a chance to disengage tactfully rather than confront the stallion directly, but this stallion wasn’t taking no for an answer..

“Come on Rares, y’know you can’t resist all of this,” the stallion smirked, moving a bit too close to Rarity.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but you're not exactly the type of stallion I am looking for.” Rarity answered turning her head away from the stallion.

Tuxedo Charmer frown seeing that he was not going to get an answer from Rarity, but there was another pony next to her. The voice calling out for her made Fluttershy cringe and duck behind Rarity.

"How about you Fluttershy, are you interested?" The brown earth pony asked. His ice blue eyes giving the yellow mare a downright lascivious stare along with a grin that was almost predatory.

A frightened squeak escaped Fluttershy and she sank back to duck behind Rarity slightly. The alabaster unicorn glared daggers. "Now you leave dear Fluttershy alone"

"I wasn't talking to you, miss Rarity," Tuxedo said, giving Rarity a condescending look, "You had your chance. Fluttershy doesn't need you to answer for her. So I will ask again, would you like to join me for some fun Fluttershy."

"Um...but..." Fluttershy squeaked from behind Rarity, "I'd really rather...um...that is to say...I'd like to stay with Rarity right now...if you don't mind too much."

Tuxedo Charmer licked his lips and grinned as he began advancing in smooth strides towards the mare, completely ignoring Rarity's presence. "But I'm afraid I do mind...very much."

“Excuse me sir,” Tuxedo Charmer heard, though he ignored whoever was talking to him. Again Skywind spoke, but this stallion was completely ignoring him again. “Well action speaks louder than words,” He thought as he moved around the stallion and stood in front of Rarity and Fluttershy.

“Hey I wasn’t talking to-to… ” The stallion’s eyes jumped up from Rarity and Fluttershy to Skywind, his eyes widened in unmistakable fear. This stallion was bigger than him and he did not look happy at all.

The stallion took a step back as Skywind stood in front of him. Rarity looked over at and several emotions crossed her face in quick succession: confusion, surprise, gratitude, affection, and then a smug smirk. Her body language changed entirely as she spoke, “Dearest, how wonderful to see again.”

Skywind’s eyes were locked onto the stallion, trying to give an expression that was a bit more pleasant, but intimidation was good too. “Rarity, good to finally see you again. I hope I wasn’t interrupting anything important?” Skywind found himself quite grateful that he was bigger than most ponies.

Rarity had a mischievous twinkle in eyes. Humoring her, Skywind gave a small smile, and the change was subtle but instantaneous. The tension that had kept Rarity taunt as a bowstring seemed as she spoke, “Not at all. Fluttershy and I were just waiting for you.”

“H-Hey-!” Tuxedo Charmer’s voice had started strong, but had become nothing more than a squeak when Skywind turned to glare at him, “N-Nevermind, I-I’ll just be going now.”

“That would be for the best, yes.” Rarity advised.

The Tuxedo Charmwe turned tail and fled, he didn’t actually run or anything ridiculous, but there was no other way to describe the hurried walk of his. It was a little harsh for Skywind to act this way, but he couldn’t help but feel very satisfied about helping his new friends.

“Are you girls alright?” Skywind asked looking a bit concern as he turned to face Rarity and Fluttershy.

“We’re quite alright, dear.” Rarity assured, “But I must admit, we’re quite happy to see you.”

“Really?” Skywind asked.

“Of course, after all me and Fluttershy are grateful for your arrival. Aren’t we dear?”

Fluttershy slowly stepped out from behind Rarity, “Thank you so much, Sky.”

Skywind smiled gently,”Your uh...welcome. I’m glad I could help.” Though he took a quick glance to see where that troublesome stallion went, ”Would you want me to do something about that fellow that was bothering you two?”

"Oh please don't," protested Fluttershy, "I don't want you to cause any trouble."

“I don’t think that would be necessary.” Rarity answered, ”I think Tuxedo Charmer has learned his lesson.”

“I take you girls get a lot of admirers,” Skywind said in a vaunting expression.

“Oh, we do though we do tend to attract some attention that is unwanted.” Rarity said in a rather annoyed tone.

“And what about you Fluttershy.” Skywind asked, ”Do you happen to attract attention.”

“Me well...no I mean sometimes…but I don’t think I’m comfortable with this sort of attention.” Fluttershy answered shyly.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels that way.” Skywind agreed.

“What do you mean by that, dear?” Rarity asked, curious of Skywind’s words.

“Well for starters I never actually had this many admirers back home.” The Skywind said as he took one glance behind him to see many mares eyeing him. All of them giving a look he never fully understood, but his brother may have told him his past experience with females. ”Now I know what Shen meant when he had eyes watching him” He shivered, ”Scary.”

“Surely there were other mares where you're from Sky, dear.” Rarity asked with curiosity.

Skywind sadly shook his head, ”To be honest...there are no others like me.”

“What?” The alabaster unicorn repeated, ”What do you mean there were no others like you?” She asked gently.

Skywind sighed in sadness, ”Well I never actually grew with other….” the word was new to him, though he knew it from the Wise One since he was the only friend that knew about his kind. The word was still foreign to him, but he managed to voice his answer, ”Ponies so I have never received any compliments before.”

“Never?” Fluttershy asked quietly, now joining in on the conversation.

The pegasus shook his head, ”Never.”

“It must have been quite lonely growing up.” Rarity said with a hint sadness in her voice. ”Not knowing that there were others like you.”

“It was but...I did have my family.” Skywind gave a small smile, reminiscing on the memories he cherished about his family. Before the dark times came. His smiled vanished as he thought about those memories. This made the two mares uncomfortable as they showed great concern in Skywind’s well being. They could see he was quiet and his eyes seemed so…distant. They could no longer see any happiness in his eyes, only sadness, regret, and perhaps a bit of anger.

“S-Sky are you alright?” The buttered pegasus asked carefully.

The Skywind blinked, ”I’m sorry I...I did not mean to worry you girls. I was just thinking about the past that’s all.”

