Dragon Storyby KaribelaChaptersDozy in BedQuest at CourtView the WorldGoing InsideWoken UpDeepThe OthersFlyEndSummerTrotting through StreetsFlying by ChariotLanding on RockTired BabyCavesAlightHopeDozy in BedGrazing proudly in the fields... A mare slept soundly in a bare small room. Her name was Crescent, and she worked for the princesses as a guard during night-time. She slept soundly, dreaming alone about the endless fields that she had back at home, until someone woke her up. They opened the curtains, and Crescent awoke to a flash of searing light, enough to move both her hooves to shield herself while the pony spoke. “Your audience is required quickly Miss Crez. Luna has told me to wake you. Says she is tired from some issue, it sounds like trouble.” An often-found situation in the ever-growing Equestria! Crescent wondered if she would ever get some beauty sleep. “I wish I could reject,” she slurred with her sleep-talk, lumbering on her words like a kitten would laze under the sun, “But I know my place... it's not my decision. Where am I going?” “To Luna's court, where she waits within.” A curious issue, but one that Crescent should have expected if not for her tired mind. “Huh,” said Crescent, “I'll be there as soon as I am able.” A quest, perhaps? Luna's quests were nothing if not mysterious. It could be a problem close to home, a mare that's lost her filly, she thought, or it could be a foray into some far away field, where the griffons fly and wind-whipped grass grows wild beneath their wings. She had done both before. Crescent had been one of Luna's guards for eighteen years now, and the job had taken her on many adventures far and wide, close and small. She rolled the dice in every task she took, but whatever those dice landed on, she took it. A strong willed and minded mare was she, but it often times got her stuck into all sorts of scary situations. The messenger who stayed for only the shortest while left as quickly as she arrived. Crescent started making herself ready for the day, taking her bag from a short wooden stand. It's always me left with the big issues, as much as I love them. Will I ever get to sleep through a single morning? Quest at CourtShe arrived at the palace shortly after. The ponies guarding the palace, with spears held in hoof, greeted her kindly as she walked on by. She walked through many halls made of cut stone, decorated with carpets and paintings. She also walked through rooms where posh ponies from far away had met with each other for the first time, and talked with one another while sipping their drinks. Crescent didn't understand what they said, but she knew their purpose was noble. Princess Luna had trusted them to stay. It wasn't long before she reached Luna's court. There her princess sat, with a beautiful tiara perched on her head. Crescent walked to the middle of the court, and kneeled for a moment in front of the princess. “You may stand, Crescent, Van of my Night Guard.” “Thank you, princess Luna.” She stood up from the court floor. Luna spoke. “I must trust you with a very important task today. There was a problem that landed itself in the Unicorn Range, just last night. It happened to be on a group of ponies that were led by one Ashy Parks, the trumpet-player, who played in last year's Canterlot Ball. ” Princess Luna frowned, and it was then that Crescent knew this was troubling. “We do not know what they were doing, but they were caught in an ambush, by dragons.” “Dragons?” Crescent repeated, taken aback. She had dealt with them before, but not like this. “I thought they laid nest in the Badlands.” Princess Luna shook her head. “Perhaps, but we are sure that this is the truth of the matter. It may be dangerous, but that is why I hired you.” Princess Luna smiled faintly, before her face became serious. “We have found the location. I need your help, Crescent. You must find the dragons, without violence if possible, and free these ponies.” Luna gave her a golden glance. “Remember to take your night guard's brooch. With it, danger won't be a problem with quick wits, and I know that your wits are sharp.” Crescent nodded, knowing to keep the brooch safe. It was imbued with the magic of many magi, the name for wizards in Equestria. “As always, your grace. I will do as you ask. My hooves... body, and mind, ready for the task.” “Good,” said Luna. “I have a chariot waiting outside. My blessings on you.” View the WorldCrescent was careful to pick her bag up off the chariot floor first, so she wouldn't forget. It only contained one thing, Luna's brooch, but it was important. Leaving the others behind, Crescent moved on. Long Wind was right about another thing. There were no dragon scales, or anything that she could find as a clue to Ashy's whereabouts. Crescent started to think they had gone to the wrong mountain. There was something, though, a little further on. Crescent leant down to see. Strands of hair... purple, short hair. They aren't from Ashy, he has yellow fur, but I remember that one of the brass players with a big, winding horn was purple-furred. Crescent turned one way, and she saw the cave entrance and the wide claw-like rocks above. It had to be where they had been kidnapped. Crescent turned the other way, and she saw Equestria. It was fascinating to her, and it had to be. Crescent was an earth pony, and had rarely seen the world from up so high. Canterlot's walls often shielded the view from her. Looking over the cliff, Crescent saw farms, forests, rivers and towns, all tiny blots covered partly by haze. It made her think back to her family. Then she turned back, unyieldeding. “My job may be far as I could think from the fields where I belong, but it has to be done by somepony. I can't imagine what would happen to Ashy and his friends if I didn't.” With that, she entered. Going InsideCrescent stepped into the cave. She felt cold up high in the mountains, and realised it was not just the wind as she stepped in, though it did not help the matter. If it weren't for that torch, I'd be freezing. It was strange that a torch would be there, though. Perhaps ponies had camped here before? Ponies rarely stayed so high and far away. Only dragons and billy goats would dare spend a night near the top of a faraway mountain. There seems to be no way up for anypony but a pegasus. They must have been carried up here. There was an echo from deeper within, a faint sound of scratching and what must have been a heavy breath. I should be cautious, she thought, it might be one of their kin. She paused, giving herself time to arc her foreleg over to press down on her bag. Knowing the brooch was safe reassured her, and she continued into the cave. Woken UpThe dragon woke up. A shrill scream filled the caves, startling Crescent and hurting her ears. It displayed talons, teeth, and bony limbs. Entirely caught off guard, Crescent could see that the thing was startled, or angry, but whatever it's reason it was ready to attack. As she stood in her tracks, the dragon looked away from her and leapt onto the floor, crawling with clicking sounds from it's claws across the floor. It ran up the wall, and Crescent dashed away, close to the smooth rock, as the creature quickly darted around to the entrance Crescent had come from. The last thing she saw before