The Scaleless Lord

by Lore Keeper of the Void

Rating: teen
Tags: Alternate Universe
Length: 3769

The Everfree Forest a land full of monsters. At the heart of the forest lies a creature that rules all. Only the deities know fully of the creature. How will Celestia and Luna react when he awakens?

Deep within the Equestria is the Everfree Forest, a place that is free of all control save that of the Grey Lord, a myth older than the princess. How will the twin deities and their ponies react to a myth proved true and a beast awakened

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2014-12-05 15:46:17 UTC

Chapter 1

Deep within the land of Ponies is a place so full of mystery that even the Twin Deities, Celestia the Radiant ruler of the sun and Luna the Beautiful, ruler of the moon, are hesitant to go. This place known to all as the Everfree Forest is all that remains of the Eternal Sea, a forest that stretched from one side of Equestrias borders to the other. Few know what happened to the great forest, and those that do have a fear for those that do not. Myths are all that remain of the Everfree's history and many have tried to prove these myths true or false. One myth has never been proven, and that is of the lord of the Everfree. It is said that it appeared on the wind long before Discord was born. The race with the greatest knowledge of these myths are the dragons, for it is said that this creature instilled despair in the ancient dragons, and was said to be the center for much of what they do. Many have tried to find this legend, but only the deities know for certain who, or what the creature is.

This brings us to four fillies wondering around the edges of the forest in search of the mythical creature. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and  Babs Seed made their way towards the center of the forest when they heard a strange noise behind them. Slowly turning around they quickly grew a horrified expression. Facing them was a pack of timber wolves, canines made from the forest and enemies to all besides their pack. Letting out a yell that was heard back at Ponyville they galloped as fast as they could away from the pack of timber wolves. Much to their surprise the fillies made it to the base of the mountain at the center of the forest. Turning around they noticed that the timber wolves stopped following them at the edge of the clearing around the mountain. deciding they would try to another direction they began to trot towards another edge of the clearing, only to notice that the timber wolves mirrored their direction keeping them away from the forest. Unable to leave the four wanted to get as far from the timber wolves as they could so began to climb up the mountain.

Half-way up the mountain Apple Bloom noticed a cave entrance that was hidden behind a tree, on a plateau. As always the fillies wanted to try and get their cutie marks any way they could. "Cutie Mark Crusaders, CAVE EXPLORERS!" the four exclaimed as they rushed into the cave. This was no ordinary cave though, for if they had stopped to look at the walls the crusaders would notice the cave was not naturally formed. As they went farther downward, each eventually felt their muzzle drop when they came upon the inhabitant and its home. Before them lay a dull grey dragon at least half the size of the mountain they were under. What truly made this a unique dragon was that it was scaleless, and the more disturbing part was instead of legs it had four massive tentacles. When they looked to see its wings they noticed it had six wings in place of the common two. (A/N think similar appearance to Seath from Dark Souls) Carefully moving around the dragon the fillies had to move around a vast assortment of treasure that filled the floor. Sadly their luck for the day had deserted them, as Apple Bloom slipped causing the treasure around her to move creating a soft clinking that when reverberating off the walls sounding like the pounding of a drum. The fillies had to cover their ears and close their eyes for a short time, and shortly noticed a large eyelid began to open.

When its eye was open it didn't seem to notice the fillies as it yawned and stood up. As it stretched its arms the tentacles began to move around the floor causing the fillies to yelp and run towards each other. Finally taking notice of them it looked at the fillies before blinking. Surprised that they were real the dragon spoke in a raspy voice, as rocks were scraping against each other. "Great ponies," he said exasperated, "Didn't your kind learn your lesson last time. What does it take to keep you out of thy forest,". This last sentence caught the attention of the fillies as he placed a special emphasis on "thy forest".

Gathering her courage Apple Bloom walked up to the dragon and began to stutter.  "D-D-Did you s-say.." was all she could say. While finding it amusing the dragon wanted them gone quickly so he used his magic to change his form into a young dragons size, close enough to a large pony.

"That should make this exchange easier for you," he said his voice losing the gravel aspect. Looking at the fillies he noticed they were frozen in shock before sighing, "I guess i was wrong,". He walked over to the one who talked before clicking his hands in front of her face. She broke out of her shock to look at him with...  amazement? This caused the dragon to wonder if there was something wrong with this filly. Still looking at the filly, "Lets see an Earth Pony, Unicorn, Pegasus, and another Earth Pony. What are you young ones doing in thy home,".

After a few minutes and still no answer from the fillies, he was deciding if he wanted to get them out of his home or to eat them where they stood.

