Child of Two Worlds: Power Games

Chapters

Prolouge: Politicians and Visions
Chapter 1: Blood of the Civilians
Chapter 2: The Champion
Chapter 3: Origin of Hatred

Prolouge: Politicians and Visions

Canterlot, Kingdom of Equestria, February 27th, 1 L.F. (Luna's Freedom)

These days were always the hardest. She hated having to attend these meetings, but it was tradition. The ponies felt a lot better about the government being a monarchy once she agreed to hold the Grand Council for three days every six months. Oh, how she hated the meetings, but it kept the citizens happy, that’s what really mattered.

Luna and the representatives would be in the council chambers waiting for her to show up now; she hurried to the chambers. Her magic flung the doors open and she walked in. She saw the representatives sitting in their respective seats. Celestia trotted over to her seat and cleared her throat, time to give the speech.

She hated this part extremely. The speech was unnecessarily long, but , oh no, the advisors said it was necessary. Celestia didn’t know why, but the representatives respected her because the speech was long. It didn’t make any sense to her or Luna at all. Finally the Princess of the Day closed her mouth. The speech was over. Now, time to listen to the representatives.

“The floor now belongs to the representatives of the city Baltimare.” Said the older of the two princesses.

“We thank the princesses for the floor,” said the unicorn that looked like the head of the group. “The first issue that we would like to address is the Griffon bandits crossing the northern border into the majestic city of Baltimare. Our citizens live in fear of being robbed in their own homes! We demand action against these invaders! I am sure all of the northern cities will agree with this motion!”

The room was filled with cheers in agreement, but these cheers quickly died down as the Princess of the Day raised her hoof. “I understand the situation Representative Ruby Mane, but the only thing we can do is send more troops to the northern cities as protection.”

“Your highness, if we do that, they will only come back stronger and in larger numbers! The only way to get these bandits to stop is to push them back over the border! Do the northern cities agree?”

Celestia raised her hoof again to signal the end of the uproar. “If we were to do that, we would violate the treaty we signed with Griffons if we were to do that.”

“Actually, sister,” chimed Luna, “I have to disagree with you there sister.” she continued. The council room was filled with gasps and whispers as soon as the younger princess finished speaking. “I have read the treaty myself. It will only be violated if a military engagement were to happen. If we simply supplied northern militias, they could cross the border themselves and not violate the treaty.”

“Very well, in accordance with the Royal Approval Act of 1791, the motion to supply northern militias is approved,” said Celestia, still in shock that Luna had just undermined her authority. Luna simply smiled in triumph. The rest of the meeting didn’t go well at all. Whenever there was a motion that benefited the northern cities, Luna would get it approved. However, Celestia did the same for the eastern cities of Equestria. This continued until the representatives of Coltsburg was given the floor.

“The first issue we would like to address is one all western and southern cities share, the magic using aristocracy,” said the Coltsburg representative. Before he could continue, he was cut off.

“Objection! Your majesties, this is just another rant about how magic is responsible for all of their problems!” yelled a unicorn from Fillydelphia.

“Neigh! The objection is overruled, the representative of Coltsburg shall continue!” yelled the representative of Las Pegasus. The representative of Fillydelphia sulked in defeat at the hooves of council rules.

“As I was saying, the magic using aristocracy has been oppressing the earth ponies and pegasi for thousands of years! When was the last time you saw a wealthy pony who wasn’t a Unicorn? When was the last time you saw a new advancement in technology? When was the last time you saw a major political leader who wasn’t a unicorn? You haven’t! The magic using aristocracy has been preventing it! They claim that new advancements in technology will ruin their businesses that thrive off magic and the royalty prevents the advancement from becoming available!” said the earth pony stallion from Coltsburg.

“That is enough! The council will not tolerate such outbursts!’ yelled Princess Celestia, but the stallion continued.

