An Elder Power

Chapters

Chapter One: Ancient Stirrings
Chapter Two: Forgotten Histories
Chapter Three: The Midnight Train
Chapter Four: A Simple Rock Farm
Chapter Five: The Earth Guardian
Chapter Six: Legion's Origin
Chapter Seven: Willow's Origin
Chapter Eight: Competition

Chapter One: Ancient Stirrings

The sun cast a warm glow on the small town on the edge of the Everfree forest. The inhabitants of Staliongrad never had much, but they were thankful for the daily sun and the nightly moon brought to them by the two Goddess Monarchs of Equestria. They had been even more pleased when one of the Princess's many apprentices had moved to the town. Staliongrad was unique in all of Equestria. It was the one place where the mares were not the majority of the population. It was on this kind of day that the mayor of Staliongrad decided to visit a familiar place on the edge of the forest. He was a small stout grey pony with a thinning black mane, but a full handlebar mustache he prided himself in. He made his way in, he had a secret about this place he visited and hoped no one to ever find out.

His secrecy had always been dismissed by the non-intrusive ponies of Staliongrad, but one newcomer unicorn, took it upon herself to investigate. She followed at a distance to see, the Pony make his way to a small cottage with a small stream of smoke coming out of the chimney. The Mayor looked around, glancing from side to side before pushing the door open with his hoof. The unicorn was curious by nature; her magnifying glass cutie mark fit her perfectly. She couldn't be seen though; she darted around the house till she finally spied a window. Levitating a telescope out of her saddle bag she took a look. She saw no fireplace from which the smoke could be coming. Only a steel hatch which the mayor had opened, the smoke seemed to be coming from there. The Mayor descending with the hatch closing with a loud thud behind him.
"Oh. Bluebell what have you gotten yourself into?" The blue unicorn asked herself. She thought about going into town, but she still was very new, and did not have anyone she could trust other than her familiar. Bluebell rushed into the cottage. It was empty other than an oven mitt on a wooden table, and the steel hatch. Bluebell turned the hatch door with her magic opening the hatch to reveal a passage way leading down into the ground. Walking down it she saw the mayor tossing log after log onto a huge bonfire. An underground stream seemed to be flowing very quickly. She wondered to herself about the purpose of such a fire, that is when she noticed it. A massive block of ice, containing a large orange dragon sat on the other side of the massive cave. Bluebell was awestruck. She had seen full grown dragons before, even talked to them, but this one was different. Its snout was shorter, and it was much larger. Its teeth and claws seemed sharp, and unless her vision was failing her there was blood frozen upon them. The ice block was melting, and it was the source of the underground stream. She hadn't noticed before, but other ponies too were throwing logs onto the bonfire.

"A Dragon Cult." Bluebell knew this was something she had to tell the Princess about immediately, but if this was a true Dragon Cult, than they needed to be delayed. Bluebell focused all her energy into her horn. She had never been particularly adept at conjuring or destructive magic; though, she was a master of the control and defensive spells. A great lightning bolt arced from her horn shattering some of the roof of the cave, damming the stream causing flooding. She turned to run when she heard a shout.

"There! That's the Pony who did this!" A stampede of angry hooves followed the Pony as she rushed her way up the stairs. Slamming the door shut she levitated the wooden table onto the hatch, hoping it would by her some time. She rushed back to the Staliongrad library she quickly moved several bookshelves in front of the first floor door and windows.
"Chenoa!!!" she shouted. She laughed to herself every time, a hawk named after a dove. The golden bird descended, wondering why her master was moving all the furniture she could to barricade the doors.
“I need you to take a letter to the Princess.”
Chenoa craned her neck; Bluebell had graduated the Princess’s tutelage years ago. She no longer needed to send letters. Quickly scrawling a message telling the urgency of the situation, she tied it to the Hawk’s talon as banging began to occur at the door. The Hawk turned not wanting to leave her master. Bluebell pushed her out the window, the Hawk would have returned if not for a crossbow bolt fired at the Hawk. The Hawk turned and left at top speed. The Staliongrad police force had complete trust in their mayor. He had lead them for many years, and if he said that a newcomer was dangerous and needed to be taken care of they believed him.
Bluebell paced the room, as the door continued feeling the loud effects of the ponies battering it. Thankfully for her it was a solid oak door. She began drawing lines in the room using her horn to carve out ornate runes and wards to strengthen the building.
“Don’t worry Mayor Bristle will have taken her into custody before the sun is down. “
“Captain Cameo” the Mayor had raised his voice more than the brown earth Pony was used to “She is extremely dangerous. If she is to be taken alive, she is to have her horn and tongue cut out.”
“Mayor Bristle!” Captain Cameo was shocked “Why in Celestia’s name would you want us to be so brutal?”
“Are you contradicting me Captain?” For an older stallion the mayor projected his power quite fiercely upon the larger pony
“No sir.”
“Then I suggest you carry out your orders. I will be back shortly” Mayor Bristle left at a full gallop and headed back to the Everfree Forest.
Captain Cameo was confused, and angry. He had no intention of following the mayor’s orders.
“Boys stand down” The other Earth Ponies looked at him with confused glances.
“But Captain”
“No “But Captain”s with me. Stand down that’s an order. I want to try and talk to this unicorn.”
Captain Cameo approached the library his men had taken the crossbow harnesses off their backs as a sign of good will. The Captain knocked on the door.
“Miss Bluebell? May we talk?” The second story window opened, and a magical glow enveloped the Captain, and levitated him up through the window. The other police ponies released a few gasps of amazement, never had so much magic been seen in Staliongrad, not since the traveling magic act came through many years ago. Captain Cameo found himself in a bedroom with many scuff marks on the floor from the recent dumping of furniture to barricade the door. The room was carved with runes, glyphs, and wards almost completely. Standing opposite to him was a blue unicorn, her horn pointed at him glowing and ready to strike.
“Miss Bluebell, what did you do that makes Mayor Bristle need you taken out so badly?”
“I discovered his deep dark secret.”
“Now what secret would that be?” Captain Cameo was skeptical, he had been police captain for ten years and an officer for another ten before that, he was confidant he knew every little secret of this town.
“Outside the town, there is a small cottage. Underneath is a block of ice which contains what I believe to be an elder dragon. He is working to thaw the beast out!!!”
“An elder dragon? Now what in the hay is that?”
“An elder dragon.” Bluebell said as she levitated one of the few books remaining in the room is one of the six primeval dragons, from which all dragon kind descend. If this is to be believed he seeks to awaken Atherion, the fire dragon. He was the fiercest of all six dragons, the vast majority of the dragons are descended from him, and any variety that breathes normal fire comes from him.”
“Even if I believed all this Elder Dragon nonsense, why should I believe the mayor is trying to awaken one?”
“You have to trust me!” the Unicorn’s up till now defiant voice wavered, Cameo had heard that voice often enough. It was one of desperation, begging for a last chance.
“All right all right. Let’s go see this cottage with the scary dragon.”
Bluebell’s face lit up
“You’ll see! You’ll see! You won’t regret this Captain. Follow me!” The unicorn lead the Captain through the complex maze of booby traps she had laid on the floor. Her horn glowed with magic and tossed all the furniture aside, the door swung open.
The Unicorn exited with a full gallop shouting to the police ponies
“Follow me!”
“You heard her boys” The Captain said as he chased after. The Police ponies gathering their wits soon followed as well.

The Mayor opened the hatch and sealed it. He did not want any disturbances. The slow and steady way would no longer work. Though the dragon was mostly thawed, there was a chance that messenger hawk could ruin his plans. He laid his saddlebags down.
“Listen everypony!!!” The mayor shouted his voice booming throughout the cavern. “Take one of these, and then bring the fuses to me!!!” The mayor produced several crude sacs filled with gunpowder, as a child he had always enjoyed making fireworks. As an adult he had advanced those talents. The various ponies came and took the sacs and placed them at the base of the large icy prison. They then returned to Mayor Bristle with the fuses.

The police ponies and Bluebell reached the cottage, and Bluebell rushed in. The police ponies rushed in and saw the steel hatch.
“I told you!”
“Easy miss we haven’t seen no frozen dragon yet.” The Captain tried to open the hatch only to find it locked from the inside.
“Allow me” Bluebell’s horn began to glow, she was weary from all the magic she had performed, but she knew she had enough left to unlock the door. She concentrated and a shunting sound was heard. The unicorn felt weak.
“Try it now. I’ll stay here. I am too tired to go on.”
“Murphy stay with her.” Captain Cameo lead the remaining police ponies down the stairs. He saw the mayor striking a match, and then turned to see the ice block.
“Sweet Celestia have mercy! Stop Mayor Bristle!!!”
“Celestia cannot save you now!!!” Mayor Bristle lit the fuses, as he was tackled by several police ponies as a brawl ensued between the other cultists and the police. A deafening explosion was heard. And chunks of ice fell to the ground. All in the cave stood in awe, as a mighty bellow resounded through the lair. Wings slowly spread weak, from time frozen. Fire flickered as the dragon breathed upon itself, unthawing its body.
“Oh mighty Dragon. We are your humble servants. Grant us your power!” Mayor Bristle said as the other cultists knelt before the dragon. The Police Ponies stood quaking in terror. The Dragon seemed unconcerned with the ponies, but rather looked towards the ceiling and began flapping his wings. He smashed through the roof sending chunks of rock everywhere.
Above ground the cottage was shaken and the back wall was ripped off as the mighty dragon ascended
“O Sister Sovereigns save us.” Murphy said as he backed in fear of the beast.
“We were too late!” Bluebell screamed in despair.
The Dragon began flying into the sky, eyeing the nearby town. A mighty roar went off as he breathed a fiery inferno towards the town. He was surprised to see it still standing though. There in the middle of the town square was his old foe, clad in armor, her horn aglow with magic; her mighty wings carried her to the dragon’s level.
“Atherion, you have been freed from your prison.”
“Yes Celestia. No thanks to you and your sister. How long has it been since we last met?”
“The Dragon wars ended several millennia ago Atherion. Surrender, I do not wish to slay you. Though if you threaten my people anymore, I shall be forced to do so.”
“I no longer sense the powers of harmony within you Celestia. You cannot match my power!”
“I am not the young mare you did battle with last.” The dragon mocked her licking the blood of his foreclaw.
“I am far more powerful!” Celestia’s eyes began to glow and a translucent light construct took the form of an alicorn around her.
“You are weak from your imprisonment. You are the one who is out of their league.”
“You cannot slay me Celestia, with me goes fire, and the world, will be frozen in those winter nights.”
All the citizens of Staliongrad had gathered to see this momentous event. A battle of gods. Their very voices shook the foundation of the Earth.
“With me goes fire?” Bluebell was quite confused and picked up her fallen telescope to better observe the battle.
Celestia charged the dragon, the avatar of light’s horn cutting into his shoulder. The beast roared in pain. It clawed at Celestia’s avatar. Though Bluebell couldn’t be sure, she was confidant she saw the Princess wince within. Lightning arced from within the avatar from the princess' horn several bolts, struck the creature. The dragon breathed fire, so hot it was felt by those on the ground below. Celestia’s avatar seemed to be shrinking.
“I told you. You are weak Celestia.”
“No Atherion. You don’t know how powerful I really am. You see monster I have a magical connection with my sister. I have a new trick in my arsenal.”
Gasps came from the citizens of Staliongrad as the sun began to disappear behind the moon, creating a full eclipse.
Celestia began to shine brilliantly, and magical energy fired from her horn, dissipating the avatar completely, slamming the dragon into the Everfree Forest floor. The ground broke apart and the dragon was pushed further and further beneath the surface. The ground then began to heal, trying to seal the dragon, another jet of fire. There was no avatar to protect Celestia this time.
“Princess!!! Bluebell cried out and focused all her remaining strength into her horn. A powerful burst of magic launched to the sky and collided with the dragon’s flame, and though it was not strong enough to block it, it was able to move its course ever so slightly so that it missed the Princess. Bluebell smiled and fainted, and was thankfully caught by Police Pony Murphy’s hooves. Celestia resumed, she now charged towards the hole in the Earth descending, as a mach cone formed around her. She collided with Atherion trying to escape. A large boom shook the air as birds fled the forest in fear. She stared into the intense anger of Atherion’s eyes.
“Celestia we are both elder creatures, why do you care for the pathetic little meat bags?”
“I am truly sorry. For what I must do, and that you cannot understand love.”
“I need not love. I have power!”
Celestia allowed a tear to slip her eye, and she began glowing with a fierce intensity again.
“Atherion. For the threat you pose innocent life, I am offered no choice, but to imprison you once again in the Earth.”
Atherion lunged and made a slash with his claw. It knocked Celestia’s armor off her as though it were mere paper. Celestia winced in pain, as the dragon had as he had in their last battle drawn blood. Celestia began her transmutation spell. Rock and dirt began forming an icy prison once again The Dragon snarled and once again was incased in an icy prison. Celestia looked sadly upon the elder creature, once again saddened. After the dragon wars only three elder creatures still roamed the Earth. Not long after that, she and her sister had to lock Discord away, followed by her own sister. Though her sister was now free, Celestia felt guilty trapping the other gods of Equestria, because they threatened her favored ponies.
She couldn’t dwell on that though. Her subjects were no doubt worried and in need of reassurance. She lifted her armor with her horn, to cover the gash she had received.
“If they see their beloved monarch has become injured, they might panic. Better to smile and pretend nothing is wrong.”
Celestia ascended from the hole and landed once again in the town square, as the moon again left and the sun began shining upon Equestria once again.
“Bless that younger sister of mine.” Celestia thought as she noticed a chariot being pulled by two guard pegasi. The chariot landed in the square carrying one passenger. A golden hawk, with a bandage around a wing.
She turned to the citizens of Staliongrad, who were all kneeling in reverent awe of their Princess.
“Where is my devoted student Bluebell?” The citizens remained in a respectful silence, when a galloping was heard in the distance. Poor Police Pony Murphy was pulling a wagon with several unconscious police ponies and Bluebell on board. Police Captain Cameo limped behind.
“Princess.” The two police ponies kneeled.
“Arise, my valiant little ponies, and tell me your names.”
“I am Police Pony Murphy, your majesty.”
“Your parents named you “Police Pony”?” Celestia jested.
“No your worship, my first name is James.”
“I see, and you?”
“I am Police Captain Mulberry Cameo at your service Princess.”
“And where are the ponies responsible for freeing Atherion?”
The two Earth ponies glanced at each other.
“We uhh…”
“They got away, while we were retrieving the other officers and Ms. Bluebell your Majesty.” Captain Cameo interrupted wincing expecting punishment.
“You have done well.”
The two Earth ponies glanced at each other, this time with a smile.
“Seeing as the current Mayor is now a criminal, and based on your heroic actions of the day. I appoint you acting Mayor of Staliongrad. Rise Mayor Mulberry.”
“I cannot go by Cameo?” The new mayor asked nervously.
“You must go by your first name. It is a sign of trust among the ponies you lead.”
The Earth Pony sighed and Celestia simply smiled. Bluebell awoke and tried to get out of the cart only to fall to the ground. Bluebell quickly righted herself and moved towards the Princess.
“Princess Celestia.”
“My faithful pupil Bluebell, it is good to see you again, come we have much to discuss. I’m afraid I must take you away from Staliongrad for a while though.” Bluebell began to walk towards the Chariot only to wobble again.
“Murphy help Ms. Bluebell” his Captain and now Mayor ordered.
“An excellent idea Mayor. Officer Murphy you shall accompany us. Ms. Bluebell will certainly need your help.” Murphy looked to the chariot, which the blue unicorn hand now fallen asleep in.
“Yes your majesty.”
The trio now aboard the chariot, watched as Staliongrad and the sun disappeared in the horizon behind them.