Finally Apple Bloom spoke up, "We were chased by timber wolves to the mountain, then we found the cave opening,".

Making up his mind the, dragon picked up a golden scythe with a pure black blade. A red aura surrounded the blade, that created a sense of unease to the fillies. Using the scythe he slashed in a random direction and as he slashed a tear appeared in the air. Turning to the fillies he grabbed one of the fillies with each tentacle before walking into the tear.

Chapter 2

Anyone watching the edge of the Everfree forest would notice as red, curved line appeared and opened to reveal four fillies being carried by a strange creature. Sadly for the creature someone was watching. That someone happened to be six ponies that went to the fillies "defense". The cyan  pegasus mare, with a rainbow mane rushed at the dragon head butting him before catching the pegasus filly. The orange earth pony with the blonde mane (A/N I don't have a clue what color her mane is) rushed to the earth ponies that resembled itself. The final unicorn filly was engulfed in a blue aura that originated from the white unicorn with the purple mane. Clutching his stomach the dragon had to use his scythe to stand before looking over the group. He noticed the three with the fillies, and four others.

"Faust that hurt," the dragon said turning to the pegasus with his scythe held ready.

The new arrivals just looked at the dragon, then shared looks between each other.

"Wha the hay is that?" the earth pony questioned looking at the lavender pony with a dark blue mane that has a pink line.

Paying more attention to the pony, the dragon noticed she had both wings and a horn. This set the dragon off guard, for though he knew there were these types of ponies he couldn't remember this one.

"An alicorn, how?" he questioned the pony.

During the dragons internal struggle, the pony had been going over all she knew trying to find something related to the creature. His question brought her out of the stupor and she returned her attention to him.

"Oh were are our manners, I am Twilight Sparkle, princess of friendship, and bearer of the element of magic," she said with pride before turning to the others indicating them to talk. This caused the dragon to simply stare at her for an uncomfortable amount of time, as he only knew of two alicorns.

The earth ponies stepped forward and the mare spoke," Names Applejack and these two are," she points at the one with the bow in her mane, "my sister Apple Bloom," she turns to the other filly," and this is our cous Babs Seed,".

Next the white unicorn stepped forward with her filly, "Its a pleasure to meet you darling, this," pointing at the filly,"is my sister Sweetie Belle and I am Rarity, owner of the Carousel Boutique and fashion designer of Ponyville,". The way she said all of this reminded the dragon of the annoying nobility he had been forced to listen to.

Before he knew what was happening a pink object was in front of him jumping around, " Hi I'm  Pinkamena Diane Pie, but you can call me Pinkie Pie. Are you new here?' she asked with joy. Taking his silence as a yes she seemed to get more excited (not sure how that's possible). The dragon tuned out whatever she was talking about until Applejack pulled Pinkie Pie away.

The pink mare was soon replaced by the pegasus as she flew around the dragon. "I'm Rainbow Dash, weather manager of Ponyville and best flyer in Equestria.". The last part of the sentence caused the dragon to laugh before spreading each of his six wings out to fully show them. "Those wings look strong, want to race?"

Before he could answer, Twilight Sparkle interrupted, "Rainbow we don't have time for a race,".

Looking to the final pony, he noticed that she was a yellow pegasus, hiding behind a pink mane. It took Twilight Sparkle insistence for her to barely pull her eyes above the mane and mutter "I'm Fluttershy,".

The dragon sadly did not hear, "Could you repeat that young one,".

After waiting for a short time the mare moved her head above her mane and said clearly, "I'm Fluttershy," before quickly hiding again.

After Fluttershy's introduction they all looked to the dragon expectantly. Going over what he had heard from them, his thoughts continually drifted to Twilight Sparkle. Its impossible for her to be here, for a new one to be born the gathering would be called, was the most obvious thought.

Eventually he noticed the pointed glares and turned to Twilight Sparkle, "My apologize, I am Lord Velar Shaz, king under the forest, and the master of ice at your service," he says before bowing to each of the ponies. "It is a pleasure to meet you miladies," he says to them before turning to Twilight and bowing, "your majesty,".

This causes the six mares to all blush not use to Velar Shaz behavior. Before they could say anything though the moon began its ascent into the sky.

Chapter 3

As if the moons appearance was a signal, a burst of light appeared near the dragon causing all those close by to shield their eyes. Once the blinding effect was over where the light occurred stood a large pony with dark blue fur, and an enchanting blue mane that was dotted with small stars. Both the mane and tail seemed to blow in the wind giving an ethereal effect. Any would know her if not for her appearance than the cutie mark of the crescent moon.

