Rising Hope: Birth Of The Transcendents

Location: Ponyville: Lavender's Diner, Dine Town:

As Celestia's sun bore past Ponyville with a slow ascent, the chirps of the birds along with the lively atmosphere of the town was soothing.  Now with the Crystal Empire free of King Sombra's harsh rule and light restored across the land, all was calm for the time being. With the pair's quick thinking, Spike and Chrysalis delivered the heart to Princess Cadence when Twilight couldn't, not when she was trapped in the throes of Sombra's magic. The human stayed behind in trying to rescue the mare, only for her to make the ultimate decision much to Jamir's disagreement. The choice to leave, of course put a feeling even more powerful than the sharpest weapon on his mind.

Ever since, 2 weeks has passed with growing news from everyone that put a lot of things in play. First and foremost, most things around Ponyville changed for the better of all. Spike has been exuding signs of growth in a dragon, as noticed and explained by Kanaranx. His spines grew more sharp, claws a tad longer voice slightly more gruff as he could have been mistaken for a full grown stallion at times, body scales more tough and his fire more potent. Though this is only the beginning for him as the elder dragon explained.

''In a few more days, Spike'll have some minor cramps, mood swings, pretty much what occurred last time only a huge part of being a dragon will befall him; gaining his wings. When the time comes, you might want to have him a few hundred feet away from anypony else, so i'll take him to complete the process. Trust me, this is something none of of you want to see. A lot goes into this, with that said,'' Kanaranx looked to Spike. *''You remember Zoe?'' Spike nodded in confusion. ''She's gonna be involved in this, *a lot.''****

While that did sound a tad disturbing, Jamir understood where Kanaranx came from. Back in the Dragon Outlands, he and Twilight brushed up on proper dragon physiology in case of emergencies, such as this one. Around a certain age, dragons painfully and suddenly grow their wings as they prepare to move onto the next level of maturity and Spike's is fast approaching. At first, they were shocked to find out most adolescents gain their wings at the tender age of 17...Spike's age as of his birthday a few months ago. If Jamir learned any piece of information, it would be that his long assumed notions of the drake's age being less than what would be expected urged another perspective on matter.

Sitting down in their reserved booths, the human took controlled bites of his rib-eye steak, sided with a side of french fries, sauteed onion rings and cool cider. Normal circumstances dictated that Jamir would always take caution and show respect and eat meat inside to not show offense to the locals, but this was a justifiable exception to the rule; one of Applejack's cattle more or less had to be put down due to a incident concerning a rouge Timberwolf straying too far out with a foot infection following which led to the human putting the poor thing out of its misery. Plus, since Twilight gave meat a try, (and liked it.) he figured nothing worse could come about, yet he was wary of jinxes.

''So how do you think he's doing?'' Flashing Deck grew bored, running a hoof over the top of her cider mug. Another thing that happened during this dull period was the remainder of Jamir's team being 'free.' With breaking out of prison, he encountered and helped free Renoir, the mystic Zebra shaman, Battering Ram, the brute Earth pony, Flashing Deck, the trickster Unicorn, and Zareran: the Griffon leader of the group, they all had to pay for their crimes of betraying their respective lands with community service and a few days in the Canterlot penitentiary, they went free and could once again walk amongst as citizens again. However, the rest are currently enduring making up for lost time with training with Valiant and Iron will have them occupied.

''Miserable, these rites of passage he's doing sounds like one of the things some humans do to prove worth and that's also painful.'' Jamir dryly commented from their booth, his head laid to the side.

''And what is that?'' Chrysalis mimicked the human. Ever since word of her personal involvement of the restoration of the Crystal Empire, the changeling began to be treated and saw not as a monster among the townsfolk, instead slowly welcomed as part of society, not to say a select few still hold hate for whatever reason. As time passed on, she felt more confident in herself to turn around the general opinion with help from Jamir. A strenuous, lasting journey is ahead of the queen, but she is prepared for what is to come.

''Well, that would be-

''Circumcision?'' Frank chimed in for him.

''Ehh, close,'' Jamir waved his hand.