Author’s Note: Never thought I’d be one to like My Little Pony. I also swore to never read or write fanfiction. All three of those things are behind me now. This is my first attempt at fanfiction and I would like to thank all those in the DeviantArt and the Brony community who encouraged me to write.

Chapter Two: Forgotten Histories

The sun set in the West as the Chariot finally landed in Canterlot Castle Before Murphy or Bluebell could ask the Princess any questions, she had moved over to one of her attendants.
“Dusty, see to it they are given excellent accommodations for the night. I must talk with my sister alone.”
“Yes Princess.” The brown Earth Pony replied. Bluebell and Murphy watched as the doors shut behind the Princess, and they were ushered down the hall.

Princess Celestia had kept her heavy armor on the entire flight, she now magically levitated her helmet off , as she nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Luna entered the room, in an agitated state.
“Tia what’s the big idea having me raise the moon in the middle of the day? I don’t wake you in the middle of the night to get the sun? What was so important that you needed your full power?”
“Atherion was freed Luna.”
The younger sister stopped cold.
“But how is that possible? We trapped him like all the others. Did the elements fail?”
“No sister. We failed. You see, we lost our Connection with the Elements of Harmony. Their magic, remains strong enough to imprison them, but as we saw with Discord, and now with Atherion, the magic can be broken.” Celestia continued removing parts of the armor, setting aside her greaves and flank plates.
“Then what do you propose we do Celestia?” Luna had regained her composure “The other beings might simply be freed by the strong magic we radiate.”
“I know Luna.” Celestia removed her fore armor, and for the first time, her wound was revealed. It had mostly stopped bleeding, but it remained a large gash.
“Tia you’re hurt!”
“I’ll be fine Luna you needn’t”
“Oh you are always so self-reliant Tia. DUSTY!!!” Luna’s magically amplified voice rang through the halls and the Pony from earlier arrived. Luna stood in front of Celestia, almost obscuring her from view.
“Our sister is planning on attending a formal event see to it her finest evening gown is laid out. Bring her a bath robe for now.”
“Yes Princess.” The Earth Pony trotted out.
“Luna why?”
“Oh Tia you don’t think things through enough. You can stay cooped up in your castle. Or you can use royal functions as an excuse to dress fancily and hide your wounds.”
“…Luna that’s brilliant.”
“I try sister. Now what are we to do about anyone we ever imprisoned through the elements of harmony breaking free?”
“They can’t simply break free. They may be freed. Discord was freed by nearby disharmony. Atherion was freed by Dragon Cultists. All it takes is reinforcement of the wards and runes, to help seal them away. We cannot go near them though our powers are simply too great, to not disturb the perilous magical balance.”
“Is that why you brought the Unicorn and that Earth Pony I noticed earlier?”
“Yes Luna. Bluebell is my ideal student for this mission. She always excelled at runes and wards.”
“and the Earth Pony?”
“A Police Pony by the name of James Murphy. I have a feeling he will be useful to my student.”
“I think you overlooked one thing Tia. We two are the only ones left who battled the Elder Dragons. Discord is sealed away.”
“Ah but we were not the only immortal creatures, who battled them.”
“The other Gods are dead or missing Tia you know that.”
“I do not refer to them. Philomena!” Celestia’s voice echoed through the palace and the fiery red bird quickly approached at her master’s call. The bird perched itself on Celestia’s shoulder. Celestia let out a shriek of pain, startling Philomena. The bird fluttered to the ground and cocked its head quizzically at its master.
“Tia. You are too hurt to be up. I am more than capable of telling ponies where to start.”
Celestia opened her mouth to protest.
“Sister I will not allow you to run yourself ragged. If I am to be a monarch again I must start taking a more active role in the fate of Equestria. Phalanx!” Luna’s cry caused an immediate entry of a guard pony in golden armor.
“Phalanx, see to it our sister is not disturbed she must have her rest. Go Celestia.” The older sister hated admitting her sister was right, but she was more hurt than she let on. Celestia trotted out of the room, and Phalanx prepared to follow.
“A moment Phalanx.” The guard pony stopped to listen to the Princess. “No one but you or Dusty is to enter or leave that room. We trust you can maintain secrecy, but Princess Celestia will need some time alone. Understood?”
“Yes your majesty.” The guard pony turned and followed Celestia down the hall.

Bluebell sat and thought to herself. “Why was there a dragon who claimed be guardian of flame? Why was it ice? And why was it freed by a handful of mad earth ponies? Why can’t that police pony stop admiring the stained glass and sit still?” Bluebell stopped for a second to look over Murphy, she had been reasonably distracted when they first met. He was a decently built pony, perhaps a little small for his chosen occupation, He had a brown spikey mane, only slightly darker than his body. His cutie mark though intrigued Bluebell. It seemed an odd cutie mark for a police pony. It was a small circular mirror, no lens, no handle, just the glass.
Murphy noticed he was being stared at, he took his attention away from the stained glass window depicting the battle of Trottinghiem and turned his neck to look at Bluebell. “See anything you like sugar cube?” Murphy said with a laugh. Bluebell blushed she had not meant to stare.
“I’m s-s-sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. Its just I was looking at your cutiemark”
“And noticed I had a nice plot?” Bluebell wasn’t used to this kind of teasing, she was never one who drove the colts wild. She blushed even more. Murphy just kept laughing. The doors opened and the pony Dusty entered the room.
“The Princess will see you now.” Murphy stopped laughing straightened his police cap, and followed Dusty down the hall.
“That was certainly akward.” Bluebell thought to herself. “Thank Cele-” Bluebell’s thought was interrupted as she realized it was not Princess Celestia who was seeing them, but her younger sister, Princess’ Luna. “Thank Luna- I guess.”
This throne room was different than Celestia’s for starters the throne was grey iron with several menacing spikes as versus soft and cushioned. The room had many drapes covering the various windows on the sides, but the ceiling was one enormous window giving the illusion of the open sky. It seemed as if a pony could see all the skies of Equestria from this one room. It was beautiful but the room seemed bare to Bluebell, it lacked the welcoming air of Celestia’s throne. Bluebell almost lost herself in the sky before she noticed the guard standing next the Princess’ throne. The stallion was lean, the vague outlines of his bone structure could be seen. He was grey and as far as Bluebell could tell he had no mane or tail. Unlike Celestia’s guard the armor was simple steel, with some blue dye adorning the helm and the saddle areas, and even more unlike Celestia’s guard sheathed on the side of the armor was a sword, ready to be drawn at a moment’s notice, and though Bluebell could not be sure, she thought the guard had fangs.
“We greet thee. Bluebell and James!” Luna’s voice snapped Bluebell out of her contemplation. “We are to understand that you encountered the Elder Dragon Atherion. We find the freeing of another god problematic. As you now doubt know during the Dragon Wars-”
“The dragon what now?” Murphy clapped a hoof over his mouth as the words left his mouth. He blushed and hoped the Princess would not be angry.
Princess Luna sighed “One thousand years and it seems that nopony studies history anymore. Legion.”
“Yes my liege?” The guard pony asked taking a knee.
“The lights if thou would.”
“At once your majesty.” The guard pony grabbed a rope in the corner of the room and the glass roof seemed to seal and become stone. Luna began her horn faintly glowing as shapes lazily began to form out of thin air.
“Long before Equestria as you know it, there were many more civilizations. There was the land of Provata ruled by Pescus the sheep god of the weather” An impressive ram appeared and led great herds charging across the room “the buffalo tribes were lead by Bubalus the buffalo god of the wild” the sheep herds disappeared to make way for a buffalo easily half the size of the room, adorned with a headdress with majestic and exotic feathers he had a proud bearing to him “the Zebras had a thriving civilization called Pundamilla, lead by the wise Wanjanja, goddess of the stars.” A striking zebra replaced the mighty buffalo many stars twinkled around her and mighty stone building bustling with Zebras were behind her. “There was the might bull god Adair, god of the sea.” A strong proud bull appeared, but this the Princess dispelled the illusion quickly barely letting Bluebell and Murphy see it. “Finally there were the two spirit brothers, Discord, the spirit of disharmony, and his older brother Camaraderie, spirit of unity and creator of the elements of harmony.” Two Draconequis appeared, each a mirror image of the other.
Before Bluebell could ask why she had never once seen any mention of Camaraderie creating the elements or this impressive Zebra civilization Luna continued her account “There was peace in the world, until the Elder Dragons, vain dragon gods grew jealous of the happiness we enjoyed. The sought to take it from us attacking suddenly and without warning they slew Pescus, and mortally wounded Camaraderie. Using the last of his power Camaraderie forged the elements of harmony for us to fight back against the far more powerful dragon gods. One by one we subdued the dragons. Armies of ponies, zebras, cows, and buffalo clashed with dragonspawn.” The illusions swirled to bloodstained meadows filled with all sorts of creatures clashing. “The first battle of the Everfree, was a disaster for us. Long had the rams of the sheep clans been a formidable ally. We expected them to even the odds as they always had; however, without Pescus they were spineless, the remained as sentient as ever, but were so prone to suggestion that they could not have any initiative. They had to be herded away from the battle as they were being slaughtered.” The illusion showed dragons raging all over the meadows as the coalition army fled working to protect the cowardly and divided sheep. “Without Pescus all weather ceased. The clouds remained, but no rain, no wind, no snow, no seasons. One brave Pegasus pony by the name Eastern Drive, and her husband Starswirl the bearded devised a plan to deal with the weather. Pegasi would do the grunt work of the weather, while directed by the four cardinals of direction under the direction of the royal prince. With the power of the weather once again harnessed the tide began to turn on the dragon armies. Eventually only two were left. Atherion the Flame Guardian, and Scion the Keeper of the Mind.”
The familiar orange dragon formed and next to him a long jet black dragon, the two separated and Celestia, Luna , and Discord gave chase to Atherion, while Wanjanja, Bubalus, and Adair followed Scion. We defeated Atherion, but we could not find any sign of the other battle. The waves of the ocean had stopped. The stars did not set in the sky, they were merely overshadowed by Celestia’s sun. The wild continued to grow rampant. The zebras and buffalo though remained independent. Unlike the sheep and cows, they continued life, though their civilizations decayed without a leader uniting them all. Which lead us to conclude that Wanjanja and Bubalus were not slain. The cows like the sheep, were now cared for by ponies. We assumed the duties of Adair. The waves follow the moon, as I try and keep the natural order.” The illusions dispersed.
“Now the seals placed on the Elder Dragons weaken and they are more likely to be freed. We have decided you must strengthen the wards sealing the beasts away before, they are freed. Philomena and Legion will accompany you.”
“My liege with all due respect my place is protecting you.”
“Legion we are more than capable of protecting our selves. Ms. Bluebell and Mr. James will be going into some of the most dangerous parts of all Equestria, they will need someone with your skills. Now bring forward their supplies and the maps.” Luna’s voice was firm but she did not raise it. It was evident she knew how to command all her subordinates.
The bat-winged pony grimaced. “Yes my liege.” The guard left and returned carrying large saddle bags as though they were nothing. He tossed one at Murphy, the earth pony was staggered by the weight. Bluebell caught hers and levitated it onto her back, she too buckled under its weight.”
“The first train, leaving Canterlot station tonight will take you to the first battle site. Your communication with us is absolutely critical, so we must ask you Bluebell to loan Chenoa to another of Princess Celestia’s students, whilst you borrow her familiar.”
“But who could fly faster than Chenoa? She must be the most magnificent bird in all of Equestria.” Chenoa puffed her feathers out, but shrank once Philomena shot her an angry glance.
“He does not fly. Meet Spike.” Princess Luna introduced the short purple dragon.
“But why can’t I keep Chenoa?” Bluebell pleaded.
“BLUEBELL!!! WE COMMAND THEE TO MAKE A TEMPORARY CHANGE OF FAMILIAR!” The room shook with Luna’s voice, and all save Legion backed off in fear.
“Y-y-yes Princess.” Bluebell hung her head as the purple dragon rushed around.
“Hiya Bluebell we’ll have a great time. I’m Spike.” Legion growled he already did not like this dragon.
“Good luck My Little Ponies.” The group set off for the station, their mission clear.
Author’s Note: Enjoy Chapter Two. This was quite difficult to write as I have roped myself into creating a history and mythology for many races. I will try and update this story about once a week. Constructive Criticism is always welcome.