“Do you see what I mean? They are trying to silence me for speaking the truth! Well, this shall no longer be a problem for Celestia and Luna! As of right now, the western and southern regions of the Kingdom of Equestria secede and now form the Free Equestrian Federation!” the earth pony yelled. The cheers of the representatives from cities in those regions soon followed.

“You cannot do that! It is against the law to speak for those cities without their approval!’ yelled Luna.

“I am not speaking without their approval! We voted on the issue earlier this year! The cities are seceding! You are just upset that we came to our senses and freed ourselves from the control of the aristocracy! Now if you excuse us, we will be heading back to our country.” The stallion finally stepped of the stand and walked out. The southern and western city’s representatives followed.

“Today’s meeting is adjourned!” yelled Princess Celestia. It was time to get some rest. Half of the kingdom seceded, the rumors she heard about Luna preparing to seize the throne seemed like they were true, and a war with the Griffons seems impossible to avoid. Little did she know, these power games would be the least of their problems.

Ponyville, Kingdom of Equestria, Febraury 29th, 1 L.F. (Luna's Freedom)

He didn’t know where he was. All he knew was it was very strange. He walked forward into the never-ending blackness that he had somehow appeared in. Suddenly, he heard a loud noise coming form underneath him. He looked down and saw the planet he called home.

The planet sat there in space peacefully. It looked amazing. Suddenly, he heard another noise, and then another planet appeared. It looked rocky and rough. This new planet began orbiting his home planet, just like the moon. Soon, this image changed.

Bright lights fell down from the strange planet onto his home planet. At first, it was just a few, soon millions of these lights, some large and some small, crashed down all over the surface of his home. Once again, the image changed.

It showed the Kingdom of Equestria covered in dragons. They burned down cities and ravaged the land. The scene shifted. It showed the land of the Zebras under attack by strange dragon-like creatures that appeared to be made of stone. The scene shifted again, showing other races under attack by the same creatures. Suddenly, he heard a voice.

“In the days where war between the creatures is common and brother has turned on brother, in the days where the nations have fragmented, the wardens of the prison shall signal the return of their fathers. They shall come like a rain and the creatures shall continue their fighting. Only when the Child of Two Worlds, The Original Warden, The Great Messenger, stands up to fight against the tide, shall the creatures unite under one banner.” the voice said.

“SPIKE! SPIKE! Wake up!” he heard. The dream was over.

“Coming Twilight!” he said. He wasn’t sure what to make of that dream. He heard a scream coming from downstairs. The dragon ran to see what was happening. He stopped. A dragon-like creature made of stone around the size of three ponies stacked on top of each other stood in the doorway. In one claw was a giant axe, in the other was a giant sword covered in blood. Twilight’s corpse sat on the floor of the library. The creature lunged forward at Spike ready to kill him where he stood.

He jumped out of his bed in terror and screamed waking up the unicorn the slept in the bed next to his. “Spike relax, you just had a bad dream.” Said an annoyed and tired Twilight Sparkle.

“It was just a dream?” he said. “That’s right, it was just a dream.”

“Well Spike, I’m awake now, how about we get started on today’s to-do list?”

“Sure thing Twilight!” said the dragon trying not to sound scared. He had no idea what he dreamed about, when it would happen, or why, but one thing was for sure: he was going to need new pair of sheets.

Chapter 1: Blood of the Civilians

Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. My Mac committed suicide so I lost draft one of the chapter. Also, read the prologue again, I've changed something.

Zebra Tribes Compound, Zebra Tribes, March 4th, 1 L.F. (Luna’s Freedom)

Steel clashed. The cheers of the crowd filled the square. Both warriors prepared to strike again at their opponent. The tall one charged, using his magic to hold the giant halberd. The smaller one jumped out of the way. The tall one’s halberd smashed down onto the brick street instead of his intended target. He jumped out of the way as the smaller one lunged at him with his katanas.

