Little Dragon In A Strange New World II: Hero's Plight

Chapters

Prologue: Past History
Training Sessions
Dirge of the Queen(revised)
Break In
Old journals
Dream? More like Nightmare
Leads
Traversing the Badlands
Buried secrets

Prologue: Past History

Tri Point Mountain.

A long forgotten tribute to the early days of the three nations. Used during times of tension, this monument served as grounds for meetings between Equestria, Gryf and Draconis' rulers. Here away from the worries of their kin, each monarch would set the tide for requests, demands and recommendations. Denials, threats, and solutions were the outcome most of the time. Rarely did arguments arise for the fear of repercussion was great. When peace was achieved, Tri Point Mountain was abandoned, forgotten to the elements of time. Yet it was imbued with the magic of the world. Thus centuries may have passed, but the neutral grounds for the three remained in pristine condition since the time of its construction.

It was here the a fugitive took shelter under the stormy night. The earthen doors leading into the main chambers opened, allowing a ragged, robed figure to stagger inside before shutting them behind. The being limped towards the throne chair where the Dragon Queen used to occupy before slumping in the seat. A bandaged hand pulled away the hood to reveal a tired, dirty scaled muzzle. Pale blue in color, they had lost their sheen due to the constant run of the owner. Green eyes burned fiercely as the other hand unloaded a satchel upon the stone table.

Sapphire Fireblood heaved a sigh as she stared dully across the surface of the table towards an old statue depicting a dragon wrapped in the armor of old. The dragoness felt dim memories stir, memories of a time long ago when dragons were feared and held command across this wretched world.

Dragons were great beasts of the air, feared among the lesser creatures and commanded awe when noted. When young ferals were not scuffling with griffon sentries along the borders, the dragons tended to obey their queen's rule. The nation of Gryf also minded to its own kin. When sentries were not testing their bravery by hunting out dragon hoards, the kingdom sought advice and wisdom from the king and queen. When the world was young both kingdoms looked to the south and west of the borders, to the untamed wild lands that held so much bounty, its natural beauty was ripe for harvest. That is until search parties from both nations discovered a race they had never seen before.

They would learn that the outsiders were called ponies. Hailed from the the farthest reaches of the cold north, these settlers had fled from an ancient curse that plagued them. Free from the Windigos the three new tribes sought a new life in the wilderness. Wary at first, the griffons would start trade with the newcomers. But the dragons shunned them, seeing the mammals as a nuisance much like they saw the griffons.

Over time the tiny settlements scattered across the lands would bloom into small towns and flourish. The ponies were most grateful for the hospitality the griffons had provided, once they grew accustomed to their taste in food. Pegasi found greater joy in knowing they had fellow flyers would could assist and aid when it was needed. Yet for all the prosperity the pony tribes had obtained, it was not without trouble.

The dragons, the worst of the kin from Draconis began to raid along the borders. Crops were burned, houses trashed and even a few ponies kidnapped. Soon after there was demand that these ponies were to pay tribute to the great beasts or face total destruction at the talon, jaws and fire from some of aggressors. Griffons were in an uproar and vowed retaliation should the raids continued. To the dragons, this was a challenge. Long had they tolerated the half bird, half feline breeds of Gryf. Now allied with the ponies, they were deemed a threat.

Thus the wars erupted.

Griffon clashed with ferals, while ponies struggled to survive the younger drakes who pillaged and looted. Unicorn, pegasus and earth pony scrounged what weapons they could and defended their homes against the dragon's threat. But it was a losing battle. The dragons were gaining the upper wing and they knew it was only a matter of time before Gryf and the weak ponies submitted finally to their superior strength. That is until the castle in the wild forests appeared.

No one knew when it appeared. Some claimed the night sky bathed the ground in a light so bright, those who looked upon it were to be blinded. Not long after the castle appeared did a new being emerge. This creatures looked like the ponies, but different. Taller, more majestic then the three tribes, this winged unicorn stepped forward with a decree: If the dragons did not cease the fighting with both griffon and pony, then retribution would be swift and just.

Some dragons laughed at these newcomer. Bold was the statement, but if this outsider proved anything like the unicorns and pegasus, all they saw was a larger version of a teleporting, darting winged beast that fled from their jaws. The raids continued. In doing so the downfall of the ferals began. The alicorn as the ponies would call her, were anything but a terrified feeble mammal. Her magic was beyond anything griffon and dragon had ever seen.

For the dragons, this magic stung worse then any bite or claw mark. Their high magical resilience was nothing when beams of light magic seared scale, burned flesh and charred muscle. Nor was this alicorn a light weight in terms of offense.She flew into a group of dragons lashing out with both front and hind hooves. Those caught in her kicks felt their bones snap and wings tear. When she took to the air, her wings were said to create such gale force winds, that some dragons foolish enough to get too close were swept away in a funnel cloud, never to be heard from again.

The tables had turned. Griffons, seeing the ponies new allies come to their aid, rallied behind their own forces and bolstered the alicorn's defense.

Thus a truce was to be called.

At the time of the meeting, the dragons crowned a new queen. Her name was Demuria the Third. Unlike her predecessor, Queen Tyranis the Second, Demuria wanted to end the fighting and usher in a time of peace. She saw that such wars did nothing positive and offered regret to what the former queen had done to both pony and griffon alike. The treaty of Tri Point was signed that day and a new nation emerged from the dying fires. The nation of Equestria.

Those who survived the wars tended to the burial and remembrance of those who lives were lost. For the dragons, the ones who escaped the alicorn's magic, they were condemned and punished by Demuria herself. While the nations rebuilt and licked their wounds, there was one dragoness who spat on the treaty in secret.

Chrome Fireblood considered Demuria a traitor and disgrace to the nation of Draconis. They were dragons! They were to be feared and respected as Tyranis had deemed. Now because of some worthless piece of paper, they were to bend the knee and bow to this newly crowned princess of Equestria? She would not have it. With a small gathering of drakes who shared her vision, Chrome Fireblood left her home in Draconis and started a coup.

This Princess Celestia held a weakness. Chrome Fireblood had seen it. The alicorn was not the sole resident of the castle in the forest. The dragoness sent a couple of drakes to cause a distraction along the edge of the border to Draconis. Then she waited until the alicorn princess left her castle in search of whom ever was responsible for harming her subjects. Chrome with three others invaded that afternoon. Searching high and low, the dragoness along with her cohorts sought to find out what was it that made Celestia protect this castle so fiercely during the war. It was then discovered in the form of a smaller alicorn. This one, half the size of the princess was a dark midnight blue. Chrome found her cowering under the bed when they rummaged through the main bed chambers. So Princess Celestia had a sister. It was perfect.

When Princess Celestia returned, she found her castle ransacked and no sight of of her younger sibling anywhere. Tearing apart the grounds even further, the alicorn searched high and low with no success. It was then a injured griffon fell from the sky, bearing a scroll. Inside was a single dark feather along with the tiara of her younger sibling with a dreaded message from her kidnapper.

Surrender your crown and submit to us or we shall send your sister back in pieces. Glory to the fallen Queen Tyranis.

Fireblood

The evening sun never set that day. Instead it rose to its apex and with it, the intense heat of the rays bore down across the lands. The ponies thought it was an omen of dark things to come and retreated to their homes. The griffons tore apart their libraries trying to find meaning behind the beloved sun's sudden refusal to set. The dragons? They felt a frightening aura bearing down upon them. It was though the sun was staring straight into their souls, searching from some weakness to burn away. Many ferals followed the ponies in terms of hiding and retreated to their caves for fear of being singled out. Temuria the Third rose from her throne and stood outside, shielding her eyes from the glaring rays. Someone out there was furious, this much she could tell. Whomever it was, may the great ancestors have mercy on them.

Fireblood was not expecting the sun to reverse its course and travel high in the sky. Her fellow drakes felt uneasy as they had watched the spectacle unfold. The dragoness paid no need rather instead waited for the princess of ponies reply. Along with Luna as captive, she had the drakes kidnap a few of the settlers they had attacked earlier as a means of leverage. It never hurt to be prepared in case things soured quickly. What Chrome did not count on was the raging comet that came hurling from the sky.

It crashed down among the group, sending all of them hurling into the trees, rocks and any jutting obstructions that happened to be in the ground. As the group recovered, their eyes fixated on the source. The Princess Celestia they saw was not the one from the castle. Her mane and tail was not the pale pink they remembered seeing. Instead great flames licked along her sides, scorching the ground as she approached the thieves. Her kind eyes were feral and slitted much like the dragons, bearing hatred and rage for the travesty they had committed.

Chrome Fireblood felt that this time, she had pushed the once beloved princess of the ponies too far with the kidnapping of her sister. Even as the dragoness leapt to snag Luna before she could wiggle free, a great light filled the area they stood in. It was said a mighty scream tore through the trees that day and with it, the agonizing cries of the unfortunate souls who met their end.

Chrome Fireblood was delivered to the feet of Queen Temuria, burned, bloodied, and nearly broken. Before her stood her attacker, Princess Celestia herself with Luna hugging her neck, fearful of the dragons standing before them. Princess Celestia went on a tirade, damning Chrome's every action against her subjects. From the attack on the settlement along the border to the assault and ransacking of the castle. She made Luna's kidnapping the worst offense next to the parchment detailing the demands the captors sent.

When Temuria asked Chrome if this was all true, the dragoness merely sneered a yes. She felt no remorse or regret of her actions and would do it a thousand times over if she could. Chrome mocked Queen Temuria, calling her weak and pathetic to allow these ponies to walk all over her like very dirt floor they stepped upon. She confessed her loyalty to the fallen queen Tyranis and would rather see her sitting upon the throne then the miserable excuse of a queen she saw now.

Queen Temuria bowed and apologized to Princess Celestia for Chrome's actions. She and her current council judged and carried out Chrome's sentence. Before it was to be past, the Queen asked the new monarch of Equestria if there was anything she wished to add. Princess Celestia merely asked that Chrome be punished fairly. What followed next shocked every dragon and alicorn in that room.

Queen Temuria leapt upon Chrome's back, ignoring her scream as her great talons tore into her shoulderblades. Luna vaguely remembered hearing a voice in her head bading her to close her eyes, that younglings should not have to watch. In doing so, the sibling was spared the next sight: Temuria ripped Chrome's wings from her burned back and cast them aside. As the fallen dragoness thrashed on the ground in agony, Queen Temuria sentenced her to exile. That no nation welcome her for the treachery she had caused, nearly destroying the peace they had barely managed to succeed in creating.

Princess Celestia was aghast with what she had witnessed. When she tried to heal Chrome, Queen Temuria forbid it. When confronted for her act, the Queen stated that Chrome saw her as a weak and pathetic creature. That mere exile would be considered a laughable offense. So she lived up to being a dragon by further damning the dragoness. To spend the rest of her life forever grounded, never to feel the kiss of the wind against her wings ever again.

Thus the guilty was cast out.

Chrome fled the lands of Draconis. Fled down south beyond the great forest to the barren wastelands that housed little life. She and those who opted to go with her settled and brooded. It was in the Badlands that Chrome made a promise. That she would strike back and both Queen and Princess of Equestria and Draconis. She would take her revenge against them, even if it was to fall to one of her descendents. This she swore.

Time passed as the budding nation of Equestria grew. The world watched as the ponies suffered under the cruel tricks of the chaos lord Discord. The discovery of the Elements of Harmony that was later used to imprison the draconequus and freeing the lands from his warped magic. The natural disaster the nearly ended the dragon's existence that followed. Princess Celestia program to gather all orphaned eggs that survived and to help raise and rebuild the devastation caused by the fiasco. Princess Luna succumbing to her jealously and anger, becoming Nightmare Moon which ended in her banishment for a thousand years. The founding of Canterlot. Nightmare Moon's escape and redemption thanks to the new Bearers of the Elements. Yes time went on and soon the world had almost forgotten what early life had been like. History teachers and museum guides along with old books in libraries recounted the tales of pony, dragon and griffon and their struggles to live in peace and harmony in the early days. Fireblood was all but erased as those who had known about those times had all passed away either from old age or natural causes.

But the promise whispered in the badlands still lingered. It called out to its kin, those who managed to survive over the centuries And one finally answered. Sapphire was a descendent of Fireblood by blood through relations in her family that could be traced to a aunt. Though the name Fireblood was abandoned in hopes of starting a new life, the pact made by their ancestor remained. Growing up, Sapphire read about the history of her family, the exile, the disgrace. Deep down she knew Chrome was right, that dragons were feared and should be worshiped just like the goddess alicorns of Equestria. But she harbored these thoughts to herself.

The dragoness planned and put her own agenda into the game. At first she was successful. Returning to the home of her birth, she passed herself as a orphan from Gryf sent as a student who wished to learn about the history of Draconis and perhaps become a citizens. She was welcomed with open wings as dragons loved to reconnect to those who longed to return to their place of birth. The dragoness attended school, graduated and moved on to politics, mainly involving the interactions between the three nations. It was here Sapphire carefully manipulated events that allowed her to become an apprentice to the ambassador who represented Draconis to Gryf and Equestria when he was called. Through him, she learned all the ins and out an ambassador faced when meeting with the fellow representatives. As Sapphire matured, she used her good looks to sway and lure the old male dragon from his studies and eventually his premature end.

When he died suddenly of natural causes, no dragon ever linked it to Sapphire herself. The former ambassador was buried and Sapphire's name for a replacement was cast into the ballot. When she was named the successor, this only made the dragoness even more thrilled. For now she would work close to the Queen and gain on hands insight to knowledge of Draconis Gryf and Equestria that normal kin could never access. Not without a lengthy process. Even as she presented herself as one who looked out for her own kin, the whisper of vengeance lingered in the recesses of her mind. This was all she needed to drive her plans to end those responsible for her ancestors banishment.

One night, while delving into a forbidden spell book, the dragon came across a spell that would grant one the power to speak with lost relatives, spirits of the departed who were related. Sapphire wanted nothing more then to speak with Chrome and inform her that all would be well and that her descendent would soon fulfill the dark promise made long ago. It was during the incantation that she accidently called forth a different spirit. A spirit that would slightly alter her plan to overthrow the Queen and take control, but still too good to pass up.

Malefor was summoned and later, secretly brought from the underworld of Tartarus. At first he could only inhabit a dark crystal Sapphire had managed to obtain from the Crystal Empire to the far north. Over time he would search for a host body and find it within the imprisoned Discord in the Canterlot gardens one foggy night. Sapphire was thrilled when Malefor offered his services to help right what had been wronged to her kin. All he asked in return were a few small favors. To the dragoness they were easy enough.

With most well set plans, there are always a kinks that would unravel even the best laid plan. Sapphire's own undoing was one of the favors owed to Malefor. Once his nemesis Spyro was pulled from his world into Equestria, everything changed. Malefor became obsessed with his capture. Using resources that the dragoness did not know about, Malefor scoured the lands for the purple dragon until he found him. Found him in the safety and protection of the alicorn sisters. It was here that Sapphire's own agenda was to start falling apart.

Malefor's attack on Canterlot Castle was out of the blue. So were the hordes of mindless cultists he managed to enslave. While Sapphire was hoping he would end the princesses, the lich instead captured Spyro and left the sisters to the ruination of their kingdom. Then the attack on Draconis. Again Sapphire had thought everything, though a little off the beaten path would go according to schedule. That is until Dark Spyro escaped.

Sapphire was soon captured as well and condemned to die for failing to inform Malefor of the dragon's escape. She would have perished were it not for his foe conveniently bursting into the throne room and the ensuing battle the followed. In the commotion, Sapphire had escaped, though it had to be swift. She knew if the Queen were to break free of her shackles, the dragoness would surely be at her mercy.

So began her hiding. For five long years using her influence and wealth from her personal hoard, the dragoness thwarted her captors time and time again. From the city of Highwind in Gryf to the splender of Manehatten, the dragoness let her pursuers across the lands. Yet time and money was running out. Sapphire knew she could not keep this up and that it was only a matter of time before she would be captured. When all seemed loss, the whispers of vengeance guided her to one source of history. She stumbled upon it in a cave once home to the changelings. What she discovered was both shocking and promising.

Now here she was, taking refuge in Tri Point Mountain. The stone tablets she secured from the cave in the badlands would be her guide. It would take some research and there was only one place that would suite her needs: The Canterlot Library. The first answer was there, but to get there she would have to break in. Clenching her bandaged hand, the dragoness grinned in the dim light. The dark spell she unleashed would reach its target, providing her with the first catalyst. Soon what was to be unleashed upon Equestria would make the Malefor incident seem like whelps play.

Author's Note

Gentlecolts! Behold! I give you... This!

Wow... uhh, what is it?

It's a sequel! Muah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaa!!!

Training Sessions

The Ponyville Schoolhouse stood like a menacing presence beyond the wooden fence that surrounded the perimeter. To every first year colt and filly, the double doors felt like a prison where once inside, they would never see the light of day. Parents re-assured them that nothing sinister lay on the other side. Only the kindness of the school teacher who only wished to help them progress in learning. The older foals merely regarded the school house as a secondary home when their parents were away at their jobs. To Spike, the school house felt both like a library and jail cell.

It was his second year coming here. The young dragon had hoped to find a way to extend his training with his teachers, but Princess Celestia, along with Twilight both agreed he needed more then just magic training. After all the dragon had reached that age where all foals started to attend school. By the laws the alicorn had set on paper ages ago, every filly and colt was to receive a education. It would help build the foundation for their future. For Spike if his life had remained normal a few years ago, he would have opted to become a miner or maybe an engineer upon completion. The idea of working with earth ponies in the dark caves, digging up vast tunnels while retrieving precious gems sounded promising.

That future now looked hazy as he stood there, shifting his weight from one scaled foot to the other. Ever since his awakening, the dragon took on a sudden growth spurt. Now he stood as tall as Twilight herself. A bit of a shock, knowing he was used to being barely able to peer over her back from time to time. It was the affect of being subjected to such a vast array of power. The first year was spent learning to control and refine his abilities. Spyro had seen that though Spike had incinerated Malefor with one great fire breath, the fire spread in a wide area threatening to turn much of the landscape to ash. He informed the young dragon upon returning after a four month vacation, that without control he could do more harm then good. The first few months focused on the young dragon learning to channel his magic and focus its power. It was hard for Spike. He was so used to simple light puffs of flame to either send letters or warm fireplaces. On rare occasions did he really let loose when a friend was in danger. Even then the flames died out after a few minutes. Now if he not careful when breathing his fire, Spike could ignite Ever Free forest by accident.

