The Dragon's Favorite

Stone. That's all I see anymore is stone, gold, rubies, sapphires, diamonds. A vast ocean of treasure in a stony keep. All dragons desire treasure, don't they? I have done a lot to claim all that is mine. And we dragons desire to make our hoards larger, and vaster than any other! As I awoke from my slumber, bits of gold fell from my face and under my stomach.

*Yawns*

The feeling of getting up made my legs ache, the more I salvage. Not that I am old; for which I'm not! Sleeping on a bed of gold and riches was most uncomfortable after all. Maybe I should harvest larger animals, and skin them for their hides to craft a better place to sleep. But that was a daunting task in of itself. I don't believe dragons could sew a comforter to save their scales.

There was plenty of space in my domain to roam. I had stretched my limbs to keep myself from feeling drained. Walking on millions or trillions of gold and treasure didn't feel pleasant on my claws and feet. There was not much else to admire anywhere else, neither. It was nothing more than a former castle keep, with columns strewn about, and old paintings of former royalty.

"Hmm... something does not seem right." I said pondering. "I have all this gold, but nothing to spend them. I have all these crystals and precious stones, yet they seem less than worthy in my sight. I have many unusual objects and yet, see them everyday and think of them as normal."

Why am I thinking this way? Why does it seem... lifeless here? Before, I had nothing. I traveled the world of Equestria in pursuit of gold and treasure. Villages burned from my flames, any errant out to make a name for himself scorched; all who come to face me... face death. All that is mine was carried from place to place. I had different domains until I found this place. This was my home.

"What is this feeling?" I continued, "It is as if there is something out there I do not have, something to truly cherish, something... but what can it be?"

I do not recall how long I have been pacing; trying to think what it is. Something had bit at me yet I don't know what it is! The feeling became increasingly stronger by the minute. I must know how to end it! But how? What can I do? I feel like I... have... no one.

"Loneliness!" I realized, "Yes, that must be it. Surrounded by wealth, and yet no one to carry out a conversation! I shall find a proper companion--no, suitor. Yes... even better!"

I finally knew what bothered me. And now I must put a stop to it! Originally I had no intention to fly today, but plans change. If I was to find a proper suitor, I must find something insignificant something weaker than I. So another dragon was out of the question. I've never got along with other dragons, I have always been an outcast to them. What could be easier to talk to? A griffon? No, probably not. A diamond dog? No wait, that would be stupid. They would try to steal from my hoard; which is the last thing I'd want. A changeling? Impossible. They are just like insects, they don't have the intellect to communicate.

"A pony! Yes, a pony would be nice."

I couldn't think of anything else I would rather have. Ponies thrive through out Equestria. And I know exactly where to find one. At first my wings ached when I unfolded them, but it subsided within a few seconds. My wings were larger than my body; big enough to carry my weight. There was an entrance not far from my hoard. It was better that way, in a sense.

"Now... the time has come..." I proclaimed as I stepped out of my home, "...to end this feeling of loneliness! I will find a suitor worthy for me!"

The sun had shone so brightly on my red scaled body, granting me great warmth. I stretched my wings as I prepared to take flight. The wind had given me a bit of a chill, but I'm not bothered by the cold. The wind was at a good speed, perfect for flying. My timing could not have been greater. I had begun flapping my wings fervently, as I was about to dive of the ledge.

The feeling I had when I dropped and flew, was a pleasurable one. To feel the wind move with me as I flown, was graceful. But no matter! My thoughts are flying for now. Landscapes seem to move at a fast pace as I flown; shifting and changing the land the further I went. It felt incredible to be outside again, after I've slept in my keep. Below me I could see a meadow full of flowers of many bright pastel colors.

I should be getting closer. I thought pleased.

A rich, thick forest also came into view. It must have been the Everfree Forest, I assume. Yes. I must be getting closer. I had not seen much from above the canopy, other than my silhouette copying my movements below. I could faintly see a town off in the distance. It must be Ponyville. I can feel it.

I was right. I could see the timber framed cottages with thatched roofs. And I can see the distinctive town hall, and a moat which surrounded part of it. The moat also had a small bridge above it. I can also see the reason why I came here: Ponies! There had to have been hundreds or thousands of them below. Every pony in sight was of many distinguishable colors. I had no pleasure in taking more than one. But which one?