"Princess Luna the beautiful, it is always a pleasure to see you my dear," Velar Shaz said breaking the silence.

Princess Luna turned to him and though she had a smile shown looking into her eyes showed anger. "Yes, it has been a long time since we've had the 'pleasure' of your company Velar Shaz. Twilight Sparkle i believe it is time for you to return to your domain, I will handle this from here on,".

Twilight Sparkle looked like she wanted to argue, but looking at her friends noticed they shared Princess Luna's view.

Once the group was far enough so they couldn't hear anything Princess Luna dropped her smile. "What are you doing here," she asked with barely concealed venom.

Velar Shaz surprised by Princess Luna's tone looks towards her. "What have i done this time?" he inquires of the alicorn. "Speak your peace child, then ask your question,". With that he lowers his body to what one would assume to be sitting.

Strangely this seems to cause Princess Luna's mood to completely switch from anger to utter sadness. Realizing what has happened Velar Shaz cocoons her with his wings.

"I spent 1,000 years up there all alone. And since my return months ago, I haven't seen anyone but my sister," she says this before beginning to sob.

Velar Shaz lowers his head to the same level as Princess Luna's, "Let it all out,". Princess Luna wraps her hooves around Velar Shaz neck. "I'm sorry, I couldn't be there for you. I went into my slumber shortly after the event, otherwise i would have come,".  Unwrapping her hooves from around his neck, Velar Shaz places them on his check closing his eyes. Both stay like this for a few minutes, enjoying the others presence. When he opens his eyes Velar Shaz looks deep into Princess Luna's before he leans forward and kisses her. She returns the kiss with equal passion. When they separate both are panting.

Velar Shaz is the first to speak, "I will always be here for you, my love,".

Princess Luna quickly kisses him on the check before responding, "And I you, beloved,".

Sadly the moment could not last. As the night was her domain she could not push her duties away, and neither could he. "Come to the lake in the morning," Princess Luna says before flying away.

Looking in the direction she was flying Velar Shaz notices a city hanging off the cliff side of the mountain, "I see she proved one hypothesis from the old days,".  Sighing he looked towards his scythe before saying to himself, "Guess we have to go get them, such a shame for the kids to lose their grandparent,". If not for his domain he would stay and enjoy Princess Luna's night, sadly Death waits for nopony, gryphon, or even dragon. The deity of death clutched his scythe before swinging it to create a nexus. Looking up at the moon once more, he quickly slithered through the nexus.

Meanwhile in Ponyville a very active Twilight Sparkle was still awake. Books covered her desk as she scanned through yet another. "AH, I can't find anything. Even history books from the founding of Equestria don't have anything,". Picking up the next book she noticed it was title "Creatures of the Everfree Forest and Ponys Guide to Survival". Not finding anything in history books she decided to open it and read. An hour into the book she found a small bit within a paragraph.

"The most dangerous creature you could meet is the Ursa Major. A fully matured Ursa Minor these creatures are said to live for centuries and have no known natural predators.  Not much is known about these creatures besides that they tend to be very territorial, and protective of their young. Should you come across one pray that the rumored Grey Lord, King under the Tree, will protect you."

That was all that was said in that book, but this gave Twilight Sparkle a new name to search for, the Grey Lord. She began her search anew this time finding more strings to put together the tapestry of who Velar Shaz was. She found that the oldest mention of him was in the dragon kingdom several thousand years before Discords reign. Much like the ponies, the dragons never knew were he came from, but they feared for any who displeased him. Often seen with a scythe, he would always appear when a leader died. Some tales say that he would appoint the next leader, others that he would simply look at the former leader and vanish.

From here the stories of him jumped from dragon, to gryphon, and so on, leaving only a select few untouched. Each story was basically the same, until they abruptly ended with the rise of new deity, and immortal leader of that nation.

Chapter 4

When the sun rose a purple dragon with green scales woke up finding a note on Twilight Sparkles bed. "Spike went to Canterlot, be back later today,". The dragon, Spike, shrugged before beginning his chores.

Meanwhile in Canterlot Castle

Twilight Sparkle trotted through the halls towards the throne room. As she reached the door a guard opened them declaring, "Princess Twilight Sparkle," before walking into the hall passed an obviously annoyed Alicorn.

Twilight looked up to the throne to see her mentor Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia was larger than normal ponies by a good margin, besides that she was much like her sister, Princess Luna. Her mane,though a combination of pink, blue, and green waved in an eternal wind. The color was a stark contrast to her pure white coat.

