The Harmony Of Equestria

Jamir's Pov Two Days Later, Canterlot Throne Room:

''Well, thanks to whatever you did, Ponyville was saved, but now comes a even harder task. Spike's gonna need someone to fulfill his desires or you could see a better chance of this happening again.'' That same thought  Is running through my head even now. If what Kanaranx said Is truth, then like It or not: Spike needs get laid...and that sounds a lot weirder In my head. With Spike's troubles, Twilight and I having slight complications regarding health Issues, and the backstabbing **** Azure possibly being there, I have no room for error, no room to sugarcoat, and no time to waste. Which Is exactly why I am ordering for a small squad of Royal Guards to patrol and keep Ponyville locked down tight. But a quick footnote: the girls's reactions to my transformation: tried everything I could, nothing happened so I'm stuck with these features that somehow has made me even more of eye candy to the girls, Luna almost dry humping me as we sat and chatted about what occurred.

''So are they ready?'' I asked Tia and Lulu.

''Yes, they are being deployed as we speak, but...love: are you certain you want to do this?'' Celestia asked.

No, and yet am I certain when It comes to matters such as these? However things are different this time. New rules, just a simple In and out.

The girls Initially rejected the Idea, pretty much barricaded me from the door. But nobody'll get the wiser of me: It just won't happen.

''No.'' I sighed and ran a hand through my newly acquired hair. ''But there Is a lot riding on this Information. You were there when Sergo spilled the beans about where Azure Is and even more so, she'll only be In the Outlands for a few days, so we can't miss our chance to do this.''

''Even so, you have barely returned to us and now are embarking on another journey? What If you fail? What If you-''Shh.'' I put a finger over Luna's lip.

''That won't happen: I promise you. Besides, It'll take something grade a to take me down, even more so prevent me from returning to you guys. But with Azure going there, Spike's hormonal Issues, and the well-being of your niece or nephew at stake, I am seeing no reason to not go, and It would provide an chance to peace talks when I secure the victory In the Descent Of Cold Blood, right?''

Tia and Lulu were silent at the news, but nonetheless agreed. Getting up and coming Into a group hug, I each gave them a 5 minute kiss that both were subject to tears and slight shaking

''Give me a week's time: no more, no less and I will be back with peace treaty and Traitor In store. I Pinkie Promise.'' I performed the motions.

''I love you...'' They both whispered.

''And I love you girls too.'' One last kiss was exchanged between both of them.

Breaking away from the embrace quicker than I had liked, I got up and walked out the throne room, not before I turned around and said with complete confidence: ''I'll be back, make sure to take care of each other.'' Turning away, I walked down the hall, the clapping of my shoes against the glass-like floor gave an air of seriousness. Pausing for a moment, I looked at my reflection In a nearby mirror: My brown eyes usually portrayed tiredness, but alertness was present. My facial hair Is starting to get a little unseemly. My beard Is beginning to get bushier, my mustache Is coming back and cigar mark from Sergo has vanished. The only permanent thing Is this scar above my right eye that resembles a scuffle between the ground and my face. My once short black hair has turned Into knee long red base hair with golden streaks on the Inside, a two tone hair color. My body looked to be In perfect condition: a fully developed six pack, slim chest and well toned arms. Clutching my hand Into a fist, my anger for that bitch for putting me through all this heartache has reached unimaginable levels.

Resigning, the window behind me was open as I hopped through and took flight back to Ponyville, a million thoughts on my mind.

Touching back down, the town looked to be In better conditions with the arrival of the small squad of Royal Guards here, but to make extra sure, I've also sent In a few of my best troops to patrol as well. Since I only have a week to do this and get back, only a few are going with me, excluding the 2 dragons and by discussion (during sex) Twilight as well. Now three more, but who would be best? I would consider Frank, but I need him to stay here In case something happens which It won't be If It does...he can defend the town with everypony else. Valiant and Iron would be good choices, but they are also better off here with their expertise. And believe me  when they fought to come with me, but I Informed them of the situation at hand plus with my authority over Iron and Valiant along with a stern talking to Frank, they agreed to hold down the fort. I guess another unicorn would help, so Flashing Is a good pick for a sticky situation and preferably an Earth pony for the force but between Aj and Battering: I couldn't decide so we had a mini test of strength to see the better victor and sure enough AJ won. And lastly: another flyer would do wonders for recon/and providing air support. So Rainbow comes too.