escaping down further was the creature splayed out across the cave entrance, blocking it with it's body, and hissing like a snake. DeepThe voices stopped. The smells drifted away too, leaving Crescent alone in the now-dark cave. Shortly before the end of the singing, she didn't care if they stopped. They weren't real to begin with. It was still hot, though, more hot than anywhere she knew above ground. Through the darkness, there were still a few lit rocks. They illuminated the smoke, wafting from deeper below. She moved on in frustration. As she did, a voice followed her, talking a few moments apart. It was a low purr of a voice. “You've entered, traveller, for reasons I pertain to, and you shall find me soon. I have been told you are beautiful, and I would love to see you, as you will me. Your only way is down, and you shall find your friends. Here you can meet. Here you can stay forever. My children do not venture outside. If you bring steel, I would recommend you leave it where you walk. The path will only get warmer. I hope you liked the music. You will hear it for as long as you remember. ” ~~ Luna's light guide me... The room was in front of her. She was not afraid of the spikes around the doorway. She was afraid of the glowing eyes, and the things she could not see. She was more angrier than scared. Crescent walked in, her eyes fixed on those in the darkness. The OthersCrescent walked into the room, and the dragon revealed herself. Crescent was left in utter fear as the dragon started talking. “I'm glad you could make it. I hope I haven't put you off; you cannot escape. You see, there's no point trying.” “Where are the others?” “They're in this room. You can't see them, can you?” The dragon made something of a sombre look. “Soon you will.” Crescent had grown tired of her lulling voice in the caves. She stomped her hoof. “Show me the other ponies, now. Let them free, and I'll make sure you live in peace as long as you never do it again.” The dragon threw no insult at her lack of weapons, armour or numbers, nor even showed a smirk after what she spoke. Alone, she seemed defenceless, but the dragon treated her carefully. Crescent reminded herself to be cautious. The dragon placed a long, clawed foot out of her lair, towards Crescent. “Empty promises. We'll never be able to do it again, let alone live in peace.” Ears folded, Crescent looked into the dragon's eyes and snarled. “That's of your own doing. You're the one capturing by-passers, if I recount correctly.” “Calm, mare. We can talk without raising our voices, solve this without hate.” The stones around the dragon faded in colour. “I control the light, if you did not realise. I could fade us into complete darkness if I wanted, and all you would see are my eyes.” At the sounds of those words, Crescent knew she did not have long to act. She turned to her backpack. FlyShe heard a call from the mother, and bloodcurdling shrieks followed it. Crescent was sure that she didn't have long. If she had not reached for her backpack, the lights could have dimmed as the mother said, and then she wouldn't have a chance to defend herself. She had left it too long to bring out her secret weapon, as without it, Crescent was no more than a pony against dragons. The light flickered and the heat of the caves rose fast around her like stepping out of the shade. It was hot in this room, hotter than any other before it, but it wasn't all she thought about. The dragon had been taking her attention as soon as Crescent saw her. She only truly felt the heat as she grabbed for the metal button to click her pack open, and felt the searing pain as she accidentally pressed onto it with tongue rather than teeth. It burnt and would surely leave a mark, but it wasn't important. Already the shrieks were getting louder. She had seen at a glimpse one of the creatures, similar to the one she had seen earlier but younger, skinnier, clawing it's way from a hole in the wall to watch the others strike. Even the claws of the mother had sounded closer. Perhaps she was making sure. Not sure enough, however, as the dragon had left on her light. Perhaps it took time, or she simply forgot, but it was certainly enough for Crescent to find her brooch and press onto it, releasing its magical energy. EndWith a crushing look, a look of deep despair that Crescent had never seen before (dragons never stayed so close), the dragon slowed to a halt. “Stop yourselves, children.” The dragon turned to Crescent, her voice more a growl. “And so the mighty were felled.” “A night guard!” shouted Ashy, hiding behind a rock. The other ponies looked around, confused by their lucky circumstance. “Thank Luna, thank you, kind ma'am! We could have been torn asunder if it weren't for you.” The mother hovered above her lair, and sneered. “This 'epic' will be the subject of your newest song, no doubt.” Crescent laid the brooch on the floor, as the shield would stay strong until it was tapped twice in quick succession. “If it was,” she said, “the song would be booed. Never was an easier task ever sung of, and a threatless tale holds no value.” The mother turned to Crescent, dropping to the floor in front of her. “Then we can agree on something.” “The night guard, and Luna herself, will be alerted by the brooch's siren. I would suggest you try nothing to harm your prisoners when we leave, or you will face an alicorn's wrath.” “As you command,” the dragon said, staring at her. Crescent was surprised by the words. She seemed weary. ~~ A short while passed. The ponies on top of the lair had come to their senses, and were soon talking amongst themselves. All the mother dragon's children were hiding in darkness as they had before, making tiny roars as they wondered the cave. A strange group of creatures, Crescent thought, almost cute. She did not say as much, though, as the mother dragon might see through her weakness. Their mother spoke again. She still stared at Crescent, unblinking. “They call me Xenitha, mother of dragons, a perilous foe that has hardly been fallen before. I have a question... what do they call you?” “None of your business, I'm sure,” Crescent replied. “This isn't the time for asking questions.” She didn't feel she had the time to speak to a dragon who'd almost hurt somepony. Xenitha eyed Crescent dangerously, but stood her ground. “Fool. If you wish to be called mare, so be it. That was not the question I wanted to ask, but I will continue, as it is of most importance. ”It is a simple thing to ask, with simple reason. I am the mother of children, and caring to the children is my priority, the thing that gives me worth. Likewise, my children I have spawned do listen to me at every turn, and they obey me without a question. You may have seen it. You may not know it, mare, but there is love here in this dark, crimson cave.” ”It is hard to see love over your wicked fangs and talons, dragon,” Crescent stated. Xenitha smiled grimly. ”I suppose it would make sense if you didn't. Through your eyes, we are horrible beings capable of horrible things, killing your kin... well, trying to. ”And thusly comes the question. We eat meat, you know, and a meal of pony comes once in a lifetime in this time of peace. Now there is none, and my children will no doubt starve without it. ”So I ask you this