The badlands provided a suitable training ground since hardly any creature lived out in the open and vegetation was sparse. It didn't make it any easier for Spyro and Twilight. Despite telling him to control his breathing, to focus and let it flow, nearly half the landscape wound up being scorched as a result of his attempts. In the end Twilight sent a letter to Princess Celestia, explaining the dilemma. Upon receiving a reply, the unicorn received not only parchment but a small cache of a sort of metal she had never seen before along with cut gems. After keeping Spike from eating them for a snack, she read that due to Spike's youthfulness and lack of maturity, it would be years before he could harness his power with full control. The metal enclosed could be fashioned into a neck choker or trinket along with a pair of bracers to help channel the force within. The gems would act as focusing points much like a wand or a staff an elderly wizard pony or griffon may use to help pin point their target more accurately. The end of the first year saw Spike wearing a choker and wrist bracers. With them he was finally able to focus his magic abilities with better results.

The second year saw Spike grow nearly a foot tall and awaken another dormant power. While fire came naturally to the dragon, he was surprised to find out he could manipulate and shift the earth beneath his feet. Spyro and Twilight had conversed in private and both agreed that due to the young one being grounded all his life, the natural affinity to be connected to the ground would result in its many uses. If he grew wings, would he lose his connection with the earth? Spyro doubted it given the similarities he saw in Spike that reminded him of himself during the younger years. The training on using the earth magic proved a little uneven and coarse. Spyro had a plan to deal with this new problem. He asked Twilight for permission to bring the dragon to Avalar and have Terrador, the dragon elder of Earth, act as a third teacher, a guide. At first Twilight was unsure seeing as he already had two teachers. Spyro promised that Terrador could show him the finer details of earth magic. In the end she agreed and Spike found himself visiting Spyro's world, Avalar.

Spike was in awe. Spyro had told him stories of Avalar when he was in Equestria. Yet words didn't seem to hold a candle to how it really felt when he stepped through the gate. The young dragon remembered when his foot first touched the ground. A gentle thrum of magic he had never felt before coursed up his leg, through his limbs right to the tip of his head spines, then back down. It was if a mother was welcoming a lost child back into her wings. It felt strange to a dragon who never knew his parents, something Spyro could relate to. The temple itself reminded Spike of the Castle of the Two sisters. Parts of it was in ruins, due to the earlier years of being under assault. He learned from Spyro the despite all their efforts to rebuild, progress was at a snail's pace. The young dragon admired the great statues that stood poised by the temple doors and marveled at the effort of long lost architects who may of spent decades building this sanctuary for dragons.

The elders were decent dragons as well with each having their own personality. There was Volteer the dragon of the lightning element who reminded him of Twilight when she rambled on and on over a single subject of interest. Cyril the dragon of the ice element though a little cold to the touch was generally kind natured all around. Finally there was Terrador, the dragon of the earth element and the reason Spike ventured to Avalar. Strong, patient with a gruff voice, Terrador would help the newly adorned dragon legend of Equestria with earth.

Terrador guided him from the portal room into the main chamber.

"Earth is immovable. It remains steadfast even in the harshest of climates. Though the winds may erode its surface or the water slush away its shell, the earth remains unyielding to even the most brutal of punishments. It has endured centuries of change and will continue to do so until time itself runs out. What you, my young dragon hatchling will learn is that the earth can not be forced. It must be guided with a strong firm paw. Create a patch for it to follow and it shall never let you down."

Spike took Terrador's words to heart,"Is there anything that can truly move the earth?"

The green dragon let out a soft chuckle,"Earthquakes are the result of two great sections of the earth jostling each other. Like two rams jousting for a better position on a cliff side, these two mighty pieces struggle to gain the upper paw. It is when one triumphs, does the other earth shudder in submission and acknowledge its better half. We feel its defeat throes in terms of the ground shaking beneath our feet."

Spike pondered this, rubbing his chin as he took in Terrador's explanation,"So in a sense, we are like smaller earth sections nudging the bigger piece in hopes of receiving its help."

"Very good analogy, Spike." Terrador replied,"Indeed we are."

Spike frowned slightly as his thoughts drifted to Spyro. If this was true, then how was it that the dragon was able to not only save Avalar during Malefor's crisis back then, but re-shape the planet? He could only sum it up as being the legend of his homeland, able to bend the rules laid out for those who came and those who would come after him. The young dragon wondered if the same rules could be bent back home.

Six months were spent in channeling the earth's essence through his own core. He learned how to create spires, broad walls which took the brunt of Spyro's fire balls and even learned to use a chunk as a means of quick travel. Spike chuckled at the idea of Scootaloo back home trying to keep up on her scooter while he surfed on the ground itself. The remaining six were spent jumping to and from Equestria, learning how to better focus through meditation and juggling the aspect of fire along with earth.

The third year held some rocky bumps along the road. The gates that connected Equestria to Avalar began to wane. Twilight worked with Princess Celestia to build a new portal, should the current one fail. Spyro left the dragon elders to tend to the gate on his side of the world. A crisis had arisen in one of the towns in the south back on Avalar. With Cynder in tow, both had to leave and look into the matter and offer support where it was needed. Therefore Spike had to rely on his past training in the possible hopes of learning a new element. It never came.

Twilight offered a gentle hoof of encouragement. Rather then be discouraged by not learning a new element so soon, Spike should focus on his past training and put it to good use. That year saw some interesting results. Spike was able to help Big Mac with sowing the fields that spring. Not using a plow, but rather churn up the ground with a jagged boulder, both stallion and young dragon were able to prep the field for next years apple saplings. When the field was finished, he helped Applejack turn old dead apple trees into charcoal to be used as part of their fertilizer mix or for use in the Apple family's bbqing hayday in Applelooza.

When Spike wasn't working on the Apple farm, he was in the library going over early texts that Twilight had delved into when she was young. The books followed Spyro and Twilight's advice: To reinforce his own power and let it flow much like a unicorn would with their own horn. Instead of a horn, Spike relied on his bracers which acted as the focal points. Course his meditation and practice was kept to a bare minimum after a mild incident involving books tumbling from the shelves over a mild tremor.

As the fourth year approached, a letter arrived bearing Spike's name. Upon reading the contents he was surprised that Twilight had enrolled him in the Ponyville Elementary School. The lavender unicorn informed the young dragon that Princess Celestia had brought it up as a suggestion. She followed through and informed Miss Cherilee that a new student would be joining her class that year. Spike protested and insisted that his magic training was more important. It was here that Twilight informed him that one could not rely simply on magic training. Since he was a resident of Ponyville and a young "foal" it was by law he attend school. Twilight felt Spike learn more through Equestria's history and maybe perhaps learn a few new things that the library may have missed.

The first year at Ponyville Elementary school was nerve wracking. Miss Cheriliee had to settle the class down when Spike entered the doors, informing her students that yes, he was a dragon but also a student just like them. Thankfully Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle vouched for him, insisting the other fillies and colts that he wasn't some blood thirsty, meat craving dragon Diamond Tiara had made him out to be. Spike was thankful for the trio. Were it not for them, he would have done something to that obnoxious filly and would have no regrets about it, consequences be damned. Course he heard of Diamond Tiara and her bullying ways when the CMC's were younger. One would think she would have grown out of it when they earned their cutie marks awhile back.

It was rocky for the first few months. Writing, reading, math all came as second nature to the dragon, having seen Twilight's studying methods. It was mingling with other ponies that proved to be more challenging. Besides Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, he knew of no other pony aside from Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Making friends proved just as difficult as the foals had trouble accepting him being just another student on the playground. Then came the stories of his heroics in Draconis and the dark dragon known as Malefor. Spike had relished being in the spot light just as he did back in the Crystal Empire for his role on the Crystal Heart. Yet with all feats as time went by, it grew tiring to hear the same thing over and over. The same was said for his exploits in the lich dragon's defeat. The braver of the colts and fillies peppered him with questions about the dark entity. What it was like. How he managed to survive. How the dark dragon came to the world.

By the time Hearth's Warming Eve came, the dragon was sick of having to recount his tales over and over again. He began to understood what Twilight and her friends had gone through when they first became the Bearers of the Elements. The spotlight was grand for the first month or two. But in the end, they simply wanted to continue living their lives as they always have. Spike felt no different at this point. Sure he vanquished the lich, saved the world and was deemed a hero. Surely there would have been books written about his accounts on the incident? Twilight informed him that not all heroic tales were quickly made public to the rest of the world. To the young ones, what he endured was new and exciting as were the parents.

Spring rolled around and Spike found himself without anything to read. Much of Equestria's history he read back at the library. Cherilee had to order books from Draconis in hopes of keeping him occupied rather then bored for the rest of the year. They proved helpful and seeing as he could learn more about his kin, the young dragon welcomed the new knowledge. By the time summer rolled around, the young dragon learned a great deal.

The future queens of Draconis fought for the crown should one die or retire. The competition and rivalry were considered fierce, almost brutal. Such was the way in the eyes of the males. If a dragoness could not stand her ground in a one on one spar, what good of a mate would she be when the breeding season came around? The same could be said of the queens. A weak queen would reflect poorly on the inhabitants of Draconis. It would make their fellow neighboring nations itch for a chance to claim lands within the borders. Spike tallied up that last bit of info as mild paranoia. Dragons were solitary and hated intruders broaching their territory. A strong Queen showed the might of the nation and inspired loyalty. Only the foolish or reckless would consider challenging a dragon queen for the throne.

Another strange part was the fact of no king dragons. Ever. A few consorts of the past were mentioned such as Steel Talon, mate to Queen Ruby who was known for smashing through even the heaviest of defenses with his claws alone during the early wars. Another male dragon, Typhoon, consort to Queen Onyx was said to be quite intelligent and was the one of the few diplomats of the kingdom who helped calm tensions during the elemental crisis that nearly ended Draconis. A few other males were mentioned, but to Spike surprise their accomplishments felt more like footnotes compared to the first two. Other then that, no male dragon had ever assumed the throne.

Fall arrived and it was here that Spike found himself at the steps of the schoolhouse. With a great exhale, he climbed the steps and entered the building, just as the bell rang the hour. The other foals were taking their seats, the new first years watching Spike as he strode down the aisle towards his desk, young eyes wide with shock and awe.

"Attention class." Cherilee spoke,"First of all let me say welcome back all my darling returning students. Its so good to see your faces and I hope to look forward to another year. To the first years, I say welcome to Ponyville Elementary. Now I know some of you may be a little frightened or unsure of how things work. Let me assure you that as your teacher, I will do my utmost best to provide accommodations to meet with your educational needs. Also to let you know that yes, there is a young dragon with us. His name is Spike, resident of Oak Tree Library and brother to Twilight Sparkle. He is perfectly friendly and not at all harmful in any way. If you have any further questions regarding him, I will do my best to answer to the best of my knowledge."

Cherilee continued on with her annual welcome back speech, one she gave every year to the fall students. Spike leaned back in his chair, his mind wandering to Twilight and more importantly to Spyro. It had been a couple of years since the portals between Avalar and Equestria started to falter. Despite the princess's best efforts, there had been no reconnection to Avalar. Twilight assured Spike that sometimes, not every spell or incantation went off prefectly. They were dealing with a world whose magic differed from Equestria. Still, the young dragon could not help but worry.

"Every year its the same speech, with a few words changed just to make it sound new. I'm telling you, Miss Cherilee really needs to find new material to work with." Scootaloo griped.

She and her friends, along with Spike sat beneath the oak tree by the sandbox on the playground. It was recess time and the air was filled with the laughter and cries of giddy foals who played ball, slid down the slides or dug in the sandbox. The older foals tended to break off and form their own groups, ones that had formed during the early years of school. The CMC's (formerly Cutie Mark Crusaders) settled beneath the oak tree as they had done for a couple of years now. Spike had recently joined the group since he arrived and the four lazed about discussing either last night's homework or the lesson plan for the day.

"Well granny always said, 'Ifn its good enough for every pony, why fix it?' Ah think." Applebloom replied.

"Ehh, she probably overslept again. I mean who doesn't anyway. We're still in summer mode and have yet to shift over to school mode." said Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo shrugged as she fiddled with her scooter,"How long has she been teaching? You'd think she would at least give it more pizzazz then last time. What do you think Spike? Spike?"

"Hmm? Oh, uuh can't say for sure. Maybe?" the dragon replied.

"Ya still thinkin about Spyro? Twilight said not ta worry. They're doin their best fixin the portal. Magic ain't easy for some of us."

Sweetie Belle shrugged,"Its complicated. Least that's what my sister says sometimes when she's buried under her work. Course I heard Twilight mumbling about unstable pathways and rune circles interfering with time and space, making things go all wibbly wobbily."

The unicorn blinked as three pairs of eyes stared at her oddly. She meekly smiled and waved a fore hoof in the air,"Well I think that's what she said."

Spike shook his head,"I've been at this for five years. Even I don't know the finer details of magic yet. Just that a lot of focus and meditation to channel the energy flow, yadda yadda yadda."

"You learn any cool new elements Spike?" Scootaloo asked.

"Nope. Nothing. I feel I've hit a dead end. Or I'm at a point in my training where its a plateau until I'm older. Spyro is a different dragon. Maybe all dragons on Avalar learn at a different levels then we do here."

"Well look on the bright side. Ya have been a huge help to the farm lately. Applejack and Big Mac enjoy the extra work ya help put in."

"But for how long? Honestly, I don't really know what I see in my future, Applebloom."

Spike stood up and pointed to each filly,"Applebloom. Not only are you an excellent farmer, but you've got great talent on being a carpenter. Already you have a few customers lining up to by your wood work and you've been considering delving into the furniture business. Scootaloo. Your a late bloomer, but that didn't stop you from being the best dare devil stunt pegasus Ponyville has ever seen. You've signed up for the junior extreme sports competition this coming spring and almost every pony from around town is looking forward to seeing it."

"What can I say? I learned from the best." Scootaloo said, blowing on her hoof, admiring the sheen.

"Sweetie Belle. You practically have every agent groveling at your sister's hooves, begging for her permission to admit you into performing for the Grand Galloping Gala this year. Your singing voice is said to soothe even the fiercest Manitcore or bring even a smile to the most grumpiest of griffons."

"Its a bit of an exaggeration, but there is some truth to that."

"What is your point, Spike? Didn't you say you wanted to be a miner or engineer when you were older?"

"That was before the Malefor incident. Now, I'm not so sure what my future holds."

Scootaloo psshed, waving a wing in his direction,"You're stressing too much, Spike. Listen, dragons live like what, a couple hundred years or so? You're thinking way, way, way too far ahead here. So your like Spyro who can control a few elements so far. You've barely scratched the surface so to speak. You don't have to suffer from a mental break down just yet. Just focus on what is in front of you at this moment. When the time comes and here's hoping it will be some time, you'll find out just what you want to do."

The pegasus trotted over to Spike and laid her fore hooves on his shoulders,"I don't envy your long life, but you really need to stop thinking like Twilight and stress over the little things."

Spike smiled and opened his mouth to reply until a certain voice closed it quick.

"And over here is the scary dragon you've all been wondering about. Be careful little ones for he spits fire as far as the path leading to the school grounds can be seen. If his stomach growls, be warned! He hungers for fresh foal meat!"

Gasps and squeaks murmured from behind the four. Spike shared Scootaloo's annoyed look and turned to see Diamond Tiara talking to the first years.

"I swear if Twilight didn't make me leave my bracers and choker at home, I could smack some sense into her." Spike growled under his breath, the three fillies with him nodding in agreement.

Diamond Tiara just smugly grinned and circled the four,"Well, well if it isn't the former blank flanks. And Spikey wikey. What are we moping about today? Big brother Spyro still hasn't come back? Maybe he got tired of your whining and decided to stay in his world. Not that its much of a world to begin with."

Applebloom restrained Spike as Scootaloo stepped up,"Don't you have bits to scrub and polish, Diamond Tiara? Or are you afraid to chip your dainty little hooves?"

"Please, that's what servants are for, tom filly ruffian. I still don't see the big hype about you. Took you long enough to finally get your fat flanks off the ground for once, chicken."

Spike snatched Scootaloo's tail before she launched herself at Diamond, all the while hearing her laugh. The filly turned her sights on Applebloom, but remained silent. They just stared each other down, as though trying to tempt the other one to blink first. Diamond Tiara huffed and turned, flicking her tail in their direction.

"As much as I enjoy rubbing your noses in it, I have better things to do." She trotted off, leaving the first years to bump and stumble into each other before they retreated, leaving the group alone.

Spike muttered and grumbled along with Scootaloo as they sat down once more.

"One of these days, I swear. One of these days." Scootaloo started.

"Bam! Pow! Straight to the moon." Spike finished.

"Why is it she still pesters us, yet doesn't say a word to either of you?" Scootaloo asked, pointing to Sweetie Belle and Applebloom.

"Cause she knows all ah need do is tell Applejack that Filthy Rich's daughter is heckling the next heir of Zap Apple Jam. All sis need do is casually mention lookin for a different seller. After that its all fire n brimstone for Diamond."

"Ok, what about you Sweetie Belle?" Spike asked.

"Meh, I have ways of getting even with her." She cackled and rubbed her hooves together, drawing puzzled looks from her friends.

A light tug on Spike's tail drew his attention to a small colt pegasus. He blinked as he gazed at the small foal, whose green eyes stared up in wonder.

"Umm... mista Spike?" he asked, nervously.

"Yes?" The dragon replied, not sure of this young one. The colt kicked the ground a couple of times before finally replying,"Is... is it true you fought a scary monster?"

"Yeah, that's me. Spike the hero of Draconis." He meekly replied with a weak smile.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom grinned as they got up and left, leaving Spike to regall his adventures to a young foal who quietly was eager to hear all about it from the hero himself.

The afternoon sun light bathed the sky in reds, yellows and orange. The school house doors burst open, revealing a herd of fillies and colts, racing to meet their parents at the gate and by carriage, eager to head home and start on homework or procrastinate until evening. Spike, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom made their good-byes at the crossroad leading to Sweet Apple Acres. The four separated and the dragon found himself, wandering the path towards the library. He mind drifted to what Scootaloo had told him earlier that day. That dragons lived for a long time, that he shouldn't have to stress so much on what he wanted to do. Spike had to admit, for a pony whose idol was a rather laid back cyan pegasus, Scootaloo seemed to have more common sense then Rainbow Dash did.

He passed Carousel Boutique hearing Sweetie Belle's voice drifting from an open window on the second floor. He had to agree, the unicorn filly had the best voice in Ponyville second only to her older sister. The Oak Tree Library came into view and he was eager to get home and relax after a long day. Just as he reached out to flip the latch, a bell rang out in the distance. Turning, the dragon stepped back and stared off into the distance. The bell rang again, its echo long and foreboding. The door opened and Twilight emerged, bearing a scroll in her magical aura.

"That's odd. It's not the hour yet." Spike said as the bell rang again in the distance.

"It's not. It's ringing for a different purpose, Spike." Twilight murmured, head lowered.

Spike could feel something was wrong. Laying his hands on his sister's shoulders, the dragon nudged her,"What are they ringing for?"

"The passing of some pony important. I received a letter from Princess Celestia who, in turn received a message from a diplomat of Draconis."

"What's the message?"

"Queen Demuria the Third is dead."