“Oh dear, I hope we didn’t upset you, Sky” Rarity added with concern.

“No I’m quite alright,” Skywind answered, ”Just trying to forget some memories that are not worth remembering.”

Seeing the sadness in Skywind’s eyes, Rarity thought it be best to changed this sorrowfully subject into something more pleasant. ”Tell me Sky, have you ever eaten a cupcake before?”

Skywind tilted his head, “Cupcake?”

“You haven’t heard of—oh dear, it’s a good thing we’re here! Please, have one.” She levitated a little pastry out of the basket where all sorts of sweet goodies were, peeling off the scrap of paper that covered the bottom half.

With a bit of uncertainty, Skywind took it. He wasn’t prepared for it to be so soft, and it did look tasty to eat before it met his lips, he popped it into his mouth. His eyes went wide. “Mmm! It’f fweet!” Far sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted before. But it was good. He was torn between gulping it down greedily or leaving it in his mouth to enjoy the taste longer... but then he heard a most unladylike snort and a very soft giggling across from him. When he looked at Rarity again, she was biting her lip, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. “I-I’m so sorry, Sky, I... The expression on your face was...”

“Funny.” Skywind swallowed, completing her sentence. Fluttershy was giggling softly, making Skywind smile. ”I take you girls find my expression of eating funny?”

“Yes...um well no I mean…” Fluttershy tried to answer politely, But Skywind only smiled.

“Its alright, there is nothing to be ashamed of. After all this is my first cupcake.”

“I take it that there are no cupcakes where you're from, is there Sky,” Rarity curiously.

“No, but there are some sweet treats that I have eaten before and they don’t even come close to this sweet treat,” He answered as he reached for another cupcake behind Fluttershy, ”If I may ask. Who made these sweet treats?”

“Pinkie Pie made them,” Fluttershy answered quietly.

“Pinkie Pie?” Skywind repeated.

“That would be the pink pony you met earlier,” Rarity reminded, ”She is a very dear friend of ours.”

“Oh I see.” Skywind said as he took a long look at the cupcake in his hoof.

“Is something wrong, dear?” Rarity asked gently

“No, I’m just happy that’s all” He said with a smile and was about to take a bite out of his cupcake.

“Excuse me.” A voice said from behind Skywind.

The Skywind turned his head to see a unicorn pony. She had a bright yellow coat, a bright yellow mane, royal purple eyes, and a Strawberry Cutie Mark. “Strawberry Twirl, it's good to see you again.” Rarity greeted.

“And a hello to you too as well Rarity.” Strawberry greeted in return,”I hoped I wasn’t interrupting anything.”

“Not at all, we were just having a friendly chat with our dear friend Sky.” Rarity answered with a smile.

“Ah, so this is where our guest of honor has been.” Strawberry smiled giving the same look the other mares were giving to him.

Skywind gave a nervous smile,”Please to uh, meet you Strawberry Twirl.”

“Oh please call me Strawberry.” Strawberry said with a smile.

“Well then Strawberry what brings you here other than the party.” Skywind asked politely.

“Well for one thing I wanted meet you,” Strawberry answered with a wink, making Skywind blush” And for the second reason was so I could speak to Rarity.”

“Rarity?” The stallion repeated.

To which Strawberry nodded, ”Yes, you see I was suppose to meet her at shop today to discuss the designs of clothes she made for my sister, but her shop was closed today.”

“Oh I’m so sorry Strawberry,” Rarity apologized, “I had completely forgotten our meeting today.”

“It's quite alright Rarity. I understand if you had reasons.” Strawberry said with a small smile.

“Still I think I owe you that conversation we were suppose to have today,” Rarity said, turning to look at Skywind and Fluttershy, ”Will you two be alright while Strawberry and I have our conversation alone.”

Fluttershy turned to Skywind as he gave a smile in return, ”I think we’ll be alright.”

Rarity nodded, ”Good, if you’ll excuse me.” Skywind watched Rarity as she and Strawberry Twirl left, leaving him and Fluttershy alone. Nothing was spoken between the two ponies, aside from the chattering ponies that were around them. A deep silence settled over the pair and despite all of Skywind’'s attempts to break it, the silence continued for quite some time. Finally, after a full ten minutes of silence, ”H-How are you enjoying the party so far Sky.” Fluttershy shyly asked.

“Its nice,” Skywind answered, ”But it feels a little a lonely.”

“Lonely?”

Skywind nodded, ”I know this party is suppose to be fun and it was made for me, but it doesn’t feel right.”

“You don’t like the party?” The shy pegasus asked with concern.

“No…I mean I do like this party, it just doesn’t feel….complete that's all.”

Fluttershy may not know Skywind very well, but she can certainly see the sadness in his eyes. Sadness? What was he sad about? Was the party not perfect? Was it missing something very important. “No, Pinkie always makes the best parties in Ponyville. Her parties are always perfect, but maybe it wasn’t what Skywind expected, ”If-if I may ask, that is if you don’t mind me asking?

What do you mean the party is not….complete?”

Skywind took his eyes off his cupcake, looking to Fluttershy as she asked her question, “My brother is not here.”

Fluttershy’s eyes slightly widen at the answer Skywind had given to her. Now she was beginning to understand the stallion’s words. Shen his brother, now it all made sense. Skywind missed his brother. Now she understood the sadness in his eyes, ”Sky I-”

“Back then...when my brother and I were young. We used to have fun together in parties like this.” Skywind said softly, his gaze lingered on Fluttershy before looking at the cupcake still in his hoof. ”We would always play around the adults, causing all types of trouble. Hiding under the tables and taking a few sweet treats from their plates without them knowing.”

This made Fluttershy smile at the thought of a young dragon and pegasus playing and causing all sorts of mischiefs. Skywind smiled as he remembered the memories he and his brother made together, memories that he cherished so much,” The Elders, our teachers would scold us for causing trouble, but our parents would laugh telling them that we were just children. After all children do have fun in parties, don’t they?”