Going through checking and reloading my weapons, I changed my clothes Into a long gray sleeved zip up shirt, some loose fitting jeans, and I got a few scrunchies from Rarity to tie my hair up so It wouldn't fly all over the place. Aj, Rainbow, Spike and Kanaranx were all ready to go, now we just have to wait for Twilight.

''So what do you think'll happen when we get there?'' Spike fidgeted.

Looking through my scope, I set my weapon down and guessed: ''Hostile Individuals, treacherous path, possible carnivores, and that's pretty much It.'' I hoisted my bag.

''He's right you know: that's we do It In the Outlands, or least how I used to.'' The dragon chuckled.

''Is everypony ready?''I hear Twi ask. Looking at her, signs of her pregnancy are starting to be visible. The slightly bigger belly brought a smile to my face. She looks so happy, I'm proud of what I've done so far and would never change It for the world.

''Yea, but are you sure about this?'' I asked.

''Yes, whatever Spike's going through, I want to help be there for him.'' She said.

''So where are we going?''

The dragon In front us pondered that particular question for about a minute before he looked to have a epiphany. Conjuring up a small flame, he divided the fire Into 1/5ths and remained stationary over our heads, but mine was a different color: black.

''This fire will show that you are accompanying a fellow dragon In the outlands. Even the proclamation gives all species the right to enter, It has been quite some time  since I have been back, so this will just further secure your rights while being there: yours Is different Jamir because for any foreigners to enter: that black flame shows your automatic admittance Into the Descent. Now come on, we're burning daylight: let's hustle!'' The dragon took flight.

''Hey, wait up for me!'' Rainbow sped after him, her signature trail following.

''How In the hay are we gonna catch up to them?'' Aj groaned.

''Like this.'' I brought forth my magic and lifted a sizeable chunk of ground around us, the ground separating and rising up. Concentrating, I willed the structure to move and move It did. Moving at a moderate pace, Ponyville slowly began to fade and disappear as we soared on top of the clouds and observed the what little Intact part of the Everfree fill our eyes looking down.  Catching up to the speedster pegasus and dragon, they both noticed my face that said: ''Really?' Landing down as they closed their wings, I began to think about what to expect this time. With this going on, there Is no room for screw ups. There Is a lot riding on the outcome of this, but even bigger If we fail.

''So where are we headed?'' I called over my shoulder.

''Keep heading North for about 3 miles and then you should see a group of Sentinels patrolling: follow them to the city limits and we'll take It from there.'' He sat down. Maintaining my current speed, everypony else was pretty much lax: Rainbow and Aj were playing cards with Twilight who was slaughtering them In a game of go fish and Kanaranx was lazing around, obviously bored.  I called over to Spike to better assess how he's doing. After the whole rampage, If I can even call It that, Spike has been awfully quiet, doesn't really have a appetite, and even has been slacking on his training. He must be feeling horrible for what he did.

''Hey Spike, you good?'' I shouted loud enough.

Being silent for a moment, he picked with his claws before responding: ''Y-Yea, besides this raging headache and these weird feelings, I should be alright.''

Taking his answer as Is, I focused back on navigating through the sky seeing as I have nothing else better to do.

Azure's Pov, En Route To The Outlands:

''So what we need Is there?'' My subordinate, Wind Breaker pointed to a visible structure In the distance, winged figures soaring around the sky. The once crisp, cool air was now hot and acrid. The ground was usually so vibrant and full of life, Instead dried up and flaky. The only thing that appeared full of life would be the trees though they too seemed to be slowly withering away.

''Yes.'' I confirmed. ''What we seek Is certain to be there: I even checked In advance so we should have delays or Issues this time.'' My patience began to wear thin. Following the major setback In the Griffon Kingdom and the so called threat on my life has severely dampened my plans, but no matter: this time, not only has location set up with goal: the human can not possibly hope to survive The Descent Of Cold Blood. Checkmate, plain and simple. Relaxing In the seat of this carriage, the entire fate of Equestria rests on my hoof, can be easily cast aside If I see fit.

Jamir's Pov, Approaching The Outer Limits:

''So...let me get this straight: I'm gonna have to fight a dragon pretty much the same size as Spike was...just to get access to Inner ring?'' I'm making Kanaranx's words perfectly clear.