More bells joined the first in Canterlot as Spike stood there shocked. Shocked to learn that the great Queen of Draconis, benevolent ruler and friend to Equestria, had passed away.

Dirge of the Queen(revised)

It was a cold, damp, rainy day in Draconis on the day of the funeral. The storm that rolled in was not of the pegasus's doing. Many dragons took this as a sign that the ancestors of old had come to weep over the death of the nation's former ruler. The procession from the castle to the Queen's final resting place was silent and hollow. Many ferals, both newly fledged and old stood at attention at the double doors. When they opened, wings snapped to "salute" the greater drakes bearing the pyre carrying Demuria's body.

Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, the Bearers of Harmony and the "Awakened" known as Spike stood at the front of the lines and watched as she was carried past them. Garbed in black no pony or dragon uttered a sound as they watched. It was not out of respect to the mourning of Demuria's passing, but rather to listen to the drakes gifted enough to sing. There were no words at first. It was a suttle hum among those who followed the procession. Words could then be heard drifting in the air as a few drakes started to sing:

May you find solace in the gentle arms of sleep
Despite the wolves outside your door
In time you will see them all as harmless
And their idle threats easy to ignore

And if ever fate should choose to smite you
Stand your ground, never walk away
Please don't ever let the world defeat you
Don't get buried in its decay

As you drift into the gauzy realm of dreams
May you take comfort in the thought that you are safe
For it only takes a fraction of a second
For all of this to change

Return to me
When slumber's fog has lifted
Return to me
Stronger than before

As you sink beneath the soothing streams of time
May you be thankful that you had another day
For there comes a time when each of us will enter
A sleep from which we will never wake

And if ever fate should choose to smite you
Stand your ground, never walk away
Please don't ever let the world defeat you
Don't get buried in its decay

Close your eyes now, if only for a moment
For it's time you get some rest
The wolves are gone and nothing here can harm you
Let go of your fragile consciousness

As the song faded, quite a few among the crowd were either brushing away their eyes or concealing them beneath an umbrella, hat or conveniently handy hankerchief.
The mage Kel followed the greater drakes a few feet away as they marched on. The once young dragon who was part of the rescue mission turned last stand against the lich, Malefor had changed. His gawky thin frame had filled out. The wings upon his back were etched in runes signifying his rank as high class. The robes were a regal blue, having recently graduated last year from second to third year. Two more would see him as a head master to his kin's magic users. He stared forward, not turning his head to see the "guests" but he did note Princess Celestia's slight bow in respect to the only dragoness she ever called friend and fellow sister.

Spike stood there tall but numb. He had come to take a liking to Demuria. The great Queen taking time out of her busy life to read up on his studies. He wore the gold star given to him by her in recognition for his part on saving Draconis from Malefor's threat. Rain gathered and fell, pattering on the damp mud he stood in, yet Spike never faltered nor moved. Only his eyes as they followed Kel and the other ferals who broke rank and formed two lines before joining the procession.

Following the funeral procession was the newly crowned Queen. Hexonya was an intimidating red dragoness who some said stare was enough to make even the most unwavering warrior quake in their shoes. Surrounding her were the newly formed elite Draconis Guards. Hand picked by her own talons these drakes, ferals and even a few magi endured the harshest training the new Queen had created following her predecessor's end. The tight knit group passed by Princess Celestia and the others. Spike saw a glimpse of the new Queen's eye bore down on the alicorn. The young dragon thought he saw a look of distrust in them. Then those same eyes turned on him. Despite keeping a calm expression, he felt queasy on the inside. As if Hexonya was judging him right there. The eye swiveled forward and they were soon gone, following the many gatherers who had come to give their farewells.

As per accordance to each Queen's final wish in choice of burial, Demuria had chosen to have herself cast in the molten chasm near the base of Mt. Fury. An ancient volcano that still stirred on occasion, it still housed a few chambers were magma churned and bubbled near the surface. It was here at one of the chasm's Demuria's body was laid to rest on a platform extended over the edge into the heated depths below.

"Dear Ancestors who weep over our beloved Queen," Kel spoke standing before the pyre, arms raised,"Welcome her into your clutch with open wings as we look to the sky. We honor her by returning her to the very earth from which we first crawled from until you looked down upon us with pity and blessed us with the gift of flight. May she forever watch over her kin as those before and those who shall come after until time's end."

He lowered his arms. Four dragons responded by igniting the pyre and the platform together. Flames licked along the oil soaked wood until the whole area was ablaze. With a snap! the wood broke under the fiery stress of the fire as all eyes laid one last glimpse upon Demuria before she vanished from sight.

Most of the procession had broken up with some ferals returning to their caves to mourn in peace. Others to the castle to a wake in remembrance of Queen Demuria. Twilight and her friends, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie opted for the wake. It was eerily quiet between the six, given Pinkie Pie would have usually spoken up about cheering her friends up. Yet even the pink pony was strangely subdued by the events of this rainy day. Rarity who would have fussed over how her dark attire was getting wet, said nothing as she adjusted a little umbrella to keep her otherwise pristine mane dry. None noticed that Spike, Princess Celestia and Luna were among them, so wrapped up in their own thoughts.

Spike stood there never stirring as he simply gazed over the side of the chasm. Deep below heated air rose to clash with the colder front descending, the rain water hissing as it evaporated before reaching the magma. He was still coming to terms with all that had unfolded. It was barely three weeks ago that he stood before Queen Demuria, discussing about his progress with his training and the difficulty it had been trying to re-connect with Avalar to see Spyro again. The Queen found it odd that despite Kel and both Princesses, along with Twilight they had been unsuccessful. She offered a few words of encouragement to the small dragon before he departed for home.

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were further back looking to the small form of the dragon as they stood there.

"Will he be alright, sister?" Luna asked.

"He will be fine Luna. He just needs some time that is all. We all grieve differently when we lose some pony close to us." Celestia responded.

Footsteps drew the sisters attention away from Spike to the approaching visitor. Kel emerged from the sloping path, pausing only to tug at his sleeves for a moment before joining the alicorns.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna." He greeted them with a bow.

Both returned in kind before Celestia spoke,"Its good to see you again Kel."

"Likewise your majesty. If neither of you would mind I wish to speak to you both, privately if at all possible."

Princess Celestia arched a brow mildly before shifting her gaze to Spike. The dragon had sat down knees up to his chin and hunched over.

"Time is all he needs as you said, Princess. Perhaps we should give him some peace." Kel gestured to the path he came from.

Both sisters nodded and followed, leaving Spike to mourn in silence.

The trio descended down the slope. The two alicorns and Kel walked in silence. It was about halfway through the trek that Luna spoke,"Such a moving song, young Kel. I know few dragons could speak. But to be able to sing, let alone move those before them with such words. Tis both heartening and saddening."

Kel nodded,"Demuria's mother sang it to her decades ago when she was a young whelping. Demuria was a shy, easily frightened dragoness at the time. I never asked her mother's name, but she confided in me once that during her time in the wilds, her mother would sing it to her as a source of comfort and encouragement."

"Fitting for her to hear it one last time as for her followers to hear it for the first time." Princess Celestia spoke softly.

"Indeed." Kel replied as the trio continued.

When they reached the base however, Kel took a detour to a remote spot on the mountain. Here beneath the cover of a cragged cove, Luna and Celestia discovered a small table set up, along with some chairs, a bottle and a few glasses. Along side this, a small plate decorated with fruit, cheese and an assortment of crackers. Kel took a seat, then offered the other two to both sisters. Celestia and Luna looked to one another puzzled, then joined him. The dragon magi popped the cork on the bottle, then poured a rich deep red liquid into both glasses. He offered them to the sisters before pouring one himself sliding the platter of food in front of the two.

"I know what your thinking of how odd this may look. That we lightly dine in the shadow of a volcano with no one present other then ourselves, save for Spike whom at this moment is back at the chasm." Kel said as he swirled the drink in his glass.

"Privacy. You don't want any one or pony to hear what you're going to say." Luna said as she took a sip. The taste was fruity with an intense surge of heat danced on her tongue. Celestia felt the same as the drink warmed their throats with each sip.

"Dragon's Blood. A rare wine that Demuria kept in storage and hardly ever touched. How did you get a hold of such an exquisite wine, Kel? Nobles back in Canterlot would sell their entire fortune just to have a taste of this."

Kel chuckled as he set his down,"Shockingly in her will, Demuria left me four out of the eight she had. The other four will be sent to the four corners of our world, to be sold to the highest bidder at some auction. Who knows, maybe you'll find yourself attending a fine dinner with a noble as he or she boasts on how much they spent acquiring such a rare wine."

"She must have put a lot of trust in you to leave such a priceless gem from her hoard." Luna spoke, nibbling on the fruit.

Kel sighed as he pushed his glass back, resting his elbows upon the table and let his scaled fingers tent beneath his chin as it rested on them."Be honest with me, Celestia, Luna. Don't either of you find it odd that Queen Demuria, Draconis's most beloved and longest ruling monarch in all the lands, second only to you two. Abruptly dies one night with all indications pointing to natural causes?"

"Well.." Luna started,"She was well over a thousand years old. Your kin had starting calling her the Immortal at some point, seeing as she had reigned for decades. Mayhaps she was older then any of us thought and time finally caught up with her."

"We'll never truly know, sister." Celestia replied,"She was a source of comfort during your... absence. I depended on her at times that it felt as though she was like an older sister to me. Yet as much as I opened up to her, Demuria never spoke much about anything that could have troubled her."

Luna turned to her sister and thought she saw a tear run down the white alicorn's cheek. Princess Celestia never let it show as a fore hoof quickly wiped it away before she looked to Kel,"Luna may be correct. Demuria's time may have finally come and she did not want any of you to know. One can only imagine the guilt she may have held should she have confided to any pony."

"That may be true, but there is a flaw in your theory. The day before she died, Queen Demuria had a physical examination by the best physicians and doctors across our nations. They declared her fit and healthy as any pony, griffon or dragon they ever examined, and that is saying something for a dragon as old as she was. Now after she died I, along with a few soldiers thoroughly questioned and interrogated these same doctors. None of them had any reason what so ever as to why Queen Demuria's death was so sudden."

"This causes concern how Kel?"

"All of them came to a conclusion that Demuria had a good few centuries left before she would start to deteriorate. When that time would come, the announcement of her resigning the throne and new dragonesses being summoned would have gone out."

Celestia nodded softly,"Look how long she has lived, Kel. A monarch with that long a reign would surely have made enemies in her time. Its no different for me or my sister. There are those among the elite status in Canterlot who are favoring a select few to take the throne. There have been plots and schemes foiled with the most heinous of intentions involving the crowns."

Kel rubbed the bridge of his snout,"Your highness. You and your sister are both revered as being goddess like. How hard would it truly be to end your lives permanently? I would imagine with extreme difficulty and the margin very slim. Queen Demuria is... was in the same boat as you two are. Dragons are considered highly magically resilient. Unless some alicorn is in hiding that we do not know of emerged from the shadows and claimed Demuria's life, I am at a loss for any other explanation."

"What about dark magic?" A new voice asked.

All three jostled the table and nearly knocked the wine glasses, bottles and plate of the assortment of cheese, fruit and crackers to the ground. Luna snatched the bottle, Kel caught the three wine glasses and Celestia saved the platter. All eyes turned to find Spike standing there.

"Young Spike. You startled us." Kel said as he steadied the table once more. He paused then frowned looking at the young dragon,"I care not how long you have been there eavesdropping, but I will say this: Even the greatest magic would have trouble affecting a dragon."

Princess Celestia drew up a fourth chair as Spike joined them. He sat, shaking his head as he laid his hands on the table,"We know this, I know this Kel. But we need to remember. Not all magic in this world is beneficial. There are some with malevolent purposes. Malefor and the essence stealing spell for example. Whose to say there are not other darker spells in our world kept hidden for fear of their abuse?"

"Young Spike does bring up a good point. We have our brightest, most intelligent gifted unicorns, griffons and dragon magi continually providing our nations with their work to make this world a better place. Yet we also know there are those in history past who have twisted, warped and corrupted their gifts for darker intentions." Princess Luna said,"Their work would have been destroyed so that no other who yearned for such knowledge would know of their location."

Kel leaned back folding his arms,"This is a troubling thought, Luna. If such magic that existed was used, then destroyed or so one would think, only to wind up in the claws, hooves or talons of the wrong person. I dare not think the consequences."

"I fear you may have just scratched the surface, young Kel." Princess Celestia spoke. Both dragons and fellow sister stared,"Magical spells and texts are just the warm up. There are also artifacts, trinkets and other items deemed too dangerous to remain in the hooves of common folk. I have halted and witnessed terrible objects that still exist. The Alicorn Amulet for example nearly drove a unicorn mad with power. Had it not been for Twilight and her friends, Trixie would have succumbed to its dark influence."

Spike nodded in agreement,"Princess Celestia. There has to be some object in our world, capable of ending a powerful dragon regardless of its resilience."

Celestia frowned as she took a swig from her glass, shocking every one there,"Easier said then done young Spike. I would have to look in the arch hives and call upon Twilight's assistance to find out what we are dealing with here. Mountains of knowledge needs to be sorted through in order to find out the cause of Demuria's unfortunate end."

"Its settled then." Kel rose from his seat,"This conversation stays between us. No one else must know. Draconis is in a state of mourning as it is. To make claims that the Queen has been murdered with some dark relic would sent my kin into an uproar. I'm sure none of you need to know what the results could be."

Spike and the two princesses nodded slowly. Kel made his good byes, leaving the bottle of Dragon's Blood for Celestia and Luna. The alicorns left the small alcove with Spike following, their minds at work on what was to be done to solve this mystery. Princess Celestia hoped they would catch the culprit in time before another death occurred in any of the three nations.

Canterlot Castle. It was early evening in the small city. The soldiers posted along the main entrances and gates switched with their fellow guardsman as the night shift crew took over. It had been a slow day for the ponies stationed here. Their rulers had traveled to Draconis to attend a memorial service for the former Queen of the dragons, now deceased. A rare opportunity to relax and laze about, even if the commanding officer made his rounds. It was this lax in alertness that allowed an intruder to infiltrate the tower that housed Star Swirl the Bearded's work.

Four guardsponies lay dead at their posts. Either the neck was snapped brutally or the throat torn in a vicious manner. The fifth guard pony gagged and struggled as he was dragged down the hallway towards the gate that lead to Star Swirl's arch hive. His attacker hefted him up with one arm then slammed him head first against the bars. The unicorn stallion groaned as his head pounded from the pain of contacting the metal grille so harshly.

"Unless you want me to start breaking your bones, you WILL open the entry way." Growled the cloaked assailant.

Shuddering, the stallion's horn ignited in a pale aura around the key hole. A turn and a click later, the gate opened. The assailant cackled softly under the cloak before spinning its prisoner around.

"Thank you."

It hefted him high above its head as he flailed about helplessly in the air.

"You said I would live!" He wailed.

"I lied." Sapphire responded.

She brought him down hard, the sound of his spine snapping as her knee rushed up to greet the stallion's back mid drop. The guard squawked before going limp as she tossed him aside to land against the wall opposite in a crumpled heap. The dragoness sneered at the bodies and uttered something under her breath before entering the chamber. Here, the voice told her was where she would find clues to the second relic needed for the ritual. The first had been used with great success and now the fugitive Fireblood sought to find the location of another relic.

Rummaging through the shelves, the dragoness ransacked the chamber, tearing apart scrolls, parchments, throwing books aside and tossing other items of no importance to the ground. It was in the far back, located against a wall near the window over looking the courtyard that Sapphire finally found what she was looking for.

An old book bound in decaying leather, wrapped together with a tattered scroll. The dragoness grinned beneath her cloak.

"Star Swirl, you sly old stallion. Never would have imagined in thousands of years that any pony or dragon would stumble upon your darkest confessions. To think Princess Celestia's own undoing was right here, under her very nose."

She tucked the diary and scroll in a satchel before leaving the now messy chamber. Looking around, the dragoness admired her grim work before slipping away in the shadows in search of a new relic. A relic that when combined with others would spell the end for these wretched ponies and place dragons as the dominant race of the world once more.

Author's Note

I decided to go back and do a little revision. For some time ever since I thought this scene out, a song had been playing in the back of my head. I've heard it countless times before and for one reason or another, I felt it would make for a strong moving tribute to a memorial. The lyrics speak for themselves.

Break In

Disorder greeted Princess Celestia and Princess Luna when they returned to Canterlot. Upon entering the main gates they were quickly surrounded by the Royal Guards who took up a defensive formation. The two sisters watched as the soldiers then shooed away all the journalists and photographers before they could ask any questions concerning the funeral of Queen Demuria. Both sisters were shocked as they were being hastily nudged inside the castle walls the last sight being seen was of all the pony journalists staring through the barred front gates.

It was inside that the captain of the guard revealed to them the news: An assailant had broken into Canterlot Castle, killed four guards while severely injuring a fifth, then ransacked Star Swirl the Bearded's tower. Both alicorns looked to one another with a sinking feeling. Wasting no time Celestia and Luna made for the tower over looking the courtyard. When they arrived they found the hallway taped off, while an investigator pony was going over the scene pausing on occasion to rummage in his satchel withdrawing one item in exchange for another.

"Ahh, pardon me your majesty." He spoke upon the presence of the two sisters,"Detective Eagle Eye at your service. I was abruptly pulled away from another case by your fellow guards and under strict orders to keep this hush hush."

He gestured with a hoof,"If they have not filled you in already here is the short version. Four guards of the five slain. Two found with their throats torn open the poor bastards. The other two their necks snapped like celery stalks. The fifth was found across the entrance into the chamber, barely breathing. He was taken to the triage room in the barracks. Doctor said he will recover, but the sad news is he is paralyzed. I'm afraid his military career has come to an abrupt end."

Princess Celestia surveyed the scene. Two dried blood stains marred the carpet while the outline of the pony soldiers were marked in chalk. The other two were closer both next to each other while on opposite ends of the carpet. The assailant snuck up on one breaking his neck. Given the cracks expanding from the wall, the other soldier was struck hard enough upon impact thus his life was snuffed out here.

"Am I to guess that the two whose throats were slashed the markings looked to be done perhaps by a beast?" Luna asked.

"Come to think if it, yes. Yet combing this area has revealed no stray hairs indicating any canine or feline accomplice." The pony replied.

Luna tapped her chin while Celestia spoke,"Guards leave us. You detective remain here." The look of hesitation on her soldiers faces gave the alicorn some pause,"I assure you it will not be for long. Please tend to the crowd at the front gate until I summon you."

The guards left slowly but surely leaving Luna and the investigator pony alone. One clear, Celestia cleared her throat and eyed Eagle Eye,"How... fortuitous that my guard ponies were so quick to bring one such as yourself on such notice."

Eagle Eye beamed and brushed his coat,"Well I was surprised as well, your highness. It is a rare honor to be called upon by the Princess's elite to help solve a dastardly crime."