“Yes, yes they do.” Fluttershy answered with a smile.

Skywind smiled, ”I miss those times.”

“You and your brother were close?” The buttered pegesai asked softly.

Skywind’s eyes sadden, ”We were close once, but it seems my brother has forgotten the bond we once had together.”

Fluttershy gave a small smile to Skywind, walking a bit closer to the large stallion. She tilted her head up to see his eyes as he was much larger than her. The Skywind’s red eyes turned to the turquoise eyes, in what could only be described as concern, ”I may not know your brother that well...and he can be scary most of the time, but I think he cares about you.”

Skywind sighed sadly “I know he does...It's just that I want him to know that there are others that care for him. Our friends, the Elders, and Father. They all miss him so much. I...I just want him know that...that he’s not alone.”

Fluttershy gave a pleasant smile as she gently placed her hoof on Skywind’s shoulder,”I-If you want that is if you don’t mind,” She said softly, ”I would like to help you and your brother.”

“Help me? Why would you want to help me.” Skywind asked with great surprise.

“I want to help because….because he saved me and my friends.” She answered truthfully, ”And I want to thank him for what he’s done for me and my friends.”

“You….and your friends would be willing to help my brother, even after the way he’s been treating you and the others?” Skywind asked, wanting to know the reason why these girls would be willing to help his brother, ”Why?”

“Because” She answered with a smile, ”Everypony deserves to be shown a little kindness, even a dragon.”

Skywind was speechless only for a moment, ”You and your friends would be willing to help a complete stranger without asking for anything in return.”

Again the shy pegasus could only smile, ”Yes and….maybe we could become friends, if you don’t mind?”

Skywind smiled,” Friends? That’s something my brother hasn’t had for a very long time. I think having you girls as his friends would do him some good, and I would be honored to accept you and the others as my friends.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Both ponies smiled to one another as they were oblivious to the party goers around them. Never having a moment to himself, Skywind never had the chance to properly see another pony. Looking at Fluttershy he could see she was much smaller than him, then again most of the ponies were not as big as him. She was a female that much he knew and there were others like her, but there was something different. Something unique about her, her wings were regal and beautiful, her body was strong and well developed, enhancing her feminine figure and petite appearance greatly. But what really captured his attention was her eyes. Her aqua green eyes had a far more enigmatic enchantment than the captivating glow behind the elegant innocences that Fluttershy had conveyed.

“Wow, she really is beautiful,” Skywind thought so entranced with her beauty that he barely heard her voice.

“Sky, Sky?” Fluttershy asked softly, hoping her words were loud enough for him to hear. Her voice seemed to have gotten his attention from whatever trance he was in as he focused his red eyes towards her.

“Huh? Oh uh….Y-Yes w-what is it Fluttershy?” He answered as he tried to compose himself.

“Are you going to eat that cupcake?” She asked, noticing that the neglected cupcake was still in his hoof.

“Huh...Oh I-I had forgotten about this,” He said with a forced smile, hoping to think about something else other than the attractive mare in front of him. ”Don’t want to let this sweet treat go to waste.” He said as he took a few bites out of his cupcake.The shy pegasus could only watch as Skywind devoured his cupcake in less than a few seconds. He finished it so quickly that there was nothing left, except for the wrapper.

“I have to admit this friend of yours certainly knows how to make good sweet treats.” Skywind said with a blissful smile.Fluttershy smile and then had a fit of giggles, making Skywind look to her with curiosity.

“What’s so funny?” He asked.

“Well you have a bit of frosting and it looks a little funny.” She answered with a smile.

The red eyed pegasus blinked a few times before he notice or in this case felt something on his lips. Pink frosting was coated around his lips to which he had failed to noticed when he had finished his cupcake. Having frosting on his lips did not look good, not that it was bad or anything. Its just that it did not look proper. He was about to wipe the frosting with his hoof, but Fluttershy stopped him before he could clean himself.

“Here, let me get that for you,” She said as she got a napkin from the table that was near by them with all sorts of sweet goodies or in this case where Skywind had found the punch bowl. Gentle as she is, Fluttershy wiped the frosting from his lips. Skywind’s eyes widen a bit as the mare in front began to clean his lips of frosting. His face was beginning to turn red, which also made Fluttershy blush though her blush was a much deeper shade of red. “There….I-I-I think I got most of it.”

Skywind could only stare at the blushing mare who had cleaned his lips. Not that he didn’t mind her or anything. It just felt familiar to him, like something from the past, when he was just a young one.

“Oh, I’m sorry, was I not supposed to…?” Fluttershy muttered in embarrassment.

“No, no, it’s quite alright,” Skywind assured her, ”It was very nice of you to do that for me and I thank you for that.”

“Y-Your welcome.” She said softly, as she hid behind her hair.

Skywind cleared his throat, ”I also want to...thank you for caring for my brother.”

“O-oh, well, I mean, I didn’t really do that much,” Fluttershy said modestly. “

“But you did more than that,” Skywind said with a smile, ”You tended to his wounds so that he would not suffer from them. So no matter what you say about yourself I will always be grateful for what you and your friends have done for my brother.”

Fluttershy wanted to deflect the praise again, but she found herself abruptly unable to breathe when he locked eyes with her and smiled, and so she simply bowed her head and whispered a quiet “Thank you” instead. For a long moment the two simply stared at one another in silence, oblivious to the celebration that continued around them. Fluttershy was glad she wasn’t the only pony in town that wasn’t much for big crowds and being the center of attention. Not that Skywind was nervous, but he was trying to avoid the attention he was getting...from well, mostly mares. She on the other hand liked her peace and quiet, but she definitely preferred the company of a friend like Skywind over an excited crowd of partiers.

“Sorry to have kept you two waiting.” Or the company of close friends.

“Ah, Rarity so good to see you again.” Skywind said with a smile, ”Did you and Strawberry come to an agreement about these uh, dresses she spoke of?”