Chapter Three: The Midnight Train

Mayor Mulberry sighed, and looked out his window. He missed his old job. He missed being called Captain Cameo. He disliked how he came to power. He was more angry at himself for not noticing something amiss with the mayor. He had failed his city. He stared out the window lost in thought.
“Will you be needing anything else today sir?” Mayor Mulberry turned to look to his secretary.
“No Melanie take off early tonight.”
“Thank you sir.” She turned and trotted out of the office leaving the Earth Pony alone with his thoughts. He stared out at the moon. The town was quiet, this time at night he would usually be playing cards with the boys at the station. “Well why can’t I?” Mayor Mulberry grabbed his key ring and wrapped a scarf around his neck and began to make his way to the police station. He walked down the empty streets, when he stopped to listen. A loud thud came out of the town treasury. Mayor Mulberry still had all his old Police Pony instincts. He took the key and opened the door, and set off to the vault at a full gallop. He arrived only to see a group of ten or so ponies trying to break through the metal door.
“Ah Captain Cameo, so nice of you to join us.” Mayor Mulberry turned to see the former Mayor Bristle
“You can’t get away with this!”
“Oh can’t I Captain?” The hooded ponies produced wooden clubs and charged the new Mayor. He could not defend himself from so many. Bristle took the key ring and let out a triumphant laugh.

“You see Captain we always knew who had the real power in this town.”

Murphy awoke, jostled awake by a bump in the tracks. He wasn’t used to traveling this way. He looked up from his bed. Spike lay asleep with a mild snore in a basket nearby on the floor. Bluebell was in the next room, but Murphy noticed Legion was not in the bunk above him. He got up quietly so as not to disturb Spike. He looked around the room, he decided to head to the dining car. He trotted out shutting the door behind him. He walked into the dining car. It was bare save a unicorn with a dishcloth cutie mark lifting chairs onto tables.
“Ah I was just closing up. What may I get you?” He began wiping a damp dishrag across the table.
“Just some carrots.” Murphy replied. The pony levitated several carrots from behind the counter.
“Two bits.” Murphy tossed the coins onto the counter lifted his carrots and left the unicorn to his work. He moved on to the observation car. He quietly ascended the stairs and on the upper deck spotted a familiar bat winged pony staring at the night sky.
“Hey Legion can’t sleep?” Murphy jauntily trotted over and set his carrots down on a table.
“We cannot sleep.” Legion replied maintaining his gaze upon the sky
“We’re not with the Princess anymore you can drop the “we” stuff. Carrot?” Murphy asked chomping into one himself.
“We do not need sustenance.” Legion maintained a lock on the horizon. Murphy looked and saw nothing out of the ordanairy.
“What are you looking at?”
“Stars.”
“You know you make this small talk stuff difficult, but I’m a cop. I can get information out of anyone.” Murphy walked around Legion who remained disinterested .
“So what’s with the bat wings.”
“That information is superfluous to our mission. It matters not. We will strengthen the seals on the Elder Dragons and we will go our separate ways.”
“You seem confidant. I doubt it will be that simple.” Murphy said eyeing the pony.
“We concur there will be trials and tribulations, but success is guaranteed.” The Pegasus seemed to be talking to Murphy almost as an afterthought.
“Why? Why is success guaranteed?” Murphy was growing impatient, he usually had Captain Cameo with him and the interrogation had already broken by this point.
“The reason why is irrelevant. Go. You need your sleep.” Legion continued staring off into space. Infuriated Murphy took another carrot to eat. He needed to change his approach.
“So… how did you make it into Luna’s guard.” Murphy asked
“My past is irrelevant” Murphy sighed as he got the answer he unfortunately expected. Murphy chomped on another carrot.
“Fine. Good night Legion.” Legion grunted in response and continued his watch with no clear purpose. Murphy was sneakier than he let on, he rushed back through the dining car, and towards his room in the sleeper car. Upon entering he locked the door behind him.
“If I can’t find out about Legion’s past from him. Let’s see what his bag tells me.” Murphy nosed open the saddle bag.
“What in the hay?” The bag was empty except for vial after vial of a strange red potion, and several rolled up scrolls. Murphy quickly grabbed the scrolls and opened the first.
“To the most honorable Sgt. Willow of the 21st Ash,
Due to your valor at the battle of 3rd Pines” Muprhy scratched his head.
“Who was this Willow? And 3rd Pines? That was almost two hundred years ago.” Murphy wrote it off as a typo, they must have meant the far more recent 5th Pines. He continued reading.
“You are hereby offered a position in the royal guard.
Specifically assigned to the Cardinal North with opportunity for advancement.
The prestige and honor of such a position cannot be stressed enough.
Guarding the cardinals of direction ranks second only to the guard of the royal prince and our beloved monarch Celestia.” Again Murphy stopped, but thought to himself “It must have been before Luna’s return.” Murphy returned to the scroll.
“To accept the position please inform military command in Canterlot by the end of the month.
-General Boulder” Murphy rolled the scroll up and set it aside.
“That didn’t answer anything. Maybe the next one will clear things up” Murphy picked up the next scroll.
“Dearest Willow,
It is fantastic news to hear you have joined the royal guard. Now you will be in Canterlot near me all the time. It is wonderful to spend time together love. When I get my hooves on you---” Murphy decided to skip to the end rather than read too much of this love letter.
“Love,
-Tabby” The letter had a lipstick mark on it.
“Why does he have these love letters?” Murphy said as he moved through several of the next scrolls. One appeared to have several water stains.
“Dear Colonel Willow,
We regret to inform your wife has passed away.
She died at 3:27 AM on the 4th of November during foal-birth.
The filly was stillborn. We feel greatly sorry for your loss.
-Dr. Charmer”
Several more letters were there offering condolences. From friends, one from General Boulder, and one from the Cardinal North. Murphy came across a newspaper clipping, an obituary from The Equestria Daily with a picture of an yellow unicorn with puffy brown hair. “Wife to Colonel Willow, the famed war hero.” Murphy thought some more “I’ve never heard of this war hero. What does Legion have to do with these ponies?” He put the clippings and condolences back. He then took a look at the last scroll.
“Dear Colonel Willow,
You are hearby invited to fill the ceremonial role of Guard Captain of Princess Luna’s Guard
Please report to the Royal Palace to accept or decline the position.
More details will be offered upon you arrival.
-Princess Celestia”

Murphy put all the scrolls back and took one of the vials of potion. “Now I have more questions than answers.” Murphy said to himself. He looked at the vial, the red liquid flowed very slowly. He put it back and closed the saddle bags. He yawned to himself. “I’ll ask him about it in the morning.”

“Wake up Bluebell! I made pancakes!” Bluebell groggily opened her eyes to a bubbly purple dragon who had set a table with pancakes, berries, syrup, honey, and biscuits.
“Spike… what time is it?” Bluebell got up and began making her bed.
“Its 7:30 Bluebell. Here let me get that for you.” Spike began making the bed.
“This is when Twilight usually gets up, and since you were Celestia’s student also I just assumed it was the same.” The dragon rushed around eager to talk to his new companion.
“Spike… You should know I’m not a morning pony.” Bluebell shuffled her way to the table. Spike poured her a cup of tea, and put it down next to her. Spike then moved onto his stack of pancakes and began liberally pouring syrup and honey onto his. Bluebell levitated a few pancakes, a handful of berries, and a biscuit onto her plate. She began cutting them and drizzling a little syrup.
“So… Spike why are you so eager to please?” Bluebell asked as she took a bite of pancakes.
“I aim to be the number one assistant. Just like I am back in Ponyville.” Spike said between mouthfuls.
“So you take pride in your job?” Bluebell said slowly munching on her biscut.
“Of course. The Princess sent a letter asking specifically for me. She knows I’m the best, and I’m gonna prove it.”
“How did the Princess send you a letter and then how did you make it to Canterlot so quickly?” Bluebell raised an eyebrow as Spike looked up from his breakfast.
“Watch this…” Spike picked up a blank scroll and concentrated hard on the pillow in the corner of the bed. He took a deep breath, and exhaled a faint green fire. The scroll disappeared only to be sitting unharmed on the pillow.
“Pretty neat huh?” Spike said grinning at himself.
“So that’s why you replaced Chenoa. You’re a walking mailbox.” Bluebell said tapping her head with her hoof.
“Hey. I’m a dragon on a mission involving dragons. Don’t think that was part of it?” Bluebell had resumed eating her breakfast. Spike sighed and put the parchment back. He mumbled a little under his breath
“Twilight would have at least been tactful about it.”

Bluebell finished gave Spike a brief thank you and left for her studies.

This is a bonus chapter I thought about not including because it was so short. Enjoy an unscheduled update. As always constructive critisim is welcome.