''The Algonquin Indians of Quebec?'' Frank tried again, a hopeful look on his face.

''Vanuatu Land Divers.''

''Oh...that's even worse.'' Frank grimaced. ''I may not be hungry anymore.'' he pushed the slice of lemon pie away.

''Last call for crepes!'' Lavender's voice yelled over to the right.

''Sold!'' the human's friend hopped over the counter and into the back, prompting a scream from a couple of the employees.

''That sounds fun,'' Flashing said, asking for another round.

''Trust me, it's not.'' the human twirled his long hair. ''It's more like-

''Ugh! Why can't I get this spell to work?'' Twilight called from the open-end side of the diner.

''Are you alright mommy?'' Lavender asked, slightly pouting. And who could forget about their daughter? The little bundle of joy has not only matured mentally but also in a physical sense. WIth Jamir's essence of magic at the time, the growth rate of their child was accelerated about 35% faster than the average foal. Already within a few months of being born, Amethyst grew to the current size of the CMC. ''Maybe you need to not focus so much on changing the apple right away, maybe get the basic shape out, then give it a go.'' That's another thing about her Jamir was proud of; her sense of analyzing things as she possessed slight more intelligence over the average foal and her human like nature as she adopted a few kid-friendly phrases from the only two humans there. Truly, she seems to take after both her parents.

''Yes, sweetie, it's just this spell is a toughie, but thank you for your input,'' she smooched her daughter on the forehead. ''but I feel lucky this time.'' Twilight smirked.

''About what?'' Jamir walked out, plate of food in hand as he tilted his head.

''Daddy!'' Amethyst hopped into her father's waiting arm as she rubbed noses together. ''what's that, meat?'' she grew giddy.

''Yes, and I know exactly what you're going to ask and the answer is no.''

''Why not, you and mommy eat it pretty much every other day!'' she folded her hooves together in unfairness.

''That's because I need to be big and strong to protect you, mommy, and the rest of our family.''

''Will there be a time where I *can** try it?''*

''Eh, Twilight, wanna back me up on this?'' the human urged.

''I agree with both of you: why don't you just let her try it once, she's bound to still be curious regardless, plus if she's really certain about this, then i'm willing to let her try, but honey you do know what doing that constitutes, right?'' Twilight wanted to assure as she took the plate out of the human's hand and took a bite.

''I do,'' she stated with a firm confidence. ''but daddy told how he got this, so it's okay with me.''

''Okay, how about if you can try and perform the transformation spell, than you can-

''Fun!'' a high-pitched voice shouted, tackling the unicorn to the dirt with a thud, forming a massive trail of dirt.

''Auntie Pinkie!'' Amethyst bounced up and down in Jamir's arms in joy.

''Nngh, Pinki~e, why'd y-you do that? You could have s-seriously hurt me,'' Twilight struggled to escape her friend's tight hold. ''what's the matter?''

''Oh, nothing!'' Pinkie waved a hoof in the air. ''just giving out hugs cause they're fantastic, especially when I throw one around a friend! Whatcha doing?''

''Just trying to do a certain transformation spell, what about you?''

''Don't you remember: i'm here for this little cutie!'' Pinkie drew Amethyst into a tickling fit.

''What for again?'' Jamir admitted, rubbing his head in forget. ''some party or something?''

''Can't tell you that, would ruin the surprise!'' Pinkie winked an eye and whispered to Amethyst.

Amethyst's smile brightened even more. ''Really?'' she looked to Pinkie for assurance.

A simple nod told all that was needed.

''Daddy, daddy! I need you to come with me!'' the human's daughter tugged at his hand.

''And just where are we going?'' Jamir inquired.

''Somewhere fun, but you just have to follow me! Mommy, can you come too?''

''Pinkie Pie, what did you tell her, never thought I would say this, but I do not trust the look in yours or Amethyst's eyes,'' Twilight held a suspicious stare.

''Come on, come on, come on,'' Ametyst nudged her father's legs. ''let's go!''

Twilight chuckled at her daughter's lively spirit.

''Alright, where to?''

''This way!'' Amethyst trotted off towards the general direction of Fluttershy's cottage.