“Hmmm, oh yes we did, though it did take some time to decide on which day Strawberry would need to bring her little sister.” Rarity answered, ”Hopefully she’ll bring her sister soon, otherwise we may have to reschedule again.”

The word sister made Skywind realize something very important, ”Where is your sister, Rarity?” He asked.

“She’s with Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo, not to mention Big Macintosh is there as well.”

“At the farm with my brother?” He asked.

“Well of course...After all they are still punished for whatever trouble they caused us and to your...dear brother.” Rarity said with a frown.

“Ah, yes the uh, wolf incident.” Skywind said with a sad smile.

Rarity nodded, ”Which is why they are at the farm at this very moment.”

__________________________________________________________________

Shen-lung had fallen asleep hours ago, after his talk with his brother and he wanted get some sleep without any sort of disturbance. For once he was having a peaceful slumber without any nightmares, but tonight was going to be a little different. Whatever it was the dragon had awoken from his sleep. The large reptile blinked a few times as he rose from his slumber, his eyes adjusted to the light that illuminated the the barn. “Wait a light?” How could there be light?’ He thought.

This light that was shining brightly in the darkness was contained in some sort of glass container. He had seen these glass containers before when he was just a hatchling. There was a name they called back home. A lan...tan...lantor...no..no. A lantern, yes that’s what it was called, a lantern. They were used to see in the darkness as a source of light.

The flame within the lantern burned with some sort of chemical. He couldn’t remember what it was called, but he remembered the scent it gave off. A sort of stench that was hard to forget, a smell that he disliked very much. Aside from the smell that the flame was burning off of, it was a nice change of well scenery. Not that the barn was bad or anything, it was just too dark to see anything in front. Then again being a dragon meant that he could see well in the dark so there really was no need for the lantern to be used, but this made him wonder about one thing. Who brought the lantern?

Pondering of such a question, the dragon didn't know how much time had slipped by before a little yawn sounded off. A short time later, he felt something brush up against the side of his stomach. Silently he craned his neck to the side to see an orange filly. Scootaloo was her name, dozing off and leaning against her flank after rolling to her side a bit. A tiny smile was on her little face, sleeping contently against a warm tummy. And she wasn’t the alone either, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were with her as well.

Shen-lung was surprised at the fillies, here they were asleep and not even caring that they were near a very large and dangerous reptile. Okay, maybe he wasn’t that dangerous, but he did have short temper. He couldn’t exactly push them away or wake them from their slumber. No, no he would have to leave them as they were. However, was it wise to have these young ones here with him? Was it a good idea to have them near him at all? What was he suppose to do?

After some thought and grumbling to himself on what to do with the young ones, Shen-lung decided it be best to leave them be. Ignoring the odd feelings of emotion and the urge to move them away from him, Shen-lung instead laid his head down. The gentle pressure against his stomach grew slightly as the fillies rolled in closer. The dragon’s eyes began to close, but he kept them open a bit longer, realizing something about these odd feelings he had, ”Perhaps this is what it feels like to have children. Children that I would have cared for and protected, but it never was meant to be. My mate and...my child are gone. A fate worse than death.”

The fillies by his side shivered, making the dragon do something he hadn’t done in a long time. Unfurling his left wing from his side. The dragon slowly draped his large wing over them until it covered them completely, preventing the cold from touching them. Shen-lung sighed as he slowly closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep. “Pleasant dreams little ones, pleasant dreams.”

______________________________________________________________

It was past midnight when the party had finally come to an end and the last of the stragglers were leaving to their homes. Skywind chuckle to himself as he finished cleaning up, collecting plates, bottles, and cups and tossing them into the garbage. Cleaning up after the party goers wasn’t an easy task, but he had to admit one thing though. Pinkie Pie sure knew how to throw a party. It had been years since Skywind had this much fun. He hadn’t had this much fun since he and his brother were children. Games were played during the party, games that he had never heard of. Though the girls and Spike did help him. He may not have won in any of the games, but they sure were fun.

Skywind laughed as he remembered Pinkie Pie. She was quite unusual and very cheerful. He remembered her cheerful smile as she found him amongst her friends. Telling him he should try playing some games the party had to offer. The stallion was a bit hesitant at first since he had never played any games before, besides the games he and his brother played when they were young. No, these game were quite different. Pin the Tail on the Pony, Board games, and some sort of thing they called a “Pinata”, to which it explode with candy, after beating it with a stick. That part he found funny. Still it was quite the experience, though they had to clean up.

“Well that’s the last of it.” Skywind said as he finished putting the last of the trash bags in the trash bin. “Is there anything else we need to do Spike, before we head into the main room?”

“I think we’re done here.” Spike answered as he finished putting the plates back in the cupboard. “Thanks for helping me in the kitchen Sky.”

“Your quite welcome my little friend.”

“Y'know you could have just waited instead of helping us, I mean you are a guest after all.” Spike said, ”You don’t need to worry about cleaning up.”

“Well this was my party,” Skywind replied with a smile, ”And I just feel like I should do something….To show my appreciation for what you and your friends have done for me.”

“You didn’t need to do that.” Spike said

“No, but I wanted to.” Skywind said with a smile.

“Thanks Sky.”

“Now why don’t see what the others are up to.” Skywind suggested as he and Spike left the kitchen. Laughter filled the room as the pegasus and dragon entered the room. Six friends or specifically six mares were sitting around one another in a circle delightfully laughing about today’s party.

“Oh my…” Rarity said with a soft giggle, ”I can’t say I’ve been this relaxed in ages.”

“Tell me about it,” Applejack agreed with a smile, ”We haven’t had this much fun in together in a long time.”

“Whew...It’s getting pretty late though,” Twilight said noticing how late it was. ”We should probably get ready to sleep soon. After all we do have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.”

“Yes, I should probably get ready to go home too. I’m a little worried about angel.” Fluttershy said softly.