Chapter Four: A Simple Rock Farm

The train slid to a slow stop in a bleak lifeless town. The trees were bare and lifeless. The buildings in the town were grey, with ponies to match. The really exciting Ponies were brown. Bluebell with the flamboyant Philomena on one shoulder and a purple dragon on top her normal blue self, felt like she stood out like a sore hoof, or she would have if the train wasn’t swarming with ponies carrying shovels, pickaxes, and other digging equipment all rushing out of the station towards the outskirts of what appeared to be a simple Ghost town. Bluebell looked to Murphy and Spike who shrugged their shoulders, and then to Legion who again seemed un-phased. Philomena spread her wings and began flying after the crowd letting out a squawk indicating the ponies should follow her. The bird soared at a fairly quick pace, the ponies kept up as it let them past a sign which though faded the words “Family Farm” were still fairly visible.
They arrived at the edge of the so called family farm, where Philomena perched on a fence. There were lots of ponies pulling carts. The carts overflowed with gemstones, gold, silver, and other precious metals.
“Those look delicious.” Spike began drooling as he stared at the carts full of gemstones.
“Focus Dragon. They have nothing to do with our mission.” Legion commanded to the dragon.
“Sheesh your parents not love you as a foal or something?” Murphy responded
“Murphy that wasn’t very nice. Honestly I’m surrounded by…” Bluebell caught herself “It doesn’t matter what I’m surrounded by. We have a job to do.” The male ponies and Spike looked at Bluebell with slightly frustrated expressions. The group saw a great line leading into a large farmhouse. They saw a grey mare with an extraordinarily straight mane and a geode cutie mark overseeing the large groups of workhorses.
“She’s probably in charge. Come on.” Bluebell barked to the group.
“Yes, Bluebell” the group responded in a despondent unison, Legion muttering something about it being a waste of time. Bluebell approached the grey pony.
“Excuse me?” Bluebell asked
“Look if you need something enquire within the house. I’m overseeing the hired help.”
“But we-”
“Inside. The House.” The Pony continued to bark commands at her subordinates.
“Fine. Legion Murphy you two stay here. I’ll go talk to them” Bluebell ordered.
“Wait for me!” Spike tagged along and the colorful phoenix decided to nap in the bare tree.
“Why? Why me?” Bluebell thought to herself as she trotted towards the house, the small dragon right behind her.
Legion and Murphy stood there in an awkward silence. Murphy looking at Legion, and Legion remaining as stoic as ever was far from Murphy’s idea of a riveting conversation. Rather than push Legion on his past and what he had discovered in his saddlebags, he decided that mare over there could use a little attention. Murphy walked over to the grey mare who brushed her bangs out of her face to stare down a pony who had taken a break. The pony quickly resumed moving the cart. Almost tripping over his own hooves to move faster.
“Hey” Murphy said as he trotted alongside the mare.
“Take your problems inside the house. I’m busy”
“A beautiful Mare like you should be out having fun, not locked away on some rock farm.” Murphy said his voice filled with as much charm as he could muster trying to make eye contact. The mare looked away trying to ignore Murphy. Legion raised an eyebrow at Murphy and flashed what seemed to Murphy to be a triumphant smile. Raising his hoof to his face Murphy signaled to Legion to watch. Murphy again tried to make eye contact, but the mare continued looking away. Murphy finally tapped her on the shoulder, and she reluctantly looked at him with an annoyed expression.
“You know I think I understand your cutie mark. You appear rough on the outside like that geode, yet beneath that flinty exterior you are beautiful.” Murphy said with a wink.
“No I work on a rock farm. It’s a rock. Now go away.” The Pony turned and resumed directing the workers. Murphy walked back over to Legion with a puzzled expression on his face.
“What we were supposed to be watching?” Legion asked in his usual monotone.
“Just you wait Legion she’ll come around.” Murphy looked back to the mare “They always do.”
The workponies and the mare disappeared over the hill carrying their precious cargo with them following recent but deep wheel ruts. Legion watched them disappear over the horizon, noted the position of the sun and craned his neck back to his saddlebag and produced a vial of red potion. He placed both hooves on the side and pulled the stopper out with his mouth. He then picked the vial up with his mouth and downed the whole thing in one gulp. He replaced the stopper and placed the empty vial back in his bag. Legion again turned his attention to his comrade.
“Why are you so certain she will come around?” Legion asked
“Quite the irrelevant question there eh Legion? I’m confident I read her correctly. It’s my special talent. You see this mirror cutie mark?” Murphy asked turning his flank so Legion could see it. Legion nodded.
“I can see what people are really about. I can tell when they’re hiding something, I can tell them what they want to hear. That’s why I did the interrogating back in Staliongrad. That’s why I’m so interested in how you think. I can’t read you. It’s like you brain is going in a thousand different directions at once. Why? What is going on in your head?” Murphy had gone from composed to a slightly frantic tone as he finished.
“That information is not necessary for you to know.” Legion responded stoically.
“Then why did you let me go on like that?” Murphy asked slightly panting.
“We desired to understand you.” Legion responded

“You are despicable.” Murphy said as he stomped his hooves in frustration.

The farmhouse was fairly simple. It was a normal wooden two-story building, with a slightly peeling coat of light brown paint. Bluebell and Spike approached the main door, and saw a grey Pegasus with a bubbles cutie mark and a brown satchel with a letter on it trying to shove a package into the mail slot. Bluebell shot a quizzical look at the mare, but Spike ran up along side her, and took the package and set it to the ground.
“Ditzy what are you doing here?” Spike asked with a big smile on his face.
“Delivery!” Ditzy said as she turned revealing her googly eyes making Bluebell release a barely audible gasp. She then pointed to the package with “4 Rocky Road” scribbled in many colors of crayon. Spike looked at the package something about that handwriting seemed familiar. He looked over the package before noticing the return address “2 Sugar Cube Corner” also scrolled in multi colored crayon. Upon seeing it Spike’s face lit up.
“Ditzy is this from Pinkie Pie?” Spike said looking at the package.
“Uh-huh!” Ditzy affirmed as she opened the mail slot and stuffed a handful of other letters through it. Spike stopping her before she could try and stuff the package through. Spike noticed the package still had postage due, and though Ditzy was good at delivering the mail, she tended to forget to check things like that. Spike took a few bits and slipped them into her mailbag to cover Pinkie Pie’s forgetfulness.
“Why don’t you knock on the door Ditzy?” Spike suggested trying to save the package from any further damage. Ditzy rapped the door with her hoof. Bluebell had walked up to Spike and leaned in to whisper to him.
“Spike, why are we stopping to help this Pony? We need to find out what in the hay is going on here, so we can find which dragon was imprisoned and where.” Bluebell said as the three of them stood outside the house.
“Gee Bluebell don’t you ever worry about other ponies? Ditzy has a hard enough time as it is, what with her condition and other ponies making fun and trying to bully her.” Spike responded still in a whisper.
“It won’t matter if anypony’s feelings are hurt if the Elder Dragons get loose. Think Spike” She knocked his three times in short succession with her hoof. Spike grumbled but shut up when the door opened to reveal a bluish purple pony with a light grey mane very similar to the one who had been barking orders outside and a gold ingot as a cutie mark.
“Delivery!” a very excited Ditzy Doo said as she shoved the package through the barely open door before flying off. The pony prepared to shut the door, but Bluebell stuck her hoof in, the purplish pony did not even let Bluebell speak before issuing a warning
“If you’re here with the church of magicology just leave. Just because you’ve fooled Brad Pony doesn’t mean you’re right.” Bluebell looked stunned for a second before she responded.
“No I am Princess Celestia’s student, and I am here on a mission of great importance.” Bluebell said with a self-righteous air.
“Don’t look anything like the drawings my sister sent of you Twilight Sparkle. How do I know you’re not trying to pull the wool over my eyes?” The Pony said shutting the door a little harder on Bluebell’s hoof.
“She isn’t Twilight Sparkle! She’s another one of the Princess’ students.” Spike said popping his head through the door. “Maybe you’ll recognize me I’m-”
“Spike the Dragon! Come right in!” The Pony had immediately warmed up and opened the door. Bluebell looked sadly at her throbbing hoof, but resigned herself to it and followed them inside.
“Mom! Pa! One of Pinkie’s friends came to visit! I’ll bring them into the living room.”
“Pinkie mentioned your names before, but which one are you Inky or Blinky?”
“Blinky. Spike this is my mother” Blinky gestured to an old mare with her mane in a bun half asleep in a rocking chair. “and my father Clyde” the wrinkly brown earth pony with long grey side burns extending from his short mane and comically tiny half-moon reading glasses perched precariously on the end of his nose placed his pencil down and looked up from his pile of papers. He got up slowly with a faint groan and ambled his way towards Spike, Blinky, and Bluebell. Bluebell thought the stallion smelled of day old oatmeal. He came to a complete halt before addressing Spike.
“It’s nice to meet one of Pinkamena’s friends” Clyde said slightly smacking his lips as he spoke. “She writes so many letters about you and those ponies” Clyde craned his head beckoning for them to follow them. He lead them into the next room and gestured towards a cork board filed with many letters and crude crayon drawings. Spike began admiring the drawings of him, Pinkie had added some embellishments making him much bigger and breathing lots more fire.
“Look this all very maudlin, but we need to talk!” Bluebell interrupted absolutely sick of all the chit-chat going on. “The Princess sent us on an important mission, and we believe what we are searching for is located somewhere on your rock farm. Have you seen anything unusual lately? Why are you living in such a rundown old house if you’re brining wagons full of gold everyday?” Bluebell had worked herself into a frenzy made more comical by the tea kettle coming to a loud squeal. The noise had caused Mrs. Pie to awaken and amble over. Clyde, Blinky, and Spike stared at Bluebell for a moment. Blinky finally broke the awkward silence “Why don’t you sit down for tea? I’ll explain it then.” Bluebell sighed but she made her way back to the living room.
Mrs. Pie returned with a tray laden with sugar, tea cakes, and five tea cups. She placed straws in each took hers and resumed her position in an old creaky rocking chair. Clyde set aside his papers into a large orange folder. Inky brushed her bangs from her face before starting.
“We were rotating the rocks from the South field to the East field, when my sister Inky and I noticed something odd. We’ve lived on this farm our entire lives so we know every inch of it. We spotted a cave. There were never any caves on the Pie family rock farm before this. We stopped what we were doing and walked in. It was a cold day, but the cave seemed warm and inviting. The cave started as a narrow passage, but it eventually widened as we came to a large clearing with many different passages. We looked above each passage, and there were words carved into the rock above. “Follow my instructions for wealth beyond your wildest dreams.” Nearby there was a giant stone map. It detailed several veins of valuable minerals and gems. We’ve been working on extracting them ever since. Would you like to see the map?”
“Yes, Inky I think it may be important. I hate to ask this, but could you call of the excavation till I have a look at the map?”
“I don’t see any need to the map is right here in the house. Come I’ll show you. Stay here Dad this won’t take long.” Blinky motioned to the next room, and Bluebell and Spike followed her in. The room had no furniture and was filled with many digging tools, the only objects of interest were the giant stone map, and an un-carved boulder. Bluebell looked at the map. The lines seemed natural, yet were far too bold to be from any normal process of erosion. There were several mineral veins crisscrossing under one spot on the map.
“Blinky, where was the cave? Show me on the map.” Blinky obeyed and pointed a hoof right over the spot where all the deposits seemed to cross. Bluebell’s heart sank. “And how many of these have you excavated?”
“Most of them by now, we should be on the last two by the end of the week.” Blinky said with great pride.
“Ohnononononononononono… Do you mind if I use this boulder?” Before Blinky could even answer Bluebell had begun levitating the boulder and was carving it while looking at the map. Rock shards flew everywhere as Bluebell chipped away at the rock. Eventually it looked like the map in three dimensions. The cave was located in a rather tall mountain. “Watch.” Bluebell instructed. She began removing slivers of rock where the veins were. One by one they were removed until all were gone and the mountain collapsed. Blinky and Spike’s jaws dropped. “I need you to take us to the cave now!” Bluebell ordered. Blinky turned and ordered them to follow her. They rushed out and encountered Inky, Legion, and Murphy. Blinky quickly explained the situation towards her sister, and then motioned to Legion and Murphy to follow her. They galloped towards the North, and off to the cave.

Chapter Five: The Earth Guardian

“This is the cave” Blinky slowed to a simple trot. “I don’t know what you expect to find in there. We are just happy we won’t have a mountain collapsing on us. Good hunting!” Blinky turned and headed back to the rock farm. The ponies glanced side to side. Philomena opened her wings and flew into the cave confirming Bluebell’s fears; an Elder Dragon was indeed imprisoned here. The three ponies and the baby dragon followed the bird in. The passage grew narrower and narrower till eventually they had to travel single file line behind Philomena who was forced to walk, because the cave could not support her wingspan. The group finally emerged in the clearing Blinky had mentioned. There were scuffs on the floor were the stone map had previously been located, and tunnels branching in all sorts of different directions. The ponies looked at them and then around the room. Aside from writing talking about wealth beyond their wildest dreams above the doors the room had absolutely nothing in it.
“Legion go down that hall! Murphy you go down that one! Spike Philomena go together down that one. Mark a hallway once you’ve explored it. I’ll go down this one!” The ponies split apart trotting down their respective passageways.
“Finally I’m alone.” Bluebell thought to herself “No yappy dragon, or crude police man, or unfeeling guard pony. Finally some good old fashioned Bluebell time.” She trotted through a puddle of cold slimy water “Of course this is hardly how I want to be spending it.” Bluebell kept wandering through the passage, it was filled with impressive crystals, and lots and lots of igneous rock intrusions. “Wow I wonder, if this mountain is a dormant volcano” Bluebell thought to herself. She continued her trek as the crystal grew more and more reflective. The tunnel soon became almost blinding from all the reflection. Bluebell squinted and powered forward, eventually shutting her eyes and charging blindly. It grew warmer and warmer, yet she pressed on. She would have continued had she collided with a large marble column. She opened her eyes, she had never seen such regal surroundings, she had lived in the royal palace, but everything paled in comparison to this. Grand marble columns extended to the ceiling easily a hundred feet tall. The ceiling itself was filled with magnificent paintings of a dragon, worshiped by earth ponies tending fiery forges. Intrestingingly Bluebell could not make out what color the dragon was as she moved about it shifted from its initial silver to a gold, then a strange jet black, and the a sleek green. The room was filled with sculptures all of them depicting one dragon, some of gold, some of silver, some in grand stones studded with gems. There biggest though which filled the vast majority of the grand hallway was an impressive lead statue, with an inscription reading “Jinshu, the Earth Guardian.”

She would have examined it further had someone not commented. “Beautiful isn’t it?” Bluebell wheeled around to see a unicorn, he was slender and pale. “I’m the librarian. I maintain the extensive archives that are kept here, would you like to see?” Bluebell knew there was more to that sculpture, but she wanted to go with this unicorn, he seemed to be warm and inviting and ancient archives had always been among her favorite things. She followed the pony, till they came to fallen rock. “Oh dear it seems a rock slide has blocked off the library, I’m afraid you won’t be able to see it then.” Bluebell’s horn began to glow as she levitated pound after pound of rock away not realizing she was digging her own tunnel and that the unicorn behind her had vanished.