mare, as you have caused the rest. Would you rather me leave my children to starve, and myself, in the darkness that you leave us in? Or, would you have me guide them into your shields, so that, while untimely, they will not suffer near so many horrors? I know, I know, what choices I give you! But ultimately, we, the monsters, will die. Nothing bad will come of it.” ”Nothing bad?” Crescent shouted. ”Your children would be gone either way, and your legacy with it, forgotten forever. You do not win either way, dragon.” Xenitha smiled again. ”This is true, but I do not hold the cards. You do, mare, and I must ask: What would entertain you more?” ~~ Crescent was in no place to let up on them after the dragon's attack, but the question still surprised her. ”You have a strange taste for entertainment, if you think I would enjoy any part in either.” Xenitha seemed to think on that for a few seconds. Finally, she responded. ”Of course, of course, my apologies. Ponykind are a cultured kind, built on better foundations than cruel sport. You have made all yourselves follow a rule of no wrong-doing, as you have clearly shown through your brooch.” The dragon seemed irritated just talking about the piece of jewellery. ”Rather, your approach is subtle, sneaky. Protect your own, and nothing worse can come of it, correct? Protect the ponies, horses, cows, rabbits, and so on. And what of the creatures who must eat creatures to survive? They will protect themselves. And when your magic stops the last drake... ”Well, I must admit, I do not care for you, mare. Your end is of no concern to me; you may fly, you may die... it is no matter, you see. For my days of flying are done, and the days of my death have long begun.” SummerWhile the dragon had said that she wouldn't fight, Crescent didn't budge until reinforcements arrived. Without the shields, which were stationary, they didn't have much of a way to defend themselves if Xenitha rightly thought to change her tune. When they did, Ashy and his band were escorted out of the caves unthreatened by a squadron of the night's guard. Xenitha barely moved a muscle as she watched them leave. They passed through the tunnels to the entrance without a single interruption, past a glowing rock that Crescent had first seen as the torch. The mission accomplished, Crescent returned to her chariot and back to Canterlot. She had done it! As soon as she could have an audience with Luna, she did, and told the princess all about it. Luna was utterly relieved at being told that Ashy and his band members had arrived without harm, and then Crescent told her of the offer to Xenitha, to which she replied, “I will have to consult my sister, but this sounds to me worthwhile.” Crescent couldn't help but ask, “My apologies, but would that take long? These dragons, while they are terrifying creatures... I pity them for their lot in life, if only for their wretchedness.” “It is good of you to do so, Crescent, as it shows that you have put yourself in their hooves. That is a valuable skill, and you should never forget it. Do not worry about the dragons, though, as they will all be taken care of from here. After all, I'm sure it shall not take long to convince my sister,” Luna said, her mouth fading to a smile. “Xenitha might ring a bell.” Trotting through StreetsOnce Crescent walked out of her tidy brick home, the messenger was waiting outside. She asked very politely if Crescent wanted directions. "A sleepy head makes silly mistakes, and I would be saddened to see you to do that." But Crescent knew the way well. "An old mare like me should know this city like a map I've written myself," Crescent replied, tidying up herself up before she trotted out onto the road. Crescent wasn't truly old in the sense of the word, but the messenger was at least half her age, and she looked like a young mare taking her first job. She smiled at the young mare. "Besides, if I lose myself wandering, perhaps you could learn a lesson from a fool like me." Crescent walked on from the mare, and soon enough found the city streets. It was harder on her eyes, but beautiful to look at. Canterlot sparkled in the morning, all pink, yellow, purple and white. Lots of ponies came as she went, some she knew and most she didn't. It was an odd thing, that. She had lived in the sparkling city of Canterlot for most of her life, and there was always something new. A city is a small world, she thought, but a world nonetheless. As she walked down the streets, the thought of the bright and shiny superb day began to dampen her thoughts. Is this really the day I have to do a big job for the Princess? It looks like the brightest day in weeks, and I'm spending it working. Crescent shook the thought off. Working for one of the best mares in all of Equestria, and I'd be a fool to forget it. Flying by ChariotCrescent found the chariot soon after, driven by Feather and Long Wind. She did not know the two very well, but she did know that they made good pilots. “I'm ready to go, if you two are,” Crescent said. The two mares in front of her nodded, and told her to hop in. They could see half of Equestria from up, up on high. Soon after they began, Feather talked, while a strong breeze flew through her mane. “What does Luna want with the Unicorn Range?” Crescent did not want to be questioned during the flight, not about something as frightening as dragons. “I'm not sure I can tell you,” Crescent replied, thinking it might scare them. “The reason I'm coming over here is important, though. It is important that I get there as fast as I can, too. Thank you for bringing me there quickly. It's a bit difficult without any wings.” “Why, that isn't what Feather would say, I'm sure,” Long Wind proclaimed, turning to the other pilot. “I still can't believe you got him the wrong jumper! How long have you known him now?” Crescent went silent, She did not entirely understanding what they meant. Under the wind pushing through her fur, she could see Feather blush. “Rush didn't mind, though! I replaced the wingless jumper as soon as I could.” From the back of the chariot, Crescent didn't have a lot to say. She guessed that the two pegasus pilots were friends, and they were talking about a stallion that Feather liked. He must have been a pegasus, as no other pony would need such a jumper. “So...” Crescent started, trying to make some conversation, “What does your coltfriend do?” “Coltfriend!” Long Wind squeaked, and snorted with laughter. “I'd never known Feather's relationship had flown to that peak!” “He's my cousin!” Feather exclaimed, blushing even more harder. Crescent bit her tongue, and decided that, with a bit of fore-thought, it would be better to stay silent for the rest of the trip. Landing on RockBy the time they had landed, Feather and Long Wind were arguing again. “Wind, I... I'm telling you, I've heard of this place before, and it wasn't a good story. They wrote all about the monsters they heard, scary things that howled in the night.” “Oh, horsefeathers to that, We have a task, and now we've done it. You're fine without us, right, miss...?” “Crescent,” she replied. “And yes. I'm fine by myself, thank you.” The two's constant bickering had numbed her, making her want to go off and see this dragon problem all the more sooner. “See?” Long