''Well, maybe a tad bulkier, but yea.'' He simply said.

''Oh great, now they can write: crushed by a giant dragon to my tombstone.'' I thought.

''You can't be serious: that's crazy!'' Rainbow argued.

''Hey, I didn't make the rules: the scholars did. In the case of any foreigners, they must figured them to unworthy or dangerous so they appointed one of the higher tier dragons to be the opposer. There have been no challengers, so all The Opposer does Is just sit around and occasionally pull pranks on the newbies.''

''But that Is still not right!'' Twi Intervened.

Closing my eyes for a brief moment, this news felt troubling, to say the least. Hearing hoofsteps over Twi and Dash's argument with Kanaranx, Aj came over and laid a comforting hoof on my shoulder.

''Ya alright sugarcube?''

''...I'm fine Applejack. It's just...a small part of me hoped that this would be simple...not bloodlust or combat. But I know the real world Is just that harsh of a game to play, but I Intend to win, even If some rules have to be broken.'' I sighed. Bringing us slightly down, a group of 5 dragons with Armour and spears flew In a v shape, a large cylindrical architecture In the distance. The air began to get hot and tasted of ash, the ground below looked to have the signs of a recent fire as It was chipping and drying away.

''Follow us!'' A gruff voice called from below.

Hefting us down, we hopped down and walked over to the squad of dragons who stood at the position of attention.

''State your business!'' One groughly said.

''We have urgent business: this poor baby here Is going through his cycle and It's that time of the year.'' Kanaranx cracked a smile to the one In middle. Taking off his helmet, It revealed to be a dragon with prominent features: a white scaled body, light rapier sword bound to his sheath on the right side of his body, green eyes, blue spines, and a kind of pelt-like coat tied down to the bottom of his midsection, resembling a half open kilt.

''You sly dog.'' He chuckled In a deep voice. ''What are you doing here?'' He gave a warm felt hug. Holding the embrace for a minute, he broke away and explained.

''Oh, so that's why you're here...sorry to say this but It doesn't look like your friend there will be able to last a minute with The Opposer.'' Radiance was skeptical, hey I couldn't really blame him. The size of The Opposer Is more or less the same as Spike, If not slightly bigger. In a short summary: this guy has a glossy red set of scales, grey spines, obvious signs of aging from the worn out condition of his wings and the apparent look of boredom on his face.

''So...this Is the one who wishes to challenge me In the past 500 years? How amusing?'' He breathed out a small fire ball at me which I fended off with my Armour. The Intensity of the heat was no joke, feeling It dissipate, I swiftly exhaled and walked forward.

''So this Is my opponent: a old cranky dragon with no playmates, but I assure you: you will not be bored playing with me.'' I cracked my knuckles. Walking up to us, Radiance recited the rules.

''This Is the Descent Of Cold Blood: by blocking his attack, you automatically agree to the match. There Is no time limit, no medical aid, and no rules. Besides this one: The winner will be declared when one has either killed the other or be deemed to not fight any longer. Ready?''

This Is It...

''Set?''

No time to back out now...

''Begin!"' He flew backwards. Locking eyes with the dragon, I summoned a barrier around us and brought forth my bow, firing off several sticky arrows, to which he breathed fire on, but these are special arrows.

Splat!

''Augh, what Is this?!'' He tried to get the gunk off, only for his claw to get glued to his chest. Trying desperately to remove It, I saw my chance as I hefted up two huge boulders and and hurled them at his face, moving him back a bit. Looking to gain some distance with me and him, I fired off some more arrows as cover fire. Taking a swipe with his massive claw, I jumped and dodged out of the way, landing back on my feet. Opening his maw and delivering a long burst of fire at me, I brought up a rock wall and protected myself from the brunt of the attack. Hopping over the charred rock, I slammed my fists down to the ground, causing It to  split and quake, trapping his head In a x pattern of pillars.

''You sow!'' He growled.

''Aww yeah, show 'em who's boss!" I heard Rainbow cheer.

Getting In a loose stance, I backflipped In the air, putting a percent of my magic Into my foot as a massive chink of ground uppercutted his jaw and disoriented him. Charging my magic Into a ball the size of a tank Into my hands, the power was absorbed as my arms glowed red and gold. Bringing a platform from behind me, I hopped up and launched myself forward.