I thought you girls wanted to know about me, after all I did promise.” Skywind smiled as he and Spike took their place amongst the circle friends. Spike took his place by Twilight as always and Skywind was across from them, while he took his place between Rarity and Fluttershy. “By the way, who is this Angel you speak of?”

“Oh he's my pet bunny rabbit.” Fluttershy answered with a smile.

“Oh, I see. Then he must be a very nice friend of yours.” Skywind said.

“Oh, yes Angel is a very nice bunny.” Fluttershy answered as she continued to explain many nice qualities her pet had.

Rarity slowing leaned towards Skywind as Fluttershy continued to speak, ”Between you and us girls, Angel is… nice, but he is how should I say this...a bit bossy and perhaps a bit spoiled.”

“Well that’s new, a bunny that’s bossy.” Skywind chuckled to himself.

“So Sky,” Twilight said ending the conversion the pegasus had with Rarity,” Are you ready to tell us a little about yourself.”

“I suppose I am, but I must tell this. I am going to tell you girls and Spike how Shen and I became brothers. I will not speak about my brother’s past and….well there are some things that I am not allowed to speak of. Do all of you understand?” The mares all nodded as did the young dragon, ”Alright….now where should I start.”

Chapter 5

In the Everfree forest in a specific area stood the black pegasus. His search for his brother had come to an abrupt stop as he found himself surrounded by the bodies of dead wolves.The ground was littered with wolves that were slashed, mangled, and battered into nothing. And it looked like a small fight took place here. What ever happened here was did not look good for the wolves. Luckily it had not snowed yesterday, so there were plenty of tracks around. Though it was hard to see them considering the mess that was done here.

Either way examining the tracks might give him a clue to where his brother might be. Most of the tracks belonged wolves which was obvious given the number of paw prints everywhere. Then there were prints that was much like his own only smaller. Hoof prints to be more precise. This surprised him, but also made him very happy since he had never met his own kind before and he had always wondered if there were others like him. After all he was raised by dragons so he knew very little about his own kind. And he had always wanted to find some answers about his past and maybe just maybe he might be able to find them.

“So there are others like me.” He thought with a smile, ”Looks like I finally get meet my own kind, but I’ll to have find my brother first before I get ahead of myself.”

And that’s when the pegasus finally found what he was looking for. Tracks that showed four fingered talons that belonged to neither pony nor wolf, but to a large reptile. And the only large reptile that could make these tracks was a large dragon. And if that was proof enough the wounds that were inflicted on the wolves was done by large claws that lacerated the canines and a very painful yet brutal bite marks. These wolves must have suffered a great deal of pain before their death.

Looking around the pegasus could see one particular wolf that was much larger than the others. A large black wolf laid dead on its side an Alpha from the looks of it.The wounds on this large canine was far worse than the others. blood had stopped flowing from the wounds and its body looked like it was thrown around. Looking at it closer its body was broken almost as if something crushed the wolf to death. This was definitely done by the powerful jaws of a dragon and his brother was more than likely to have taken a bite out of this wolf.

He shivered eying the deep lacerations done this this particular wolf, not to mention the large bite that may have crush his bones into nothing. And there certainly was lot of blood though mostly from corpses of dead wolves. The stench of blood was becoming unpleasant and it was drawing in scavengers. Ravens were already feasting and engorging themselves, eating as much as they can before any other predators come to feast.

The large stallion moved on ignoring the scavengers as they ate, only keeping his eyes on certain number of tracks the led away from the area. The tracks were mostly made up of hoof prints, but none were his brother’s except for the trail of blood that followed. Going back to the cave was not going to do him any good since his brother had not return. And following the trail was better than staying in a forest filled with hungry predators.

So he followed the trail. The large pegasus had to duck a few branches, walk over a few logs and also keeping his guard up. Finally, he saw a light at the end of the trail and headed straight for it. The pegasus finally burst through the Everfree forest entrance into open space. But there was nothing no roads, no buildings, not even a town. All he could see was snow, just snow. He sighed feeling a little annoyed that his brother was nowhere to be found. But the tracks still continued. Wherever these tracks went would led him to his brother. With that in mind the pegasus continued his search though determine to at least find something along the way.

Just as luck would have it, the prismatic streak of colors appeared from out of no where. These streaks of colors emerge from a large cloud and was heading in the same direction as he was. He shook his head, blinking a couple of times to see if the colors had disappear. The colors were still moving, ”My head must be playing tricks on me.” He thought. ”Colors can’t move. At least I don’t think they do?”

He didn’t know if colors could move or not, but they were heading in same direction as he was going. His wings shot out. They were bigger than the average pegasus and they did help a lot in flying. He flapped them one good time and went straight into the air and slowly flew behind the colors.Whoever was making these colors was in a hurry, but he kept his distance. He flapped his wings as fast and as hard as he could trying to catch up with the disappearing colors.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Back at Sweet Apple Acres Twilight and her friends were inside in the home of the Apple family. The girls and the young dragon were in the living room discussing today’s topic. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were in he kitchen with Granny Smith, baking her famous homemade apple pies while keeping her eye on the two young fillies. Big Mac was working in the apple cellar that he and Applejack recently made, making sure their storage of food was in place. In the living room Spike was serving tea to the girls as they discuss their meeting with Shen-lung. All of them wrapped up in warm blankets, the fire burning in the chimney giving warmth into the room.

“So ah...what do girls think about Shen-lung?” Spike asked pouring tea into Rarity’s cup.

“Rude.” Rarity answered adding a few lumps of sugar in her tea.

“S-scary.” Fluttershy nervously added.

“Short tempered.” Applejack added.

“Twilight?” Spike asked as he poured the last cup of tea.

“I don’t know Spike?” She answered, ”I thought he be friendly, but apparently he’s not.”

“Okay so maybe he’s not the most friendliest dragon, but maybe he’s got…”

“Got what?” Twilight asked her young assistant.

“I don’t know? Reasons maybe?”