*Distant screaming*

Pitiful creatures, scrambling and scattering like ants in terror. What a commotion! All I need is to just make an appearance and already they're horrified. All I needed was one; that's all I need and no more. I dove down to get closer to the ground. I didn't need to land, all I have to do is scoop one up and that's it. There were so many and I needed one, who to snag? They all galloped brusquely to evade me. They have the right, they are practically prey animals, and I the predator.

I can see many ponies, and I am to choose one. Not many seemed to tickle my fancy. One of them tripped over a tiny pebble and skid across the ground. It was a stallion though. I have my preferences. I want a mare; a female. There were many mares to see, but none that had taken my interest. All of them wide-eyed with fear. I suppose I shall let fate decide. I reached out my talons to grasp whatever mare was in sight. I had to make sure I wasn't getting trapped between buildings. My arm moved celerity as I snatched at them; they screamed even louder when I did. I now had a mare in my clutches at last.

"Oh no!!!" the mare screamed as I got her close to my face.

The mare I grasped was a unicorn with a pale, light grayish magenta coat. Her spiky mane was a moderate violet, with light purple streaks. Her frightened eyes were a moderate purple in color. Her mouth had gaped open in absolute horror; she was terrified. I had found her: my suitor. She shall do nicely.

I chuckled in amusement. Now it was time to get back to my domain. I have to get out of the vicinity of the town, otherwise they'll grow bold. With three strong strokes of my wings, I was now above the town. The mare still shrieked between my claws, crying for help. Where she'll be going, she won't get any help from any pony.

I started my way to my home; backtracking from where I last flew. That was how I've always found my way back to my home. Backtracking has always been my way since I was a yearling. Thinking about it made me think about my mother. Yet I remember so little about her. It did not matter, what did matter was that I now have a pony in my grasp. I can feel her twist and turn in my palms.

When I passed the Everfree Forest, the shrieking had stopped. She might have gotten tired of screaming. That was good. It would have given me a migraine the closer I got. It was rather quiet now. Which was also good. I needed to focus on flying back to my keep. Hopefully, there won't be any distractions.

"Where are you taking me?" I heard the mare say, breaking the silence.

I suppose I shall answer her question. "My home."

I positioned my eyes on her for few moments. She still looked petrified. I turned back to where my sights needed to be: what's in front of me. I passed the flowery meadow, which was still as colorful when I last left it. I can see the landscapes shift and change below me as I flew. My keep was not far off.

I could see my keep from here, a large foundation atop a tall butte along a cliff side. I had to land carefully however, since I have a mare in my grasp. Once I got close to the edge, I had to land with my second arm and my back legs. Trying to land with three legs was trickier than with all four. My landing was a little unstable, but I kept my balance. The entrance was the same as how I last left it, a large gaping hole in the front. I had to move with three of my limbs, which I've done before dragging treasure inside. A live pony on the other hand, was something I was not quite accustomed to.

I moved my legs awkwardly, with my front leg supporting my most of my weight, while my back legs moved one step at a time. It did not take long however, to return to my hoard. My sea of gold came into view. A glorious sight to come back to, indeed. I continued forward into my hoard until I reached my sleeping spot. It was here where I placed my new guest, dropping down on the sea of gold. She made an oomph sound when she landed.

"This is your home?" the unicorn mare asked.

"Yes, this is my home." I answered. "And may it be your new home as well."

"What?!" The mare exclaimed, "I'm not staying here!"

"You will remain here!" I growled.

"Why? Why did you bring me here?" Her tone was an angry one.

"I've lived in my keep alone for many long years. I require company."

"Why couldn't you just find another dragon?"

"Enough! Now, what is your name?"

Her eyes looked frightened again. "A-A-Amethyst St-Star." she trembled.

"Amethyst Star? A rather elegant name for an ordinary mare."

As she stood up, I could see her cutie mark; three diamonds. A true treasure to behold! I thought.

"Why me? W-why a pony like me?!"

"I think it would be better to have a pony as company, in place of a dragon."

"I don't think so."

"I did not ask for your opinion. And don't even think about trying to escape, because if you do, you won't ever find your way back. And I will find you!"

I left it at that. To make sure she wasn't tempted, I coiled my long tail around her as I lied down. I felt a little bit exhausted traveling far towards Ponyville. I shall slumber once again only this time I am not alone. I now have some company to keep me sane, and hopefully calmer. If this pony is to be my suitor, she must learn in time.

You are mine, now. I thought as looked upon her sleepily. I believe I am finally at peace. At least... I hope so. Else, bringing her here would have been in vain.