Wind called back, pacing around the mountain edge. “And besides, are you really going to believe that book? It's an old breezytale from your fillydays, nothing more. I can't see a single scale around. No pony's said anything about dragons here after your tall tale, have they?” If only what Long Wind said was true, Crescent thought. But as Luna told me, it's true what she says; a dragon hasn't been found here since the songs that foals sing. How did it go... The small bright alicorn swept the range, smelling the summer that never ends. The babies looked up at the big ones fly, scaled and sparkling through the sky, Tia jumped down and she glowed her horn, smelling the summer that never ends. The babies rose up and they clapped their claws, happy to see themselves off the floor, Tia and big ones and small ones too, flying through summer that never ends. Tired BabyThe path descended, and with it, she felt warmer, even warmer than she did standing next to the torch. Soon after, she found a room. It was surprising how well-lit the room was, despite the lack of torches, magic, or anything, aside from a small baby dragon in the centre, resting on a smooth rock quite unlike the rest. Her heartbeat calmed shortly after the initial discovery. Dragons she had seen and heard of were large, terrible creatures, even the children. This was no bigger than a dog, and curled up like one too. It was more of a house pet than a monster. It was the crimson rocks that illuminated the room, Crescent noticed, as she stayed cautiously back from the beast. It was a rarity to her that there was no mother, or father, or any other dragon around. Dragons were protective to their children. Is that... music? And talking, coming from the way further in? She thought she could smell food, too, cooked potatoes and... strawberries? Dragons would never eat strawberries. Crescent glanced at the dragon. Is this some kind of trick? It sounds like these ponies are feasting and playing, and the only dragon I've seen is outside. They didn't... put it outside to stop it from eating the food, did they? Like a dog in a kennel? She shook her head. Just the near sight of the rocks were giving her a headache. A dire mission from the princess... well, I might as well see them for Luna's sake. Say that somepony's missing them. I wonder what they're up to? With that, she ventured forward. CavesThe dragon never gave chase, to the best of her knowledge. She looked around, flustered. It didn't chase me. I think I'm safe. Besides, the other ponies could call it off, once I find them. No need to worry. Even with her thoughts, she couldn't help but see the cave around her, with sinister spikes and glowing rocks that were all the more brighter. She could smell the scent of food even stronger, though, and the sounds of conversation, laughing. Who could laugh with that thing around? It was getting hotter too, making her headache worsen. If it weren't for my job, I'd have used my brooch, and got out of here. Maybe I should have used it earlier... but the dragon never caused me any harm, and the princess knows it's only for dire situations, and so do I. Huh. I should stay calm before I enter their camp, or else I might scare them like that dragon did to me. The rocks were glowing brighter. Maybe that's why it was getting hotter, too? The talk was getting louder, muffled, but loud, and she could only make out a few words... smelling the summer that ne-ver ends. Were they singing? It seemed so. And they were singing loudly, too. Crescent was sure it was only a few more hoofsteps before she saw the entrance, and she would breathe a sigh of relief. Just a few more hoofsteps. Just a few more. Smelling the summer that ne-ver ends! She had said it to herself a few times, and the voices were still getting louder, unnaturally loud, uncomfortably. THE SUMMER THAT NE-VER ENDS! AlightBrooch tightened in the grip of her mouth, she stood firm against a swarm of scales. The mother dragon had gone too close to avoid Crescent's shield, and having just touched it with a single claw, she leapt back in pain. The best magi in all of the Crystal Empire had forged Crescent's brooch, and it was the reason for her lack of fear in the terrifying cave. The magi's creation stayed true to its purpose. “Back!” shrieked the mother, having hissed with pain. “Do no touch the mare's shield!” The young dragons showed brief looks of confusion, but nonetheless obeyed their mother's command, swerving to avoid the cyan flames that surrounded the mare. She didn't dare drop the brooch, making it difficult for her to speak. “Where are huh o'hers?” Crescent asked, her voice booming in magic so that every dragon would hear. The mother spoke before Crescent could say another word. “She means to steal away our supper! Children, to the prisoners.” The mother dragon was using all that was available to her this time. The rocks darkened quickly. The room was pitch black aside from the spinning embers of the broochs shield, and this was just enough for Crescent to keep her sight. The dragons all fled to the same place. A few shining scales from the mother dragon reflected light onto a colour that Crescent hadn't seen since her starting venture into the cave... purple, and it looked like fur. As she had been told in the night guard lessons, she focused her mind on the purple, and the barely-there green, and yellow. From there she pressed onto the brooch once more, praying the colours were not mere figures of her imagination. The dragons seemed to know the second trick of the brooch, and Crescent knew how to use it. HopeThe dragon was defeated. The day was won. Yet Crescent was sure that she couldn't let the dragon die. While Xenitha had attacked her, she would help. Where Xenitha had a dire view at best, centred on a selfish Equestria, Crescent was sure she was wrong. It only took the image of a purple dragon in her mind to remember. “Your untimely death is not certain, dragon. Neither are your frankly disgusting habits.” Xenitha bowed her head grimly. “If you seek to find safe passage through lies, mare, then you need not try. I will let you leave safely, and you will leave us to our end.” Crescent eyed her sternly. “If I were to say I knew how, then yes, I would be lying. I am but a night guard, instructed to watch and serve, and watched I have. In civilised Equestria, there are diamond dogs, griffins, minotaurs and dragons. Those dragons live with us, eat the same food we do, and they are healthy. I'm sure you could be the same.” Rocky debris tumbled off Xenitha as she tucked her wings. The dragon looked half the terrifying creature she had looked before. “Your talk is pointless, mare. I have no wish to be with your folk. I would rather punish them for our years of isolation and hunger.” She gritted her teeth, as she said, “If only I could.” Crescent knew that dragons were stubborn, the one thing Xenitha had in common with her. “You wouldn't try to punish a princess, would you? She wouldn't harm you either. Perhaps I should ask her for a meeting with you, so she could knock some sense into you.” Xenitha sat down on the cave floor. Any passion or effort had disappeared from her voice as she lay to rest. “Come what may. Children, let the ponies pass with drawing a claw. To fight is futile.”