“What gave you that idea Spike?” Rarity asked, putting her tea down.

“I don’t know? I was just thinking about what he said.” Spike said as the young dragon sat down next to Twilight.

“About what Spike?” Rarity asked the young dragon.

“About his brother.” Spike answered.

“You mean that Skywind fella?” Applejack said.

“Yeah him. I mean what was so important for Shen-lung to get so angry.” He asked to all the girls, if they have any idea.

“Do you think he and his brother had any problems.” Fluttershy asked wrapping the blanket around herself.

“Who knows?” Shrugged Spike. There conversation came to a halt as they heard a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it.” Applebloom hollered coming to the door before Applejack could answer it, ”Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash. Its so nice to see you two.”

“Hey Apple Bloom.” Scootaloo greeted, ”Is Sweetie Belle here with you?”

“Yup, she’s in the kitchen.” Applebloom said, ”She and I were just making some apple pie with Granny Smith. Want to help us make some?”

“Sure.” Scootaloo said.

“Hey Apple Bloom. Are the girls here too?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Huh..oh uh yeah they are in the living room.” Apple Bloom answered as she and Scootaloo entered the kitchen.

“Thanks.” To where Rainbow Dash walked and found her friends in the room. All of them turn to see their friend. Each one greeting her, happy to see their friend.

“So? What’s this I hear about a dragon staying at Sweet Apple Acres?” Rainbow Dash questioning her friends.

______________________________________________________________________________

Outside the pegasus had landed a few yards away from the farm that belong to to the Apple family. And the colors that he had been following for a while was actually a pony, and a pegasus. He was speechless and shocked to see another pegasus. He wanted so badly to meet this other pegasus, but he refrained from doing so. What would this other pegasus say about him, and would he be accepted.

He did not know, but he figured he give a try. He took a moment to compose himself after all the flying he had done and he did want to show a good impression. So after a moment's rest, the pegasus continued his walk. The walk was short as Sweet Apple Acres came into view. The property contained a farm house, a barn and several apple orchards though the trees were barren. None were producing any apples until spring, then he stopped and stood still.

The pegasus saw one pony coming up to him, a female pink pony with dark pink curly hair and blue eyes, hopping happily wearing blue winter clothing. The pink pony stops her hopping, making the pegasus feel a bit awkward. The black pegasus sighs then smiles, "ah…hello there miss. My name is Skywind." The pink pony looked up towards the pegasus before she gasps in major shock as she leaps in midair, and then she zips away from the black pegasus, much to his confusion and shock. "Was it something I said?" Skywind thought to himself. "Did I scare her?"

There was not much of an answer he could think of but his appearance. He was much larger than the average pony and his wings were much larger. One could think he was intimidating, given his size and appearance. He did not wish to scare other ponies away, but only to befriend. At least he hoped so.

____________________________________________________________________________

“So let me get this straight. You met this dragon named Shen-lung, who not only saved you girls, but Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo from wolves. I don't believe it." Rainbow Dash denied, crossing her arms as she hovered above the ground. She was the only one that wasn't blown back enough by Twilight’s story.

“Well it happened. So what do you expect?” Applejack asked.

“I don’t know? I mean what were you girls thinking about bringing a dragon here.” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“Well first of all Rainbow Dash dear, is that dragon saved our lives. Second, he was injured and it seemed appropriate to return the favor, though rude he may be. The poor dear needed some help to recover after that horrible fight. So that is why we brought him here to Sweet Apple Acres.” Rarity explained taking a sip from her tea.

“Well I don’t like it. I mean I’m grateful you guys are alright, but can you trust this Shen- what’s his name?” Rainbow said.

“Hard to say if we can trust him.” Twilight commented, ”And he hasn’t caused any sort of trouble.”

“At least not yet.” Muttered Rainbow.

“I know it may seem a little uncomfortable Rainbow Dash, but Shen-lung though ill-mannered he may be has promised not to cause any problems while he is here.” Rarity assured her prismatic friend.

“And how do you know if this dragon is going to keep his promise?” The rainbow pegasus asked.

“Why don’t you ask Applejack?” Rarity said pointing her hoof to Applejack.

“Well?” Rainbow asked, waiting to hear a response from her friend.

“Well there ain’t much to say.” Applejack answered, ”Aside from his grumpy attitude and short temper. He’s really not that bad. I mean he said, he would keep his promise as long as I keep my promise.”

“And what promise was that?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“That we don’t cause any trouble to him and he don’t cause any trouble to us.” Applejack said with a smirk.

“Ok, ok so let’s say he does keep his promise and he gets better. What happens after that?” The blue pegasus asked her friends.

“Well...he did say he will leave once he gets better and that we will never ever hear or see from him again.” Fluttershy answered quietly.

“Sounds like he doesn’t want to be here at all.” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“He doesn’t, but that doesn’t mean we should let him suffer after what he has done for us. If it wasn’t for him we wouldn’t be standing here at all.” Twilight reminded Rainbow Dash. “So while he is here we should all show him some respect, even if he is rude.”

“Fine, but the moment he causes trouble,” Rainbow Dash emphasized, smacking her hooves together, ”I’ll kick his sorry tail out of Ponyville.”

Twilight, Applejack, Rarity and even Fluttershy giggled at how Rainbow Dash made her point,”Hey, what’s so funny?”

“I hate to disappoint you darling, but if you had the chance to see what this dragon was capable of. You would have second thoughts.” Rarity explained through her giggling.

“Like I would. I bet I can beat this dragon ten seconds flat no problem.” Rainbow Dash boasted with a cocky smirk.

“I’m pretty sure that once you get a good look at the big fella you’ll want to change your mind sugarcube.” Applejack said though she too was giggling along with her friends.

Rainbow Dash was about to respond to Applejack’s words, but a loud knock was heard from the front door. Making all the mares turn and dragon turn to the door. Wondering who was knocking at the door at this very moment.

Knock, Knock

“I wonder who could that be?” Rarity asked her friends.