The smaller of the two was named Saturn, a younger, stranger alicorn. Centauri, the larger one, was a more normal alicorn. Saturn was of the Sol house while Centauri has of Alpha lineage. The Alpha and Sol houses had been at war unofficially for hundreds of years. This duel was a result of the never-ending feud. Since this was a formal duel, the authorities would allow it.

The purpose of this duel was to see who would gain ownership of a simple house in the compound. The two had come to the Zebra Tribes Compound to start a new life. Unfortunately, there was only one house left and they were not going to share a single square hoof of it. The anger the two shared only increased once they found out each other’s family background.

Saturn and Centauri continued their fighting. While most alicorns would’ve focused on Centauri’s strength, the crowd focused on Saturn’s fighting style. The small alicorn held his two katanas in his wings and shot bolts of lightning for his strange horn. While most alicrons have a straight horn, Saturn had a horn that split into two parts that formed a “U” shape. This greatly enhanced his magic abilities.

Saturn flew up into the air knowing Centauri couldn’t follow him. The larger of the two had focused all of his strength into holding his weapon. The smaller own looked own to examine the larger one. Centauri’s pure black mane had been shortened by Saturn’s lighting magic, his dark blue coat had several cuts caused by Saturn’s katanas, and his wings had lost several feathers.

Centauri looked up and did the same. Saturn’s red mane remained intact, his green coat had several scrapes and bruises from when Saturn was knocked down onto the ground, and his armored wings that held his two katanas remained untouched. The crowd surrounding the square watched and waited in suspense for something to happen.

The smaller of two lunged at the larger alicorn. Centauri brought up his halberd and parried Saturn’s attack. Little did Centauri know, he had fallen into Saturn’s trap. Right as Centauri was about to execute Saturn, a powerful bolt of lightning struck his horn. Centauri lost control of his magic and his halberd fell down right next Saturn’s body. Saturn smiled; everything was going according to plan.

As Centauri fell to the ground paralyzed in pain, his life ended before his suffering could continue. The crowd watched in awe. Saturn stood there; his two katanas were plunged into the chest of the larger alicorn. The amazement of the crowd soon changed to fear.

“Are you Saturn Sol?” asked a strange voice. Saturn turned around and saw the crowd had parted. In the middle of the path the crowd had created, stood monks. They rarely ever came out of the temple in the center of the compound. The small alicorn hoped this had nothing to do with the duel.

“That is me.” Saturn said as he removed his blood-stained katanas from Centauri’s body.

“Saturn Sol, by order of High Elder Zeus you are required to come with us to the temple.” said

the leader of the group of monks. As soon as he finished speaking, the three alicorns behind him unsheathed their swords and looked at Saturn.

“As Zeus commands.” said Saturn.

“Follow us.” said the leader. The other sheathed their blades and turned around. The leader motioned for Saturn to follow. Saturn nodded, sheathed his katanas, and followed the monks. As he walked, he could hear the crowd whispering.

“Zeus is going to smite him.”

“No one is ever called to the temple.”

“That flank is going to be burned to a crisp.”

Saturn didn’t care to hear anymore of the crowd’s statements. He used his magic to block them out. The walk seemed much longer then it was. He could see the fillies stop playing and staring at him and the monks. Some alicorns watched them from their windows. Saturn felt extremely nervous.

After what was really ten minutes but felt like an hour; they arrived at the temple. “Saturn Sol, go inside, High Elder Zeus will be waiting for you.” said the leader. The other three monks opened the door for Saturn. The small alicorn walked into the temple and the doors closed behind him. He then heard a voice.

“Saturn Sol?”

“That is me, High Elder Zeus.”

“Saturn Sol, are you familiar with the prophecy of the Child of Two Worlds?”

Wilderness, Free Equestrian Federation, March 5th, 1 L.F. (Luna’s Freedom)

Scootaloo sat there on the train. She was not a happy camper. Her parents were moving to some city called Trottingham in some place called the “Federation”. Her family was moving because her uncle had gotten them a nice, big house.