Dozy in BedGrazing proudly in the fields... A mare slept soundly in a bare small room. Her name was Crescent, and she worked for the princesses as a guard during night-time. She slept soundly, dreaming alone about the endless fields that she had back at home, until someone woke her up. They opened the curtains, and Crescent awoke to a flash of searing light, enough to move both her hooves to shield herself while the pony spoke. “Your audience is required quickly Miss Crez. Luna has told me to wake you. Says she is tired from some issue, it sounds like trouble.” An often-found situation in the ever-growing Equestria! Crescent wondered if she would ever get some beauty sleep. “I wish I could reject,” she slurred with her sleep-talk, lumbering on her words like a kitten would laze under the sun, “But I know my place... it's not my decision. Where am I going?” “To Luna's court, where she waits within.” A curious issue, but one that Crescent should have expected if not for her tired mind. “Huh,” said Crescent, “I'll be there as soon as I am able.” A quest, perhaps? Luna's quests were nothing if not mysterious. It could be a problem close to home, a mare that's lost her filly, she thought, or it could be a foray into some far away field, where the griffons fly and wind-whipped grass grows wild beneath their wings. She had done both before. Crescent had been one of Luna's guards for eighteen years now, and the job had taken her on many adventures far and wide, close and small. She rolled the dice in every task she took, but whatever those dice landed on, she took it. A strong willed and minded mare was she, but it often times got her stuck into all sorts of scary situations. The messenger who stayed for only the shortest while left as quickly as she arrived. Crescent started making herself ready for the day, taking her bag from a short wooden stand. It's always me left with the big issues, as much as I love them. Will I ever get to sleep through a single morning?
Quest at CourtShe arrived at the palace shortly after. The ponies guarding the palace, with spears held in hoof, greeted her kindly as she walked on by. She walked through many halls made of cut stone, decorated with carpets and paintings. She also walked through rooms where posh ponies from far away had met with each other for the first time, and talked with one another while sipping their drinks. Crescent didn't understand what they said, but she knew their purpose was noble. Princess Luna had trusted them to stay. It wasn't long before she reached Luna's court. There her princess sat, with a beautiful tiara perched on her head. Crescent walked to the middle of the court, and kneeled for a moment in front of the princess. “You may stand, Crescent, Van of my Night Guard.” “Thank you, princess Luna.” She stood up from the court floor. Luna spoke. “I must trust you with a very important task today. There was a problem that landed itself in the Unicorn Range, just last night. It happened to be on a group of ponies that were led by one Ashy Parks, the trumpet-player, who played in last year's Canterlot Ball. ” Princess Luna frowned, and it was then that Crescent knew this was troubling. “We do not know what they were doing, but they were caught in an ambush, by dragons.” “Dragons?” Crescent repeated, taken aback. She had dealt with them before, but not like this. “I thought they laid nest in the Badlands.” Princess Luna shook her head. “Perhaps, but we are sure that this is the truth of the matter. It may be dangerous, but that is why I hired you.” Princess Luna smiled faintly, before her face became serious. “We have found the location. I need your help, Crescent. You must find the dragons, without violence if possible, and free these ponies.” Luna gave her a golden glance. “Remember to take your night guard's brooch. With it, danger won't be a problem with quick wits, and I know that your wits are sharp.” Crescent nodded, knowing to keep the brooch safe. It was imbued with the magic of many magi, the name for wizards in Equestria. “As always, your grace. I will do as you ask. My hooves... body, and mind, ready for the task.” “Good,” said Luna. “I have a chariot waiting outside. My blessings on you.”
View the WorldCrescent was careful to pick her bag up off the chariot floor first, so she wouldn't forget. It only contained one thing, Luna's brooch, but it was important. Leaving the others behind, Crescent moved on. Long Wind was right about another thing. There were no dragon scales, or anything that she could find as a clue to Ashy's whereabouts. Crescent started to think they had gone to the wrong mountain. There was something, though, a little further on. Crescent leant down to see. Strands of hair... purple, short hair. They aren't from Ashy, he has yellow fur, but I remember that one of the brass players with a big, winding horn was purple-furred. Crescent turned one way, and she saw the cave entrance and the wide claw-like rocks above. It had to be where they had been kidnapped. Crescent turned the other way, and she saw Equestria. It was fascinating to her, and it had to be. Crescent was an earth pony, and had rarely seen the world from up so high. Canterlot's walls often shielded the view from her. Looking over the cliff, Crescent saw farms, forests, rivers and towns, all tiny blots covered partly by haze. It made her think back to her family. Then she turned back, unyieldeding. “My job may be far as I could think from the fields where I belong, but it has to be done by somepony. I can't imagine what would happen to Ashy and his friends if I didn't.” With that, she entered.
Going InsideCrescent stepped into the cave. She felt cold up high in the mountains, and realised it was not just the wind as she stepped in, though it did not help the matter. If it weren't for that torch, I'd be freezing. It was strange that a torch would be there, though. Perhaps ponies had camped here before? Ponies rarely stayed so high and far away. Only dragons and billy goats would dare spend a night near the top of a faraway mountain. There seems to be no way up for anypony but a pegasus. They must have been carried up here. There was an echo from deeper within, a faint sound of scratching and what must have been a heavy breath. I should be cautious, she thought, it might be one of their kin. She paused, giving herself time to arc her foreleg over to press down on her bag. Knowing the brooch was safe reassured her, and she continued into the cave.
Woken UpThe dragon woke up. A shrill scream filled the caves, startling Crescent and hurting her ears. It displayed talons, teeth, and bony limbs. Entirely caught off guard, Crescent could see that the thing was startled, or angry, but whatever it's reason it was ready to attack. As she stood in her tracks, the dragon looked away from her and leapt onto the floor, crawling with clicking sounds from it's claws across the floor. It ran up the wall, and Crescent dashed away, close to the smooth rock, as the creature quickly darted around to the entrance Crescent had come from. The last thing she saw before escaping down further was the creature splayed out across the cave entrance, blocking it with it's body, and hissing like a snake.