Princess Celestia drew closer and leaned in, until her nose was touching the stallion,"Especially while there is local law enforcement agencies within all of Canterlot. My pony soldiers act as both the policing and investigative teams inside the castle... Discord."

Eagle Eye continued to stand there his smile never faltering. Princess Luna tilted her head slightly, arching a brow as her sister called the pony Discord. That smile grew into a rather large grin, complete with a lopsided fang protruding over the lower lip as his eyes changed to yellow and red.

"Clever, Celestia, very clever. I would have expected nothing less from your keen eyes." The pony spoke in a different voice.

With a snap of his hoof and a loud pop! the draconequus emerged from the smoke. He leaned against the wall adjacent from the entrance to Star Swirl's tower admiring his talons,"I will say this though. There was hatred and anger in this attack." He motioned to the outlines,"I know how hard your sentry ponies work to keep you and your citizens safe Celestia. But even if it is dangerous they didn't deserve to go out like this."

"Do I detect sympathy from the Spirit of Chaos?" Luna asked.

Discord huffed and stuck out his serpentine tongue in a tart raspberried reply before speaking,"I like chaos and disharmony, but this crosses the line between fun and fear."

"So what have YOU discovered Discord? You certainly don't waste time on a mundane task such as this. Not when there are more entertaining prospects out there."

The draconequus rolled his shoulders,"Dragon. Claw markings across the throats indicate from behind. Both guards choked while their fellow companions rushed to aide. Said dragon snapped one's neck then tail lashed the other against the wall. Angle of which the head and neck impacted resulted in a similar of not equally unpleasant demise."

Princess Luna nodded,"And our only survivor?"

"He was tortured, threatened. When he opened the gate to Star Swirl's tower, the dragon broke him... like a Kit Kat Bar."

Discord emphasized by having the chocolate wafer treat appear out of thin air. He snapped two of the four bars off and offered one to Luna. She made a face and shook her head while he munched on the other half.

"Ransacked and tore the archives of Star Swirl. Him, her or they may have found what they were seeking. As to what, well dear Celestia I believe that is where you come in. Unless you kept inventory of all the magician's works, you're going to be in for a long night."

Princess Celestia approached the entrance. The gate was shut and hardly scratched. She frowned. Why go through all the trouble of messing up the tower then close the gate as though one were leaving home? She reached out with a hoof to lightly touch the iron bars and was rewarded when a dark hiss and crackle erupted from the metal. She pulled back just in time to see her gilded shoe fizzle and melt into a puddle of hot gold upon the carpet. She turn and glared at Discord who held up his hands in a submissive gesture.

"I assure you that is not my doing. Believe me, I tried a number of times myself trying to enter. Burnt draconequus hair and scales will clear out a building ten seconds flat, guaranteed."

"They're stalling us sister. It will take time to break this barrier, then clean up the tower. This is allowing our hidden assailant to remain one step ahead of us."

Celestia nodded,"True. But what they don't know is there is some pony here who has a very keen sense of memory of every thing every placed in Star Swirl's tower. Lucky for us, she will leap at the chance to help. The only problem is the barrier right now. We're going to need to break into the tower then call for our back up."

Princess Luna strode forward,"Then let us make haste sister."

Celestia nodded. Both sisters approached the gate, each tapping their right hoof on the carpet. Magical runes encircled each alicorn, joining at the center. Both horns slowly glowed and grew brighter as each sister concentrated their aura at the hidden barrier infused with the gate. Celestia aimed her horn to the left, Luna to the right. Bright beams erupted from the tips of their horns and seared into the wall encasing the gate. They traced around the edges until the magics met at the center, then both horns fizzled out. The magic circle remained as Luna lashed out with her aura once more. A dark whip wrapped around one of the grilles sizzling as the dark magic reacted violently with the alicorn's own. She jerked and pulled her head back, yanking the gate free from the wall it was built in causing it to land on the circle with a loud clang as both sisters moved to the side.

The magic snarled and hissed as the barrier rose from the magic circle encasing the cursed gate and protecting others from its threat.

"Dear sister, find a way to dispel the incantation. In the meantime I will send word to Twilight Sparkle." Princess Celestia asked as she sheared off a small piece of the gate.

Luna nodded levitating the encased gate before trotting off to prepare an enchantment removal. Princess Celestia scribbled a quick letter on paper then sent it off to its destination. Discord remained leaning against the side idly picking his teeth.

"If I asked a favor, would you comply?" Celestia asked the draconequus.

"Maaaaybe. It depends on the favor and if I have room in my schedule. I am a busy body after all." Discord snapped his fingers, a book with quill appearing in his talon. He flipped open and skimmed the pages mumbling to himself as Princess Celestia moved closer.

"Please this is no time for games. We're dealing with a serious problem here."

Discord wet the quill with his tongue before painting a rather absurd smile on Celestia's muzzle,"Why so serious, dear Princess?"

"I can not explain. Not yet. Things are brewing in Draconis. Things that have started to reveal themselves here in Equestria. The longer we stall, the further the progress of our hidden adversary will become."

Discord tugged his chin tuft for a moment before shrugging,"Very well. Though I expect a full explanation for this favor you're giving me."

The alicorn motioned a piece of the gate she removed before Luna departed,"Take this to Kel in Draconis. He will know what magic has been integrated within the metal. It will give us an understanding of what we're up against."

A snap of the fingers and the fragment was transported to a small pouch,"Say no more. I'll be back in two shakes of a martini." Discord vanished with a solid poof.

A few seconds after his disappearance, a purple aura appeared at the center of the hallway. With a snap! and a pop! Twilight stood there satchels on hoof as her horn fizzled from the teleport spell she had cast mere seconds ago.

"I got here as fast as I could Princess. I wish I arrived sooner, but there was supplies to grab and-" Twilight never finished the sentence as her eyes fell on the scene before her: The archives of Star Swirl the Bearded was in tatters, for a lack of a better word a disaster. The unicorn shrieked in shock and disbelief at the mess. Princess Celestia said nothing as she watched her student dash into the room, her eyes darting left and right. When she finished the quick survey her eyes settled on the princess.

"Wha? H.. how? W.. ho? When?" She stuttered.

Princess Celestia entered the chamber and stood by her,"Sometime last night during our travel from Draconis. Twilight things have been set in motion and we must know what it is our adversary seeks. They tore through Star Swirl's works, looking for something that may aide them in their agenda. Since you have been the only one in here recently, you're the only one who can re-organize and catalog every bit of his works. Then we will know what is missing."

The lavender pony looked around rubbing her chin with a hoof,"I will need Spike. He can help shelve and stock any parchment, paper and book as well as I can. Both of us working together should get the task done in half the time."

"I expect nothing less from you my hard working student."

Twilight blushed then concentrated. Her horn started to fizzle and ignite at the tip. A small rune circle appeared in front of the two as Celestia watched the unicorn work the spell. With a fizz and a whoosh! Spike appeared, stunned with a few gems in his claws in midair. As the spell dissipated, the dragon yelped and landed on his rump with a thump!

Blinking the daze from his eyes, the dragon rose and dusted off his legs,"I know you needed me to help you Twilight, but can't a dragon get a lunch break at least?"

"Eat as you go, Spike. We got work to do." Twilight gestured to the room they were in.

Spike looked around whistling softly as he surveyed the damage,"Wow. Some pony did a number on this place."

"Indeed Spike. If my hunch proves true, then what we discussed back in Draconis may already be under way." Celestia responded,"Twilight, with your help of course, will re-organize and catalog all of Star Swirl's work. Once that is accomplished, we will know what was taken."

Twilight gave a quick salute with a foreleg then turned and entered the room with Spike following closely behind. Both gazed at the mess before them. Some of the book shelving had been ripped from the casing and tossed aside, scrolls were torn or crumpled like wasted paper as the intruder sought high and low. Spike could feel Twilight twitching, knowing full well the compulsion to keep any library or historical archive in pristine condition surged in her veins. Without a word the two split up and took each nook on either side. Princess Celestia watched the two set to clean up before leaving herself to aide Luna on dispelling the curse on the gate.

The day dragged on. When the sun began to set signaling the approaching of night fall, both dragon and unicorn were half way finished with their own corner. Spike had spent much of his time scraping up strewn papers and parchments, jotting down what book or pile they belonged to before Twilight would whisk them away to join the rest of the cataloged inventory. The unicorn herself was hard at work with a long scroll listing everything and anything that Star Swirl may have discovered, created or kept notes on. Ranging from experimental magic spells to a few diaries pertaining to his every day life the mare kept a close eye on what went where.

A guard stopped by with a trolley that he picked up from the kitchen with the orders to leave by the entrance. Spike and Twilight paused to eat, drink and take a quick bathroom break before resuming. When a maid passed by to retrieve the trolley she peeked inside. Spike was rubbing his eyes as sleep began to take hold. Twilight on the other hoof, was scribbling away on her list as another book joined its fellow brethren on the fourth shelf. The maid quietly took the cart and left the two to their work. Outside the castle clock tower chimed the hour of midnight.

Twilight groaned and rubbed the back of her neck. For a small alcove that housed Star Swirl's work, she never thought he would have kept so much over his life time. There were books and notes that she never heard of during her history lessons on his life here. Course given the tight security on the tower, it was reasonable why Celestia opted to keep some details of what Star Swirl discovered from the public.

A soft snore drew her attention away from her section to see Spike slumped against the wall of his nook. The unicorn wanted to wake him, but thought better. Between school, her lessons on his powers plus his usual chores back home it had been a very long day for him. She let him sleep while she continued on working late into the night.

Dawn peered on the horizon. The sun began to rise to greet the sky, the sleeping inhabitants of Equestria stirring to began a new day. In Canterlot at Star Swirl the Bearded's tower, Princess Celestia stepped in to see the progress of Twilight and Spike. The alicorn let a warmth of satisfaction warm her chest as she saw the tidiness of the alcove. Both dragon and pony had worked hard day and night to finish. Twilight looked exhausted yet continued writing down what looked to be the last item on her list. The scroll rose and joined the rest of the pile on the lower bottom of her shelf before the unicorn turned and smiled wearily to her mentor.

"Job well done." She said drowsily.

Princess Celestia accepted the unicorn's list as she unraveled and skimmed through. Gazing at the papers tacked on the side of each shelf, the alicorn read over what Twilight had tagged and marked before putting away. Walking up and down each aisle, Celestia read the title and numeral to each name. So far everything was back in place. When she came to Spike's corner, the dragon handed his list over upon waking up. As she skimmed down the lines of titles Twilight joined her.

"Um Princess may I ask you a question?"

Celestia paused and glanced over from the scroll,"Yes Twilight. What is it you wish to ask?"

"Well it concerns what is stored here. I know Star Swirl the Bearded's works are very important to our magic history, but why would any pony want to steal his cookbook?"

The alicorn blinked a few times, puzzled by the lavender unicorn's question.

"Cookbook?"

Twilight nodded,"I noticed the last time I was here, there was a cook book stored away among his belongings. I'm not sure as to why you would keep his favorite recipes here unless they were too bold for the public to partake in."

Princess Celestia groaned at these words. Twilight found her eyes widening as her mentor then proceeded to bang her head against the end of the book case causing the contents on the shelves to tremor and shake with each hit.

"How could I be so blind as to not see it in the first place?" She grumbled to herself.

"I don't follow."

A clearing of the throat turned every pony (and dragon's) attention to Luna who just entered.

"Something troubles you sister?" The dark alicorn asked.

"The intruder made off with Star Swirl's cookbook."

It was Luna's turn to look puzzled,"I don't see the threat there. If the enemy is planning on slaying us with their horrid cooking, then I must say it's not the brightest thing they have done."

"Twilight, Spike, Luna please follow."

The trio looked to each other then followed Celestia as the four exited the arch hives. They traversed down the hallway leading into the main castle itself. No pony spoke, save for Twilight's occasional yawn or Spike casual eye rubbing. When they approached Princess Celestia's bedchambers, Luna was beginning to wonder why her room of all places.

Once inside, Princess Celestia locked her doors and turned to gaze upon sister, student and dragon.

"What I say here is for your ears alone. Twilight when you mentioned Star Swirl the Bearded's cookbook the realization struck me. For it was not really a cookbook containing his favorite recipes at all. Rather it was a secret journal he composed of years ago. It details his journeys across the world, covering from the borders of Equestria to the deep caverns of Draconis. From the highest mountains of Gryf to the deepest deserts of Saddle Arabia."

The trio remained silent until Luna gestured,"Go on sister."

"The journal covered each nation's darkest secrets. So dark that history had been altered to keep their presence unknown. Star Swirl encountered... ancient artifacts as old as each founding nation. Some even older. Fearing the worst he sealed away these artifacts with the aide of each powerful mage at the time where they would never again see daylight. However to be sure none of these items were to be disturbed, he made a map with their location marked. That map was tucked away with the journal. I fear I may know what our enemy is plotting."

"How bad are we talking Princess?" Twilight asked.

Celestia glanced out her windows as the sun light started to fade as storm clouds gathered for a rainy day.

"One that could very well spell the end for our world."

Silence fell inside the room. Luna traded glances with Twilight then Spike then to her sister as each let this information sink in.

Spike was the first to speak and oddly shared what Twilight had on her mind that very moment.

"Wait. You're telling us that Star Swirl uncovered dangerous relics in each nation that had such potential to spell the end of our world. That he, the most powerful unicorn of his time managed to not only seal away with the aide of those on his level of expertise but kept a map of each location. To then hide his findings and map in under the guise of a cookbook and kept under lock and key here in Canterlot?"

Celestia gave a nod,"Yes that sums up what I just said."

"Forgive me for what I am about to say Princess, but that has got to be the dumbest thing you could ever do!"

Twilight gasped and blurted,"Spike!" while Luna arched a brow at the dragon.

"Do not chide him Twilight, Spike has the right to speak how he feels. He is right. I should have buried Star Swirl's journal in the deepest crevice on the world where it would never see the light of day. When you live as long as I have, sometime its the little things you may forget that often have the heaviest burden to carry. In all my years I never would have imagined some pony or one uncovering the truth behind the cookbook."

Twilight could see a smile on Celestia's muzzle, yet it was not of one of joy or happiness but of sadness or regret.

"Star Swirl would give me a good tongue lashing were he still around if he ever heard about this. That old stallion was as strict and cautious as any pony."

The alicorn shook her head,"Mistakes can be mended. What matters now is finding our foe and the book before long. Spike, Twilight. Thank you for your hard work. You both return to Ponyville while me and Luna converse with Kel. What is spoken here can not be whispered outside and must remain behind these walls. Understood?"

Dragon and unicorn nodded. With a glow of the princess's horn, her doors opened allowing Spike and Twilight to make their departure.

Once out of sight, Luna turned to her sister,"Are these relics really that dangerous?" Celestia nodded,"They make your... dark incarnation look like a mere temper tantrum dear sister."

A slight shudder ran down the dark alicorn's spine, her wings trembling as she followed her sibling out.

"All the more reason then sister mine to halt our foe's progress by any means necessary."

Author's Note

Yay for full time job.
Boo for lack of time being able to update due to said work.
Yay for new reading material.
Boo for possibly another long stretch before a new chapter appears.

Old journals

On the outskirts of the borders rain drummed down upon Tri Point mountain. The storm forecast for Equestria was heading east granting the citizens there a wet afternoon to ease the warmth of the day. At times the rain became heavy and the winds picked up, but not severe enough to warrant the pruning of tree limbs and any debris that may pose a risk.

Inside a lone dragoness lay slumped over the large oaken table. Papers, parchments, notes and pieces of papers lay strewn, accompanied by crumbled napkins and other materials. This indicated that a being had set up resident in the otherwise abandoned stronghold. Among the mess of notes and history books a single lantern sat near the dragon. While nothing intriguing at a distance, up close revealed a macabre and sinister design. The metal woven among the glass housing was twisted and dark. Obsidium ore had been made to create horrifying images of dragon skulls, griffon skulls and pony skulls. Each bony muzzle lay agape in a silent scream while empty eye sockets glowed an eerie blue. The glass was enchanted to contain any flame housed within its chambers from a simple spell cast fire to a mighty dragon flame. A single ring adorned the roofing of the lantern while the base was grasped by a bony talon which served as a means to hang the creepy item from any overhang the owner so chose. Inside a green orb pulsed and flared with pale fire. The object struggled, frayed and stretched as though attempting to break free of its prison but to no avail. So instead it made itself known through rattling the metal drawing the attention of the dragon present.

Sapphire growled under her breath as she stared at the lantern. She muttered something under her breath before rising from her posture, running her hands over her muzzle and face. Damn Star Swirl the Bearded. The old coot was more cunning and enigmatic when it came to hiding relics then she first gave him credit for. His cookbook, his "journal" lay open to a recipe hailing from the griffons. To any other pair of eyes, it was for a grand rich dessert that some would find at odd for a griffon's palate given their carnivorous diet. To the sharp mind and keen mind however, the measurements and directions held secret coordinates to a forgotten heirloom buried long ago by history and its denizens.

Yet the deeper Sapphire had delved into the pages, the more frustrating she was becoming. Half the directions made no sense and even the measurements were so far off, one would think that Star Swirl was just a lousy cook who tried his hoof in the culinary arts. It didn't help that the guest was making a fuss within the confines of its room either. The dragoness growled again as she thwacked the glass wall of the lantern, causing the orb within to lay still. Shortly after an eerie ghostly voice snarled at her.

"Releasssse meeeeee!," It howled.

Sapphire just laughed and rose to her feet,"Release you? Now why would I go and do a thing like that? What? You'll fly back to your body then send armies after me? For the former queen of Draconis Demuria, you sure are not too bright. If memory serves me right your body is now a charred husk at the bottom of the volcano back home. You have no body to return to. Even if you did manage to escape, there is no host nor capable sensitive you can inhabit. Granted your hatred and loathing would call upon Windigoes whom would love to devour you."

"Damn youuuuu!," the captive soul of the former dragon queen snarled.

Sapphire snorted and picked up another journal. This detailed the visit Star Swirl made to Gryf centuries ago. Known as Gryfthonia during his life, the king ruling at the time was King Steel Talon the 3rd and his mate, Queen Storm Chaser. The female dragon poured over each date, trying to find some piece of information that could help crack Star Swirl's journal.

Day twenty four, month of summer, year 1578

Star Swirl the Bearded is by far the most curious mammal I've ever met. Granted the pony colonies to our west is all foreign to us, but to have one represent a budding kingdom is nothing short of surprise and curiosity. Mother always said curiosity would kill the cat, but she is only half right. Being we are only half feline the risk is not so dire. Still to have a mammal that can do magicks! My wife is still getting over the little display the stallion? Yes. Male ponies are stallions, female ponies are mares. Oh yes! Storm chaser is still recovering from Star Swirl's magickal display he put on for us in court. Not in a bad way just she can't stop talking about it. I wonder if its possible the magick user would be willing to teach us? I mean how hard can it be?