She had never been this angry before in her life. She couldn’t hang with the crusaders anymore, she couldn’t talk to Rainbowdash, and she couldn’t go to anymore of Pinkie Pie’s parties. Today was the worst day of her life. Her parents had tried to comfort her, but she didn’t need their comfort. They were the ones that made her upset in the first place.

It felt like the train would keep moving forever. This feeling disappeared soon because they arrived at their destination, the city of Trottingham, economic capital of the Free Equestrian Federation. The little filly hated it already. She could smell the smoke in the air and she could see the giant factories the dominated the city’s skyline.

As her family got off the train and into the city, they were met by a smiling pegasus. “Sister, Martin! It so nice to see you again! And is that you, Scootaloo? My my, haven’t you grown!” he said.

“Chester! It’s been so long! But may I ask how you got the immigration forms filled out so quickly? I would’ve thought the kingdom would’ve blocked all immigrations from happening.” said Scootaloo’s mother.

“As has everypony who has moved to the federation, but it’s actually much easier. You see my sister, the royals would love to prevent immigration here, but that would violate their law. In their constitution, they allow all royal citizens to move to any country they please. As much as they would like to prevent immigration, they know it only cause more riots.”

“That’s quite fascinating, Chester.” said Martin, Scootaloo’s father.

“I thought you would like to know that Martin. Now anyway, we don’t want to keep the carriage waiting. Follow me.” said Chester. The group now consisted of Scootaloo’s uncle, mother, father, and some of her uncle’s servants. Scootaloo just wanted to fly away, back to Ponyville, the place where everything made sense.

Within a few minutes, they arrived at the carriage. They all got on and the adults began a conversation about politics, economics, and cake. Scootaloo didn’t partake in these conversations. The little filly just sat there and looked outside of the carriage window. From this point of view, the city of Trottingham looked amazing.

“I thought unicorns weren’t allowed in the federation, why are they here?” asked Scootaloo’s mother.

“Well Tempest, it’s actually the opposite of what you think. The royals would like you to think that we hunt down unicorns and kill them or imprison them. When the country was founded, we pass the Magic Regulation Act. The MRA created a list of approved spell and magical studies. Unicorns were free to live their lives as long as they used approved spells. These spells were teleportation, levitation, you know, the basics.” said Chester.

Scootaloo could care less about the things they spoke about. She tuned them out and continued looking at the city. It looked amazing, it looked wonderful, it looked spectacular, and it was on fire! The little filly snapped out of her trance and she heard several screams and explosions.

“SCOOTALOO, DUCK!” yelled Uncle Chester. She followed his orders and ducked. A giant blast of magical energy ripped off the top of the carriage and sent the rest flying.

“IT’S THE E.R.F.!” yelled a guard as he raced to check on Scootaloo’s family.

“Attention citizens of Trottingham! This is Magistrate Crystalhorn of the Equestrian Reunification Front. The time of oppression has ended. Your salvation has arrived! Count Chester Purplemane has fallen!” yelled a loud voice.

“What?” said Scootaloo. She turned around and saw her parents, her uncle, and the servants dead. The little, pegasus filly without a cutie mark turned around again and saw the Crystalhorn character standing on top of a skyscraper. She looked at her uncle’s body again. Scootaloo knew what she had to do.

The pegasus ran towards her uncle’s body and strapped on his hoof sword. The hoof sword fit like a glove. Scootaloo thought about what she was about to do. She might have hated her parents a few minutes ago, but deep down she still loved them. Suddenly, she took to the sky.

She had never flown before. It was a wonderful feeling. Scootaloo quickly focused her attention back to the task at hoof. The filly charged at Crystalhorn, the stallion who killed her family. As the unicorn spoke about the reunification, he suddenly stopped. He fell down to the street with a giant hole slashed into his chest. A small pegasus filly flew above the spot where the leader once stood.