“Y’know Philomena, at first I thought it would be great taking a little vacation from Twilight, but now it seems like Bluebell doesn’t even like me. She’d rather just have that dumb bird.” Philomena turned her neck to glare at Spike “Not that there’s anything wrong with birds of course. It’s just she doesn’t seem to appreciate me, and between you and me Philomena I don’t think that Pony has a friend in all of Equestria. She’s kind of like Twilight was before we moved to Ponyville, except Twilight was never so grumpy all the time.” The two began noticing the rock change from simple shale to a smooth obsidian, and crystal outcroppings from the roof began to reflect light that grew brighter and brighter. Philomena perched on Spike so that she would not crash and the two stumbled blindly through the cave. Eventually emerging in a small but grandly decorated room, there was a door leading out into a larger room and another one leading into what appeared to be a mine tunnel. The room itself was an impressive mosaic seeming to chronicle a unicorn’s love for a dragon. Spike stopped, the white unicorn with the purple mane reminded him of Rarity. “Lucky dragon” he muttered to himself.

“Lucky Dragon, you must mean lucky unicorn” Spike turned to see a pale brown Pegasus mare. “Any mare would consider herself lucky to have a dragon accept her. A mighty dragon would lavish his love with his vast hoard, gold, silver, rare gemstones.” Spike began to think, Rarity was appreciative of his help when he retrieved the gemstones for her, perhaps if he brought them to her on his own initiative, she would finally notice him. Spike was so lost in thought he was not listening to Philomena’s angry cries. “Why don’t we let that pretty bird have a nap?” out of nowhere it seemed a birdcage surrounded Philomena and a brown cloth covered it. “Perhaps you could help me young dragon. You see I am digging up gemstones, and if you would like to help me I’d be more than willing to share.” The Pegasus lead Spike down the mineshaft tunnel where he began digging fervently. He did not notice the Pegasus fade into a mist behind him.

“Some team this turned out to be! I would have been better off staying in Staliongrad. I’d be Captain of the Police Force now. Captain James Murphy! Think of that, all of them who laughed at little Jimmy, with his “girly” cutie mark would see! I’d be a hero. Now I’m stuck with a baby dragon, a grumpy unicorn, and an insufferable Pegasus. Why? Why couldn’t I have just been a mirrorsmith like Ma wanted? I never wanted a life of adventure. I just wanted respect. I trained my hardest, I read every book on psycho analysis I could find. I trained my best to be a police pony so I could show them. I still will! When I finish this mission I will be a hero to all Equestria!” The tunnel became brighter; Murphy began having trouble seeing so he lowered his police cap over his eyes a bit allowing him to move unhindered. He came to a medium sized room, it was impressive, but it had doors leading in many directions. He heard what he believed to be cries for help coming down one of them and raced down it. The light became brighter and brighter. He stumbled his way through and emerged in grand room, it appeared to be bank of some kind, many ponies all pale and slender were cowering in fear, their faces lit up when Murphy looked at them, they all pointed to a pony with a black mask on who fled behind a door and locked it. “Don’t worry I’ll get that ruffian!” Murphy began kicking the door with his hind legs as quickly as he could.

Legion made his way down the tunnel. He had little on his mind, he merely wanted to finish the mission and return to his previous duties. The tunnel began to wind and became more and more crystal filled. Legion disliked the glare the crystals gave off. With a firm kick he shattered the nearest crystal, and without it, there was almost no light in the tunnel. It became black as night. Legion had no trouble seeing, he was used to working in the dark of night, and he closed his eyes and focused. He reopened them his pupils had expanded greatly and he had no trouble advancing through the cave. He encountered a cave in from a tunnel above, spreading his leathery wings he ascended through the hole in the roof to see Murphy bucking a stone wall like a mad pony. He noticed the spectral ponies all around him.
“Still up to your old tricks Jinshu?” Legion taunted the ponies “Forced to use deception to get your way. You always were the weakest of your kind”
“Ah Legion. Still kicking I see, if I recall correctly I must have killed you three times myself.” One of the cowering ponies had assumed the form of a long spiny dragon and was curling and winding its way around Legion. Murphy had stopped what he was doing to stare at what was going on.
“Only twice old foe. We are more than a match for you in your current state.”
“Yes Legion, but why would you want to? We can give you what your heart desires. I make this pony respected, I make the dragon feel attractive, and I offer the unicorn knowledge. All I get is my freedom. Surly you want something Legion.”
“We know only duty monster. Begone!” The dragon gathered the other spectral ponies and fled, leaving the room a mess of unworked stone. Murphy shook his head unsure of what just happened.
“Legion? What the-… What just happened? What did that dragon say when he said he’d killed you before?” Murphy was filled with questions.
“There will be time to explore our past later Pony Murphy. However if Jinshu has spoken true, than it is imperative we find our comrades and stop them. It would seem we are being deceived into collapsing the mountain ourselves. Quickly Murphy follow us!” Legion spoke with a great air of authority and Murphy followed without hesitation they rushed into a large room with grand marble columns and many statues, but the largest was one made entirely out of lead with no decoration save the inscription “Jinshu, The Earth Guardian” The group saw the ethereal spirit ponies rush from one end of the room and out of a side door back into the giant lead statue. Spike and Philomena rushed out after their spirits, and Bluebell chased the spectral unicorn from the far end of the room. The ground beneath the statue began to give way. The giant lead statue began sinking into the ground. Steam and smoke began seeping out of the cracks where around the statue. A large chunk of the floor underneath the right fore claw broke free.
“We are not too late yet. Bluebell do as we command!” Legion had taken charge. He began buzzing by the dragon “Murphy Spike break the ground around make the statue fall!” Murphy and Spike began banging the floor around the dragon. The statue began sinking even faster. The freed right claw seemed to spring to life slashing slowly through the air at Legion. The dragon’s head began flailing desperate to free itself.
“As we suspected, he is imprisoned in the statue.” Legion flew under the middle of the dragon and began pushing down on it. It began sinking even faster before giving way to begin falling. Legion grabbed Bluebell and carried her down in pursuit, with Philomena following close behind.
“Legion have you lost your mind!” Bluebell screamed as they chased the rapidly falling statue. The Dragon had managed to free its other limbs, but being incased in lead, it was too weak to fly. The ground seemed to get brighter, and the air hotter as the descended. It came into focus as the bits of rubble landed and began to float in the burning lava. The dragon plummeted in and the lead began to become molten. “Bluebell make as many cold runes as you can on this ledge.” Legion placed her on a precariously narrow ledge and pointed at the walls. “Philomena keep watch. We will keep him busy.” Legion charged in circling the dragon who despite sinking became more and more active as the lead melted. Bluebell began carving the glyphs into the wall activating them one by one. “Hurry Bluebell!” Legion dodged a claw, which now sprayed molten lead in many directions when swung. Bluebell carved the last of the runes.
“Legion I finished the last one! Get clear!” Legion flew above the ring of runes. Bluebell’s horn glowed and the frost burst began turning the lava to rock through a process of super cooling. Jinshu launched his claws sending one large chunk of molten lead, which cooled and solidified into a harsh sharp point it grounded itself in Legion’s side. He let out a cry. “Philomena, carry Bluebell out, the lead cold runes will prevent him from melting his way out. We will follow you.” The Phoenix lifted the unicorn despite her protests and carried her up. Legion flapped as hard as he could he advanced a few hundred feet up the tunnel, before stopping to rest on a ledge. He pulled the spike out of his left shoulder. Grayish-red blood began to splatter all over the ledge. Legion felt consciousness leave him, and he slumped down unconscious.
Bluebell was let down gently by the Phoenix on the ledge. She smiled and then looked around. “Where’s Legion?” Spike asked. Bluebell began looking over the edge and panicking ordered Philomena to go get him. The phoenix descended, hundreds of feet before spotting the glint of armor on a ledge. Lifting the wounded Pegasus she valiantly carried him up to the surface. Legion faded into consciousness opening his eyes he saw Bluebell and Murphy staring at him.
“What are you two doing? Seal the pit, and place a ward on it. Don’t leave any risk that he may be freed.” Legion slumped again groaning in pain as his blood stained the floors.
“Go Miss Bluebell Spike and I will take him back to the farmhouse” Murphy lifted the Pegasus on his back and set off at a gallop. Bluebell began levitating statues and smoothing them out into one plate to cover the abyss. Eventually it was complete and she placed her horn in the ground and began concentrating. She walked out the complicated pattern, and then took a step back to admire her work. She lowered her horn a let a spark of magic fly, the whole glyph glowed bright blue for a second before fading to a dull blue on the floor. She remembered Legion and rushed out of the cave with Philomena in tow. She was disheartened with each step as she followed the trail of blood out, and towards the farmhouse under the starry night sky.

Author's Note: Probably one or two updates this week, because I have off. Also I may do another one shot fan-fic this week so keep your eyes open. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Chapter Six: Legion's Origin

“We make camp here tonight” Mayor Bristle ordered his followers. Several wagons came to a halt, and Mayor Bristle went into his personal room. Upon entering Mayor Mulberry jumped up inside his cage, he was covered in bruises and he had used most of his clothing to form makeshift bandages, but he still had plenty of fight left in him.
“You’ll never get away with this traitor! You think you can rob a bank and kidnap me and get away with it? My boys will come down on you so hard, you’ll be sorry” He shot a defiant smile at his former mayor. Bristle chuckled and stroked his full handlebar mustache. He walked over to his cabinet and produced a pile of old maps which he began studying.
“You think it’s funny? You’ll eat those laughs!” Bristle rolled his eyes and set his maps aside.
“No I won’t Captain. You see I kidnapped you and robbed the bank at the same time giving the impression you robbed the bank and skipped town.” Bristle resumed studying the ancient writing on the maps.
“They’ll never believe it! I would never skip town! I’ve lived there my whole life and faithfully served it.” He stomped his hoof in denial and anger.
“How quickly we forget Captain. Only last week I was the greatest mayor this town ever had. No one would suspect me of leading a dragon cult and then robbing the bank followed by beating and kidnapping the chief of police. My betrayal will have shocked them enough they will have to ask how deep the corruption ran. They will turn on you in an instant.” Bristle resumed his studies and left his former right hand man to ponder what he had said. The camp was rather impressive, the twenty or so earth ponies had done an excellent job building make shift wagons and tents, and all on Bristle’s word that he knew the location of another Elder Dragon. Though he did not want to admit it, he did indeed have a map detailing two more dragon prisons, but he had no idea how to decipher the ancient language to give him the precise location and the dragons they were freeing. He sat by the fire and began stroking his mustache.
“Out of my Way!” Mayor Bristle heard a female voice shouting on the nearby road where there camp had sprawled on to. Last he had checked there wasn’t a single mare in his group he trotted over to see, two gray earth ponies with shovel cutie marks arguing with a cyan unicorn in a flamboyant cape and hat. A wagon was parked which clearly belonged to the unicorn as it was covered with posters advertising shows from Hoofington to Canterlot.
“What seems to be the problem?” Mayor Bristle remained calm and kept his composure, he was a wanted pony, even if that was not widely known yet.
“These two brutes refuse to let The Great and Powerful Trixie, the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria-”
“Most magical unicorn in all of Equestria? We could use someone of your talents, that is if you are as good as you say you are.” Bristle had said exactly the right thing, Trixie’s grimace turned to a grin.
“Of course I am. It was I who vanquished the Ursa Major outside Hoofington and then an Ursa Minor that attacked Ponyville” an impressive lightshow portrayed an epic battle between the lone unicorn and the mighty spectral bears. Mayor Bristle smiled
“I take you are well versed in ancient languages then, to know spells potent enough to battle such might foes.”
“Of course I do. Any unicorn worth their horn knows at least one ancient language. The Great and Powerful Trixie has mastered over a dozen.” The Mayor’s smile grew even broader.
“Perhaps we could make a deal that would be mutually beneficial to the both of us. Follow me” The mayor led Trixie to an empty wagon, knowing showing a beaten and bruised prisoner might hurt his chances of persuading her. He entered the room and laid his ancient map on the table. Trixie took one look at the map and let out a shocked gasp.
“This map reveals the locations of the dragon prisons! Where in Equestria did you get such a rare and exotic item? You must be quite the archeological team. That’s why those ponies had shovel cutie marks they are the excavation team. Unicorn legend tells of all sorts of powerful spells and wards on those fields, spells long since lost… The Great and Powerful Trixie apologized, she did not mean to ramble it’s just such rare finds can excite even I” Trixie breathed an unnoticed sigh of relief and readjusted her approach “I suppose you want me along to decipher any unknown writing you may find at these locations?”
Mayor Bristle was pleased; he did not even have to come up with a lie to tell her, she had done that on her own. “Well, see my linguistics expert recently was forced to end his sabbatical from Canterlot University, so we need someone who can read the map. You will of course be compensated” Mayor Bristle produced a sack of ill-gotten bits and tossed it across the table. Trixie caught it with her magic and her face turned to a smug grin.
“So you need to pay for the best! Say no more the Great and Powerful Trixie is part of your archeological expedition! I will have the locations in the morning, but it seems to me you are headed the wrong way. It looks like there is one in Staliongrad-”
“We already excavated it” Bristle had begun to sweat he wiped his mustache with his hoof. “Focus on the other two” Bristle quickly left and gathered his group and let them in on the lie they were to feed Trixie. He then returned to his quarters ready to relax.
“My my and here I was thinking you had some class Bristle. Go in with a mare and a sack of money leave looking all nervous and sweaty for shame.” Mulberry was still as defiant as ever. Bristle picked up a curtain rod and jabbed him to the ground.
“Do not mock me. Believe what you will, but when the dragons give me power, I’ll see to it you suffer. In fact… Why shouldn’t I kill you right now?” Bristle drew a long serrated knife from a draw and began walking menacingly towards his prisoner’s cage.