''Wait up for me!'' Pinkie bounced after.

''Don't run too fast, honey!'' Twilight galloped with the pair.

''Gee, boss; looks like you got your work cut out for you, eh?'' Flashing walked outside with Chrysalis.

''It would appear so, but''- the human paused to look at the direction in which the trio sped off. ''you never regret a choice like the one I made. Well, you guys can just stay here and relax seeing as wherever she's taking us, Pinkie can't have too much of a crazy idea.''

...

''You're lying, aren't you?'' Chrysalis raised a brow.

''Was it that easy to deduce?'' Jamir secretly hoped they wouldn't catch on. Even though he passed his test, 100% of his faith was needed to be put into all the girls to him to grow. He would never openly admit in such a manner, but he does hold this lingering doubt for a valid reason, one he chose to talk about, at least not when there are more things to worry for.

Breaking out in a run, shoes met dirt as a dust trail formed, the human attempting to cover more ground by launching off the balls of his feet.

***

The small, but quaite village of Sandgen was better known for one purpose: the true way of discerning dragons from the weaklings. Every few decades or so, a group of young ones are chosen to see if they are worthy to make the next step in life. However, for the coming years, less and less participants have shown lack of sacrifice and honor that goes into the process. By day, it highly resembles a mixture between a valley infused with bits of a living culture as the clouds slowly swept over the land, showing the detailed architecture put into this massive temple.

Ever since they departed, Spike once again felt a tinge of confusion, pain, and most of all: hope. Hope that whatever the hell awaits him will be quick and to the point, however, after what Kanaranx informed him of, this would and will be anything but. For whatever reason, Radiance also tagged along saying this would be a special occasion and marvel to watch.

''So what's the deal?'' Spike called over the growing winds. ''Some kind of ritual?''

''Eh, more or less,'' Kanaranx shrugged his shoulders best he could with the human's transport pack. ''but way more pain and rules.''

Wait, rules?

''You may want to imagine what happened with Jamir in the outlands and multiply that times 5. The ancients do not dally when it comes to matters such as this, so you would do best to prepare yourself for pure hell,'' Raidene chipped in a sorrowful frown.

''And just what does that mean?''

The two dragons snickered before responding.

''Just whatever you do,'' Kanaranx's smile turned serious. ''show proper respect.''

Touching down, an old looking column building was in front of them, sounds of faint music coming from within. Walking with a sense of knowing, the older dragons adopted a look of blankness as each step the young drake took felt it could be his last.

''Ho!'' a mighty voice roared with power, unsettling a few loose pebbles to the ground. A chorus of similar kiais rang out, Spike feeling it in a literal sense of a stab to the heart as he began to lose his composure.

Spike immediately clutched his arms, a wave of shivers running throughout his body as he began to curl up from that sudden shout, but how?

''W-What's hap-pening to me?''

''Relax, you're fine.'' Kanaranx deadpanned, not bothering to crack a remark.

''Easy there, just your first time being here, so naturally you're confused. That was a pure wave of Exceed or more known as the living flame inside a dragon's flame, a key and essential part that all our kind possess with many capabilities,''Radiance balled his claw into a tight fist to the point where it began to glow a bright sky blue before a gem that looked to be forged from the very sky itself phase from his body.

''This is a P.U.R.E. beacon, Spike. To put it to where I can level with you, what I am holding is the modern day equivalent of a heart and brain. You already know we have two hearts, but this is so much more than you can imagine, keep that in mind as we go in.''

Nudging the dragon ahead, a wind chime tinkled past the steady winds as the trio descended past a row of 20 dragons all clad in unique robes, the black base accented by the  varying rippling waves of pure fire surrounding the central chest, arms and legs. They appeared to be going through the motions of Tai Chi forms with tesson fans, executing the moves with flawless precision, all leading to keeping a talisman in the air.

''Excellent,'' a voice called from the front. ''you all seem to grasp the importance of teamwork as you predecessors so carelessly thought so little of.'' a verdant dragon with a beard specked with hints of white praised with semi-content look of satisfaction. Sniffing the air, a bewildered look alerting him to a foreign disturbance.