Day thirty one, month of summer, year 1578

I've bitten off more then I can swallow. Star Swirl had mentioned learning magicks was no easy feat. I laughed at him claiming nothing was too hard for the King of Gryfthonia. I regret the boasting even as my maids tend to some badly bruised wings. Storm chaser won't stop snickering. In fact, I swear I can hear that old hen clucking in delight from the room over. Mmm, better she not read this, otherwise its the couch again. The pony did say that there could very well be magick users in our kingdom. How though? How does one know? I mean we can't just go from roost to roost, asking parents if their chicks are acting strange in any way, could we?

Day twelve, month of waning summer, year 1578

We opened our first mage school here in Gryfthonia. Accompanied by Star Swirl and two small mares, one a pure snow white, the other a dark night blue both adorned in cloaks, I announced to my people that the first mage school for the magickally gifted has been opened. It took some time and some erm, searching to find these gifted chicks among my kingdom but it was well worth it. Being a griffon its not so hard. Being a griffon who is magickally gifted, its... well different. The school shall give parents a sigh of relief and for their offspring a chance to not feel alienated towards their own kind. Storm chaser is proud of me. She whispers in my ear, hoping one of our own chicks would be gifted. I find it would be a blessing and a curse. Star Swirl had told me that not all turn out to be like him. Others have abused it for their own gain and misfortune tends to follow those who misuse such things. I am somewhat grateful none of my children are gifted. What would they be with no guidance such as Star Swirl to tutor them?

Sapphire groaned and threw the book down in disgust,"Nothing but ceaseless blathering of an old coot of a king! Why is nothing ever simple these days?"

A soft chuckle drew her eyes on Demuria's soul,"Think that's funny do you?"

"Fitting a descendant of Chrome Fireblood meet a dead end. Good riddance. You'll burn as your ancestor did. I may not be able to carry out the punishment, but Princess Celestia can take the reins."

"Bah!" Sapphire sneered as she struck the lantern, knocking it to fall on its side,"Do NOT lecture me, weakling! Far too long have you allowed these pathetic mammals to rule over us! As Chrome swore revenge against you AND them, I shall be the one to see her vision come true! You think you're wise? You think yourself powerful along with these alicorns?"

Sapphire spat,"It all my years searching I have uncovered something grand, something ancient. Something that deserves to know what happened to its kin. Soon you'll wish you would have slain Chrome instead of exiling her."

Demuria said nothing. In all her time living there was nothing out there that her kin and the ponies didn't know that was dangerous that they could not overcome. Discord maybe, but he was more a prankster then a genuine troublemaker. There was one named Tirek, but he was imprisoned in Tartarus. What could Sapphire have uncovered to make such a claim? The answers lie in Star Swirl's journal as well as the journal of past rulers.

The soul could only "watch" as the dragoness stooped to pick up King Steel Talon's journal and drop it on the table before her. As she did, the dragoness's eyes caught something among the pages. Gathering up the book, she skimmed a few before stopping on a few entries that felt heavy. The way the ink was bled into the paper as though the King was writing harder then usual.

Day thirteen, month of the frost, year 1581

The excavation team that was sent to help our pony allies building a tunnel have gone missing. News of their disappearance along with the ransacked camp of the ponies have led me to believe they were ambushed. Ambushed over a relic that should never have been spoken of in the first place. The excavation was merely a cover, a ploy while the real task was to transport the relic to a hidden location far away from curious eyes. What started as a tunnel creation was quickly changed into what was supposed to be a historic moment. For years we griffons and ponies thought our founding leaders and the foundations of our colonies to be the oldest on our world. Turns out we were sorely mistaken. Still with the exception of the dragons in their territories, its hard to tell where our lineage begins and end. However I am getting off topic. Back to the relic on talon. Our mages and Star Swirl assured me that it would be hush hush. Instead now I had to go to the homes of my fellow griffon workers, go to their families and inform them their fathers, mates, uncles and brothers will not be coming home. The results were as I predicted: Sadness and anger over the potential loss. My Storm chaser consoles me, telling me I've did everything I could to keep this... thing from being found. Somehow I don't find it very comforting.

Day twenty six, month of the harsh frost, year 1583

It has been found. Two long years of scouring the lands across the world and finally it has been found. After a bloody battle with a cult no one even heard of was dealt with the relic is in the hooves of Star Swirl. I wanted the cursed object destroyed. Yet two weeks of using the strongest magick with our most powerful mages have yielded no results. Star Swirl has decreed instead the artifact must be locked away and hidden. Those who assist must have their memories erased for fear of the relic's discovery by shadowy leagues. I will leave it up to the stallion to see the task first talon. To think that such a thing existed even before our time both astonishes... and frightens me. Still can we trust him? The cult consisted of both griffon and pony alike. Whose to say there are those within the unicorn's colonies that are plotting to retrieve the artifact from under his nose? Regrettably I can not bring myself to fully agree with his decision. Therefore it is in my best interest that those who have been sent along with Star Swirl write down the exact location of its whereabouts in secrecy.

Sapphire let a smile creep along her muzzle. At last some small crumb to snatch up granted by a doubtful king. She flipped the book in hopes Steel Talon had written down who was involved. Perhaps their living kin of today would still be around. Her luck though was too good to be true as she abruptly stopped. Four pages were missing torn from the journal. She grumbled and dropped the book in dismay shaking her head,"I knew it. Star Swirl must have known. How else would I reach another barrier in my search." She paused and tapped her chin.

"However, given the state of this book perhaps the librarian would know who last possessed this journal. I've come too far to let a few missing pages stop me."

Gathering the papers, journal and Star Swirl's cookbook, the dragoness stuffed them in a satchel. She pulled her robes to conceal her face before making her way to the entrance that would lead her into Gryf,"Try not to be too bored while I'm away, Demuria." She laughed softly before fading into the emptiness of the tunnel.

The orb rattled its prison again in vain, the soul of the former dragon queen helpless to break free let alone stop a dragoness from wrecking havoc on the world once more.

Author's Note

I am aware that I mispelled magic while writing the journal entries. That was intentional. Reading many a fantasy fiction book here and there, authors tend to spell magic in different ways. like majic, magik or magicks for the olden times of the setting. Given the vast history, I felt to give the entries that old feel as well.

Dream? More like Nightmare

Spike lay slumped against the tree on the playground behind the school house. He rubbed his eyes and fought off another yawn that had accompanied the last few. He was beat. After all the work he and Twilight did back in Canterlot there was no chance of getting the day off. Twilight apologized by sending him to school today knowing he deserved another day's worth of rest. Yet he had missed a few already and was dangerously close of being dropped by Cheerilee.

So here he was under the leafy canopy of the tree, eyes half lidded as colts and fillies laughed, screamed in glee or partook in the various toys that lay strewn across the grass. Thankfully Scootaloo and the others were wise to leave him alone, seeing him all but shuffle into school this morning. Despite peppering him with questions as to why he spent all night up, the girls could never get a answer out of the dragon. So they left him to his own as they plotted yet another ploy to earn their cuties marks. By the graces of whoever or whatever deities were out there, Spike was also spared the ceaseless badgering from Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

The wind played with the leaves overhead while the rays of the sun flickered over his scaled body. Even with the noise on the playground, Spike felt his eyelids grow heavier and heavier. Not a few minutes later the dragon passed out, arms across his chest, tail flicking idly to the side as he decided to squeeze in a quick nap. Twenty minutes that's all with ten more minutes to shake off the drowsiness and hopefully give Cheerilee a more active presence.

He stood on a barren wasteland. The land as far as the eyes would allow granted him only a dead and empty plain. The sky was bronze with a red hue, the sun blotted out by billowing clouds. The wind howled in his ears leaving a sense of cold that seemed to suck the warmth from his scales. All around him structures which resembled homes lay in ruins devoid of life. All around he searched hoping to find another life. Yet as he wandered aimlessly along the decrepit streets nothing looked the same. The library was nothing but a skeleton tree, the books lay strewn across the ground. When he stooped to pick one up it crumbled to dust.

Carousel Boutique, Sugercube Corner, the farm, the Spa why even the town hall lay in ruins. Spike shivered not just from the cold but from being alone. What happened to Ponyville? Where was every pony? Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash. No sign of them anywhere. Spike craned his neck to gaze into the distance hoping to catch the glimmer of Canterlot's rooftops. Straining his eyes hard he could barely make out the silhouette of the castle against the mountain side. To his shock the castle too, looked abandoned and in ruins. Just what was going on here?

"Hello?" Spike called out,"Hello! Any pony out here?"

Nothing but the wind answered him as tatters of cloth from broken windows flailed in the gust.

This had to be a dream. There was no other explanation for it. The dragon had a glimmer of hope that Luna was around maybe perhaps even shed some light on this scenery. Yet the longer he stood around, the more anxious Spike was becoming. Where was the dream walker? Why had she not appeared yet? Was he not letting her in? Was he in a deep sleep?

"C'mon, wake up, wake up!" the dragon said, smacking the sides of his head in hopes of creating a jostle or a jolt to take him from this nightmare.

Nothing.

The wind picked up forcing the dragon to seek shelter in one of the abandoned homes. The cold still tore at him making each step more painful as though his very bones were turning to ice. As he reached a cross roads, the dragon saw a sight that made his heart leap. A familiar purple dragon stood there eyes wide in awe and surprise.

"Spyro!!" he shouted.

Picking up speed the dragon ran towards his fellow companion almost tripping over a jutting stone in the path. It did little to stop him though until he nearly bowled into the dragon. Or so he thought he did. Upon impact, Spike gasped as he sailed through Spyro rather then colliding. The dragon grunted as he tumbled onto the ground his hopes dashed the moment there was someone here. Rising to his feet Spike turned to look upon Spyro only to see his image faded. The dragon looked like a specter more then a living dragon. His appearance was that of a ghostly wisp the edges being torn away by the winds that howled around them. Yet as Spike peered closer, he swore the dragon was trying to mouth something to him.

"I... I don't understand. What?" he asked.

"...way... ing... out... go.." The winds made it hard to make out what Spyro was trying to say. Stepping closer, Spike leaned close a hand cupped over his ear and strained.

"Way... going... out... go... run.... coming." was whispered.

"Way? Out? Run? Whats coming? Whats going on here? Spyro talk to me, I can barely make out what you're saying."

His eyes widened and for the first time since he known and met Spyro he saw the look of fear and terror. A deep growl behind the dragon send a shudder down his spine and Spike suddenly found his feet like heavy stones forbading him to move. Spyro shook his head in a painfully slow motion as though forbidding him to turn around, but it was too late.

As Spike turned, the desolate town of Ponyville and Canterlot erupted into fire. A wall of flame surged across the town and Spike watched helplessly as fire consumed what was left. The growl grew louder as the dragon looked up frozen and unable to move as a fiery shadow emerged from behind the wall of fire. Great, fierce and intimidating was its size. Red ruby eyes bore down on the two of them as Spike could only squirm in his place. A great roar tore at his body the dragon clutching himself for fear of shattering against the sound so great was the fiery beast that made it.

"I have you now children of the egg."

A flaming arm shot out and grabbed both Spike and Spyro in one swoop. Spike screamed as he felt his scales catch fire no, his whole body erupt into flame. Helpless with the ghostly visage of Spyro, the dragon could only watch as monsterous jaws emerged to swallow them both, his cries echoing as both he and Spyro fell down a dark abyss.

Spike awoke to the sight of all the fillies and colts surrounding him. Breathing heavily the dragon realized he was soaking wet. Water mixed with his sweat trickled onto the grass beneath him as eyes stared at him in confusion and surprise.

"You're awake! That's good. Was beginning to think we would have to resort to ice water." Cheerilee said,"What is wrong? The kids were saying you were thrashing and screaming under the tree. A nightmare perhaps?"

Spike opened his mouth but nothing came out. He patted himself down, relieved to find himself whole and not a charred body in the belly of some beast.

"Yeah... just a bad dream." Spike replied rising to his feet.

"Well that's good. Unfortunately recess is over and we have a lot to cover. Come along children." The foals moaned and groaned as they shuffled along, leaving Spike with Scootaloo and the others.

"You ok Spike? Some of the foals said you were mumbling in your sleep. Then you started screaming for no reason." Applebloom asked.

Looking at the trio of fillies Spike could only blink in silence. He couldn't explain what happened as Cheerilee called them from the doorway of the school house. It would have to wait for another time.

The bell rang that afternoon. The doors opened to the screams and cheers as foals ran off school over for another day. Book bags with homework hugged their sides as each filly and colt ran to meet their parents. Spike, Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were the last to depart. Scootaloo grumbled about Cheerilee giving them too much homework yet again while Applebloom assured her with all four of them working together it would be done in no time.

"Spike you ok there? You're spacing out again." Sweetie Belle said.

Spike had been unusually quiet the rest of the day. Ever since his outburst during recess, the dragon had not uttered so much a peep since then. Sure he did the school work Cheerilee provided but never rose his hand to answer a question nor got involved in the activities they had.

"Its that dream I had if you can call it that." Spike replied.

"Yeah, what was that all about? I know I can get exhausted but I sleep like a log rather then flail while dreaming." Scootaloo said.

"You didn't have a firey dragon monster... thing grab you, watch your body ignite in fire then get tossed down its gullet." Spike replied sourly.

All three fillies stopped in their tracks.

"Say what?" Applebloom asked.

Spike groaned then shook his head, pointing with a finger to indicate wishing to resume walking. As they started, he told them of the dream he had what or who was in it and how it ended. When he finished the girls remained silent. Applebloom shuddered at the thought, Scootaloo whistled softly and Sweetie Belle just nodded.

"That's some nightmare. Surprised Luna didn't show up and banish it. That is strange when you think about it." Sweetie Belle said, forelegs crossed as she pondered.

"Why not ask Twilight about it. Get her to send a letter to Princess Luna. Maybe she can delve into it." Scootaloo suggested.

"I would love to, but can't. Both princesses are very busy at the moment. I don't think they will have any time to stop and help me." Spike replied.

"Oooh with what you and Twilight were doin up in Canterlot couple days ago?" Applebloom asked.

Spike nodded and the group resumed. They parted ways at the farm, then later at the boutique. Spike and Scootaloo said farewell before he entered the library. Just as he closed the door, he turned and found himself nose to nose with Twilight as she peered intently at him.

"Umm... hi." he said.

"So whats with this about having a bad dream during recess I read?" Twilight replied.

"Auugh! You kidding me? She sent you a letter?" Spike complained

"Yes and I want you to tell me every little detail about it." Twilight said.

"Can't it wait? I'm still tired, yet honestly hesitant to take a nap right now."

Twilight looked at the dragon then shook her head softly,"Spike with what is going on what you experienced may be related."

"Or it could just be a random thing." the dragon said.

"At least tell me about it? Please?" the mare asked, concern showing in her eyes.

Spike avoided the look then sighed and nodded. He moved over to the table with Twilight in tow, quill and paper in magical grasp, ready to write down every little thing he had during the dream.

The camp site was in disarray. Cooking utensils lay littered next to an overturned cauldron the soup that was bubbling over the fire lay spilled on the dirt. The sleeping bag was torn as was the pillows while articles and personal items lay littered about. A wagon was parked next to a tree the sides painted with bright letters and colors. This did not last long as a body was hurled against it, causing the wagon to overturn, the being's cry cut short as wood splintered against flesh and bone. The mare struggled to get up but she was in too much pain. Her back, legs and belly were marred by claws, her sight becoming impaired as blood trickled down one eye. Groaning in pain she crawled out of the wagon that served as both her home and performance stage.

The sound of footsteps drew her attention, her body trembling in fear as a cloaked figure strode through the camp site kicking at the cauldron. The pot sailed through the air missing the injured mare's head by a few inches as she yelped and cringed. A clawed hand wrapped around her throat, the mare choking as the dragoness lifted her up from the ruins of her home while her cold voice hissed in one ear.

"I'll not ask again mammal. Where are the missing pages to this journal? The librarian gave an utmost detailed description that matches you as the last holder of the book." Sapphire hissed.

The mare pulled feebly at the fingers closing off her wind pipe as she wiggled helplessly in the air.

"Trixie... *cough* Trixie has already... told you... everything!"

Sapphire sighed and dropped the mare in disgust.

Trixie yelped as her aching body landed on the ground leaving her breathless. What more did this crazy dragoness want from her? Trixie had provided her with all the information. What more did she want? Claws scrapped across her wagon causing the unicorn to tremble as the dragoness knelt before her.

"I feel as though you're not telling me everything silly parlor trick pony." The dragoness drew one claw up against Trixie's face, Sapphire giving a rather frightening smile as she heard the heart race.

"You know, I wonder what it must feel like. To be skinned alive. All those mammals that were stuffed back then. Its a good thing they were dead. Could only imagine the pain of having one's own skin slowly peeled away from the muscle. I wonder where they start. At the head?" Trixie gasped as the claw dug into her skin, the burning pain of being cut once more trailed up her forehead until it paused at the base of her horn,"Or by the tail." The mare started to sob as she felt the claw dig into the base of her tail making her writhe.

"The cultists took it!!" Trixie all but screamed,"Mad ponies and griffons in dark robes ambushed me one night while I was reading!! They took the journal, ripped out the pages then quickly went back into the shadows as quickly as they appeared."

Sapphire tapped her blooded claw against Trixie's nose,"I find that just a little hard to believe mare."

"Trixie is telling the truth." she sniffled,"They were going on about the revival of some person. Trixie doesn't know what they were rambling bout. All Trixie knows is where they are rumored to reside. Near the base of the mountains at the outskirts of the Badlands."

"And why is it you happen to know where they are rumored to be hmm?"

"Tri.. Trixie heard it from the locals. Some crazy group of ponies and griffons they said residing in the caves. Talking madness and nonsense. Stealing supplies and food at night."

Sapphire released the pony and rose. There was some truth to her wild story. At first the mare resisted, even went on a stupid third person tirade about how she would not be intimidated by a dragon. Ahh how quickly that changed when she "interrogated" the mare.

"Well... thank you for that information. There is just one more itty, bitty, thing you can do for me." Sapphire said with a smirk in her voice.

"W..what is that?" Trixie asked trembling.

The cauldron made contact with the side of the mare's head, a cracking sound heard as the dragoness laid her out flat. Dropping the pot, Sapphire snorted and pulled her robes tightly around her. So some mad cult of lunatics had the pages did they? Well they will regret stealing from her. Sapphire would make sure of that. The dragoness left the beaten and unconscious pony in the ruins of her camp site to the fate of the wild life.

Sapphire headed south toward the Badlands where the pieces of the journal lay.

Author's Note

Yes I made Sapphire beat up Trixie. No I don't have anything against her. Sapphire is just being that evil individual you'll want to see burned. Or hanged. Or whatever comes to mind for harming Trixie.