''Ahh!'' I yelled, sending my left hand Into his jaw, cracking/and or knocking out his teeth while the other aimed for his forehead that formed a major dent and forcing his brain to bounce around In his skull. The force of the Impact was so great, It pushed me back some distance while The Opposer was forced to the edge of the barrier, slamming against It with Immense force. Wiping what blood he could from his slack jaw, he laughed.

''You have certainly shown me a good time: those attacks actually hurt. But now the time has come to die!'' He let a sea of fire loose from his mouth, clearing out the dust cloud and aiming a condensed line at me. Standing my ground, I brought up another rock wall that Instantly shattered and forced me off my feet. My back met the barrier's wall In no time flat, my breathing going short, sight blurring, blood coming out my mouth and whole body shutting down as I hit the ground.

''Ha! After endless years of no competitors, one strong enough poses a actual threat and falls!" He bellowed.

''Jamir!'' I barely heard everyone yell out.

''So Is this how It ends? After all that big talk...this Is how my light goes out? I tried my best, but even that wasn't enough. Man, I'm such a jackass.'' I sounded fed up.

''Get up!'' I heard a voice call In my head.

''Twilight?'' I asked.

''Yes, It's me but that's not Important right now: you have to get up!'' She yelled.

''I don't If I COUGH! can. That last attack kinda winded me...'' I groaned.

''Please, get up: I lost you once already: I-we, don't want to lose you again.''

''Yea, sugarcube: buck up. Ya can't let this here varmit get the better of ya...''

''Come on, get up: after all you've done: now you decide to kick the bucket? Are you wuss or a winner?!''

''...I'm a winner.''

''I'm a winner!'' I shouted, fighting back the grueling pain In my chest.

''Mmm? Did you say something: I couldn't hear you over the sound of me slashing your guts open.'' He skulked over. Not for long. Bringing his large claw down on me, I met him In the middle as we fought a bout of strength. Gaining the upper hand, I flung him to the top of the barrier. Crisscrossing my magic, I brought up the largest solid slabs of stone I could hold In my magic and slam them together to create a huge dust cloud.

''I need more, more!'' I shouted.

Tapping Into more of my Element's power, It showed Its second form as a winged choker with a knife cross. Touching the wings In the center, a brand new feeling spread throughout my body: almost similar to what happened with Spike. My whole body felt Invigorated, the fatigue and hurt vanishing. My red-gold hair changed again white with purple highlights, my magic aura took on the same color, my wings sprouted out and transformed to bone wings with the magical color acting as a type of skin, and my eyes shifted two different colors: one purple and the other green. And to top It off, another thought crept Into my mind as a pair of massive chains wormed around my wrists and legs.

''This ought to be fun.'' I broke Into mad laughter. Holding my arms out, the chains found and pinned their way to his legs and arm. Seeing him struggle could not have made me smile anymore or I might need surgery. Hopping on his stomach(avoiding the sticky goop), I bent down and looked In the eyes. He made no attempt to shy away.

''Hmph, go ahead and do your worst.'' He mumbled.

''With pleasure.'' I charged a magic spell for point blank range and let It grow before It was the good length of his body. I was preparing to do him In when I heard  that mysterious voice again.

''Yes, let It consume you...be one with It...'' It hissed to me.

Holding back on my attack, I powered down my spell and calmed down. Hopping down, I distilled the barrier and joined back with everypony else. Looking over my body, It reverted back to the pre-transformation state: red hair and everything.

''That...was...amazing!'' Radiance slapped me on the shoulder.

It wasn't so much as that: more so seeing as Its me or him and naturally I chose-''...Why?'' I heard a hoarse voice say. ''Why didn't you end me?...''

I waited a moment before giving him a answer.

''Because I'm on a tight schedule: even If I had the time to do so, I wouldn't. I don't kill all willy nilly.'' I responded.

''In any case: The Opposer has been bested and Is unable to fight, therefore the...''Human.'' Human wins! In the first time In 500 years, we have a victor of The Descent Of Cold Blood: per the ancient tradition, any foreigner Is granted access to the Inner ring should they complete the trial and you have proven your worth. You may pass through the gates.'' Radiance announced.

''Well, that was the easy part, right?'' I asked.

''Not by a long shot, but don't worry: this part of the trek probably won't almost get you killed.'' Kanaranx joked.

Comforting.