“Because that mare will see my corpse and run and get help!” Bristle stopped. He wasn’t worried about the Trixie running; he was worried about Trixie not helping. He replaced the knife and decided to gag the prisoner and go to bed.

Murphy pounded on the farmhouse backdoor. He was about to break it down when Mrs. Pie opened it and nearly fainted. Murphy was on the verge of collapse. Legion himself wasn’t too heavy, but when combined with the heavy armor and Murphy’s heavy saddlebags it was quite a load.
“Help!” Murphy panted “He needs immediate medical attention.” Clyde Pie was up and hobbling as fast as his old legs could carry him he motioned to the workroom outside.
“Inky! Blinky!” Clyde’s voice rang through the house and his daughters rushed to him, both cringed at the blood trail on the floor. “Never mind that! Inky I’ll need Ma’s sewing kit. Blinky up in my room in my trunk there is a box with a red cross on it. Bring it to me!” His daughters obediently went off at a full gallop. “Honey I need you to start boiling water. Lots of it. And tell the girls to bring the things to the work room.” Mrs. Pie obediently followed her husband’s command. Clyde took of his sleeves and motioned for Spike to follow him. Murphy had laid Legion on a stone table looked nervously at Clyde and Spike. Inky and Blinky entered with the supplies and set them down on the table.
“Good girls now go wait in the next room, and when the unicorn arrives send her in. I’ll need her help.” Clyde set his glasses on and began looking at the bloody wound in Legion’s side.
“Uhh…beg pardon sir, but shouldn’t we take him to a real doctor?” Murphy immediately knew he had asked the wrong question.
“To be a REAL doctor or nurse you’d have to have a unicorn and tough luck for you mister, I’m the closest thing Rockville has to a real doctor. I was a combat medic during my time in the Royal Army, and I even applied to medical school, but I can’t get in because I’m not a unicorn! Now do as I say and be quiet!” Clyde’s cheeks had gone red and he resumed looking at the wound. “Spike get me the tweezers out of the sewing kit.” The dragon dutifully handed Mr. Pie the tweezers he took the tweezers in his mouth and very carefully inserted the tweezers into the gash and began removing pieces of lead. Blinky had returned with a pot of boiling water.
“Excellent.” Mr. Pie said “Spike begin placing all the metal tools in both the sewing kit and the medical one in the water and then remove them. Murphy go get a chair and several straws!” Murphy was about to question him, but remembering his earlier outburst decided not to question and went to fetch a chair and as many straws as he could find. Inky entered and refreshed the water pot with boiling water from a tea kettle. Spike with his heat resistant scales deftly soaked each instrument before handing it to Mr. Pie. After removing dozens of metal shards, Mr. Pie had Spike thread a needle and got to work sewing the wound up. Legion began to moan.
“B-baaags”
Quickly sewing the wound together, Mr. Pie went over to his medical produced a bottle, opened the stopper and placed it under Legion’s nose. He returned to unconsciousness and Clyde replaced the stopper. Bluebell entered the room in a panic; Clyde placed a hoof on her shoulder and began talking.
“Your friend has lost a lot of blood, if he’s going to make it; I’m going to need your help. Now begin fusing those straws into one long tube.” Mr. Pie went into his medical kit and produced two needles. “Now very carefully attack these to both ends of the straws.” Bluebell was still in a state of near panic but did as she was told. “Good, good now Murphy sit in the chair.” The police pony did as he was told; Clyde stuck one needle in Legion’s leg on the wounded side. He then rushed over and stuck the other needle in Murphy’s leg.
“Ow! What in the hay was that for?” Clyde ignored him
“Bluebell pump Murphy’s blood through the straws!”
“What!?”
“WHAT?”
“Just do it I’ll explain as we go”
“No! I want to know what you’re doing with my blood!”
“And why do I have to pump his blood into Legion?”
Clyde stomped his hoof. “Because he’s lost a lot of blood and this is the only way I can think of to save him! Now do as I say!” Bluebell cowed for a second and began pumping the blood. Slowly the red liquid flowed the distance and began entering Legion. Murphy’s lip continued to tremble.
“Buck up! You scaredy pony!” Clyde barked at Murphy. Murphy always one to prove his critics wrong put on a brave face. They sat there for close to an hour. The time crawled along. “Enough” Clyde ordered. He removed the straw first from Legion and placed a bandage where the needle had been, he then did the same for Murphy. “Well only time will tell if my old medical hypothesis was correct.”
“H-hypothesis? You mean this has never been tested?” Murphy was outraged and prepared to charge over at Clyde only to find himself weak and barely able to stand. He would have fallen over if Spike hadn’t helped him back up.
“Nope. It was my grand gambit to get into medical school. They said it was preposterous, but we’ve restored Legion’s blood to far more normal levels.” Bluebell, Murphy, and Spike’s faces were all somewhat shocked. “Inky! Blinky! Show them to the guest rooms, they will be staying a few days.” Blinky dutifully bowed her head and led Bluebell and Spike up the stairs.
Inky walked alongside Murphy helping him keep his balance, she helped him sit down on the couch. She wandered over to another chair and took a seat.
“Did you mean what you said earlier? You know about my cutie mark and me?” Inky looked away her cheeks a little flushed. Murphy’s head was spinning, he would have had a big enough head ache without having to be charming. He managed to put on a grin before responding.
“Of course I did” Murphy took of his cap and wiped his face. Inky began to blush; she had never really received compliments from outside the family before. Rockville was a small town a population of only a dozen or so, and there were hardly any colts, and certainly not any close to her age, and she was unlikely to receive flattery from the stallions she ordered about to remove rocks and minerals.
“I think it was very brave of you to help your friend like that” Inky’s voice wavered a little, a slight stutter creeping into her normal speech. Murphy began thinking to himself in a momentary panic
“Friend? What friend? Oh Legion, I don’t know if I’d call him a friend though-”
“Uh---” Murphy was snapped out of thought by Inky coughing, he realized he had drifted off and lost track of the conversation. His mind reeled for an excuse.

“Inky! Help me bring Legion up to the guest room” Murphy breathed an inaudible sigh of relief, as Inky went to help her father carry the gray Pegasus up the stairs. Without his armor Legion seemed far less intimidating, he was big for a Pegasus with a pair of crossed swords adorning his flank. He would be normal except that he had bat wings and his body was covered with about a half dozen scars. Murphy continued thinking about Legion as the other ponies ascended the stairs. “I guess we’re sort of blood brothers now.” Murphy looked at his sore arm “He’s not so bad. A little grim and cryptic, but he’s proven to be pretty good in a jam, but what does it mean that Legion was killed by that dragon twice before? I suppose I’ll get my answers when he comes to. Murphy followed Inky and Mr. Pie up the stairs and into the room prepared for Legion and him. He lay down in the bed and almost immediately went to sleep.

“Spike take a letter” Bluebell trotted around the room nervous of how to convey the news about Legion’s injury. The dragon faithfully produced a quill and paper and sat ready to write. Philomena perched herself on the small writing desk. Bluebell looked at one of Philomena’s bright crimson feathers that had fallen to the ground, and her face lit up with a realization. “The letter can wait Spike. Now where is it?” Bluebell began tossing myriad books out of her saddlebag. Spike smiled this situation was all too familiar to him.
“Uh- Where’s what?”
“My copy of Supernaturals. It contains a potent healing potion recipe that uses Phoenix feathers.”
Spike picked up one of the books on the floor and put it up in front of Bluebell’s face. Levitating the book away so quickly it knocked Spike over, she began furiously turning pages. There was a long list of exotic ingredients. Looking through her bag she did not have all of them, she rushed down the hall to Murphy and Legion’s room. She began rummaging through Murphy’s saddlebags.
“Uh Bluebell, what are you doing?”
“Good Murphy. You’re awake.”
“I wasn’t”
“Do you have any of these ingredients?” She levitated the book inches in front of Murphy’s face “I need them to make this potion” She turned the page to show a picture of a red potion.
“Wait a second I’ve seen that potion before. Legion’s bags are full of them.” Bluebell opened Legion’s saddlebag and sure enough there was vial after vial of potion. Bluebell levitated a vial took out the stopper and carefully poured it down Legion’s throat. Legion’s stiches faded into a long scar.
“Woah! And he drinks that stuff like water!” Murphy was astonished at the speed at which the potion worked. Bluebell began looking at Legion’s bags again.
“Hey those are mine!” Murphy was about to remark that Legion hadn’t used the plural, but he turned to see an entirely different pony. Where Legion had been there was now a yellow one-winged Pegasus with a willow branch and scroll as a cutie mark.
“What have you done with Legion?” Murphy accused. Bluebell was now staring awkwardly back and forth between the yellow Pegasus and Murphy.
“I am Legion observe.” The yellow Pegasus stuck his head into Legion’s steel helmet. A bright magical flash filled the room and there was the familiar bat winged guard. Legion removed the helmet and remained the same for a few moments, before returning to the yellow one-winged Pegasus.
“Uh… I’m confused.” Murphy scratched his head and wondered how two ponies were in the same body.
“I think I understand. I’ve read about things like this. The helmet is a conduit allowing a pony who passed away long ago to possess a living pony.” Bluebell explained.
“Not quite Ms. Bluebell. Well, what you said is true, there are two special conduits, one created by Princess Luna, and the other by Princess Celestia. I obviously possess the one made by Princess Luna; my counterpart Phalanx has the other. The Legion helmet takes the greatest strengths of all the past bearers and forms them into one, that is the body that forms is that of Legion, all our minds have formed a collective conscious which controls the body, though because I am the host I can control the entire collective for short periods of time. The Phalanx helmet is the opposite instead of all the minds forming a collective conscious they all think on separate paths at once. When we wear the helmet our host bodies do not age, and only very rarely do we guard captains retire. Death is the most common discharge of our service as long as the helmet remains intact Legion lives on.”
“Okay so who are you then? Outside of Legion I mean, and why do you have so many potions?” Bluebell was intrigued by all this advanced magic and wanted to know more Murphy was working hard just to understand.
“Colonel Autumn Willow at your service. I’m afraid I have all the healing potions, because I’m the weakest host body Legion has ever had. I lost my wing at the battle of 3rd Pines, and the potion combined with the armor’s magic allows me to grow the wings back, but instead of another feathery wing, my good wing becomes a batwing and I grow another.”
“So how old are you?” Murphy piped in
“Two-hundred thirty seven in four months, but I don’t feel a day over twenty five”
“So… is my blood in you or Legion or both?”
“Both, remember I am merely transformed by the helmet. It’s still my body. So Bluebell where to next? We should be ready to go by morning.”
“I’ll go let the Princesses know. You two sleep though.” Bluebell turned to leave the room “Oh, and good job out there.” With the first sincerely nice thing she had said to either of them she left the room, and Willow and Murphy smiled and began going back to sleep.

Author's Note: Yup I made an attempt at medical drama and romantic dialouge. Never tried doing either of those things before. Constructive Criticism Welcome.

Chapter Seven: Willow's Origin

The sun rose, and for the first time in centuries Willow woke up instead of Legion. He still habitually spread his wing and flapped it a bit. He still felt a little weak, and decided he would put on his armor later. He looked over to Murphy who was still silently sleeping. Willow left and walked down the stairs. HE descended into the dark kitchen. Nopony was awake yet. Willow pulled a match of the counter struck it and lit a candle. The kitchen was fairly well illuminated, it was a modest kitchen with wood cabinets all around and a large ice box. Willow opened the ice chest and saw fair amounts of dough and yeast, a stick of butter, and a jug of milk. He felt there were inadequate supplies, he checked and found he had plenty of money. He extinguished the candle and went out to the market.
The sun peeked out over Rockville, it was a quaint little town. Only one store was open, a large wooden building labeled “General Store” with a small sign reading “Open.” Willow opened the door, ringing the bell. A brown earth pony sat in a rocking chair behind the counter with a large straw hat covering his eyes and a light snore escaping his lips. Willow picked up a basket and began walking around the store gathering a myriad of items. Baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, brown sugar, walnuts, ginger, and Sweet Apple Acres Applesauce, and a pumpkin weighed the basket down as Willow approached the counter. He set the basket down, and cleared his throat. The Earth Pony woke up and looked around confused for a moment. He then looked at Willow and took out a pencil. He then looked at Willow again. He looked at his wing and his cutie mark. He then looked down beneath the counter.
“Is something wrong?”
“No. No. I just want to check something.” The Earth Pony took a picture out “You have to be a ghost. Look at this. You look just like my Grandfather’s commanding officer guarding Cardinal North. He always spoke well of him. Colonel Willow always was a compassionate guy, grandpa said. Says he got promoted to the Royal Guard.” The Pony began taking items out of the basket and tallying the cost.
“So your name is?”
“Wild Thunder the III, named after my Grandpa and my pa.”
“Ah so your Grandpa was Corporal Thunder?”
“Sure was…. Hey how’d you know his rank?”