Leads

Princess Luna read the letter her eyes going over every detail. Twilight sent the letter that afternoon specifically addressed to the princess of the night. Her sister delivered the letter leaving it on her nightstand before starting the evening court. When Luna awoke late that afternoon she found it waiting for her. Now the alicorn scribbled down parts of the nightmare Spike had that day somewhat puzzled that she had not sensed his discomfort.

A knock on her door drew her attention away from the letter and to the entrance.

"Enter." She said.

Both doors opened magically her maid entering with tea and a light dinner,"Your sister asks how goes it this evening princess."

"Tell her I am fine." She rolled up the parchment and handed it to the maid as she set the tray next to her desk.

"Deliver this to my sister and let her know I would like to speak with her before she retires for the night."

"Of course your majesty." The maid bowed and exited with scroll in tow leaving Luna alone once more.

The quill tapped against paper as Luna turned over what she read. This nightmare was odd for a few reasons. One, she had not sensed Spike falling asleep which was odd given she had no problems sensing any pony while they slept. Two, the scene described reminded her of her early years with Celestia as they stood over battle torn fields during their time at war with the dragons centuries ago. Three, the particular words "Children of the egg." The entity referred Spike and the ghost form of Spyro before engulfing the two in fire and devouring them both. What could this mean? While Luna could read most dreams of all those who slumbered under her night sky, nightmares were a little tricky. A little time perhaps a night or two and she would help the dreamer overcome what fears or dreads they may hold. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were just a few she had helped. But this nightmare was on a different level. Dragons were not known to dream least not from her knowledge. To suffer nightmares? It was hard to tell.

Rising from her chair, the dark alicorn placed the quill down and departed her bedroom chambers. While she would have wanted to assist Spike in this matter, the night court was waiting and it was going to be yet another long night. Rumors were spreading mixed with gossip among Equestria. Of a fugitive that evaded capture lurking among the borders. Sapphire had been top priority. Yet for all the search parties Luna and Celestia had sent to confirm said rumors, there was nothing to show. They were getting little help from the dragons either. Ever since the new queen took over the throne odd changes had been happening. For one their own patrols had increased and those entering or exiting were interrogated in the most unpleasant fashion. Some ponies claimed the guards ransacked their carriages accusing them of being in league with Sapphire. Celestia had done her best to seek an audience with Hexonya but the dragoness would not send a response not even by parchment.

As Luna turned the corner she bumped into a snow white chest a soft oof! followed. The warm scent of spring and summer caressed her muzzle, a scent she knew very well. Eyes glanced up to see an exhausted sister standing before her, one holding tea with magic and scrolls tucked under a wing.

"Sister you look... terrible." Luna replied upon seeing her older sibling's state.

"I hope you have your maids brewing strong coffee for you dear sister. I've never seen the courts like this not in hundreds of years," came Celestia's reply.

"Has it grown worse?" The dark mare asked.

"I'm a few feathers short of storming Draconis myself and demanding an audience with Hexonya. Today an elderly couple stood before me. The poor ponies clothing were in shambles and their story made me so... angry."

Luna's eyes widen. Another search by the guards at the borders?

"Yes. The dragon guards were not kind to the old couple. The old mare was so scared she thought she would have dropped from a heart attack. The elderly stallion was even roughed up by them."

"Unacceptable. Hexonya needs to learn that she has no right to intimidate any pony or being that enters or departs her lands. Even during these times."

Celestia gave a soft nod,"It may be due to another little thing that has been creeping among the shadows dear sister. A cult a faction of followers of a long dead religion."

Luna arched a brow,"It would not have something to due with Sapphire or the passing of the dragon queen of recent has it?"

Her sister shrugged,"I'm not sure. There has been no plausible threat of them. Only some pamphlets passed out by a couple in the town square today proclaiming the end of days bit."

Luna sighed and shook her head. Moment anything involving other nations and rogue citizens causing a stir ponies would believe it to be the end of their civilization. The alicorn kept a smile forming on her muzzle. She knew when she and Celestia first came to aide the ponies after they founded the nations, their appearance had caused quite a reaction. It was only through Celestia's calm and reassuring demeanor that all three tribes were able to see that no, Luna and Celestia were not the harbringers of doom. Princess Celestia could see the spark in her sister's eye and knew what she was recalling. The mare was about to say something when a faint tingle in the air was brought to her attention.

Both sisters felt it. At first it felt like a shimmer a subtle distortion. The tingling sensation one would experience should they fall asleep on their limb and cut off circulation. The tingling intensified after a few seconds and both sisters soon were on defense. Both horns became set aglow as a blue thin line of magic cut down the center of the hallway not far from where the sisters stood. This line soon spread as clawed fingers tore open a portal. Distorted magic and unstable electricity coursed in the air. Guards nearby hearing the sound rushed to the source many taking up positions around their monarchs. Then something came through.

Rather something barreled through. A ball if one could call a balled up roll of cloth came rolling through knocking through six of the guards who were unfortunate to be in the way. Guards went sailing as the ball crashed into a barrier brought up by Celestia. The ball yelped and ricochet off the barrier only to crash into a near by desk. Then the portal was gone. The hall was in a bit of a disarray. The soldiers rushed to where the crumbled cloth ball now lay heaped against the splintered remains of the desk while Luna and Celestia joined the rest of the party. Celestia was puzzled by this appearance of cloth. Where did it come from any why here?

A soft groan and muttering in a tongue Celestia knew was draconic drew suspicion. Her horn ignited she plucked the cloth ball, hearing a soft eek! and soon flailing limbs followed before an familiar voice called out.

"I'm just a harmless mage passing through I meant no harm!"

"Kel?" Luna asked.

A familiar dragon muzzle was revealed as the dragon tugged at his garments,"Ahh! Princess Luna and Celestia!" His eyes darted around,"It worked! I had my doubts but it actually worked. Huzzah!!"

Celestia dropped him ignoring the oof! as he landed before strolling to the dragon as he rubbed his head,"You have a valid explanation as to why you've put my castle on high alert do you not?"

Kel rose to his feet brushing off his robes,"A thousand apologies Princess Celestia. If it were any easier to visit Equestria or Gryf believe me I would have rather taken the train or hot air balloon. As such with a curfew now in effect in Draconis I'm afraid I had to... bend the rules."

"Curfew? What curfew?" Luna asked.

"As of this morning no dragon be it feral or sentient mage or warrior be permitted to leave Draconis. Furthermore any dragons associating with other beings i.e. ponies., griffins, diamond dogs or any combination of groups consisting of these denizens is subject to house arrest and penalties." Kel watched as the sisters looked to each other shocked by what he just said. He coughed to draw their gaze to him.

"I am fully aware of what Hexonya has been doing to ponies near the borders. Yet I was threatened with chains when I protested her methods. However a recent event has come into my possession and I knew you would want to hear this. So I created a portal towards the nearest, most powerful magical source I could pinpoint in Equestria knowing it would drop me at your hooves." He winced and rubbed his tail base,"Though I could have done without the method of said dropping."

Princess Celestia looked at Kel,"Event? What event?"

Kel nodded,"A few days ago a scouting party came across a wrecked camp site. At first they brushed it off as maybe a bandit raiding party. But they found an unconscious pony near the debris. A light blue pony that looked like she'd gone through hell and back. Or she pissed off the wrong dragon. Either way she is being held in custody at the barracks to the east."

Celestia and Luna looked to each other then back to Kel,"And this pony. What is her name?"

Kel hmmed then nodded,"Trixie Lunamoon. At least that what I was able to coax from her after her hysteria. Mare nearly had a nervous breakdown when she woke up. Took out four guards before they restrained her. She's got a strong fighting spirit."

"Did she manage to say anything else to you?"

Kel shook his head,"She refused to say anything. Other then 'The great and traumatized Trixie shall speak to no one save for Twilight Sparkle.' "

"Twilight Sparkle?" Celestia tapped a scroll against her chin before her ears perked,"Now I remember. Trixie Lunamoon was mentioned in a few of Twilight's early friendship reports. A show pony who dazzled audiences with displays of fireworks and magician tricks. She had a few trip up along the road but Twilight was able to set her on the right path. Since then I've heard of a traveling magician across the lands wowing crowds as she sought to make a good name for herself."

Celestia pulled a blank scroll from Luna's own stash she was to use for notes in the court and quickly scribbled down with quill. Once finished, she handed the scroll to Kel,"Time is short and given the curfew I can only surmise that you would be able to sneak Twilight in and out."

Kel took the scroll and hid it away in his robes,"I can do that. The visit would be brief as the guards posted outside will not leave her alone for long. Mayhaps your sister can persuade Hexonya to release Trixie into your guards care in a few days."

"I can try. Stubborn as your queen may be I can move mountains if I must." Luna replied.

"Then it is done. Kel, go to Twilight at the library and give her the scroll. Luna you prepare a means of negotiations to bring Trixie under our watch."

"And you sister?" Luna asked.

The alicorn yawned covering her muzzle with a wing,"I will rest. When I awake I hope there will be good news on your ends."

Kel and Luna nodded then both set off. One to the throne to attend the evening court, the other post haste to the library in Ponyville.

Trixie's head began to ache once more. The unicorn grit her teeth as the dull throb trickled from spine to horn, its distracting pain making one being unable to feed themselves difficult once more. She had awoken in a cot a few days ago. At first Trixie thought some pony had found and rescued her, brought her back to their hut and patched her up. The mare was wrong when two dragons entered the tent where she lay and began peppering her with questions. To say she lost it was a tad of an understatement. Her screams had echoed across the camp as more soldiers rushed to the source only to find their fellow guard dragons being pummeled by a hysterical pony. Despite being in the condition she was in, Trixie was determined that, if these soldiers were from that damn dragoness sent to finish her off, she would go down hoof and horn.

Her brief skirmish with the guards was concluded when one managed to slip behind and muffle her with a cloth covered in some rank, foul smelling liquid that dulled her senses and knocked her out. When Trixie awoke hours later she found herself shackled to her cot and a magic inhibiting ring around her horn. One soldier who was standing by alerted his fellow guardsdragon and once more the two began to ask questions. Trixie refused to answer them. Even when they threatened to place her in chains and a cell with accusations of being a spy did she refuse. She boldly proclaimed she would not speak with them until one Twilight Sparkle was there. They both cursed and stomped off leaving the unicorn to gather what little wits she had. For the next few days she laid there. Her only visitor was what she could guess a nurse or healer who checked her bandages or brought her food.

The food though bland and dull was at least edible. Dark grain bread and leafy vegetables. As she ate, Trixie overhead her overseers mumble about the fugitive and how she kept giving them the slip. Their queen was none too thrilled and was growing impatient. Trixie could only guess it was that dragoness from before. As she nibbled the remains of her loaf, the mare began to feel helpless. How much longer was she going to lay here in their claws, chained like a criminal? Was no pony going to rescue her? Did Equestria consider the Great and Powerful Trixie deceased? Her thoughts were interrupted as the headache began again. Groaning softly Trixie rubbed her heavily bandaged head hoping it would pass. One thing they could have at least done was give her some medication to soothe these headaches.

Her ears pricked forward as voices could be heard outside the tent flaps.

"Under the queens orders, no dragon or pony is allowed to see the pony of interest."

"By Equestria law, you will let this mare see the pony. She requested her upon regaining consciousness and that is whom she shall see."

"One word to the queen and you and your prissy pony will be in chains, Kel. Did you not forget the curfew?"

"Hold your tongue whelp. Lest you incur this pony's mentor hooves upon that thick headed skull of yours. By their monarch's decree, one Trixie shall speak with Twilight and that is who stands before you. Furthermore after her interrogation you will release her into the mare's custody on the account that any information that can be proven useful will be turned over to the soldiers in regards to Sapphire."

There was hissing and even low growls. Trixie shuddered at the sound but it soon ended. The tent flap was roughly yanked aside, revealing a sour looking dragon soldier glaring at her two visitors. A dragon dressed in robes entered followed by a lavender pony with a cloak around her shoulders. Trixie's eyes began to mist up as the two approached. Twilight looked behind her then cast a bubble spell which surrounded the tent. The soldier looked stunned then pounded on the purple sphere. Kel scribbled on a piece of paper then held it up for the soldier to read. He read it then glared at the two before stomping off leaving the trio alone.

"Bubble spell to keep them from eaves dropping. Nicely done Twilight."

"Thanks Kel. And now Trixie one Twilight Sparkle request fulfilled. Is there something you wish to say?"

Trixie felt her lower lip tremble at the sight of her adversary turned friendly rival. Words spilled in her head, the things she wanted to say, to scream, to shout even. Instead Trixie looked down at the covers and murmured,"The Great and Lonely Trixie thought the world had believed her dead. That no pony would come looking for her."

"And it would have were it not for the soldiers outside. Granted they could have treated you better Miss Trixie. Alas given what both Draconis and Equestria is facing, all formalities have been tossed out." Kel said.

Twilight approached Trixie's cot side,"Trixie. I know you've been through a lot and that is why we are here. To take you home, get you to a hospital where you can rest. But we need your help. What did Sapphire want from you?"

At the mention of the dragoness's name Trixie broke down into a sob,"It was horrible! That loathsome lizard beat Trixie! She ransacked and destroyed my wagon, my fireworks and even my hat! Then that vicious beast threatened to skin me alive! After I told her everything that damned heathen would not believe me!"

Twilight laid a hoof on Trixie's shoulder. The mare looked up, tears in her eyes as she gazed back,"What was it that Sapphire wanted?"

"Pages... to an old journal Trixie found."

Kel perked up,"Old journal? By whom?"

"One belonging to one of Gryf's rulers of past. King Steel Talon the 3rd."

Kel frowned. What would Sapphire want with an old journal? What did King Steel Talon know and how did it tie in to what Sapphire was up to? Questions arose and he had no easy answer.

"You said pages to the journal. Some were missing?," Twilight asked.

"Trixie was beset upon by crazy ponies and griffons in dark robes one night. Rambling about some thing and that I was a thief to steal what was theirs. Trixie didn't steal it! Trixie merely borrowed from the librarian and would have returned it!"

"You checked out a journal belonging to King Steel Talon from a library?" Twilight tilted her head puzzled.

"Trixie likes reading other nation histories in the form of ruler's journals. What do you do for a hobby hmmmm?"

Twilight clicked her tongue not wanting to reply quickly that re-organizing her library back home was a favorite hobby of hers. Kel moved closer causing Trixie to scoot back against the cot.

"Why would an old journal belonging to griffons wind up in a Equestrian library? It does not make sense."

"Some ponies like to steal. I've seen it happen back home. They like a particular book so much they don't want to keep coming back. So they try to one hoof discount and make off. Unfortunately for them, I place anti book theft spells on all my books. Some keep trying though." Twilight replied.

Kel grunted,"You said the crazy ponies and griffons in robes tried to take it. Did they?"

"No. They tore a few pages before Trixie managed to grab it then blind them with her flash fireworks and fled. The librarian was not too happy about it though upon return. She didn't believe Trixie either."

And now the journal was in Sapphire's claws. Kel rubbed the temple to his snout. What was in the journal that she wanted so badly that she was willing to beat a pony nearly to death over a few missing pages?

"I'd ask more about it, but I think we've spent enough time here. Lets get you home Trixie."

"I agree. Lets get you to a more suitable bed."

Kel stepped forward and murmured something while waving a hand over Trixie's shackles. They unclicked and clattered to the floor while Twilight removed the magic inhibitor ring from Trixie's horn. The bubble popped as Kel exited the tent. A few minutes later the sound of a cart being pulled up could be heard. Twilight stood by Trixie offering her side in case the mare needed some leaning. Trixie wanted to protest and claim she was fine walking on her own but the headache was making it hard to stand straight. Limping next to Twilight the two ponies exited the tent. Twilight helped Trixie into the cart which had cushions and blankets to make the journey back easier. With a nod to Kel both pony and dragon mage left the soldier camp much to the stares and glares from the soldiers as their captive was lead away.

As Kel pulled the cart with Twilight as his side, he nodded,"A shame we don't know what the journal was about. We would have been able to know what was it that King Talon knew that piqued Sapphire's interest."

"Trixie thinks it may have something to due with a relic they hid."

The cart came to a sudden stop as Trixie eeked. Blinking she looked as both Twilight and Kel stared at her.

"What? Trixie has read the journal countless times. King Steel Talon the 3rd came upon a ancient relic that seemed too dangerous. So with the help of Star Swirl the Bearded they hid the relic in hopes it would never be found. It was most difficult though."

"You know all of this?" Twilight asked.

"Trixie is like a sponge when it comes to her favorite books. Trixie can recite some of her favorite books word for word."

"Even if pages or say a whole book is gone for good?,"Kel asked.

"Yes. Trixie does not see the big deal about it."

Kel and Twilight looked to each other,"Oh I would not call it a big deal. Just you have given us something we have been needing for a very long time now, Trixie."

"And what is that?"

"A clue and hopefully a step ahead of Sapphire. Come first thing is first. Get you to Equestria. Then time permitting hopefully a complete copy of King Steel Talon the 3rd's journal."

Sapphire stood at the edge to the Badlands. Here hidden among the craggily mountains and hills among the sparse greenery of an otherwise devoid of life range these so called cultists resided. And they had a journal which the dragoness was going to have. Be it willingly or off freshly slain corpses. With a tug of her pack, the dragoness set off into the lands as the afternoon sun began to set in the horizon.

Author's Note

Nothing to see here folks, just dusting off a story hidden among the clutter of stuff. Yeah.

Traversing the Badlands

There was always something off about the Badlands. Something that just didn't feel right. Sapphire could not put a finger on it even if she tried. What was it about the Badlands that, the deeper she traversed the oddly more slight feeling akin to uneasiness did she feel.

She scoured the libraries across all three nations concerning the Badlands. Yet, for all the geography and historical references there was not much to go on. A large patch of barren sand complete with rocky alcoves and uneven croppings made up most of the scenery. There were hardly any towns, if they were even called such clinging to the surface. No one, be they pony, dragon or griffin could give a full detail as to how the Badlands came to be.

From the ponies side stories had sprouted that once the Badlands were a lush oasis teeming with life and greenery that faded out of the blue. Another claimed it was the private garden of Luna that turned barren and empty upon her banishment to the moon. Griffins had a story that a wealthy rich city made from gold was taken by the sands as punishment from the deities for the denizens greed and love of money. Dragons had no easier nor plausible explanation either.

Where ever these stories were conjured from there was one thing that was constant. A hum of magic over the lands. Where it came from or how it came to be was how the stories were spun. It was this same faint thread that made Sapphire uneasy as though she or any living creature was not welcomed. Indeed no shrubs or even the hardiest of plant life seemed to grow. The only thing worth noting according to a pony was it was the perfect hiding place for the so called Changelings. This thrum of magic combined with a traveler's unease made it hard to sense anything out here. Which made it perfect for the so called insectoid race to hide within.