Scootaloo didn’t stop there. She charged and killed at least ten more E.R.F. soldiers in her fit of rage. The pure shock that the filly’s rage caused had given the federation enough time to crush the rest of the militants. As the fighting continued, Scootaloo just sat there and cried.

They had families too; they were going to live long healthy lives; she deprived them of those lives. She continued to cry until she heard a strange voice. “It’s okay, young one.” It said.

“Who are you?” she asked in a terrified voice.

“I am General Thunderwing. You showed a lot of bravery out there, kiddo.” He said. She looked at the stallion. He was a pegasus, his coat was yellow, his mane was blue, and his cutie mark was a shield. That’s all the stallion’s armor would let her see.

“But I killed them! I ruined their lives! I ruined their families!” she cried. A surge of emotions flooded her mind. She was upset, angry, happy, proud, and depressed all at the same time.

“Kiddo, you did what you had to. They were going to kill more ponies and you stopped them. You saved them little girl. You’re a hero.”

“I am?”

“You are, kiddo. By the way, nice cutie mark.” Thunderwing said. Scootaloo quickly turned her head and looked at her flank. There, was a cutie mark of a sword.

Chapter 2: The Champion

Author's Note: You need to know who Garble is, check the MLP Wiki before reading our after you want. Also, there is a hint to a main character that will be revealed late on in the story, can you find the hint?

Diamond Muttropolis, Diamond Dog Territory, May 27th, 25 B.L.F. (Before Luna’s Freedom)

“CHARGE!” yelled the Dragon Field Commander. The command was followed. Thousands of dragons flew across the sky and ran on the ground towards the giant towers which blocked the path to the heart of the city. As the armies of the dragons charged forward, it looked like the Great Gem War would finally end.

This conflict started thirty years ago. The origin of it is unknown now, but some believe it started when diamond dogs tried steal several dragon hoards. This particular battle was an assault on the diamond dog capital of Diamond Muttropolis. However, the outcome of this battle was not caused by either side, but by a supernatural force.

The armies of each side fought in the city. The casualties for both sides increased on every second. As they fought, a strange force watched from overhead. “Sir, should we interfere with their war?” asked one of them.

“Does a father abandon his children?”

“No, he does not, your Majesty.” said the first.

“Then I shall not do the same to mine. Losing the firstborn was too much pain already. My other offspring will not be lost as he was.”

“Shall I begin the transfer, your Majesty?”

“Yes, but only one shall receive it. Find the weakest. He shall become our messenger, the harbinger, the champion!” shouted the king.

“Yes, my liege.”

The fighting raged on. The two sides were stuck in a stalemate. Then, a blast of light came down from the sky. This blast was concentrated on one dragon. Both side stopped their fighting and watched in awe. What was once a dragon, had become something else.

His skin turned to stone, his wings made of metal. The dragon’s head looked more like griffin’s now, except that it was now made of stone and had ruby eyes. His scales were replaced with cracks and his claws were made of metal as well. The transformation was complete.

This new creature charged towards the diamond dog lines. He ripped their soldiers and defenses to shreds. Within a few minutes, the entire dragon army had decided to follow the creature into battle. Buildings came crashing down and fire spread all over the city.

Most of the dragons were as terrified of the creature as the diamond dogs were, but they weren’t going to complain, this monster was leading them to victory. Fires of different colors covered every inch of the city. No dragon knew who exactly this creature was before he was transformed, but they weren’t going to ask questions. The only strange thing about the creature was that it howled at the moon the shined above the battlefield.

Finally, the flag of surrender was flown by the dogs. The war had ended. Immediately afterwards, the monster that lead them to victory returned back to his normal form. What was once a vicious monster was now Ruby Garble, the father of who is now the young teenage dragon named Garble.

The dragons and diamond dogs were now only left with one question. What made that dragon a monster?

Wilderness, Location Unknown, January 3rd, 1 L.F. (Luna’s Freedom)

“Garble, wake up, my son.”

“Wha..? Dad?” said the sleepy, grumpy teenager.