“Oh… Lucky guess I’m sure.” Willow laid out the bits and took the basket left the shopkeeper with a confused smile on his face. A sleek orange Pegasus with a cap and a satchel was flying over the town tossing newspapers to the various doorsteps. Willow made his way back to the Pie household. He picked up the newspaper in his mouth and set it down on the kitchen counter. He laid out the various items he had bought on the counter. He took a shovel and put coal into the oven and set about his task.

“Wake up sleepy head your friend made Muffins.” Inky was shaking Murphy awake, albeit a little exuberantly. He shook his head and groggily looked around. Inky was wearing her mane differently she had moved her bangs out of her eyes with a hair beret.
“Not weirded out by him looking completely differ this morning?”
“ Oh at first, but he explained everything to us. Now come on.” Murphy was not quite ready to get out of bed, but found himself practically dragged down the stairs. Inky sat him down, and then took the spot next to him. She put a piping hot pumpkin muffin in front of him.
“Coffee? Tea? Juice? Milk?” Inky asked pointing to the various containers aroud the table.
“Gee Inky why don’t you ask him to marry you?” Blinky said taking a swig of juice. Inky began blushing and Mrs. Pie shot her older daughter a nasty look for the remark. Clyde remained unphased and continued reading his paper. Murphy looked over at Mr. Pie and then back to his muffin. He almost spat out the muffin as he turned to look at the newspaper again.
“Can I see the front page?” Murphy asked with urgency. Clyde casually handed it to him and commented on the section he was reading
“Looks like the Fillies are gonna have a tough game this week.”
Murphy ignored the talk about sports and reread the headline. Murphy couldn’t believe the headline “New Staliongrad Mayor Robs Town” there it was in black and white. Murphy read on “Former Police Captain Mulberry Cameo was appointed mayor after the former mayor was revealed to have lead a dragon cult. The Captain had not been Mayor for a week, when it was discovered the town treasury was emptied and the mayor had left town. Police currently have no leads” Murphy began grinding his teeth. How could he have not noticed all the corruption in his hometown all these years, maybe he wasn’t as good at reading ponies as he thought, maybe the Princess should have left him in Staliongrad, he had not added anything to this mission. Legion and Bluebell took down the almost freed dragon, he had just been subdued by his own pride. Sure he had given Legion blood and carried his unconscious body, but anypony could have done that. He continued munching on his muffin, occasionally flashing a smile at Inky.
Bluebell thought Murphy seemed distracted, she’d have to ask him about it later, right now she had to plan their next route. Celestia and Luna were pleased with their last performance, and had sent train tickets to their next location. She was having Spike inventory all their things, and having them sent to the train station. She returned to the dining room to see Murphy chomping away on a muffin, and Willow putting on his armor. A bright flash of light and the pony who had lovingly made breakfast was replaced by the ever solemn Legion. Murphy got up to lead and was almost talked receiving a hug from Inky

“You’ll write me won’t you?” Murphy looked at those pleading eyes and gave a nod and a smile. He hadn’t expected his flirting to lead to this. “I’ll just be a pen pal” He thought to himself “I don’t want any kind of commitment” Inky finally let go “Oh boy. This isn’t good.” Murphy quickly made his way out of the home, Bluebell said farewell, and the group made its way to the train. The platform was crowded, the temporary labor was leaving now that the Pie family wasn’t going to excavate more, many young disgruntled stallions pushed their way towards the ticket booth. Legion however with a stomp of his hooves, managed to get the crowd to part. Bluebell purchased two rooms on the train causing protests amongst the disgruntled ponies, and went onboard.

The train finally pulled out of the station it began heading West under a full head of steam. It traveled South towards the port of Hoofington, from there they would have to travel on hoof to their next location. It was a loud train, the conductor had to break up several fights between the disruptive and overcrowded colts. Bluebell suggested the remain in their rooms until the train emptied a bit. Several games of cards later Spike and Murphy were becoming bored, and unlike Legion cannot simply stare into space for hours on end.
“Spike you want to get something to eat?” The dragon set down his cards
“You bet I am I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!” Murphy gave him a confused stare “Metaphorically speaking of course” Spike hopped on Murphy’s back and the two set out to look for lunch. The dining car was a crowded mess of Stalions. The staff was being overworked. Murphy went up and he and Spike occupied two bar stools. They munched a peanuts while the staff rushed about filling orders. Finally some came to take their order
“Daisy sandwich, apple fries, and a Celesti-Ale, and I want it in the bottle. Spike?”
“Cheese Danish and a Pony-Cola” Scribbling down the order the pony placed it on a near over-flowing orders wheel, and moved onto the next customers. Spike began talking about Twilight Sparkle and her friends. Murphy listened as Spike recounted all the various adventures and misadventures. He kept describing this Rarity girl Murphy picked up that he must like her quite a bit. As the food arrived Murphy tried to steer the conversation
“So…” He sampled a few apple fries “This Rarity is your filyfriend then?” He popped open the Celesti-ale and took a swig. Spike sighed and nibbled at his Danish.
“I wish. It’s like she doesn’t even notice me.” He dejectedly looked at his Danish before his face lit up “But hey you’ve got the smooth skills with the Fillies. I saw you flirting with Inky, maybe you could teach me to be like you!” Murphy thought for a second, before shrugging his shoulders and beginning to explain.
“Or you could become rich and powerful. I hear that’s good for getting fillies, but that’s too easy. You want to do it in a romantic fashion. Mares like to be complemented, but not with generic complements if you want them to notice you, they need to be original and heartfelt. She’s in fashion right? So she gets complements on her appearance all the time, granted she’ll still want to hear those, but no one complements what’s on the inside. Why go through all the trouble of putting so much into her physical appearance if she wasn’t insecure. They say flattery will get you nowhere. That’s a load of bull.” Murphy took another swig of his beer, before taking a break to eat some more of his sandwich.
“You seem pretty smart about this Murph. So how bout you? You have a filyfriend?” Spike nibbled at his Danish and then began tugging at the cap on his bottle of cola. He banged it against the counter. Murphy put a hoof out as Spike prepared to breath fire on the bottle. Spike with a frustrated expression handed it Murphy one brief pop later and Murphy handed him back an open soda bottle. “I must have loosened it for you. So anyway my question.”
“Well I think I may have one accidently now. I was just flirting with Inky and she got so clingy. It’s like she’s never been complemented before.” Murphy pondered his problem munching away on his food.
“Heh It’s better than not having a Filyfriend.” Murphy stopped for a second. Spike was absolutely right. He was so worried about something he had not planned happening, that he did not stop and realize it might not entirely a bad thing. He was pondering what Spike had said when a rather large and grungy looking Stallion knocked Spike out of his stool and moved into his spot.
“My friend was sitting there.”
“So?” The stallion began taking a swig of Spike’s Pony-Cola. Murphy took it from him and set it back down. The Stallion turned and tried intimidating Murphy
“Do you really want to do this? Take on a police pony and a dragon?” Murphy cracked his upper hooves to try and tell this Stallion to back off. The Stallion puffed himself up but then looked at Murphy and then at the angry looking dragon staring him down, he rushed off seeking to avoid a fight he would lose. Spike got back in his seat wiped his cola and the two resumed talking, eventually the two were asked to leave so they could accommodate the other guests. They walked back to their quarters, and entered Legion stared remotely into space as if nothing had happened.
“Hey Legion we brought you a sandwich!” Spike carried a bag over in front of Legion and waved it around.
“Thank you, but we do not require sustenance.” Murphy rolled his eyes. Spike put the sandwich bag down on the nightstand next to Legion.
“Would Willow like a sandwich? Can he come out and play?” Legion raised an eyebrow at Spike and Murphy snickered.
“We fail to see your interest in our present host. He is merely the latest addition to our collective mind. He was added to our mind to give us his gifts for both poetry and compassion. His talents are rarely required.” Legion’s voice broke from its dull monotone, a hint of resentment could be heard around the word compassion. It was as if the pony wished to be devoid of feeling and mercy.
“Well Legion, the reason we like Willow better, no offense, is that he’s a pretty fun guy. Not to mention we’re confidant he’s got an interesting back story. He gave us a bit of your history, now why don’t you give us some of his? And don’t give us that “Unnecessary Information” bit” Murphy had gone right up to Legion’s face. His yellow eyes blinked and he cleared his throat.
“Very well then. Colonel Autumn Willow was born on the first of November in Cloudsdale two hundred and thirty six years ago.” Murphy and Spike took seats as Legion began his tale “As a child his parents died at a young age, he was left an orphan, and he dropped out of flight school. He wandered Equestria consumed by grief. Eventually he made his way to Canterlot where sleeping in an alley by a café one night, he overheard a poetry session. He was drawn in by the poem of a yellow unicorn with brown hair, he was instantly smitten with her. She was three years his senior, but he sought to impress her. Right then and there he entered the café and attempted a poem on the spot. It was a tale of loss and sadness, nary a pony was dry eyed at the end of his poem. He was applauded and was awarded the prize of fifty bits. He was too excited about being able to eat and sleep with a roof over his head he did notice his cutie mark had appeared until he rented an apartment that evening. He was overjoyed. He made extensive use of the public libraries and submitted to any venue he could find. His poetry began to spread throughout Equestria and he had made enough of a name for himself. His goal always remained the heart of that unicorn.” Spike took out a notebook and a quill, tips on wooing a unicorn were definitely something he would be interested in.
“Eventually he garnered the attention of the unicorn Miss Tabitha Scratch. She thought of him as a kindred spirit, but just a dear friend.” Spike sighed and began crumpling his notes. “This was all going to change, Willow planned to confess his feelings for her at the Gran Galloping Gala, but before the chance arose, the Griffon War began. Long had the Griffons lived in peace on Equestria’s Northern border, so this attack caught the Equestrian military off guard. The majority of Equestria’s stallions enlisted, seeing it as an opportunity to earn glory and have the adventure of a life time. Among those who enlisted were Tabitha’s brother. Tabitha’s brother had long disapproved of her interest in poetry, and as such disapproved of Willow, encouraging it. She begged him to reconsider, but he refused. Hearing Tabitha’s anguish Willow enlisted and vowed to protect Tabitha’s brother. Willow took special care to be sure he ended up in the same division, the 4th Canterlot. The two of them wrote frequent letters back to Tabitha. Her brother’s telling her of current events, and Willow’s sending flowing poetry in hopes of winning her heart. They both survived the disastrous Battle of 2nd Pines. There was a change after that, her Brother stopped writing, seeking instead to enjoy those immediately around him, visiting several mares of ill-repute and succumbing to alcohol night after night. Willow steadfastly guarded that Pony, almost like a guardian angel. Willow’s poetry changed to, what had once been romantic poetry had shifted, he extolled the virtues of his brothers-in-arms, he still wrote romantic poetry, but there was more sadness behind it.” Murphy swore he could see Legion’s eyes becoming watery. The Pegasus continued.
“He was saddened by the deaths of his friends and comrades and did his best to protect all of them. The war began to turn, the Griffons could not compete with the magic the ponies had begun using more combatively. They were stronger than earth ponies and pegasi, but they had no magic of their own. They couldn’t cope with the magic brought against them. The battle of 3rd Pines was one of the last battles of the war. The griffons were attempting to counterattack and their wily leader had split his forces diverting the bulk of the army away from the Pines Ridge. The majority of the Griffons smashed into the unexpectant flank of the Pony reserves among them was the 4th Canterlot Division. They were driven back Tabitha’s brother offered a heroic defense rallying the unicorns to hold out against the superior numbers of Griffons. It looked as though the sneak attack would be repelled when one Griffon broke through the pony lines and made a dash straight for Tabitha’s brother. The Griffon would have ended him had not Willow blocked the claw with his own body. His wing was torn clean off, giving Tabitha’s brother time to cast a spell blasting the griffon to shreds. Rather than lay wounded, Willow lead a charge against the Griffons, seeing someone so injured fight on inspired the remaining ponies leading them to rout the Griffon offensive.” Spike’s notes consisted now of “Romantic Poetry” and “Become National Hero”
“He was no longer suited for active military duty, so he was transferred to the Cardinal North’s personal guard. Tabitha’s brother wrote back of Willow’s heroism, and he wrote back from the field hospital confessing his love for her. They finally were together, they dated for several years, before Willow finally proposed. They were married and close to a year later Tabitha had become pregnant. They were overjoyed at the thought of a foal. Regrettably the Cardinal North was called on urgent business to Hoofington, and as such Willow was away when it happened. She passed away in delivery. Willow’s poetry became sad once again, moving many to tears, and his loyal service was noted, and Celestia eventually chose him to replace the previous Legion who had perished fighting the Griffons. I trust that should satisfy your curiosity” Spike had smoothed out his notes and stored them in his suitcase. Murphy scratched his head.
“If Willow was so sad about his wife’s death, why is he so happy now? He hasn’t been dealing with his grief, he has been trapped inside you.”
“We cannot answer that question, how Willow deals with his grief is not our concern. Now I suggest you prepare for our travels. We have a long day tomorrow."