Sapphire was not here for them. The dragoness was here for another reason: The so called cult that made these lands their dwelling. It made sense really when one looked at it. Any gathering that sought secrecy or wished to remain hidden from the prying eyes and ears of the governing nations of the lands need only come here and stake a claim the the barren scenery. Scrying spell, scouts, sharp eyes and hawks used for spying had difficulty tracking anyone or anything out here. All the better to do... whatever it was secret groups did. With a tug of her robe to further tightening her guise Sapphire set forth once more after pausing to rest. The unicorn mare said the cult lived out here. And here she would find the prize she sought for some time: The journal of a griffin king of history would soon be in her talons. She then would be one step closer to achieving her goal.

The sun was beginning to set on the horizon to the west. As it did a suttle chill began to creep over the ground. Sapphire increased her pace as she sought shelter for a few reasons. One the nights were oddly cold even in the summer. Draw it up to the strange magic that carpeted the lands. Two. For the past few hours, she had the distinct feeling of being watched. Sapphire had begin to notice it as she headed toward a small hill region. At first the dragoness brushed it off as instinct of some other form watching from afar. But as time when one, the feeling never faded. Instead it seemed to grow a little stronger the closer she was heading towards the hills. Like eyes under an invisible veil gazing at this intruder that dared to walk the lands.

She would not be distracted nor chased off. The dragoness would show these eyes what it would mean should anything or one foolishly dared to challenge nay even attack her. Sapphire was ready. Still it helped to prepare maybe set a trap of her own to catch those by surprise. Hence the shelter. To hide from said eyes and perhaps add some personal protection. Just in case. The sounds of stones tumbling down a embankment had the dragon's eyes dart in the direction of where they had fallen. Narrowed she scanned the hill as the shadows of night began to descend upon the side. Her nose flared to take what faint scent if there was in hopes of catching whomever it was that was lurking out there.

Nothing.

She huffed to herself and increased the pace. As the stars began to appear in the sky Sapphire had come across an opening to a cave. Creating and igniting a torch revealed that whoever occupied the interior had long abandoned the opening either for something better or maybe was chased off. Faded tracks long worn down by winds and time revealed little as who the former occupant was. Setting her pack down, Sapphire set to creating a small pit. Within the pit a circle of stones were laid down at the edge followed by a log split into quarters. Finally a little tinder and a coaxing from the torch had a hidden campfire going. Drawing out a collapsible skewer the dragoness pierced a few pieces of rabbit she had hunted, slain and skinned in the forest before setting here. These set to cook while a pot with some water was made to boil.

Call her a carnivore from any pony Sapphire considered herself decent and civilized to an extent. Unlike the feral dragons, she preferred meat more then gems, though they were not without purpose. More like emergency rations or trinkets to be sold for easy currency wherever she went. Raw gems fetched higher income for buyers could shape them into whatever design they wished. And sellers could charge whatever they wanted claiming them to be rare minerals. She laughed to herself at the silliness that ponies and griffins made a fuss over such items.

Sapphire ate her meal while the light from the fire danced against the backdrop of the cave. Shadows danced over stone as the bare walls seemed to quiver and tremble with the flame's erratic motion. The dragoness was absorbed in her food that she did not notice the faint glimmer of a rune shimmering at the back of the cave. Not until its light started to interfere with the camp fire's and had the dragoness whirling around with a hidden dagger concealed now held firmly in one hand.

She approached this strange marking cautious at first. Magic may be difficult to create out here, but with determination and practice it was possible. The dragoness traced the outlines of the rune frowning over the design and what the shape meant. Using the torch she scanned the rest of the cave for the chance of of clues that could help her decipher this sudden puzzle. After minutes of scouring the interior there was nothing to show for the effort. Pulling a small book from her pack, Sapphire set to seeing what kind of rune it was and what it meant. Flipping through the pages, she came across one that looked almost similar to the one in the back.

It was a seal to a hidden door or entry way. To what she was unsure. But this discovery did make the journey worthwhile. Perhaps this would lead her to the cult she sought. Or perhaps some unlucky inhabitant would have a dragoness pounding on their door before knocking it down. One with answers. Tracing a claw along the lines, she murmured a small phrase. A few minutes passed by with no response. Then a soft click and a slow rumble filled the cave. The back wall slowly opened, revealing a passage of stairs leading down.

"Well there is either two possible outcomes. I've found what I am closing in on and will soon have what I want. Or someone or pony. Or creature is about to have a surprise guest drop in unexpectedly."

She grinned then put out the fire, gathered her pack and soon started to make her way down the stairs. The door slowly closed behind her the outside world she was once in now sealed from within. Sapphire would find a way back out. One way or another. Her footsteps echoed and soon she was gone from the entrance stepping deeper into whatever caverns or network of caves awaited her below.

The cave sat in the dark, the moonlight spilling its glow from the opening. Three shadows emerged from outside. The robed figures moved with swiftness as they covered the interior. One kicked at the campfire remains, while the other traced the pattern to the run that opened the path. The last stood watch as the door opened once more, quietly without sound as magic was used to mask its presence.

"The dragoness has gone down. Yes, yes it has. Mmmmm such a pretty one at that too." One figure murmured a sense of glee could be heard in its words.

"A pretty female dragon at that too. Yes, yes. Mayhaps the masters would allow us to partake in its feminine beauty before it is offered." The one by the campfire shivered with anticipation.

"Keep such thoughts to yourself, lewd one. Our masters made it clear. Those who find our hideout and enter must remain untouched. Surely you know this," The figure at the entry remarked in a commanding tone.

"Oh sister of ours it has been some time before a female of any sort has foolishly made their way to our community."

"Male or female, dragon, griffon or pony. Unless they show the mark to those below, they are naught but 'gifts' to our deity. You want to consort with females, go after changelings. They'll make your dreams come true."

The two fell silent as the one in charge stepped forward to the stairwell,"Come. We have a new sacrifice to capture and offer up. We would not wish to disappoint our head leader now, would we?"

The two nodded their heads quickly and the trio set forth down the stair well in pursuit of their newest 'offering.'

Sapphire stood over the body of one of her attackers. The cowl was removed to reveal a griffin, his lifeless eyes staring at nothing his beak open but no breath was drawn. She jabbed at his chest but no response came. The dragoness pulled the dagger protruding from his chest and turned on his fellow companion. The robed figure lay crumpled against the wall, the posture of one doubled over in pain. The dragoness grabbed the being by their head and promptly slammed it against the wall a dull thud of flesh and cloth meeting stone.

"Perhaps I wasn't clear in my questioning." The dragoness said coldy. Sheathing her dagger she lunged her free arm forward, her claws piercing clothing and flesh. The robed figure gasped and struggled as talons were buried deep in its side,"You and your crazy fanatics chased a unicorn mare some time ago in a forest not far from here. She dropped a book, a journal. One that is very important to me. Her description of you cults are word perfect and I've come for it. Don't be like your idiot counter part over there. Tell me where it is."

A coughing cackle erupted from the cowl,"Silly dragon. I'd sooner die then betray my brethren to one such as you. Yes, yes you are a spry lively one. Your life force will make an excellent contribution to our deity." Squeezing where her claws were buried, Sapphire watched as her attacker turned information give squirmed against the grip. His breathing was becoming choked and ragged, his legs jerking from beneath him as she slowly started to crush his side. Still he was not talking. Sighing, she slammed his head against the wall a couple of times, each one harder then the next.

"I really don't have time for your silly games. There will be one of you that will squeal. Question is, how many bodies will pile up before I get the answer."

He spat at her. She hissed and freed her claws then snapped his neck. The figure fell to the side slumped over. She yanked off the cowl and her muzzle contorted into a scowl: A pony. A damn pony. Must be a fanatical cult to allow griffins and ponies into their ranks.

More sheep for the slaughter. The dragoness rose and looked about her surroundings. The stairwell had ended a narrow path leading to these so called guards. When they spotted her, they grew tense and alert. The griffin had asked for a token of some sort, something Sapphire did not know or possess. She had no token but demanded they hand over the journal she sought. These two merely looked to each other before the griffin replied on how lovely a offering she would make. He then lunged at her with the pony behind with swiftness. Sapphire was ready for this. She had ducked under his outstretched arms poised to pin her against the wall, her hidden dagger sinking deep into his sternum. As he fell, she could feel the look of shock coming from those eyes as she pushed him to the side. A sweeping tail strike sent the pony tumbling backwards with cracked ribs as she dispatched them both quickly.

Sapphire rose. If these were the guards then no doubt she was indeed being watched. Possibly more company coming after her. The dragoness did not wish to find out. She had a journal to find. And plenty of prey to squeal, torment and eventually talk before she got what she wanted. Rising to her feet, she adjusted her bag and set forth once more, leaving the two bodies behind. She had energy to conserve fighting members of a cult would wear her down and she had no intention of letting them. Someone younger, more easy to crack then these older ones. The dragoness passed through the door her fallen attackers were standing by her search continuing once more.

The trio of followers arrived minutes after. Their lead rushed upon seeing the two bodies and quickly checked for pulse. Neither one had any. The other two shook their heads, murmuring to themselves a prayer or two for the fallen.

"Lively indeed. This one we'll need to take down fast. We can ill afford more losses of our faithful. Not until their time that is."

Faint shouts and cries could be heard coming from deeper within. An alarm had gone up. The dragoness had stirred the nest and now followers every where were scrambling to contain, capture and take hold of the intruder.

"Sister should we use higher methods? This dragon is dangerous. It is perhaps wise we cast her down quickly and with great efficiency." The one to her right motioned to their fallen.

"Our leader will not like it, but it must be done. Deaths must be kept to a bare minimum at most. Come brothers. We have an offering to seize."

The three rushed forth into the hive. The time of burial would come later. Right now they had a dragon intruder on their hands. One that had to be restrained quickly before more damage was done.

The dragoness grinned. Her prey lay huddled against a doorway, the faint whimperings of one not used to pain drifted from the cowl. Sapphire reached forward and yanked the cowl. A dragoness barely into her teen years shielded her eyes.

"Tsk. You call yourself dragon and yet here you are mewling like a kitten. Disgraceful. We never cower. We stand our ground and defend what is ours, whelp."

Grabbing the young one by the collar, Sapphire shook her hard,"Where is your leader? If he knows where this journal is, perhaps he will be more forthcoming then you will." The young dragoness squeaked and held on as the older one shook her like small prey in a predator's jaws. With one shaking arm, she pointed to a hallway on Sapphire's left, her voice barely audible,"O over there." she squeaked.

Sapphire chuckled then dropped her young captive. She delivered a hard kick to the chest resulting in a coughing squawk from the young dragon,"That is for being so weak."

It took five more corpses before she came across this one. Young, inexperienced and easily breakable. She waited as it came around the corner, unsure what to make of all the noise. Then all Sapphire had to do was grab it, drag it to a shadowed corner then rough it up a little. The dragoness blabbered everything. Sapphire laughed to herself. Young ones were so easy to bully sometimes. Though she as disgusted this one was a dragon as well. Probably ran away from the next from her own siblings for being too weak. More surprised she managed to survive long enough for this cult to take her in.

Racing down the hallway, she rounded the corner to find two more cultists standing there. Wasting little time, she rushed them both and barreled into them. Caught by a charging dragoness, they tumbled under her tackle. Sapphire wasted little time in grabbing their heads and knocking them out cold by slamming them into the floor. Soon she was on her feet and at the doorway. Carefully she laid a hand on the door. Their leader would probably be prepared. Spells may be laid in secrecy to paralyze her if she rushed into the room without caution. Her sense revealed a few spells indeed active and waiting. She whispered a few incantations and quick phrases and the spells melted off the wood. Sapphire then took hold of the ring and opened the way.

The room was covered in tapestries. Rugs lay on the floor depicting history of all three nations during their early years. A desk and chair sat in one corner of the room a large mirror the revealed the door to the entry way. Book shelves filled with books, scrolls and parchments line the walls, overflowing with information on just about everything. At the center of the room sitting in a chair with a wine glass in hand was the leader. His appearance was that of a dragon. His scales a dull grey, his amber eyes brimming with intelligence. His robes were different from the other cultist. Where theirs were a dull red, his was a vibrant bright crimson with gold borders along the edges. He sat relaxed in a casual manner as she entered his room.

Once her eyes settled on him, he raised his glass to her,"Welcome my dear. Welcome to my studies. Pray tell what is a lovely and magically gifted dragoness such as yourself running rampant in my halls? Surely there are better methods of asking for my presence then needlessly killing my children."

Sapphire snorted,"You should teach your children better manners then thinking intruders as nothing but 'offerings'. That and being more forthcoming with information. I'm here for one thing. A book that you have in possession. A journal I desire. They say you have it. Do you?"

The dragon motioned with his free hand,"I have plenty of books and journals in my study. You'll have to be more specific my dear."

"The journal of one Steel Talon the 3rd. Ruler to Gryf during their infancy of magic age and the time of Star Swirl's tutelage."

The dragon's left brow arched slightly. Sipping from his glass, his free hand drummed on the arm rest, talons tapping on the polished wood finish. Silence fell on the room before his wine glass magically refilled,"And what does a dragoness want of some long dead bird king's memoirs I wonder? Secrets she hopes to uncover through his entries? Supposed forbidden knowledge perhaps? You are gifted I can see that. But you're way out of league to read such texts young one. Perhaps if you join me I could teach you some."

Sapphire's eyes narrowed,"Don't toy with me old one. You have no idea what I've done to get this far. What I can do when pushed. What I'm going to do to you if you don't hand it over."

A great laugh echoed in the room. The dragon continued to laugh as his glass vanished from sight. He rose from his seating, smoothing out his robes before clasping his hands behind his back,"And what will you do to me if I refuse? Stick me with your tiny knife? Cast a spell that will make me babble everything I know? You're playing with fire my dear. Very dangerous fire I might add."

Sapphire merely smirked,"My family has harnessed, mastered and controlled fire with such elegance your words are naught but fuel to add." Rolling up her sleeves, the dragoness drew her arms to the side, talons out stretched,"Shall I offer you up to your gods as a gift? Cremation is just as good as a slit throat I hear."

The dragon merely raised one hand in front of himself, fingers splayed out,"May I ask the name of my prey before I end you?" he murmured.

"Sapphire Fireblood of the clan Fireblood. Exiled and disgraced I shall rain vengeance upon my ancestors judges and bath in their blood as retribution. Not even you will stop me."

His hand fell to the side, his eyes widen. When he spoke Sapphire was struck dumb founded,"Oh the prodigal descendant of Chrome Fireblood in the flesh before us." She was even more stunned when he fell to his knees,"Oh great mistress of Fire you have found us. The great ones have blessed us at long last. The time is nearly upon us and now with you here, our dream will surely come to pass."

Sapphire was puzzled and confused,"I... wait. You and your followers..." she made motions with her fingers not sure what to make at his sudden change in behavior.

The dragon strode forth from his position, one arm wrapped around her shoulders,"All will be explained, daughter of the Eternal Fire. But first introductions and then calming my children. My name is Vigohi. And we have been searching for a living member of Fireblood for a very long, long time."

Buried secrets

Sapphire followed Vigohi as the two traversed through the hallways to the underground lair. It took time and convincing from their leader to spare the newest member of their group from being mauled or far worse sacrificed to their deity. The trio who had followed were none to thrilled that she was spared any retribution for the deaths of their followers. Even more so that Sapphire was a living descendant of the great Chrome Fireblood. Sapphire could feel the burning glare of hatred emanating from the dragoness as they followed behind the two. She merely smirked to herself. If they tried anything later, she was more then welcome to give them some more hard knock lessons.

Her mind wandered to the next part: The cult The Eternal Fire consisted of all three dominant inhabitants of Equestria. Not just dragons. But ponies and griffins as well. There were even a few Diamond Dogs that served as the heavy hitters in case unwanted guests or creatures stumbled upon their residence. She paused as Vigohi stood before a door. Reaching within his robe sleeve, the dragon produced a key to which the heavy wooden door was unlocked. Turning he motioned Sapphire to enter. As she did, she could hear him whisper orders to the three that were behind her. The one in charge made noises that sounded like protest. But Vigohi's whispers grew stern and she quieted. With a curt nod they turned and left, the dragoness casting one last glare at Sapphire before they disappeared into the shadowed halls.

"I don't think she likes me much, does she?" Sapphire said as he entered the room.

Vigohi made a small gesture with one hand,"Aero is still... sour about the untimely ending you brought upon those who stood guard at the bottom of the stairs. She knew the griffin well so his passing hit a little harder then the others. She'll come around. Just needs some time."

Clapping his hands together he nodded,"Now I understand you desire the journal of Steel Talon the 3rd. And while I would love to grant you access to it, I feel I need to know a little more as to your intentions of its contents."

Sapphire felt an scaled eye ridge arch,"Really? After the whole praising that a living descendant to Chrome has all but left a bloody trail on your floors, you doubt what I say? Vigohi you hurt me." She placed a hand on her chest as though wounded by his words.

The dragon clicked his tongue against the roof of his muzzle,"Any dragon can say they come from any long dead clan. It's why I sent Aero and her fellow comrades to fetch a certain stone. One that will legitimize your claim to Chrome's legacy if you say you truly are who you claim to be. Until then I will and always have been cautious when it comes to certain articles of texts."

Sapphire sighed then pulled a chair from one of the corners. The room they had entered was what she would consider a library. Walls covered in shelves were littered with books, tomes, scrolls, piles of aged papers and other degree of written texts. All lined from one end of the room to the other. A long table made of aged oak sat at the center. Chair lined each end with candles set at the center, their drippings creating crude piles of melted waxen hills of various colors. The table was heavily used as stained ink and other grooves left by bored nails, talons and claws made their mark on the surface.

Sapphire looked at Vigohi as he took a seat at the end, his gaze never leaving her not even as he pulled the chair out to sit upon.

"Well if you wish to know why I want his journal its because it details a certain... item he and Star Swirl had come across during the unicorn's time in his kingdom. And not just Steel Talon. Each kingdom, Gryf, Draconis and Canterlot came across items. Items so obscure that those on the throne kept their lips, beaks and muzzles tight. Tighter then a dragon's hoard locked under key and gate. In my travels I came across Star Swirl's...."

Sapphire trailed off. Vigohi leaned forward, his expression one of interest,"Star Swirl's what?"

She laughed,"That's all you're getting, Vigohi. Just as you're hesitant to the journal, I'll not say another word on the matter. Not until you have your proof of my claim of heritage."

He smiled,"And what is to stop me from pressing the matter? We're alone here. Just you and me. I could overpower you, relieve you of your pack and find the answers myself."

Sapphire tsked and waved a hand,"And risk losing everything in this room? Vigohi in the few hours I've been in your presence I've come to know your far, far too careful. You would never allow an unwanted scuffle to result in the loss of all the information you've gathered here. We barely made threats towards each other back in your quarters and I serious doubt you'll want to deal with another fire now, would you."