Princess Celestia looked down at her student with a warm smile and the ever kind eyes of a mother figure. Dismissing her guards she trotted down to in front of Twilight Sparkle.

"Good day Twilight," Princess Celestia said nuzzling her student. Backing up, her expression showed her curiosity, "I must say i am surprised that by your appearance here,".

Twilight Sparkle took a sheepish expression while rubbing the back of her neck. "Sorry, i was to much of a hurry to ask you about something,".

Knowing how she acts, Princess Celestia smiled at Twilight Sparkle before responding, "Of course Twilight, and what is it you want to know,".

Twilight Sparkle instantly perked up at Princess Celestia words

"What do you know of a dragon called Velar Shaz?" Twilight said enthusiastically. Her excitement quickly faded when she looked at Princess Celestia who could planly be seen in fear.

"Twilight were did you hear that name?" Princess Celestia asked quickly.

By this time Twilight Sparkle's ears had dropped and she held a crestfallen expression. She never liked disappointing her long time mentor. "It was in a book i read, concerning the Everfree Forest," Twilight Sparkle lied.

Princess Celestia's expression slowly changed first into a relieved, then to her normal motherly expression. "Oh, ok Twilight. I'm sorry your question just caught me off guard,". She waits a few minutes before saying, "To answer your question we have to go through a long story, and a story should always have tea,". They both walk towards Princess Celestia room. Once comfortable Princess Celestia looks at Twilight Sparkle.

"What your about to learn will likely test traditions you've known for a long time. I can also not answer it to the fullest, as only Luna knew the entirety of Velar Shaz,". Taking a sip from her cup she continues, "As you know Equestria was founded by the three pony tribes with the help of Luna and myself, but what few know is that we were not the start. This is what I was told so I can not say for its truth or not. Before Equestria, Discord, and even the first dragon roamed the planet, Velar Shaz had sole dominion of the world. He was a being left from the time before, when others ruled, but they died out leaving only Velar. He made his home in Dragonshor Mountain deep within the Frozen Wastes in the North. Many claimed that he was there so long he is made of ice, and leaves a trail of frost where ever he goes.

"Regardless from Dragonshor he ruled, but there were none to rule over and so he turned his attention away. Only Luna and Velar know what was done during this time, and it lasted for several centuries. Eventually he returned to the world. During his absence dragon kind had appeared, claiming the planet as their own,". Princess Celestia stops to drink her tea, "Velar longing for someone to converse with searched for the eldest dragon. Sadly this provided Emperor Darchat Fang, first emperor of the dragon kingdom. Fang in his arrogance attacked Velar, though I doubt even he knew why. Nothing seemed to effect Velar and he simply walked closer to Fang before raising his hand. The sky darkened and appeared, פאַרצווייפלונג or its Equestrian name Despair. His greatest tool, a pure gold scythe with a black blade,". Turning to Twilight Sparkle she says with obvious dread, "Pray you never see the weapons full potential as the one time i did was when the monkey tribes ceased two-thousand years ago,".

Minutes passed as Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia thought over what was just said. One trying to remember the other to forget.

Coming out of her memories Princess Celestia took a drink before speaking. "Where was I, oh right Fang. Velar slew the emperor leaving the dragons to find a new leader. Both Velar and the body of  Fang faded before the eyes of a young drake known as Zalan. Velar returned to his throne, but began to observe the dragons from a distance. Fifty years passed and no sign of Velar was seen until he appeared before the former drake. Zalan had grown into a powerful figure within the Dragon Empire, known for being strict but fair to his subjects. During this time Zalan tried learning all he could of The Darchadas, the Endless. He searched for Velar for years eventually finding the Frozen Wastes. His time there changed him, dead was Zalan and born was Lord Oraboras. Within a few weeks he had grown twice the size of Velar, with black as night scales. What was unusuall though was his ability. Complete control of fire,magma, and etc...."

"Oraboras quickly rose to Emperor ruling the same as Zalan did. It eventually showed that he had gained more from Velar than his powers. He had become the first deity of Equestria and remains the oldest one on the council.

"Velar Shaz was never seen among the dragons again. Instead he would go to the Ponies, then Ape, Aquas, and so on. Each time with the cycle beginning anew until a new deity was born from each race as the Grand Council Grew."

A smile begins to spread over Princess Celestia as she recounts the next memory. "There were a few cases when Velar was not around when a deity rose, such as Luna and myself. We never met Velar until Discord started causing chaos. He despised Discord, believing he was a mistake that should not have happened. With his help we discovered the Elements of Harmony and defeated Discord, thus Equestria was founded,".