Chapter Eight: Competition

“The entrance to the prison should be nearby.” Trixie led the group through dense foliage. The ponies grumbled pulling her wagon in addition to their own supplies, grumbling about having to hide their intentions. Bristle had promised them the next dragon though, so they would persevere. They came to a clearing in the jungle, and there it was a gigantic lake with a spire raising out of it.
“Such powerful magic. The Great and Powerful Trixie has never sensed power like this. It’s most concentrated at the bottom of the lake bed. That is where the battle must have taken place.” Bristle surveyed the area. The lake was deep and very large, but at one point a very narrow stretch of land was all that separated the lake from draining out into a nearby valley.
“There.” Bristle pointed to the stretch of land “Plant explosives there. It will drain the lake.” Trixie’s mouth was aghast with horror.
“Think of the damage you will do to any ponies living in the valley! There must be another way for us to access the temple.”

“Look Great and Powerful Trixie, don’t worry about it. You’ll get to study your precious little magics. We get what we want.” Trixie again seemed confused, but the Earth ponies planted the large sacks of gunpowder on the face of the cliff. Before Trixie could object a deafening explosion rocked the forest and millions of gallons of water began flowing into the valley. Trixie began to speak, but the other ponies just began walking over the land bridge into the structure. Trixie decided not to tell them, that the bottom of the structure was still underwater, but decided to follow to see what was really going on. The ponies entered into a grand chamber, pipes filled with water ranging from normal sized to some you could pull a wagon through dominated the room. The very path they walked on was a pipe leading in and out of the walls. The ponies looked on in awe, Trixie studied the pipes, they were enchanted to show an illusion of running water, there was something else trapped within. Trixie began doubting this was a simple archeology expedition and suspected they were here to plunder any treasures they could find.

The train rolled to a lethargic stop, and Bluebell led the group quickly out of the town, and over the Delemare River. The group followed along a dirt road for several miles. Spike cleverly avoiding walking by stowing away in Legion’s saddlebags. The path grew less and less well traveled, the occasional buildings now became few and far between., and eventually stopped all together. Farmer’s fields became untamed meadows, and the meadows became a rich forest, before the forest turned to jungle land. Legion had to land; the foliage had become too dense for him to fly above the ground level. The sun began to set, and Bluebell signaled a halt. The group had journeyed in almost complete silence since they left the train. Murphy trusted Legion, and he liked Spike, the same could not be said of their fearless leader. She did not let them look at the letters she got from the Princesses, not even Spike got a chance to see them. When she sent letters she always wrote them personally, and had Spike send them right away. Murphy’s police instincts told them there was more going on than Bluebell was telling them.
“Be careful. You never know what’s in these jungles.” Bluebell’s warning seemed superfluous. The group was hunting dragons, scratch that Dragon gods, and she was worried about what was in the jungle? Spike laughed.
“I sneer at danger. The more the better!” The dragon received odd looks from both Legion and Murphy. Murphy laughed
“Try saying that outside of Legion’s saddlebags!” Legion smirked and bucked the dragon out.
“Legion did you just have fun? I think that’s a first.” Murphy never missed a trick, but Legion calm as ever replied in his typical monotone.
“Nonsense, we merely were tired of carrying him.” Spike got up dusted himself off, flexed non-exsistant biceps, and took a deep breath.
“I sneer at Dang-” Spike was interrupted by the ground giving way. The group fell into a pittrap “Who did this? I’ll show them”
“Relax Spike the ground probably was weak there. I don’t think anyone is laying traps for ponies” Bluebell consistently had to have the last word and reminded Spike of Twilight before she had made any friends.
“Boss! Our pony trap caught something!” The words were scratchy and lower than any pony voice, talking seemed strained, as if it was difficult. Three silhouettes with long snouts and pointed ears looked down the pit. Spike crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out at Bluebell.
“Spike now isn’t the time for arguing. We need to get of this trap. Legion carry Murphy out. Philomena will take care of Spike. I’ll take care of myself.” Bluebell’s horn flashed and she began walking straight up the wall as though it were the floor. The phoenix and the Pegasus ascended and narrowly beat Bluebell out of the pit.
“Ponies.”
“You! You kidnapped Rarity!” Spike had clenched his fists and we would be running full speed if Philomena wasn’t holding onto him.
“You friend of whiny-”
“Complaining”
“of complaining pony. Why you destroy Diamond Dogs’ home? We said sorry. We gave Pony gems. Lots of gems!”
“Ponies destroy Diamond Dogs home!” The three main dogs’ fur was standing on edge, they had their teeth barred and paws spread. The lesser hounds behind them let a low guttural growl lose and waved their weapons in the air. Spike raised his claws and looked to his companions, Legion had drawn his sword and Murphy had broken off a branch as an improvised club. Bluebell did not prepare for battle in any way, she saw they were outnumbered and planned to avoid confrontation.
“We didn’t destroy your home.”
“Ponies flood valley. Destroy Barkingham. Diamond Dogs get revenge on Ponies” The dogs on all fours and armor began barking in anger, waving their spears in the air. “Diamond Dogs teach ponies lesson for ruing dog’s home.”
“But we didn’t-”
“Dogs sick of ponies’ lies!” The lead Dog cut Bluebell off. The hounds moved angrily towards the ponies.
“So much for diplomacy. Spike light this branch!” Spike breathed fire onto Murphy’s improvised club. Brandishing the flame he drove the dogs past the tree line. Bluebell began knocking trees over with her magic forming a wall around the dogs. Murphy lit the wall, and the Dogs were surrounded by a ring of green fire.
“Uh-Shouldn’t we worry about the fire spreading? I don’t want these dogs dying for a misunderstanding” Legion seemed unmoved by Murphy’s plea. Spike reassured him though
“Don’t worry, Murphy old pal its magic fire breath. It doesn’t spread if I don’t want it to.” Angry barks and howls persisted as the group left the scene. Bluebell again looking at the letter, hastily rolling it up the moment Murphy tried to look at it. Murphy slowed his pace to talk to Legion.
“Don’t you think it’s odd, she never lets us see the letters she gets from the Princesses?”
“We do not concern ourselves with such matters” Murphy sighed getting the far too typical response.
“Don’t you wonder if Princess Luna has sent you any new orders?” Legion could tell Murphy was trying to change his opinion and would have none of it. He began trotting faster, Murphy did not take the hit and increased his speed to match. Legion rolled his eyes and ignored Murphy’s continued attempts to back him up in a confrontation with Bluebell. Legion picked up his speed even more, the duo now overtaking Bluebell as the rushed ahead.
“Guys wait up!” Bluebell Philomena and Spike rushed behind, Legion and Murphy were at a full gallop now. They crushed foliage underfoot and startled plenty of small creatures. Legion took to the air, using his wings to go even faster. Murphy lowered his head and ran as fast as he could, until… Murphy landed with a mighty splash.
“That’s odd there shouldn’t be a lake here.” Bluebell looked at the map. Murphy glared at Legion. Spike couldn’t resist a laugh seeing Murphy sopping wet. Philomena let out a cough before landing on Bluebell. Murphy got up and saw the guffawing Spike, he burst into a wide grin, before grabbing the Dragon and tossing him into the water, the two laughed and splashed. Legion landed on the ground no longer worried about Murphy’s paranoia. Murphy and Spike stopped splashing and gave each other full toothy grins. Legion suddenly found himself shoved into the water. Murphy and Spike were beside themselves laughing when a small wave crashed upon them. Legion stood in the water bat wings fully extended, Spike and Murphy charged in and a three way splash war began, Legion dead set on victory and Spike and Murphy laughing all the way.
“Will you three quit horsing around? This Lake isn’t supposed to be here!” The men stopped their splashing for a second. Spike and Murphy got that mischievous glint in their eyes again. “Oh no you two aren’t bringing me into this. Legion stop them!” It was too late Murphy and Spike had hoisted Bluebell into the air and tossed her into the lake. She went careening through the air, before landing with a gigantic splash. Murphy and Spike rolling on the ground laughing as Bluebell flailed.
“Help! I can’t swim! SOS!” Murphy and Spike stopped laughing. The two saw a blue hoof fall under the water and were rushing as fast as they could. Legion swam underwater, looking for Bluebell. He was forced to surface as his heavy armor made it difficult to swim. Murphy dove under water, his conscience filled with guilt he pumped his hooves in a vain attempt to move faster. He craned his neck and back and moved his body in a wormlike motion under the water. As he moved closer to the bottom he began to notice things. The water was filled with crude buildings and fully grown trees. Murphy almost let his breath out when he saw a fully armored Diamond Dog, with a small star badge establishing it as the constable, sitting at the bottom of the lake. He spotted Bluebell sinking to the bottom, her body limp and lifeless. Grabbing a hold of Bluebell with his fore hooves he began squirming his way back to the surface as quickly as he could. He was several feet below the surface when he realized he was out of air. He spent his last air on a little chuckle, he survived two dragons and an army of Diamond Dogs and here he was going to die of a little splash fight.
An armored hoof wrapped around him, and another around Bluebell. Legion had grabbed the two of them and was flapping his wings furiously underwater to pull the trio to the surface. The moment Legion could breathe his wing flapping increased and he pulled the trio free of the water, before crashing near exhaustion on the shore.
“Murphy once we have caught our breath we are going to kill you”
“By Celestia Legion did you just crack a joke? I should almost drown more often” Bluebell coughed water and shot an angry look at the three men she was traveling with, Spike and Murphy offered sheepish grins, while Legion maintained his ever present poker face. Bluebell magically lifted all the water off her and splashed the trio. Murphy actually felt compelled to stop the fun though.
“The dogs weren’t lying.” The laughter stopped. An eerie silence fell, like the wild itself was listening to what Murphy had to say. “Under the water, there were… buildings and” Murphy struggled through his words “…bodies. Drowned in the middle of their daily routine.” It was odd to see the police pony near tears, he had never shown any hint of sadness before. “There was nothing they could do. It looked like the water was just dumped on them from above. “The police were helpless. Those Diamond Dogs we trapped are probably all that’s left of their entire city.” Murphy was weeping, he did not know the Diamond Dog police, he just knew to protect and serve. The diamond dogs had been unable to do either against this flood. The group kept a respectful silence as Murphy tried to regain his composure. “Whatever pony is responsible for this is going to pay”

The sun was begging to set and Bluebell suggested making camp for the night. The somber group began erecting tents and preparing for the next day.

Another dead end. This maze of pipes seemed full of them. The Great and Powerful Trixie was convinced these ponies weren’t archeologists of any kind. They had passed up many interesting murals, some of which showed pony like creatures swimming freely through the water. One of them showing a strange creature with a yellow mane with a pony that reminded Trixie of the pony she humiliated with her own rope, being rescued by the swimming ponies. It certainly puzzled her. Bristle grew increasingly frustrated with each dead end. His little helpers began to grumble more and more. Trixie saw opportunity.
“Perhaps you should tell me what we are looking for if you want me to navigate” Bristle brushed her off. “Maybe I should just go wait out by the caravan.” Trixie was bluffing; she did not want to head out to the wagons. Bristle put a hoof to his mustache and began stroking it.
“Yes go sit at the carts. Someone walk her out.” One of the ponies with the shovel cutie mark lead Trixie away. She was silently cursing herself, now how was she supposed to see any ancient magic lying around. She hung her head in disappointment.
Bristle figured the dragon had to be trapped deeper. The lake had not fully drained, so that meant any of the lower levels could still be submerged. They had to be careful, Bristle finding a staircase that curled around a pipe as it descended deeper. The Earth Pony lead his followers deep into the bowels of the structure. It was almost entirely made of metal, yet had not rusted despite being in constant exposure to water for all these years. It was cold but somehow dry. “Perhaps its magic, or maybe this was never underwater.” Bristle thought to himself. The stairs eventually ended as the pipe leveled out. Making the short jump onto the pipe they could see many pipes large and small carrying into one large chamber kept in a state of constant turbulence. Pipes carrying oil mixed with the water and who knows what else. The whirlpool seemed to be a mix of messy sludge. The bottom of the room was almost fifty feet down and open to the water. Overcoming a mild case of vertigo the intrepid Earth Pony lead them towards the large contained mess of sludge. There in faint colors was a mural showing a white dragon being brought gold by pegasi. A strange sensation crept over Bristle, he thought he something in the sludge. Below it in even fainter but readable writing was the inscription “Vayu, the Wind Guardian”