DeepThe voices stopped. The smells drifted away too, leaving Crescent alone in the now-dark cave. Shortly before the end of the singing, she didn't care if they stopped. They weren't real to begin with. It was still hot, though, more hot than anywhere she knew above ground. Through the darkness, there were still a few lit rocks. They illuminated the smoke, wafting from deeper below. She moved on in frustration. As she did, a voice followed her, talking a few moments apart. It was a low purr of a voice. “You've entered, traveller, for reasons I pertain to, and you shall find me soon. I have been told you are beautiful, and I would love to see you, as you will me. Your only way is down, and you shall find your friends. Here you can meet. Here you can stay forever. My children do not venture outside. If you bring steel, I would recommend you leave it where you walk. The path will only get warmer. I hope you liked the music. You will hear it for as long as you remember. ” ~~ Luna's light guide me... The room was in front of her. She was not afraid of the spikes around the doorway. She was afraid of the glowing eyes, and the things she could not see. She was more angrier than scared. Crescent walked in, her eyes fixed on those in the darkness.
The OthersCrescent walked into the room, and the dragon revealed herself. Crescent was left in utter fear as the dragon started talking. “I'm glad you could make it. I hope I haven't put you off; you cannot escape. You see, there's no point trying.” “Where are the others?” “They're in this room. You can't see them, can you?” The dragon made something of a sombre look. “Soon you will.” Crescent had grown tired of her lulling voice in the caves. She stomped her hoof. “Show me the other ponies, now. Let them free, and I'll make sure you live in peace as long as you never do it again.” The dragon threw no insult at her lack of weapons, armour or numbers, nor even showed a smirk after what she spoke. Alone, she seemed defenceless, but the dragon treated her carefully. Crescent reminded herself to be cautious. The dragon placed a long, clawed foot out of her lair, towards Crescent. “Empty promises. We'll never be able to do it again, let alone live in peace.” Ears folded, Crescent looked into the dragon's eyes and snarled. “That's of your own doing. You're the one capturing by-passers, if I recount correctly.” “Calm, mare. We can talk without raising our voices, solve this without hate.” The stones around the dragon faded in colour. “I control the light, if you did not realise. I could fade us into complete darkness if I wanted, and all you would see are my eyes.” At the sounds of those words, Crescent knew she did not have long to act. She turned to her backpack.
FlyShe heard a call from the mother, and bloodcurdling shrieks followed it. Crescent was sure that she didn't have long. If she had not reached for her backpack, the lights could have dimmed as the mother said, and then she wouldn't have a chance to defend herself. She had left it too long to bring out her secret weapon, as without it, Crescent was no more than a pony against dragons. The light flickered and the heat of the caves rose fast around her like stepping out of the shade. It was hot in this room, hotter than any other before it, but it wasn't all she thought about. The dragon had been taking her attention as soon as Crescent saw her. She only truly felt the heat as she grabbed for the metal button to click her pack open, and felt the searing pain as she accidentally pressed onto it with tongue rather than teeth. It burnt and would surely leave a mark, but it wasn't important. Already the shrieks were getting louder. She had seen at a glimpse one of the creatures, similar to the one she had seen earlier but younger, skinnier, clawing it's way from a hole in the wall to watch the others strike. Even the claws of the mother had sounded closer. Perhaps she was making sure. Not sure enough, however, as the dragon had left on her light. Perhaps it took time, or she simply forgot, but it was certainly enough for Crescent to find her brooch and press onto it, releasing its magical energy.
EndWith a crushing look, a look of deep despair that Crescent had never seen before (dragons never stayed so close), the dragon slowed to a halt. “Stop yourselves, children.” The dragon turned to Crescent, her voice more a growl. “And so the mighty were felled.” “A night guard!” shouted Ashy, hiding behind a rock. The other ponies looked around, confused by their lucky circumstance. “Thank Luna, thank you, kind ma'am! We could have been torn asunder if it weren't for you.” The mother hovered above her lair, and sneered. “This 'epic' will be the subject of your newest song, no doubt.” Crescent laid the brooch on the floor, as the shield would stay strong until it was tapped twice in quick succession. “If it was,” she said, “the song would be booed. Never was an easier task ever sung of, and a threatless tale holds no value.” The mother turned to Crescent, dropping to the floor in front of her. “Then we can agree on something.” “The night guard, and Luna herself, will be alerted by the brooch's siren. I would suggest you try nothing to harm your prisoners when we leave, or you will face an alicorn's wrath.” “As you command,” the dragon said, staring at her. Crescent was surprised by the words. She seemed weary. ~~ A short while passed. The ponies on top of the lair had come to their senses, and were soon talking amongst themselves. All the mother dragon's children were hiding in darkness as they had before, making tiny roars as they wondered the cave. A strange group of creatures, Crescent thought, almost cute. She did not say as much, though, as the mother dragon might see through her weakness. Their mother spoke again. She still stared at Crescent, unblinking. “They call me Xenitha, mother of dragons, a perilous foe that has hardly been fallen before. I have a question... what do they call you?” “None of your business, I'm sure,” Crescent replied. “This isn't the time for asking questions.” She didn't feel she had the time to speak to a dragon who'd almost hurt somepony. Xenitha eyed Crescent dangerously, but stood her ground. “Fool. If you wish to be called mare, so be it. That was not the question I wanted to ask, but I will continue, as it is of most importance. ”It is a simple thing to ask, with simple reason. I am the mother of children, and caring to the children is my priority, the thing that gives me worth. Likewise, my children I have spawned do listen to me at every turn, and they obey me without a question. You may have seen it. You may not know it, mare, but there is love here in this dark, crimson cave.” ”It is hard to see love over your wicked fangs and talons, dragon,” Crescent stated. Xenitha smiled grimly. ”I suppose it would make sense if you didn't. Through your eyes, we are horrible beings capable of horrible things, killing your kin... well, trying to. ”And thusly comes the question. We eat meat, you know, and a meal of pony comes once in a lifetime in this time of peace. Now there is none, and my children will no doubt starve without it. ”So I ask you this mare, as you have caused the rest. Would you rather me leave my children to starve, and myself, in the darkness that you leave us in? Or, would you have me guide them into your shields, so that, while untimely, they will not suffer near so many horrors? I know, I know, what choices I give you! But ultimately, we, the monsters, will die. Nothing bad will come of it.” ”Nothing bad?” Crescent shouted. ”Your children would be gone either way, and your legacy with it, forgotten forever. You do not win either way, dragon.” Xenitha smiled again. ”This is true, but I do not hold the cards. You do, mare, and I must ask: What would entertain you more?” ~~ Crescent was in no place to let up on them after the dragon's attack, but the question still surprised her. ”You have a strange taste for entertainment, if you think I would enjoy any part in either.” Xenitha seemed to think on that for a few seconds. Finally, she responded. ”Of course, of course, my apologies. Ponykind are a cultured kind, built on better foundations than cruel sport. You have made all yourselves follow a rule of no wrong-doing, as you have clearly shown through your brooch.” The dragon seemed irritated just talking about the piece of jewellery. ”Rather, your approach is subtle, sneaky. Protect your own, and nothing worse can come of it, correct? Protect the ponies, horses, cows, rabbits, and so on. And what of the creatures who must eat creatures to survive? They will protect themselves. And when your magic stops the last drake... ”Well, I must admit, I do not care for you, mare. Your end is of no concern to me; you may fly, you may die... it is no matter, you see. For my days of flying are done, and the days of my death have long begun.”