“Its probably Pinkie Pie.” Rainbow said in annoyance, not that she had any problems with her friend. Its just that she could be so random at times.

“We’ll get it!” The Cutie Mark Crusaders hollered out loud, making the ponies and Spike cringed from their loud shout.

On the other side of the door stood Skywind. He felt nervous and it gave him an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach. He wondered if these ponies would welcome him or run away from him in fear like the last pony did. What if they did not like? What would happen to him? What would he do? None of these questions were answered and he was so distracted with his thoughts that he barely noticed the door had opened.

The three young fillies stood in front of the massive stallion. “Woah!” They exclaimed in unison. Making Skywind snapped from his thoughts. The large stallion looked down to find three little ponies, children to be exact. Looking down, Skywind didn’t know what to do in this situation. Not that he had a problem with children. Its just that the children were baby dragons, not young ponies.

“WHO ARE YOU?”

“YOU’RE HUGE!”

“HOW’D YOU GET HERE?”

All these questions came out so rapidly that he barely had the chance to answer them. Then more questions kept coming that the large pegasus had step back a few paces. ”Uhhhmm, I uh just don’t know how to answer your questions young ones?” He finally answered.

“Alright, what’s going on here,” Applejack interrupted, noticing the very large pegasus.”I don’t think I ever seen you before? You new around?”

Skywind sighed in relief, ”I am actually.” He answered finally able to breath.

“Girls I think its best you get inside. I think your pies are almost ready.” The earth pony said, making the young fillies turn their attention to their pies. Leaving Skywind alone with Applejack as he watched the young ones enter the house. “So what brings you here stranger?”

Skywind straighten up, ”I just arrived here and I am a little lost. I’m not really familiar with the area. So I was hoping I could stay here for a bit before I travel again.”

“I have no problem with you staying,” Offered Applejack. ”but I don’t want any trouble while you are here. Is that clear?”

“I understand.” The pegasus said with slight a bow. “I won’t be of any trouble. You have my word.”

“Alright. Then come on in, its starting to get a little colder out here.” Applejack said, allowing the stallion entrance to her humble home as he gave her a small “thank you’ for the hospitality.

He entered the home without any trouble from the young fillies. The home was cozy and warm. A great way to rest and relax without feeling the bitter cold of winter. And the smell, there was just something good about the smell. It smelled of apples, but there was something else that smelled so good. Whatever it was, it was coming from the kitchen. But he dare not enter unless he wish be to swarmed by again by the fillies. He watched from the door as the fillies and an older pony, an elder from the looks of it was taking out something from the oven.

The girls eyes twinkle in excitement as they watched Granny Smith take out the steaming hot pie. The aroma was so good that they young ponies were probably drooling, but they weren’t. Skywind on the other was almost drooling, thankful he restrained himself from doing so. He was hungry that barely ate anything since last night and the pie was starting to look real good to eat.

“Something wrong?” Applejack asked, tapping the pegasus’s shoulder.

“Nothing is wrong.” He replied, ”Just admiring your home that’s all.”

“Well thank you for the compliment.” Applejack smiled, leading the pegasus in the living room where her friends were resting and chatting amongst themselves.

Their cheerful chatting came to a stop as ponies and dragon turn their gaze to Applejack and the newcomer as they enter the living room. To say they were surprise would be an understatement, they were shocked at the sheer size of the pony. This pony was massive probably bigger than Big Macintosh, maybe a foot or two taller than him. And his wings were large, larger than any normal pegasus would have. They were large, perhaps as large as Celestia’s wings.

“Woah! Your huge!” Exclaimed Spike, being the first one to speak.

“Spike!” Twilight hissed, giving a slight glare to Spike.

“Sorry its just that he’s huge!” Spike emphasied spreading his arms wide.

“You're probably right Spike.” Applejack agreed. “This big fella here is probably bigger than my own big brother.”

“And quite handsome if I might add.” Rarity added, batting her eyes in the direction of the stallion to which he blushed to her compliment. Rainbow Dash stuck out her tongue, making a gagging gestured.

“Thank you miss.” The pegasus said, his blush finally disappearing.”I’ve never received any compliments before?”

“Really?” Rarity inquired,” A stallion of your stature should already have received such compliments.”

“Well where I’m from there are no ponies.” The pegasus said with a frown.

“There aren’t?” Twilight asked.

“No.” He answered.

“So where are you from exactly?” Twilight asked curiously.

“From the northern mountains.” The pegasus answered.

“From the northern mountains!” Twilight exclaimed. ,”That’s very far from here.”

“My goodness, you must have travel very far to get here.” Rarity said, ”You must be exhausted from your travels.”

“I am, but I’ve grown use to it.” The pegasus said with a smile. “I’m just happy that I found a place to rest at least.” That’s when Rainbow Dash suddenly came up to the pegasus, their snouts nearly touching.

“What’s your reason coming to Ponyville? She questioned, ”And what’s your name anyway?” The pegasus moved back away from the blue pegasus that gave was giving him a questionable glare.

Rarity was scolding Rainbow at how rude she was to their guest and Fluttershy was trying to calm Rarity down. The colored mare just ignored the scolding from the white unicorn. Her focus was only on the pegasus who has yet to answer her questions.

He took a moment to compose himself before he answered the colored pegasus’s question,” My name...is Skywind and I came here looking for my brother.”

Everypony and dragon stared wide eyed at the pegasus, except Rainbow Dash since she had no clue about Shen-lung’s brother. No pony spoke and this was starting to be bother the colored pegasus, but the silence was broken with who was the most quietest spoke,”Y-your name is Skywind?” She asked though it was more of a whisper.

“Yes, but my friends call me Sky for short.” He said with a smile. The girls looked at one another, though Rainbow was clueless of what the girls were up to.

“Skywind dear,” Rarity said, making Skywind turn to her. Glad that the blue pegasus had moved from away from him, giving him some space to breath.