“Follow me, Garble. Follow me, champion.” said the voice.

“What?” the dragon replied. He soon felt himself floating in a strange white void that went on to the edges of infinity. “Where am I?”

“Garble, do you know the story of your father?” asked the voice.

“Yeah, yeah. He won the gem war thingy. Why’s that special?”

“You are my chosen, Garble. Your father showed what would be coming to this world. You shall begin the events to bring what is coming.”

“What do you mean? I don’t even know what you are! Are you a spirit or a groundhog?” yelled Garble.

“Do not doubt me, my son!” yelled the voice. “I’m sure you know what your father looked like that day!” he continued. Suddenly, the voice revealed itself. A creature that looked identical to the image of Garble’s father when he lead the charge against the diamond dogs appeared. The only big difference was that it was one hundred times bigger.

“What, Why, How?” said the confused dragon.

“Garble! Your father was of the second born! This is your chance! Everyone in your family has left their mark to show their loyalty! They have made their mark on history! Now, from what I can tell, you have done nothing except slack off! You have a chance to become a champion, a chance to become a warrior! You shall bring my return!” yelled the creature in a fit of rage.

“What is all this? Why am I a second born? What does that even mean? What happened the first born?”

“The history of this world has been hidden. I cannot not tell you yet, but you must trust me my son. Are you prepared to receive your assignment?”

“Sure, why not?” replied a terrified and confused Garble.

“You are to head the the pony city of Coltsburg. My power will disguise you. You are to plants the seeds a rebellion. Once that is done, head to the northern pony cities, do the same there. After that, you will do the same around the world.”

“Whatever you say, boss creature.” said Garble as he tried to hide the fact that fecal matter now covered the “floor” of the void.

“Oh, Garble, before you leave, clean that up. This isn’t some magical dream thing you know! This an observation area that several others use”

“Sorry, boss man. I was just scared, that’s all.”

“Grow a backbone, Garble.” said the creature.

Location Unknown, Kingdom of Equestria, March 10th, 1 L.F. (Luna’s Freedom)

“We will have to change our plans. With the Free Equestrian Federation’s formation, the original plan will need to be changed.”

“Your majesty! This plan can still work even with the secession! We just need to recruit new allies. Maybe the Zebra Tribes will help?”

“Silver Sun, if you family hadn’t been a close ally of ours for this long, we would kill you where you stand. You will follow our orders. Get your tacticians and ready the next plan. Dismissed, Commander.” said Princess Luna.

“As you wish.” replied Commander Silver Sun. The unicorn walked out of the tent to carry out the orders that were just given to him.

“I know he’s a stubborn one, but wasn't that a little bit harsh?” said a new voice

“No it wasn’t, halfbreed. Now, what advice do you have to offer?”

“Princess, you know I do very much dislike that term. You shouldn’t act like that to an old friend.” replied the voice from the shadows.

“All right, we understand. Now, I need you to help me plan the revolution.”

“Very well, your majesty.” The owner of the voice came out of his hiding spot. He wore a robe, but you could still see some things that made him strange. He looked like a pegasus at first glance, but if you looked closer, you could tell he was different.

The creature had dragon wings, teeth, eyes, and some miniature claws coming out of his hooves. The halfbreed also wore goggles over his eyes. The blue lenses of the goggles reflected all light that came towards his eyes. His mane was not visible because of the hood that covered most of his head.

“Fuse, just tell me what we need to do.” said Princess Luna

“Ah, you're calling me by my pet name. You should know that I don’t respond to the name you two gave me.”

“Just tell me what the buck we need to do!” yelled Luna.

“Calm down, Luna. Just let me think about this for a second.” said the creature.

“All right” replied an angry Luna. She watched him stare at the map for what seemed like days, the finally he spoke.

“Don’t attack yet, but you do whatever espionage plan Silver comes up with.” the creature said in a serious voice.

“Please, we would like you to elaborate.”