SummerWhile the dragon had said that she wouldn't fight, Crescent didn't budge until reinforcements arrived. Without the shields, which were stationary, they didn't have much of a way to defend themselves if Xenitha rightly thought to change her tune. When they did, Ashy and his band were escorted out of the caves unthreatened by a squadron of the night's guard. Xenitha barely moved a muscle as she watched them leave. They passed through the tunnels to the entrance without a single interruption, past a glowing rock that Crescent had first seen as the torch. The mission accomplished, Crescent returned to her chariot and back to Canterlot. She had done it! As soon as she could have an audience with Luna, she did, and told the princess all about it. Luna was utterly relieved at being told that Ashy and his band members had arrived without harm, and then Crescent told her of the offer to Xenitha, to which she replied, “I will have to consult my sister, but this sounds to me worthwhile.” Crescent couldn't help but ask, “My apologies, but would that take long? These dragons, while they are terrifying creatures... I pity them for their lot in life, if only for their wretchedness.” “It is good of you to do so, Crescent, as it shows that you have put yourself in their hooves. That is a valuable skill, and you should never forget it. Do not worry about the dragons, though, as they will all be taken care of from here. After all, I'm sure it shall not take long to convince my sister,” Luna said, her mouth fading to a smile. “Xenitha might ring a bell.”
Trotting through StreetsOnce Crescent walked out of her tidy brick home, the messenger was waiting outside. She asked very politely if Crescent wanted directions. "A sleepy head makes silly mistakes, and I would be saddened to see you to do that." But Crescent knew the way well. "An old mare like me should know this city like a map I've written myself," Crescent replied, tidying up herself up before she trotted out onto the road. Crescent wasn't truly old in the sense of the word, but the messenger was at least half her age, and she looked like a young mare taking her first job. She smiled at the young mare. "Besides, if I lose myself wandering, perhaps you could learn a lesson from a fool like me." Crescent walked on from the mare, and soon enough found the city streets. It was harder on her eyes, but beautiful to look at. Canterlot sparkled in the morning, all pink, yellow, purple and white. Lots of ponies came as she went, some she knew and most she didn't. It was an odd thing, that. She had lived in the sparkling city of Canterlot for most of her life, and there was always something new. A city is a small world, she thought, but a world nonetheless. As she walked down the streets, the thought of the bright and shiny superb day began to dampen her thoughts. Is this really the day I have to do a big job for the Princess? It looks like the brightest day in weeks, and I'm spending it working. Crescent shook the thought off. Working for one of the best mares in all of Equestria, and I'd be a fool to forget it.
Flying by ChariotCrescent found the chariot soon after, driven by Feather and Long Wind. She did not know the two very well, but she did know that they made good pilots. “I'm ready to go, if you two are,” Crescent said. The two mares in front of her nodded, and told her to hop in. They could see half of Equestria from up, up on high. Soon after they began, Feather talked, while a strong breeze flew through her mane. “What does Luna want with the Unicorn Range?” Crescent did not want to be questioned during the flight, not about something as frightening as dragons. “I'm not sure I can tell you,” Crescent replied, thinking it might scare them. “The reason I'm coming over here is important, though. It is important that I get there as fast as I can, too. Thank you for bringing me there quickly. It's a bit difficult without any wings.” “Why, that isn't what Feather would say, I'm sure,” Long Wind proclaimed, turning to the other pilot. “I still can't believe you got him the wrong jumper! How long have you known him now?” Crescent went silent, She did not entirely understanding what they meant. Under the wind pushing through her fur, she could see Feather blush. “Rush didn't mind, though! I replaced the wingless jumper as soon as I could.” From the back of the chariot, Crescent didn't have a lot to say. She guessed that the two pegasus pilots were friends, and they were talking about a stallion that Feather liked. He must have been a pegasus, as no other pony would need such a jumper. “So...” Crescent started, trying to make some conversation, “What does your coltfriend do?” “Coltfriend!” Long Wind squeaked, and snorted with laughter. “I'd never known Feather's relationship had flown to that peak!” “He's my cousin!” Feather exclaimed, blushing even more harder. Crescent bit her tongue, and decided that, with a bit of fore-thought, it would be better to stay silent for the rest of the trip.