Vigohi shrugged,"You're very perceptive. I like that. I'll humor and won't pry in terms of what was once Star Swirl's is now yours. But for the sake of wishing to be friendly company you could perhaps give a tad bit of this item that was hidden?"

Sapphire frowned as though she was debating on not telling or even answering. He watched as she pulled one of the chairs out and sat down,"To be honest I really don't know. You could read the book from top to bottom end to end, page for page both forward and backward. Yet, they don't say what it is. Only that they. And by they I mean the griffon king and Star Swirl had concern for it. A relic of high importance to be hidden away from the population of both nations. It only makes it more worthwhile to find out why they fear it."

"There are things out there, Sapphire things that were never meant to be found. Things that are better off buried and forgotten. Our nations were not built on relic, artifacts and magic alone. Those who counseled saw reason in this. Perhaps it is this reason why this item you speak of has no name."

The library doors opened and the trio Vigohi sent out earlier had returned. One was holding a pouch that housed an object within. The dragon rose to greet them taking the pouch from the leader's hands,"Thank you my dear."

The cloaked being grunted,"You sure this will prove her bloodline?"

"Of course. And if not... well you'll know what will happen. Wait outside. This won't take long."

A curt bow from the head of the trio before they turned and left. Sapphire could feel the one's gaze upon her, one mixed of disgust and hatred. She inwardly smirked and reveled in it. Once they left, Vigohi turned and raised the pouch before her.

"This is a particular relic left behind by Chrome. A sort of test to those who claimed to be her descendant." He reached within and pulled free a dark crystal sphere. Smooth with a dark granite finish, Sapphire could feel a gentle pulse of power radiating from the ball.

"All you need do is lay your hands upon its surface. If you truly are Chrome's blood then the orb will acknowledge it and you're free to read the journal which I just so happen to have in my possession."

Sapphire eyed Vigohi with some suspicion,"And if the orb deems me not of her blood?"

"Then it will burn you from the inside out, leaving nothing but ash. I assure you it will not be pleasant either." Vigohi smiled with a rather dark grin.

How encouraging Sapphire thought as she took the orb from Vigohi.

Laying it upon a small stand she laid both hands upon its surface and stared at the sphere. The suttle power she felt danced along her fingers and palm a gentle thump thump almost like a heart beat danced beneath her fingers. The orb began to swirl and twist, the dark granite color changing to a storm grey hue. Clouds swirled and clashed sparks of lightning silent and swift placed across the orb. Sapphire stood firm not afraid to show who she truly was. Though it was not without some hesitation. What if the orb was rigged or made to make those were related to Chrome perish? Was this how they sacrificed their offerings? Foolishly allowing them to hold this orb only to have it burn them to a crisp? Had she fallen into a well laid trap and now she was to be slain here?

As Sapphire quickly thought of someway to take Vigohi with her should it kill her, the orb's dark grey patterns turned blood red. A jolt of electricity danced through her body so sharp and so quick, she barely had time to register it. As Sapphire gasped in surprise, the color changed from blood red to deep green and then dark blue. The power she once felt was gone replaced with only a cold sphere beneath her fingers and a dark blue orb to gaze upon.

"Well. It deems you are of Chrome's heritage. Truly this is a blessed day." Vigohi replied with great pleasure in his voice.

Under candle light, Sapphire poured over the Steel Talon the 3rd's entries. Vigohi sat there quiet as can be with a glass of wine in hand. She had been going over the book for the past few hours, scribbling down notes on parchment, cross referencing what she had down from his previous entries. And yet for all the knowledge she had on what they had discovered, there still was no mention as to what they found.

Groaning, she pushed the book back, talons to her temple as she rubbed them slowly.

"I'm guessing its not there. And if it is, the long dead king's words are not giving up their secrets are they?"

"Is it really that obvious?,"She said,"Steel Talon didn't trust Star Swirl. Its why he made this second journal detailing the things he didn't cover in his first journal. Yet even with the torn pages that the cult have so... gracious removed it seems the dead bird king is not coughing of what I would like to know."

"Perhaps someone or somepony may have stumbled across what you have. A close follower of Star Swirl perhaps? A fake journal to keep curious minds and prying eyes from finding? It wouldn't be the first time." Vigohi suggested.

Sapphire snorted and pushed the book away,"It wouldn't be far fetched. Star Swirl was cunning and brilliant. I hate the old pony but respect him for his keen observations of the world around him. Its why his cookbook isn't really a cookbook. Rather hints at where these relics may be."

Vigohi rose and went to the bookshelf. Humming to himself, the dragon cult leader rummaged through scrolls and tomes, his tail flicking from side to side as Sapphire watched. He reached within the back of the shelf and pulled what appeared to be an old tome. Turning the dragon placed the book before Sapphire then slid it in her direction.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Perhaps the nudge you so desire." he replied.

She eyed the tome before her. It was old, the leather binding cracked and faded. Thin strips of leather bound the book shut. Aged yellow paper could be seen at the edges, even a few poking out as age old book marks. Sapphire carefully unbound the book and slowly opened the tome. Among the yellow pages of faded ink and entries a few pieces of paper stuck out. These appeared fresher more recent as though they were kept out of sight. She looked up and eyed Vigohi who said nothing. Rather he took his seat once more and folded his arms in a casual manner.

Pulling out one page Sapphire eyes scanned over the entry:

Year --24 Age of Cold winter

As I write this entry my informants are tracking Star Swirl. As much as we are close I trust him as much as I trust an honest dragon to watch my treasury. There IS no honest dragon. The ------ we found is astounding! Years older then any kingdom before us be it pony or griffin or dragon! Some may say it could very well be the oldest relic out there. Its origin is unknown yet Star Swirl thinks it could be draconic in design. All the more reason to have it as part as my keepsake. The old stallion thinks otherwise. He says there's.... something off about it. Something that gives him an ill feeling. Preposterous! I think he wants to keep it all for himself! That magician always did have a way of hoarding the best. Says its for his students he is teaching back in Equestria. Does he think me a fool? I don't know who these sisters are, but I doubt they could be of any worth to waste time grooming. So he says.

Year--25 Age of Cold winter

My third expedition has come back empty talon. What's worse is their delirium is by far the worst I've seen since the last two. Star Swirl insists I abandon my search. Never! I'll never stop! Its there! Under the ruins!! I don't know what my prodecessors have hidden but they've taken painstakingly careful steps to keep it from being found! With this I could change the very face of the griffin kingdom! But some barrier or spell is thwarting my attempts! I'll send my best spell casters on the next expedition. I'll be successful. Star Swirl will see. They all will see!

Sapphire looked up at Vigohi as he sat there. He said nothing for a minute or two before gesturing with one hand.

"Steel Talon the 3rd nearly destroyed his kingdom searching for whatever was in those ruins. What history did not tell the rest of the world was his sanity slipping. He was after something in the kingdom. Ruins to the far south long abandoned. Royal decree forbade anyone or pony from setting foot among the stones. Whats odd is there is a perimeter of guards around the ruins. No where near them just around. As though they are avoiding the same fate that befell Talon's ruined search parties."

"What is under them?" Sapphire asked.

"No one knows. Even the best tomb thieves and robbers have entered the ruins. Only to never return or come out raving nonsense. They die shortly after. Lost in an endless stream of words that make no sense."

"What does this have to do with the relic he mentioned earlier?"

"I told you Sapphire. Some things are better off remaining buried or hidden. They were never meant to be found."

"Then why forsake tracking Star Swirl for whatever it is they found and focus on these ruins? It does not make any sense. Was his sanity starting to slip when all this started? This page feels off. Like a few entries are missing." Sapphire gestured towards the paper.

"There is magic bound to those pages. Star Swirl found his journal. It seems he read what Steel Talon had learned and as you said, went to great lengths to hide this information from prying eyes such as ours. We searched in hopes of finding some item like a lens or spell that will reveal what it is exactly he hid from the world."

Sapphire rose from her seat, both hands on the table,"And no such luck on finding an item that would dispel the illusion cast over these pages."

Vigohi laughed,"Oh I wouldn't say we never found anything. More likely what you have in possession."

Sapphire felt an eye ridge rise slowly as Vigohi strolled over. She leaned back as he leaned forward, his muzzle close to her ear. A few words were whispered, her eyes widening then narrowing as he pulled back. She said nothing as she stared at him, baffled that he knew what she had.

"Do you think running around all these months in search of what you're hoping to find would not go unnoticed? True you've given the enforcement companies of both dragons and ponies the slip. But how long have you known about us? Not until recently. We however, have been watching you for quite some time."

Sapphire looked to the pages then back to him. It was slowly coming together.

"You were among those who attacked the unicorn. You purposely tore the pages from the journal knowing I would seek her out. You baited me, led me here knowing what lengths I would take. You planned this all out didn't you?"

" A careful hand to slip a journal among the library aisle protruding just enough to entice the curiosity of a certain unicorn pony." Vigohi replied the smile on his muzzle still slight but visible.

"You need what I have to get into the ruins don't you?"

"Sapphire let us work together. In exchange for guiding us through the ruins I will give up the remaining pages of the journal so you can break the spell Star Swirl placed upon them."

She folded her arms tail flicking in mild irritation,"And what if I say no?"

"Sapphire you wound me. Have I ever done wrong to you?" He asked.

"I barely know you and given your behavior and demeanor towards me, I'm going to say that it is still up for debate."

Sapphire turned to the table and slid the journal towards him,"Fine. I'll play your little game, Vigohi."

She raised one scaled finger, talon slightly arched as she waved it,"But if I sense anything off anything remotely suspicious about your little group brigade, there will be severe consequences."

The afternoon sun was setting on the horizon its orange and yellow rays gave the sky a hue of pink and soft reds. The sea below was turning shades of purple and blue as early evening began to set in. The cull of sea gulls below almost made the being flying want to simply stop and enjoy the setting. Spyro shook his head as he pushed forward. His wings rose and fell with great flaps, catching the breeze beneath the membranes as he continued north. This journey was not once of leisure but of importance. The letter sent to him and the others back at the temple was urgent.

Due to his heroic efforts as the rest of the inhabitants of Avalar, Mole-Yair and his people wanted to help the dragons by unearthing more of their history. As a way of saying thank you and perhaps save whatever was left of dragon culture that was not destroyed either by Malefor's presence or natural. At first, Spyro didn't want him to go out of his way to dig and burrow in some places he felt too dangerous for the moles. But with Mole-Yair's insistance (and Volteer practically talking his poor ears off) Spyro reluctantly agreed to the expeditions of the ruins scattered across the globe.

The weeks that followed were successful. Mole-Yair's people came back with stone tapestries, statues, walls of glyphs and stone chests. Each telling the history of not just the dragons but of the other denizens of Avalar as well. Volteer was like a child in a gem cave. He just seem to never get enough. Of course he had to rub it in mainly on Cyril whom, in turn would be put off by his ramblings with each new discovery arriving on their doorsteps every few weeks. Spyro, Cynder and Sparx helped catalog and store them with Terrador's help (mostly to get away from Volteer and Cyril constantly getting into a spat over some fungi that none of them wanted to know grew in damp caves and had nothing to do with some aged tablets.)

Everything changed when Mole-Yair and his people traveled to the north. They had discovered a set of ruins they had overlooked their first time there. One of the small groups left behind to clean up discovered it due to a collapse within a cave. Then nothing. No word, no new stone statue or chest at their doors. Spyro thought perhaps it was already cleaned out in the early years. But as the days dragged on a deep concern started to set in with the purple dragon. It wasn't until early afternoon that a mole arrived bearing a scroll sealed with Mole-Yair's insignia addressed to Spyro.

The message was short and brief: Come to the ruins in the north and come alone.

Spyro started asking the mole who delivered the message questions, but the fellow shook his head and mentioned it was urgent for Spyro to go. Badeing Cynder, Sparx and the other dragons good bye the dragon set off to the north. It was a two day flight in good weather longer if the weather was unpleasant. Thankfully the weather was grand and no storms or other problems arose during the flight. Now as the sun began to set, Spyro squinted and could make out the island where the ruins were found. As he dropped his let his speed increase the wind blowing in his ears as he increased his dive. The island drew closer and closer until finally he slowed his decent and snapped his wings open allowing him to glide in the last few hundred feet. Spyro could make out the encampment below with small pits made for camp fires sat near the center as he approached the ground.

The dragon landed and then made his way towards the tents. As he did so, one large mole with an oversized hat upon its head, a candle mounted on front and wick burned rushed out to greet him.

"Spy-roh! It iz good to see you!" Mole-Yair exclaimed upon his arrival.

"I came as quickly as I could, Mole-Yair. What's the urgency? We're worried for you and your fellow moles."

The large mole grasped the dragon by his shoulders and gently shook,"Urgent indeed. We found somsing in the ruinz below. Somsing that haz effected some of my kin."

Spyro stopped and looked at him. He opened his muzzle to speak but Mole-Yair shook his head,"Tiz best you come and see fer yourself. Zen you will understand."

The mole led Spyro past a few tents moles sticking their heads out to watch as their leader led the dragon to the main tent. Opening the flap Mole-Yair motioned Spyro to enter then followed the dragon inside.

On the rug covered floor five moles lay covered. Each one twitched and made odd noises sounds that Spyro could not make out. As he drew closer he could see their eyes dart left and right as though they were watching flies buzz about above them. Only there were no flies and each eye was moving in odd directions. Spyro glanced at them then back the Mole-Yair. He strolled past them pausing to talk to the two moles that were watching over. They nodded and left, each one nodding to the purple dragon before they exited the tent.

"The cave we found wuz connected to the ruinz we uncovered a few months ago. The cave-in was a rezult of our excavation methods. At first we were worried we may have damaged the walls with our controlled explosives. Turns out we were lucky. The rock and debris was merely part of a cave to the east that was too weak to handle the shock waves. Eager to be part of the main team these five you see before you volunteered to be the first to enter. So we sent them in. Time went by and as it did me and ze others began to feel a sense of unease. It was at that time we heard a shriek coming from within."

Mole-Yair gestured to the five on the ground,"My workers found zem at the mouth of the ruinz. They were ranting, spazming and uttering strange words I have never heard of in my entire life. Fearing ze worst I had them be pulled from the cave and retreated as quickly as we could."

He rose and strode to Spyro his eyes full of concern,"Spy-roh. Somsing is down zere. Somsing dark and unnatural. Whatever it wuz that affected my people has started to spread."

"Spread?" he asked.

The mole nodded,"Zes five were not the first. In ze time it took to get my message to you, four more have succumbed to zis... illness. They were no where near ze cave. Spy-roh. I ask that you check this out. If it iz too dangerous to come back we will abandon zis site and make sure no one else comes here."

Looking down to the five moles and knowing four more were in this condition, Spyro nodded drawing in a deep breath,"I'll look into it. In the meantime its better to prepare. Pack up what you can take and prepare your people to evacuate. If I don't make it out in a half hour get out of here. Get back to the temple and inform the others."

Mole-Yair nodded and left the tent. Spyro turned and started towards the flap when a hand reached out and grabbed his foreleg. He yelped and nearly stumbled as the mole who grabbed him hissed,"She comessss. Her return shall bathe the worlds in eternal night. All shall kneel and submit to her every whims!" The mole let go then softly wailed in his hands. Spyro felt a slight shiver run up his back as he left the tent.

The eastern cave on the island entrance was partially caved in. There were signs of removal as Spyro approached noting that the moles left the site after they pulled the five from here. Pick axes and shovels lay scattered about, half full carts of rocks and debris sat abandoned near the mouth. Reaching within himself the dragon called upon the power of earthen magic. The air around him buzzed slightly as a soft green aura rose from beneath his feet. Carefully he pushed and picked apart large stones that were too heavy to move on his own. After a few minutes of clearing the entrance Spyro stood before a wall that was partially torn. As he paused to look the dragon noticed how eerily quiet it was on this part of the land. From the beach to the camps there were sounds of birds and insects all around. Here nothing but silence. Spyro let his senses reach out to feel if there was anything wrong in this area. Nothing came back. And yet he was hesitant. Drawing in another breath he stared down at the entry way then cautiously made his way inside.

The wall was part of a small chamber of a corridor. The dragon looked left then right then decided to head right. In the direction of where the ruins lay. As he looked around Spyro could see walls with stone carved visuals of dragons, among other creatures. Time had faded these murals some so faint he could barely make anything out as to what they detailed. He nearly stumbled over an age old torch so engrossed by these paintings. A quick puff of fire and a soft woosh! brought the torch to life. The hall bored these murals on each side, faded text and glyphs that he could not make out what they read. Following the path he continued on until the hall opened up into an empty room.

The room was large and in the shape of an octogon. Eight pillars stood at each corner, some broken asunder from time and probably earthquakes. At the center a set of stairs let to an archway on an elevated platform. It was partally collapsed with broken stone littering the ground around him. Spyro let his senses reach out and again felt for anything the seemed odd or wrong. Again he picked up on nothing and the dragon began to wonder if whatever it was that lurked here had dissipated. The dragon turned and started to exit when his foot stepped upon an odd square stone that looked out of place in the room. The pressure of his weight caused the stone to sink and a click followed.

The dragon whirled around as the grinding of stone could be heard within. The archway's broken rings shifted and moved as they turned. Faded runes on the face of these circles matched with their correct symbols resulting in the floor at the center of the archway to open. Spyro watched as a stone pulpit emerged from the opening covered in a aged and tattered cloth. With a final click and hiss the stones ceased the grinding and the room became silent once more. Spyro set the torch in a holder and slowly approached the stand. As he did so faint buzzing could be heard around his ears. The dragon shook his head and swatted at the air around him thinking flies had entered. It was then he realized that there were no insects of any sort in this room.

Faint whispers started to dance around his head, his vision slowly blurring. Words spoken in a tongue he could not understand enveloped and began to take hold. Spyro braced himself as the world began to tilt and teeter threatening to throw him off balance. Grunting he shook his head some invisible force drawing him closer and closer to the pulpit and whatever sat under the cloth. The whispers increased as he reached out with one fore paw then yanked the cloth away. As quickly as the whispers came it fell silent once more. Spyro looked around his vision clearing and sense of balance returning. Gazing down a large tome sat before him. It cover was that of metal large latches bound it shut with no sign of any mechanism or key that would open it.

Spyro wanted to turn around and quickly leave. Yet for some reason he watched as his fore paw with talons outstretched reach towards the tome. He grunted and pulled with all his might but his foreleg would not respond. Heart racing and breaths becoming faster and faster, Spyro struggled to pull away with no avail. In one swift motion he snatched the tome from the pulpit and felt a surge of power come bursting into his mind. Throwing his head back Spyro screamed as images erupted within, faces of dragons he did not know come whisking past his eyes, buildings, towns, cities rush by too fast to even recognize any of them. The tome's power continued to course through him as the dragon stood there locked and unable to move his body arched backwards from the pain. Until his vision started to fade his body unable to cope with this force. The last thing Spyro would recall seeing was Spike reaching out with a hand as though yank him through a mirror before the world went dark.