“Celestia is going to supply the rebels in the federation. The feds will react angrily and declare war on the royals. Once the war begins, you will be able to make your move and unify both sides and found your little republic.” said the creature.

“How do you know this?”

“I just do, Luna. You should know that by now. Now, I must go back to the prison your sister made for me, she will be able to detect my presence soon.” he said. Immediately after he said that, he took off into the night sky.

“Our plan is almost complete.” said a voice to no one in particular. The owner of the new voice looked down and saw Princess Luna walking out to check on her army. “My father will be very pleased with these results.” said the voice again. If the army Luna had assembled could hear this voice, their ears drums would have then been pierced by a howl that was directed towards the moon.

Chapter 3: Origin of Hatred

Ponyville, Kingdom of Equestria, March 11th, 1 L.F. (Luna’s Freedom)

Tick, tock, tick tock. The clock slowly counted down the minutes. The dragon couldn’t fall asleep. Ever since the nightmare he had last month, he had become paranoid. The images he saw had continued to haunt him since that night.

He felt his eyelids become heavy. The dragon couldn’t fight it any longer. His body would make him sleep even if his mind didn’t want to. The last thing he heard before falling into his slumber has the sound of the clock ticking.

What he then heard scared him at first. “To learn to trust your allies my student, you must understand the origin of their hatred for the enemy.” it said.

New Everfree, Kingdom of Equestria, March 16th, 1500 O.A. (Original Age)

Suddenly, he was floating in the air. The dragon the citizens of Ponyville called spike looked down. Where Ponyville should have been, was nothing. He felt his body turn. Once he stopped moving, he saw where the Everfree Forest should have been. In its place stood a massive city and a giant castle in the center.

Spike suddenly rushed forward to the castle. It was as if he lost control of his body. The dragon flew through the castle rooms until he arrived in the basement. There stood Celestia, who looked much younger, and a pool of a strange liquid. Celestia’s horn was glowing and Spike heard her mumbling something.

“Rise, my creation!” said the princess. Whatever she meant by that, the pool knew what she meant. A leg reached out of the pool and slowly pulled the rest of its body out of the blue liquid. The shape of something that looked like a pegasus soon emerged.

It hissed in pain for some reason as it closed its eyes. “Ack, fire!” it yelled. The creature brought of its legs close to its eyes to shield them. Spike noticed that it had small claws coming out of its hooves.

“Quiet, my creation. Takes these. They will shield you.” said the princess of the sun. She levitated a pair of goggles with blue lenses. The creature quickly grabbed the goggles and put them on. Spike now noticed that the creatures mane was covered in the blue liquid and impossible to see. The dragon could still see the creature’s spiky, black and green tail.

Spike looked back at its head. Two horns like ones you would see on a deer were there. Finally, the silence between the princess and the creature ended. “What is my name?” it said.

“Short Fuse, that is your name.” said Celestia. As she said that, her horn glowed. Soon, a mushroom cloud appeared on the creature’s flank.

As soon as that happened, a bright light flashed.

Shadow-Wing City, Shadow-Wing Confederacy, April 27th, 1490 O.A. (Original Age)

He reappeared in a city. Spike looked around. He saw that he was hovering above the strange creature named Short Fuse. The dragon watched as the creature jumped from roof to roof in the strange stone city. Finally, it he stopped.

“Team One, this is Executor, do you copy?” he said.

“Executor, this is Team One Actual. Looks like the magic link is working,” replied a voice that Spike heard in his head.

“Good, set up the link with the other teams, tell them to get their men ready. You’ll see the signal.”

“Roger that, Executor.”

Short Fuse began flying towards a giant tower in the middle of the circle shaped city. Spike followed the creature as he flied. Finally, the two came to a stop. The dragon watched as the creature pulled out a match.

“Boom.” he said. The creature released his claws and dropped the match into the city below. Spike covered his ears as a giant explosion ripped apart most of the city.