Landing on RockBy the time they had landed, Feather and Long Wind were arguing again. “Wind, I... I'm telling you, I've heard of this place before, and it wasn't a good story. They wrote all about the monsters they heard, scary things that howled in the night.” “Oh, horsefeathers to that, We have a task, and now we've done it. You're fine without us, right, miss...?” “Crescent,” she replied. “And yes. I'm fine by myself, thank you.” The two's constant bickering had numbed her, making her want to go off and see this dragon problem all the more sooner. “See?” Long Wind called back, pacing around the mountain edge. “And besides, are you really going to believe that book? It's an old breezytale from your fillydays, nothing more. I can't see a single scale around. No pony's said anything about dragons here after your tall tale, have they?” If only what Long Wind said was true, Crescent thought. But as Luna told me, it's true what she says; a dragon hasn't been found here since the songs that foals sing. How did it go... The small bright alicorn swept the range, smelling the summer that never ends. The babies looked up at the big ones fly, scaled and sparkling through the sky, Tia jumped down and she glowed her horn, smelling the summer that never ends. The babies rose up and they clapped their claws, happy to see themselves off the floor, Tia and big ones and small ones too, flying through summer that never ends.
Tired BabyThe path descended, and with it, she felt warmer, even warmer than she did standing next to the torch. Soon after, she found a room. It was surprising how well-lit the room was, despite the lack of torches, magic, or anything, aside from a small baby dragon in the centre, resting on a smooth rock quite unlike the rest. Her heartbeat calmed shortly after the initial discovery. Dragons she had seen and heard of were large, terrible creatures, even the children. This was no bigger than a dog, and curled up like one too. It was more of a house pet than a monster. It was the crimson rocks that illuminated the room, Crescent noticed, as she stayed cautiously back from the beast. It was a rarity to her that there was no mother, or father, or any other dragon around. Dragons were protective to their children. Is that... music? And talking, coming from the way further in? She thought she could smell food, too, cooked potatoes and... strawberries? Dragons would never eat strawberries. Crescent glanced at the dragon. Is this some kind of trick? It sounds like these ponies are feasting and playing, and the only dragon I've seen is outside. They didn't... put it outside to stop it from eating the food, did they? Like a dog in a kennel? She shook her head. Just the near sight of the rocks were giving her a headache. A dire mission from the princess... well, I might as well see them for Luna's sake. Say that somepony's missing them. I wonder what they're up to? With that, she ventured forward.
CavesThe dragon never gave chase, to the best of her knowledge. She looked around, flustered. It didn't chase me. I think I'm safe. Besides, the other ponies could call it off, once I find them. No need to worry. Even with her thoughts, she couldn't help but see the cave around her, with sinister spikes and glowing rocks that were all the more brighter. She could smell the scent of food even stronger, though, and the sounds of conversation, laughing. Who could laugh with that thing around? It was getting hotter too, making her headache worsen. If it weren't for my job, I'd have used my brooch, and got out of here. Maybe I should have used it earlier... but the dragon never caused me any harm, and the princess knows it's only for dire situations, and so do I. Huh. I should stay calm before I enter their camp, or else I might scare them like that dragon did to me. The rocks were glowing brighter. Maybe that's why it was getting hotter, too? The talk was getting louder, muffled, but loud, and she could only make out a few words... smelling the summer that ne-ver ends. Were they singing? It seemed so. And they were singing loudly, too. Crescent was sure it was only a few more hoofsteps before she saw the entrance, and she would breathe a sigh of relief. Just a few more hoofsteps. Just a few more. Smelling the summer that ne-ver ends! She had said it to herself a few times, and the voices were still getting louder, unnaturally loud, uncomfortably. THE SUMMER THAT NE-VER ENDS!
AlightBrooch tightened in the grip of her mouth, she stood firm against a swarm of scales. The mother dragon had gone too close to avoid Crescent's shield, and having just touched it with a single claw, she leapt back in pain. The best magi in all of the Crystal Empire had forged Crescent's brooch, and it was the reason for her lack of fear in the terrifying cave. The magi's creation stayed true to its purpose. “Back!” shrieked the mother, having hissed with pain. “Do no touch the mare's shield!” The young dragons showed brief looks of confusion, but nonetheless obeyed their mother's command, swerving to avoid the cyan flames that surrounded the mare. She didn't dare drop the brooch, making it difficult for her to speak. “Where are huh o'hers?” Crescent asked, her voice booming in magic so that every dragon would hear. The mother spoke before Crescent could say another word. “She means to steal away our supper! Children, to the prisoners.” The mother dragon was using all that was available to her this time. The rocks darkened quickly. The room was pitch black aside from the spinning embers of the broochs shield, and this was just enough for Crescent to keep her sight. The dragons all fled to the same place. A few shining scales from the mother dragon reflected light onto a colour that Crescent hadn't seen since her starting venture into the cave... purple, and it looked like fur. As she had been told in the night guard lessons, she focused her mind on the purple, and the barely-there green, and yellow. From there she pressed onto the brooch once more, praying the colours were not mere figures of her imagination. The dragons seemed to know the second trick of the brooch, and Crescent knew how to use it.
HopeThe dragon was defeated. The day was won. Yet Crescent was sure that she couldn't let the dragon die. While Xenitha had attacked her, she would help. Where Xenitha had a dire view at best, centred on a selfish Equestria, Crescent was sure she was wrong. It only took the image of a purple dragon in her mind to remember. “Your untimely death is not certain, dragon. Neither are your frankly disgusting habits.” Xenitha bowed her head grimly. “If you seek to find safe passage through lies, mare, then you need not try. I will let you leave safely, and you will leave us to our end.” Crescent eyed her sternly. “If I were to say I knew how, then yes, I would be lying. I am but a night guard, instructed to watch and serve, and watched I have. In civilised Equestria, there are diamond dogs, griffins, minotaurs and dragons. Those dragons live with us, eat the same food we do, and they are healthy. I'm sure you could be the same.” Rocky debris tumbled off Xenitha as she tucked her wings. The dragon looked half the terrifying creature she had looked before. “Your talk is pointless, mare. I have no wish to be with your folk. I would rather punish them for our years of isolation and hunger.” She gritted her teeth, as she said, “If only I could.” Crescent knew that dragons were stubborn, the one thing Xenitha had in common with her. “You wouldn't try to punish a princess, would you? She wouldn't harm you either. Perhaps I should ask her for a meeting with you, so she could knock some sense into you.” Xenitha sat down on the cave floor. Any passion or effort had disappeared from her voice as she lay to rest. “Come what may. Children, let the ponies pass with drawing a claw. To fight is futile.”