''Who dares to invade the spectral sanctum when our daily...ah, two of my more prided students,'' a smile showed past the obvious old age, ''and who, prey tell is this with you?''

''Master Dai, apologies for not informing you face to face, but we needed to make certain that-

''No explanation is required, young Kanaranx, for I knew of your intentions. It appears we have a youngling at the peak of his maturity who is ready to his wings, but must first prove worthy. Step forward, young one.''

Stifling a sneeze, all eyes focused on Spike and what he would do, but why here, why now? All he wanted was to quell these stupid pains before he's tempted to drive a knife into his scales.

''That would not be wise as even at your delicate age sharps metals will do next to nothing,'' Master Dai explained. ''but a more pressing matter is needed. Proceed down these stairs to the chamber to begin. However, contemplate this for me: how did we rule so long ago, how have we moved along as a species?''

*Strange, wonder what he meant by that. Spike tossed that statement to the back of his mind. Going past the disciplines with the proper respect, a staircase led down a bright lit tunnel with rows of charred torches, talismans, and a large circular well flowing with pristine water rippled to a standstill, Radiance and Kanaranx taking a wooden ladle and essentially cleansing themselves, vapor trails billowing off of them like smoke.*

''What is-

''No time to explain, just do as we do and be quick about it Spike,'' Kanaranx clapped his claws twice, a deafening ping causing his ears to curl up almost instantly.

''Yep,'' Kanaranx groaned, eyes watering. ''still good.''

''And I as well,'' Radiance noted, producing sparks as he grinded his teeth together. With each passing moment, Spike felt even more and more confused. Why the cleansing, why the dark cave and why...does it smell like topaz dust? Hold on, wait a minute.

''Spike, wait!'' Kanaranx called after the drake who sped down the jagged stairs, a light with growing intensity blinding him.

''Whoa.'' Spike draw a gasp. ''t-this is...

Across his central field of vision lay a magma plain, the seas of of raging fire splashing against the cooled obsidian shores. Bits of ash and soot trickled down onto Spike's body rather quickly, a  wave of heat swirling throughout. Before a word could be uttered, a massive wave of lava jutted up, a low roar pierced the very air itself, causing a ringing vibration to set the drake on his backside.

''What the?

Crack!

A sudden deformity in his left arm left him breathless to think before the same happened to his tail, bending in such a direction that the small ridges and bumps on each of his scales produced a quick second of friction, long enough to cause an explosion that slammed Spike's into the wall.

''Ugh.'' trying to get back up, a consistent humming tore past his entire being, every part slowly impacting on itself to the point where tiny voices filled his thoughts.

''Get a grip, man.'' Spike's subconscious scolded. *''we don't have time for this,''*

Splash!

''You idiot, why would you do that? I told you to follow me, not run off! Now you've gone and done it,'' Kanaranx panicked.

''Done what?'' Spike hissed in pain. ''it was only-

''Blood.'' a voice laced with curiosity spoke. ''new blood...'' footstep after monstrous footstep shook the very ground itself. revealing a majestic titan in the sense of his size.  The many scales protruding from the body made it seem like a walking tank. Blood red eyes pierced through the entire plain as rows of sharp, pointed teeth dripped saliva. Expanding his great wings, his maw expanded to show fire slowly forming molten liquid.

''Hmm.'' the titan sounded amused, spewing a bit of molten liquid to the floor. ''I should have known you two would come here at one point or another...but who- '' he brought his head to Spike's level, his nose easily blowing off the mountain of growing soot. -''is this?''

Fear.

Pure, unmistakable fear stuck to Spike's face. Working to wipe the sweat from his face, he stood his proverbial ground in telling the titan.

''Spike.''

''And who is your mentor?''

''Jamir Johnson, otherwise known as: The Human,''

A faint, but noticeable gasp left the dragon's mouth as he hummed.

''So you look up to the one who spared my little brother? He truly must be powerful to smite one of the 3,''

''3 what?'' Spike asked.

''The mightiest dragons in all history of our entire species.''