“Executor! Enemy forces closing in! Teams Two through Five have been killed in the explosion! Structures are collapsing everywh-” the voice was cut off by Short Fuse.

“HQ said no evidence.” replied Short Fuse. As he said that, an explosion destroyed Team One’s location. He then looked up at the moon and howled. As he did it, his skin started turning to stone, his wings turned to metal, and his eyes became rubies. Again, light flashed.

Canterlot, Kingdom of Equestria, May 4th, 1490 O.A. (Original Age)

Spike reappeared again, this time in Canterlot Castle.

“You didn’t have to kill them.”

“If they had lived, and we escaped, the Blackwings would’ve been able to find out it was us. I had to protect this country.”

“Very well, Fuse.” said Princess Celestia. She then walked out of the room. Short Fuse heard a new set of hoofsteps behind him.

“What was that about?” asked the owner of the new set of hoofsteps.

“Your sister complaining about how I perform her special operations, again” replied Short Fuse.

“I swear she always acts like there’s a giant stick shoved up her...” said Princess Luna before she was cut off.

“I CAN HEAR YOU!” yelled Princess Celestia.

“Is it that time of month again?” teased Luna. The only response was the increased sound of Celestia’s hoofsteps.

“All right Luna, let’s go. We need to get ready for tonight.” said Short Fuse.

“Tonight? What could be happening tonight?’

“Don’t tell me you forgot, Luna. I am taking you out to dinner tonight.”

“Oh, I can’t believe I forgot! All of the Nightwatch duties have been taking up my time.” replied Luna.

“I don’t blame you my dear. Now, I must attend to the preparations.” said Short Fuse. The creature the flew out the window into the city below. The light flashed again.

New Everfree, Kingdom of Equestria, March 16th, 1480 O.A. (Original Age)

“SHORT FUSE! You have betrayed this kingdom, killed its people, and brought destruction to its land! Do you have anything to say for yourself, halfbreed?” asked Princess Celestia.

Short Fuse looked around the hall. He saw Luna, Celestia, royal guards, officials, and representatives from other nations. He heard a gasp at the mention of the term halfbreed. “I am protecting this kingdom from the darkness that is to come. Because of your studies into ancient and forbidden draconic magics, you have earned their attention!” yelled Short Fuse.

“And who is they, Short Fuse?” questioned the Princess of the Sun.

“The originals! The Wardens! You know who I speak of! You used their magics to mix pony and dragon! To create me!”

The room gasped. All of the eyes in the room watched Celestia and Short Fuse. “Execute him.”

“You'll regret that decision, alicorn.” said Short Fuse. The axe wielding pony brought his axe down onto the halfbreed’s neck, only to have it sent back into his face. The earth pony fell down onto the marble floor and his blood formed a puddle around his head. Every creature looked at Short Fuse, only to see ruby eyes staring back at them. The light flashed.

Foxhollow, Fox Conglomerate, March 16th, 1 L.F. (Luna’s Freedom)

The alicorn walked through the cramped streets of the city. He knew ponies weren’t common here. He also knew that they weren’t particularly favored here. He would have to finish his business quick.

The alicorn turned a corner into a back alley. He stopped, he heard hoofsteps behind him. “Well, well, well. Look at this. It’s the mighty Saturn Sol!’

Saturn turned around and looked at the owner of the voice. There stood a hooded figure. Saturn couldn’t make out anything about the figure’s appearance except for the fact that it was a winged pony. “Who goes there?”

“I am something that can help you train the child.” replied the voice.

“And how do you know about the child, stranger?”

“Because I just do. Now, I can help you train the child and defeat the wardens. All I need you to do is cooperate.”

“The child does not need our help. He can defeat the wardens without the help of us.” said Saturn Sol.

“That’s what the legend says, but every legend has allies that help create the legend.”

“And why should I trust you?” questioned the alicorn.

“Because,” he said as his robe came off of him, his skin turned to stone, his wings metal, and his eyes became rubies, “I know the enemy better than anyone.”