“Yes.” He politely answered.

“I know this seems odd to ask you, but do you know anypony or in this case a dragon by the name of Shen-lung?”

Skywind stood frozen and his wings twitched at the mention of his brother’s name. “H-how do you know that name?” He asked, trying not to sound nervous.

“Well we were informed by an...acquaintance of ours, who may have mentioned your name.” Rarity answered. ”Do you by any chance know a dragon named Shen-lung?”

Skywind was silent as he pondered on the question the unicorn curiously had asked. Was there a chance his brother was here. Did he really talk to these ponies. Why did he tell them his name. Should he tell them truth, the truth about his brother’s life and his. What would they think of him. Skywind sighed, finally coming to an answer, ”I do.”

“And?” Rainbow questioned.

“He’s my brother.” He said turning his head away so as to not see the expressions on the ponies.

“Wow I did not see that coming,” Spike said, Twilight turned to a young dragon giving him a surprised look, ”What?”

“Really Spike?” She said.

“Well uh, it's just that I thought his brother would be another dragon. I mean I wasn’t expecting a pony to be his brother.” Spike clarified.

“I have to agree with Spike, Twilight.” Rarity said, ”Finding a pony even if he is handsome, claims to be the brother of a dragon is well…”

“Wrong?” Applejack finished.

“Yes…well no. Its just that...Oh dear I am terribly sorry if I offended you Skywind.” Rarity apologized.

“Its alright.” He said as the pegasus turn his head to the mares, ”I had a feeling something like this would happen, but I guess it did. So there is no reason to worry About.”

“Well I just feel terribly about what I said to you.” The unicorn said,” Is there anything we could do for you.”

Skywind thought about it and then he answered, ”Do any of you girls know what happen to my brother?”

Twilight smiled, ”We do.”

“Really! Could you tell me! What happened to him? Where is he? Is he here?” Skywind suddenly asked so many question that the the girls could barely understand him.

“Hold your horses sugarcube.” Applejack interrupted, ”If you want to know what happen to your brother then you might want to sit down for a bit.”

Skywind watched as the orange pony sat down next to her friends. The blue pegasus sat down as well thought she was still staring at him with a look expression that said ‘I’m keeping my eye on you’. Still he did as he was told. He sat down next to the young dragon to which he gave him a small smile. The large pony gave smile and then remembered something very important, “Oh uh, before you girls tell about my brother. What are your names?” He asked politely.

“Oh how rude of us.” The white unicorn said,” We never had the chance to introduce ourselves. My name is Rarity.” Giving Skywind a genuine smile.

“Twilight Sparkle.” The lavender unicorn said with a smile.

The orange pony tipped her hat, ”Applejack and its nice to meet you Skywind.”

“Rainbow Dash and don’t you forget!” Giving Skywind a smirk.

"F-fluttershy," The shy pegasus whispered, but it was loud enough for Skywind to hear.

“And I’m Spike,” The purple dragon added with a smile.

“It is a pleasure to meet you all.” Skywind said with a smile, ”Now about my brother? What has happen to him.” And so the the girls began to retell their story to Skywind. Who for the most part sat quietly as he listened to their tale. But the ponies and dragon were unaware that three little fillies were heading out to the barn with a few freshly baked apple pies.
___________________________________________________________________________________

The Cutie Mark Crusaders had just entered the barn without any trouble. Inside the barn it was impossible to not notice the changes the day had brought upon. Blankets and buckets of water were strewn about from the time Fluttershy had healed the dragon from his injuries. And in the center of the room, and the most obvious change to the barn. Strewn out on of a tied hay bale made into a makeshift bed, was the white dragon. The reptile’s face was peaceful and calm, sleeping without a care in world. Of course he cared about this particular situation he was in, but he had to endure it.

The fillies quietly tip toed, careful with not making any sort of sound as they came near the sleeping dragon. They carefully set the pies down and the gift Sweetie Belle still carried around. With the pies and the gift safe, came another problem. Who was going to wake the dragon from his peaceful sleep.

“So who’s going to wake him up first?”Scootaloo whispered.

“Well I’m not going to do it.” Apple Bloom quietly answered, turning to look at Sweetie Belle.

“Don’t look at me. I’m not gonna do it.”

“Well then who?” Scootaloo whispered, ”Cause I’m not gonna do it.”

“And why not?” Apple Bloom quietly asked, ”You’re not afraid are you?”

“Who me no way.” The orange filly answered with a smirk, though quietly. “Are you scared?”

“I’m not scared.” Apple Bloom answered, turning to the white unicorn, ”Are you scared Sweetie Belle?”

“Nope.” She answered with a smile, but she lost it when a dragon gave a low audible growl, ”Well maybe a little.”

“I guess I’m scared too, but not a lot. Just a little bit,” Apple Bloom confessed.

Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom smiled to one another. Both fillies turned to Scootaloo, ”What?” She asked.

“Well aren’t you going to say that you're scared too? Apple Bloom asked.

“I already told you I’m not scared.” Scootaloo answered a tad bit louder.

“Well then why don’t you wake him him?” Apple Bloom hissed a bit loud.

“I’m not gonna do it.” Scootaloo hissed back.

“That’s cause you're scared,” Apple Bloom said with a smirk.

“Am not!” Scootaloo hissed.

“Are too!” Apple Bloom hissed

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Am not!

“Are too!”

“Girls!” Sweetie Belle hissed trying to stop her friends from arguing.

The girls bickering was starting to wake Shen-lung from his peaceful sleep. His lime green eyes opened and narrowed to the source of his problem. The fillies were unaware as his head rose up over them.

“Am not!”

“Are too!”

“Girls!” Sweetie Belle shouted, stopping the argument between her two friends. And that’s when they froze when they heard a deep growl from behind. The girls tilted their heads up to see a very angry and irritated dragon. Their pupils shrunk, feeling very afraid.

“What are you three doing here?” The dragon growled.

“Uh-oh.” The girls squeaked.